Shelf Bras, for the All-Natural or Braless Look These Unique Bras Give the Lift and support Many Women Need.

What is a shelf bra? Shelf bras, also known as open cup bras or open bust bras are basically what the name implies, a supportive shelf for the breast. When wearing the shelf bra, the breasts rest on a shelf, which is made of underwire and a small cup similar to a regular bra, but with the top half removed, exposing the top part.

Large Selection of Shelf Bras -

Use this link to find a large selection of shelf bras in every style, size and price range -- you'll be able to compare prices from different lingerie stores and see the beautiful styles available.

Plus Size Shelf Bras are relatively easy to find and come in a vast array of styles, colors and fabrics. Most online linger retailers are adding plus size lingerie to their collections making it easy to find the perfect bra. Plus size women can be very sexy if they have the right attitude and lingerie. Open bust shelf bras are designed specifically to fit a plus size woman or woman with larger breasts.

One of my favorite online stores for plus size lingerie including plus size shelf bras is Hips and Curves. This is an example of the elegant and feminine shelf bras available in plus sizes. The ruffle trim on this shelf bra adds a sophisticated feel in black on black and a burlesque feel in red or pink.

Women with larger breasts sometimes find it a little more difficult to find shelf bras that are comfortable and fit properly without looking bland.

The good news is that no matter how large you are there is a shelf bra that will fit properly and look feminine. There are now lingerie designers focusing exclusively on fitting larger breast sizes and making beautiful lingerie including self bras.

The more extreme style of shelf bra is called an Open Cup Shelf Bra. Just as the name implies this style of bra is cup-less. It’s basically composed of a frame that is an outline of a normal style brassiere with the center cup portion entirely or partially removed.

These open cup styles are definitely not for every woman and can seem very exotic.

Not much support. Shelf bras with open cups definitely aren’t your everyday bar and don’t expect much support, they are strictly for the effect. Some however come with a little more support with a rigid underwire. Like all bra styles it is important to get the right size and style for your unique body shape.

Shelf bras are becoming more popular as a built-in style bra in many types of garments. The most popular are tank tops with thin spaghetti straps, elegant gowns that are designed to show ample cleavage and numerous styles of corsets, camis and baby-doll lingerie.

This is a very sexy example of how a built-in shelf can be incorporated in lingerie. This corset example was found at Pampered Passions. This erotic leather corset featuring sexy shelf bra design with underwire support, sexy lace-up front, adjustable shoulder straps and garters. Leather and lycra back. Comes with matching leather thong.

The built-in shelf bra in swimwear has been available for years and continues to grow in popularity. These built-in bra styles, from a shelf bra to a full coverage bra, are great for women who have breast that are a bit saggy. The built-in bra will give all the lift and support you need and many come with added padding to give the appearance of more cleavage. If you wear plus size swimwear it is a great way to add a little more support and structure that women with larger breasts often desire.

Example of a built-in shelf bra swimwear . This Plus Size Twist Front Two Piece Bandeau Tankini Swim Suit is from Always for Me 2009 swimwear collection. The twist front detail creates a flattering shape and the sewn in shelf bra cups help enhance and support your bust.