The Bra Color That Won’t Show Under White Shirts (It’s Not Nude!)

Updated: Jul. 12, 2023

Nude isn't the only color of bras that don't show under white shirts. Be prepared to have your mind blown by this genius wardrobe trick.

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While red bras are undeniably trademarked as a sexual staple, it’s not exactly the first thing you reach for if you’re wearing a white top. You’d probably opt for one of the other nine types of bras every woman needs. However, you might want to go retrieve those scarlet hues from the reaches of your lingerie drawer. It’s been proven that the crimson isn’t just ideal for Valentine’s Day.

It may be instinctual to reach for like colors when pairing underwear; after all, a white bra with a white shirt just seems like the logical match. Unfortunately, you may soon find out that this will essentially turn your boobs into a coloring book outline. Of course, you can always turn to the trusty nude, but a frumpy skin-tone bra doesn’t exactly scream sexy.

Well, here’s a fashion tip that may just blow your mind: Red bras won’t show underneath a white shirt. Make sure you don’t fall for these bra myths.

We were indeed skeptical at first, but upon experimentation, were shocked at how well the red bra blended in seamlessly. Despite its eye-catching hue, it works just as well as flesh-toned bras in achieving that camouflaged look. While it may be hard to believe, the science behind it is actually rather simple. “Skin has red undertones, so red bras often blend fairly well under a white shirt,” Adrienne Coleon Gaskell of the French lingerie house Simone Perele tells Bare Necessities.

While people everywhere have since attested to this glorious color combo, it does come with a slight catch. There is a significant difference between a red bra and a pink bra, so watch out for subtle undertones. Having pinkish or purple tints in the red will make the color show. To make this trick effective, look for a bra that’s a solid, deep red (closer to burgundy) and avoid fuchsia or hot pink tones.

If you still don’t believe us, we won’t complain if you run to your closet and try this trick out yourself. If you don’t have a red bra in your lingerie collection and want one stat in light of this news, check out these crimson bras that should pass the T-shirt test.

Suzanne Lace Padded Bralette by Madewell

bravia nordstrom.com

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This full-coverage, soft fabric bra is perfect to wear under a comfy white T-shirt. Its straps can be converted into a racerback for white tanks and it has removable pads. Find out how often you should wash your bra.

Push Up Plunge Bra by Victoria’s Secret

red bra white shirtvia victoriassecret.com

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You’re going to want to get this lightweight lift bra in the color Lipstick (and possibly also the other 12 colors it comes in because it’s so comfortable).

Radiant Plunge Push Up Bra by Auden

red bra via amazon.com

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If you’re looking for a cheaper (but still great quality) option, this is a good choice. It’s under $27 and promises to keep its shape and support even after many wears. If you’re looking for another excuse to go shopping, here are seven signs you need to buy a new bra.