As you may guess, a shelf bra is basically a built-in bra woven into the fabric of the swimsuit products. It provides additional bust support for your tops and creates a more slimming silhouette. This is especially alluring for women with curvier figures who want fuller coverage on the top without it looking bulky.

Why would you wear a shelf bra?

The primary purpose of a shelf bra is to enhance the look of the breasts by holding them up and making them appear fuller. It is an appealing piece of lingerie to both men and women because the breast itself is left exposed.

Do shelf bras give support?

With their quarter-cup design, shelf bras typically don't cover the nipple, but rather they are designed to have the breasts be perched on top of the cups. That being said, well-designed straps and bands along with mini molded cups can provide some lift and support.