THE BRALETTE

vintage essential black bralette on a white background

Photography_ Jon Ervin / Styling_ Gabrielle Marceca / Text_ Hanna Canham

Revealed under an open shirt or worn on its own, the Bralette was designed out of necessity over a hundred years ago and has evolved to become anything from a statement essential to a building block.

Look to the 1950s for deadstock bullet bras and bustiers in cotton, or to the 1970s-1990s to find designer interpretations, from basic triangle bras, to lace La Perla bralettes, 1980s bandeaus, or more unique iterations from 90’s Margiela and Helmut Lang. 

Brands to look for: Chanel, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Helmut Lang, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jil Sander, La Perla, Margiela, Moschino, Prada, Sonia Rykiel, Vivienne Westwood.

Key decades: Deadstock 1950s, 1970s-1990s.

Fabrics: Lace, mesh, silk, satin, cotton.

Colors: White, black, nude or a splash of color. 

Style notes: Wear a bralette with high-waisted pants, or under a blazer jacket, low buttoned or open shirt, or even on top of a tee or shirt.

Availability

Size

CATEGORY

Price

$
–
$

Curators

OTHER VINTAGE ESSENTIALS

VIEW ALL →

  • THE ANKLE BOOT

    Boots that are made for walking, anywhere and everywhere are always a classic. From lace-up, to chelsea boots, slim and simple or masculine combat ...
    View Collection →

  • THE DENIM JEAN

    Everyday and forever. Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a life-long search, start by looking back at classic American designers from the 197...
    View Collection →

  • THE KIMONO

    Loose and enveloping, layered under coats, or effortlessly wrapped up as a dress. Originally making their way from China to Japan in the 3rd centur...
    View Collection →

  • THE TRENCH COAT

    Throw it over everything and anything, especially in-between seasons, originally designed in the 1800s the Trench Coat is as relevant today as it w...
    View Collection →