A longline bra is a type of brassiere that extends down your torso, much like a partial corset. Depending on the specific style, it can cover your stomach a few inches above the belly button or as far down as your upper hips.

The unique design of this type of bra provides  a few nice features.   First, they improve aesthetics by smoothing and flattening your stomach and torso areas – essentially helping you look leaner in clothes.  This is very helpful for tighter fitting clothes obviously.  Also, they provide extra support in the back and shoulders by helping distribute the breast weight over a greater area.  The design encourages proper posture because it is hard to slouch in a long line bra.

Lilyette Defining Moments Longline Bra

Lilyette Defining Moments Longline Bra

Like most types of bras, longline bras come in different styles and have varied features.  Here are several styles and features you may see:

  • Strapless
  • Strapped
  • Full front closure
  • Lace/Lingerie style
  • Posture with extra support
  • Wire-free
  • Athletic-like fit (more elastic fibers)

Because these bras are larger and cover more of your body it is extremely important to get the proper fit.  Comfort is your first priority, again because a long line bra covers such a large area of your stomach and torso.  In most cases, choosing your normal bra size should work just fine.

While long line bras have fallen somewhat out of favor from women the past 20+ years, they are gaining more popularity once again due to the functional and aesthetic advantages mentioned previously.  Another reason is that new fabric technology makes them much more comfortable to wear over long periods of time.

While many women still consider them to be more of a specialty undergarmet, longline bras are slowly becoming a more regular part of womens wardrobes again.

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