# What makes a bra a "T-shirt bra"? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 29, 2016, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-bra-a-t-shirt-bra/747558 "2016-02-29T20:05:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2016, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-bra-a-t-shirt-bra/747558/1 "2016-02-29T20:05:03Z")
The last time I was at Wal-Mart, my eye was drawn to a display of bras. Couldn’t help it. They were blinding, neon green. They were labeled as “T-shirt bras”. Explain, please. What is a T-shirt bra? ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2016, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-bra-a-t-shirt-bra/747558/2 "2016-02-29T20:11:11Z")
They’re less structured, usually with light padding and a smooth cup, ideally so as not to show through the lightweight t-shirt material. At least that’s my experience. ---
**Author:** ![h.sapiens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e0b2c6/32.png) [@h.sapiens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/h.sapiens)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2016, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-bra-a-t-shirt-bra/747558/3 "2016-02-29T21:54:43Z")
They also often also have the strap-adjustment buckle (or whatever it’s called) in the back rather than the front, for the same reason. ---
**Author:** ![Maastricht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2016, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-bra-a-t-shirt-bra/747558/4 "2016-02-29T23:10:32Z")
And they’re not made of lace, but smooth fabrics. They’re usually in neutral colors, but yes, they may exist in a color like neon-green. They are also usually not that expensive. ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2016, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-bra-a-t-shirt-bra/747558/5 "2016-02-29T23:25:34Z")
Also they don’t have a seam along the center (horizontal diameter) and lower radius (intersecting the diameter) as some other bras do. They are typically smoother in construction and intended for younger slimmer women wearing tight t-shirts, as opposed to some of the more engineered and supportive bras designed for older and/or bustier women. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2016, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-bra-a-t-shirt-bra/747558/6 "2016-03-05T01:11:52Z")
Okay, all of that makes sense. Thanks 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Octarine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/22d042/32.png) [@Octarine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octarine)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2016, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-bra-a-t-shirt-bra/747558/7 "2016-03-05T01:16:28Z")
> [@h.sapiens](#): > > They also often also have the strap-adjustment buckle (or whatever it’s called) in the back rather than the front, for the same reason. Most bras buckle in the back, I think. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2016, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-bra-a-t-shirt-bra/747558/8 "2016-03-05T02:02:39Z")
> [@Octarine](#): > > Most bras buckle in the back, I think. The straps of most bras are adjustable, that is what they’re referring about here, although I haven’t noticed a difference between t-shirt bras and more lacy bras. Most of my bras qualify as “t-shirt bras”, and are definitely supportive for bustier women. Definitely not as minimizing or “shapely” (not the same thing) as other types. ---
**Author:** ![Seren359](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a87d85/32.png) [@Seren359](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seren359)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2016, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-bra-a-t-shirt-bra/747558/9 "2016-03-05T06:51:17Z")
**Simple!** They are padded / thick enough that the nipples do not stick out. Should be banned !