As an avid online shopper who has bought bras everywhere from Victoria‘s Secret to specialty boutiques, I‘ve developed a sixth sense for quality lingerie. When I first discovered Bare Necessities during a late night Instagram scroll, I wondered – can an online-only retailer really help me find great-fitting styles suited for my active lifestyle and fuller bust?
After taking the plunge and ordering a few test bras across brands and sizes, I was won over. I‘m now a Bare Necessities convert through and through! With an incredible selection built for comfort and support no matter your body type, this intimates destination has earned a permanent place in my underwear drawer.
In this detailed review, I‘ll share my first-hand experiences evaluating their collection‘s standout strengths – and weaknesses. Backed by independent research and input from lingerie experts, consider this your insider‘s guide to shopping Bare Necessities bras and more.
Overview: Meet Bare Necessities, Your New Bra BFF
Founded in 1998 by industry executive Noah Wrubel, Bare Necessities set out to revolutionize lingerie e-commerce with an emphasis on fit, selection and education. Now part of the Walmart family with over 500 staffers strong, this trailblazing brand continues empowering women to embrace their bodies through inclusive, expert-led shopping.
Bare Necessities By the Numbers
- 80+ bra brands – From Chantelle and Wacoal to Dominique and Empriente
- 45+ bra sizes – Scaling from 28AA to 56N cup sizes
- 500+ dedicated employees – Including on-staff bra fit experts
- 1998 founding date – Among first online intimates retailers
- 4M+ customers – With 72% returning for future purchases
But what makes them stand out from other lingerie e-tailers? Along with the impressive product variety spanning styles, brands and sizes, Bare Necessities offers customers:
- Free Bra Fit Consultations – Book a virtual session with an expert
- Easy Online Ordering – With free shipping and returns
- Try Before You Buy – Hassle-free home try-on for the right fit
- Product Test Lab – Assessing quality across categories
Now let‘s get into the good stuff – the bras! Over the years I‘ve purchased numerous styles and worked closely with their fit team to understand how Bare Necessities is making women feel beautiful, supported and comfortable in their own skin.
Examining Their Bra Inventory In-Depth
With hundreds of options spanning cuts, brands, sizes and prices it can feel overwhelming to find the perfect match. To help break down the essentials, I evaluated some of Bare Necessities‘ top selling bra styles first-hand.
Here‘s an inside look at what to expect across different categories when it comes to comfort, quality and value:
Everyday T-Shirt Bras
| Style | Price | Key Features | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wacoal Basic Beauty | $52 | Seamless, smooth | True to size, great lift & cleavage. Band runs snug. |
| b.tempt‘d Bare Scoop | $38 | Tagless, soft | Band fits looser than Wacoal. Removable padding makes washing easier. |
| Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit | $48 | Light push-up padding | Padding gives nice shape but strains along top edge on fuller busts after long wear. Pricey for quality. |
Unlined Lace Bras
| Style | Price | Key Features | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natori Feathers | $68 | Ultra lightweight lace | Delicate lace looks sexy but shows through shirts. No padding. |
| b.tempt‘d Bare Bloom | $42 | Vintage-inspired embroidery | Most comfortable of all! Embroidery hides nipples well and stretch lace conforms perfectly. |
| Chantelle Festivite | $77 | European luxury lace | Most expensive but ultra luxe feel. Haven‘t found better lift. Lace delicately lined to prevent show through. |
Full-Busted Options
| Style | Price | Key Features | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panache Underwire Sports | $70 | Moisture wicking | Bulky, holds the girls secure even for high impact. |
| Freya Fancies Underwire Plunge | $55 | Side support panels | Mid-level everyday bra. Side panels prevent spillage better than most standard full cup styles. |
| Elomi Morgan Underwire | $55 | Three-part lower cup | Super supportive. Foam lining reduces bounce without flattening shape. Band runs almost a full size small. |
Bralettes & Wire-Free
| Style | Price | Key Features | My Take |
|————————|——-|—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————|
| Cosabella Never Say Never | $52 | Buttery soft lace bralette | Not enough separation or support for larger sizes. Better suited for B-C cups. |
| Wacoal B-Smooth Wireless | $40 | Seamless, pull over comfort | Provides light compression without an underwire. Removable padding. Great loungewear option. |
| Pepper High Neck Bralette | $35 | Full coverage soft bra | So much stretch! Body-hugging fit. Subtle lift and shaping without poke-y underwires digging in. New go-to! |
What stands out is the variety catering to different needs and body types. Full-busted customers can find cute styles offering custom support in their size rather than basic beige medical bras. For petite wearers seeking enhancement, delicate lacy plunge bras create dream cleavage without heavy padding stretching delicate bands.
Across my sampling, I was impressed with the consistently high-quality materials that do the job without frills. Key features stayed functional wash after wash. Compared to flimsier pieces from Victoria‘s Secret, Bare Necessities choices invest in smart construction that lasts.
Now that we‘ve broken down the core options by category, how do prices measure up? And what steps ensure you select well-fitting pieces remotely?
Assessing Overall Value & Buying Your Size Online
With specialty bras scaled up to a 56N, Bare Necessities makes extended sizes affordable where few mainstream brands dare to venture. Though not the absolute cheapest retailer out there, the quality and service generally justify costs compared to mall brands focused on straight sizes.
Here‘s an overview of pricing tiers and strategies to employ for finding your best fit sight unseen:
Price Spectrum Across Categories
| Bra Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Everyday T-Shirt Bras | $38-$58 |
| Unlined Lace Bras | $42-$77 |
| Full-Busted | $40-$77 |
| Bralettes & Wireless | $35-$52 |
Navigating Remote Fitting
Without entering an actual dressing room, finding your "perfect fit" takes a bit more precision when orders come by mail. After much trial and error, here are my top tips:
- Know your measurements – Use their online calculator and measuring guide
- Discuss shape and needs with a fit expert – Get sized virtually if unsure
- Order 2-3 sizes to compare – Send back what doesn‘t work!
- Reference brand size charts – Sister sizes in different bands/cups vary
Doing your due diligence pays off. Yes, it may require a few more returns up front. But finding that Cinderella bra that fits just right? Priceless.
Caring For Your Bare Necessities Bras
Investing in well-crafted intimates means protecting your purchase. Follow these expert care instructions for maximizing longevity across fabrics and extending the wearability of bands and lace:
Handwash with a mild detergent using cool water in a wash bag. Never machine wash bras! Aggressive shaking and spinning breaks down elasticity faster.
Air dry flat away from direct sunlight or harsh lamps that may fade colors. Placing bras in the dryer can melt adhesive on trims or warp the frame.
Store properly between wears in a lingerie bag or neatly folded in a drawer. Jumbled piles stretch materials.
Inspect for damage and make minor repairs immediately. Loose threads or warped wires lead to bigger issues over time if not addressed.
With the right washing and storage tactics, a quality bra should deliver at least 40 comfortable wears. Signs of excessive stretching or poke-y bands indicate it‘s time to replace with a fresh Bare Necessities favorite!
Final Verdict: Bras Worth Buying?
Through extensive personal testing and independent research, I confidently give Bare Necessities‘ bras and intimate apparel inventory an enthusiastic two thumbs up.
The inclusive size range, style variety catering to every body‘s needs and consistently high-quality materials check every box on my lingerie wish list. With robust tools supporting remote fittings along with caring customer service, I can count on finding my perfect match.
While specialty European brands sell singular styles for twice the price, Bare Necessities makes luxe looks accessible across categories for less. If sexy, supportive foundation layers that make you feel beautiful inside and out matter – this game-changing retailer certainly fills the bill.
What bras or styles are you eying from their selection? Let the expert fit team guide you to confident comfort that fits your lifestyle. Discover your new favorite at BareNecessities.com today!
Contact Information:
[Relevant contact details, links etc]Still have questions not covered here? I‘m happy to chat more about my experiences and provide outfit inspiration. Feel free to reach out directly!
