# visible bra straps--is it tacky? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 28, 2003, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070 "2003-05-28T17:53:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/61 "2003-05-29T13:51:32Z")
I agree with some of the above posters that say that the pretty bra straps under the spaghetti strap shirts are acceptable under some circumstances–the setting must be very casual and the wearer must be a teenager. Casual teenager fashion need not conform to the rules of adult society, IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![Susanann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7ab992/32.png) [@Susanann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Susanann)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/62 "2003-05-29T14:33:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Eve \* > **Well, yes, I suppose, if you’re one of those loose modern girls who go around flashing your ankles at the sidewalk sheiks** Oh my! ---
**Author:** ![Morelin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Morelin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morelin)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/63 "2003-05-29T14:44:01Z")
This trend was getting popular my last year of high school, and I just want to know \* why \* anyone would want to wear shirts with a vbs, especially in New York where it doesn’t really get hot until august. I don’t get it. And I still think it’s tacky. ---
**Author:** ![pestie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e5b9ba/32.png) [@pestie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pestie)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/64 "2003-05-29T15:27:11Z")
I’d just like to chime in with a dissenting opinion and say that the VBS/tank top look is _hot_. Thank you. Oh, and am I the only one who keeps reading VBS as “Visual BASIC Script?” God, I’m a geek… ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/65 "2003-05-29T15:35:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by pestie \* > \*\*Oh, and am I the only one who keeps reading VBS as “Visual BASIC Script?” God, I’m a geek… \*\* No, your not the only one. Everytime I read the TLA I’m reminded I should be working, too. ---
**Author:** ![Lynne\_kilii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d26b3c/32.png) [@Lynne\_kilii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynne_kilii)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/66 "2003-05-29T16:23:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Green Bean \* > \*\*I agree with some of the above posters that say that the pretty bra straps under the spaghetti strap shirts are acceptable under some circumstances–the setting must be very casual and the wearer must be a teenager. Casual teenager fashion need not conform to the rules of adult society, IMHO. \*\* YES! > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lauramarlane \* > \*\*\Could a bra strap peek out? Possible. Do I care. Not really. Is it tacky? I don’t think so–unless you’re wearing a tube top with a bra to really show off those straps. \*\* Ewwww. I’ve seen that. One thing that should never be ok in “casual teen fashion”. **shudder** > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Scarlett67 \* > \*\*I, and apparently plenty of other people, am not about to look to Britney wannabes for my fashion guidance. > \*\* C’mon now. Most of the girls I know would die before being compared to Britney. I, however, will just be offended, and get over it in 5 minutes or so. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by The Mermaid \* > \*\*\ The camisole style tank tops with the built-in bras are my newest favorite summertime tops. \ \*\* I would wear those, but I find them uncomfortable. That, and I need all the shaping/light padding I can get for my “barely b’s”(B is all well and good, but not for me, at a 38B. Grrr) > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Eve \* > \*\*Well, yes, I suppose, if you’re one of those loose modern girls who go around flashing your ankles at the sidewalk sheiks, or going _corsetless_ to tea dances! > > As for me, I prefer not to lower my standards. \*\* **Eve** , you’d be much easier to argue with if you didn’t have such fabulous taste. I think I’d cry if you had VBS, it just seems not right. And no, you don’t know me. **shrug** **This concludes my abnormally long post on something that really doesn’t matter that much, but I feel bound to defend** ---
**Author:** ![lovelyluka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f475e1/32.png) [@lovelyluka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lovelyluka)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/67 "2003-05-29T16:40:24Z")
If I see your strap, that’s not tacky. If I see your strap because you have not tried to conceal it, that is tacky. If you see that I see your strap, and you don’t care, that is also tacky. I accept that bras are a fact of life, and that women wear them, but try to leave a little something to them imagination. I also have the tank tops that **The Mermaid** mentioned in every color in the visible spectrum, and rarely will I buy a tank top now that doesn’t have a built-in bra. If it doesn’t have a shelf bra, I wear a strapless. If I can’t take a strapless, I’ll make an attempt to color-coordinate the straps with the bra (black straps with black tank top, for instance, not black with red or anything). And if I can’t color-coordinate, I give up and wear a t-shirt. This is, of course, coming from the person whose jeans regularly slide down and reveal her thong if she’s not careful. :sigh: The point is, though, that I care if you see it and make an attempt to stop showing it. ---
**Author:** ![Davebear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bcef8e/32.png) [@Davebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Davebear)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/68 "2003-05-29T17:42:02Z")
Very tacky, if it’s by intent or apathy. And, the fact that it’s seen more and more often doesn’t change that. It just means we’re getting to be an even tackier society. Like that’s a surprise. Sorry, ladies. If a strapless bra isn’t an option, and doing without isn’t an option, that only leaves two options; don’t wear the spaghetti-strap variety of tank top (they don’t _all_ have those straps, you know), or be tacky and not worry about it. And, there are other options besides tank tops for hot weather. ---
**Author:** ![Ranma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e19b73/32.png) [@Ranma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranma)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/69 "2003-05-29T19:06:46Z")
Personally, I think that in formal circumstances, bra straps shouldn’t show, but in all other times I really don’t mind. It’s just another piece of clothing, because to me it doesn’t mean anything sexual. Thongs and g-strings OTOH, I hate seeing peek out of women’s clothing. I find it very unnerving, especially if it is shown on purpose, because it holds very strong sexual signals. I don’t like being treated as an hormone-filled meat head. ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/70 "2003-05-29T19:57:27Z")
I don’t get it, **Ranma**. How is one bit of underwear more sexual than the other? Are you saying that my ass is more sexual than the old boobolas? How very bizarre. Personally, I say either go braless, wear a strapless, or don’t wear stuff with spaghetti straps. I mean, if my panties were hanging out the bottom of my ultra-short shorts, no one would be arguing that panties are just a bit of clothing and it’s no big deal. Most folks would agree that I shouldn’t wear shorts so short as to show my undies. Well, sauce for the goose and all that. I think visible underclothing of any sort is tacky, regardless of the age or gender of the wearer. Of course, I expect teenagers to want to look tacky, so that’s all well and good. However, if you’ve left high school, you’re old enough to at least make an effort to be slightly discreet. Was I the last woman in the country to be taught that a lady never shows her underthings except by accident, at the doctor’s office, and in the bedroom? (or the couch, or kitchen floor, as the situation seems appropriate) ---
**Author:** ![Maastricht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/71 "2003-05-29T20:23:03Z")
Like **lauramarlane** , I never go braless, strapless-bras are not an option, and this thread makes me more strap-conscious than I like to be. Is showing 3 inches of strap below a widenecked shirt tacky? In the office, or wherever? And wearing a bra under a spaghettitop in informal circumstances? If so, I’m guilty. And non, je ne regrette rien! Who is with me to change our fashion ideas into something more practical? (Let those nitwits in Paris and Milan _do_ something useful for a change, damnit!) Fashion has succumbed to practicality before, so it can be done. Remember 15 years ago when high heels were 90% of the thin, spikey, stiletto type? They broke all the time, got damaged on rough ground, damaged floors, wore down and had to be replaced at inconvenient moments. Nowadays you can buy sturdy, even sporty high heeled shoes. None of the disadvantages of stillettos and still elegant. Thanks to the Spice Girls, you even got sneakers with high heels. And girls, whatever did you carry your stuff in before those cute bagpacks came into fashion? Remember those red sore shoulderdents from your shoulderbags? Lets make visible bra-straps untacky! Starting today! And what better place to start this little revolution then here on the SDMB? 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Velma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/85e7bf/32.png) [@Velma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velma)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/72 "2003-05-29T20:32:14Z")
I agree with **The Mermaid** and **lovelyluka**. I have the camis with the built-in support and wear them under tank tops or shirts if I don’t want to wear them by themselves (too revealing sometimes). I love them, and they are great to work out in, too. Does anyone think it is tacky if those straps show under another tank top I am wearing, or are they different since they can also be worn on their own? I have bras that have straps that look just like them. [here is a picture of one](http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=JP-154114&cgnbr=OSBRPCAMZZZ&rfnbr=53&page=4&cgname=OSBRPCAMZZZ). I wouldn’t let any straps show if I was going to work or someplace formal, though. (by the way girls, they are on clearance!) ---
**Author:** ![lauramarlane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a5b964/32.png) [@lauramarlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lauramarlane)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/73 "2003-05-29T20:41:18Z")
That’s the spirit, **Maastricht**! You almost make me want to come out, straps a-flying! I’m almost tempted to try on that halter with a regular bra! Almost 🙂 Then I catch sight of myself and slink back to my wide strapped tanks like the wimp I am. But vive la revolution! You go, girl! As you can see, my laissze faire attitude only goes so far on this subject 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![lauramarlane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a5b964/32.png) [@lauramarlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lauramarlane)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/74 "2003-05-29T20:44:30Z")
Those built-in bra tops look nice, but they just aren’t up to the task for me. I tried one, but had to wear a bra under that for support–kind of defeats the purpose ☹ ---
**Author:** ![chukhung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e79b87/32.png) [@chukhung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chukhung)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/75 "2003-05-29T21:04:33Z")
So what’s the consensus on dresses such as [this one](http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hc&id=1800016652&cf=pg&photoid=478803&intl=us) which seems to be made to look explicitly like it has exposed bra straps (and more, actually–but the photo should be safe for work). ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/76 "2003-05-29T21:14:16Z")
Tasteless. Utterly tasteless. Of course, Hollywood folks, like teenagers, are terribly prone to horrendous lapses of good taste. ---
**Author:** ![ceyjen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@ceyjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ceyjen)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/77 "2003-05-29T21:21:59Z")
I hate for my bra straps to show… Almost every tank top I have is a “bra top” with the jersey knit bandeau built in. What freedom! ---
**Author:** ![ceyjen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@ceyjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ceyjen)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/78 "2003-05-29T21:25:50Z")
**lauramarlane** –I have seen more and more tank tops that have an _actual_ bra (with underwires) built in…maybe those would help? ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21825_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/79 "2003-05-29T21:27:12Z")
That looks trashy on so many levels… Her mama must be sooooo proud. ---
**Author:** ![Susanann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7ab992/32.png) [@Susanann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Susanann)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070/80 "2003-05-29T21:44:34Z")
Maybe this is a non-issue, since it might just go away with the next style changes coming up? Bras were not even invented until what? the 1920’s? Still, for decades, bra straps never “showed” until very recently, when the tank tops came into style. When those go out of style, this issue will go away by itself. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visible-bra-straps-is-it-tacky/178070.md?page=5)