From the aerobics fitness craze of the eighties to the introduction of the push-up bra in the nineties. Lingerie has seen a drastic shift in trends where we’re now embracing the natural female silhouette.  Lightweight, soft and easy to wear - the bralette - has become hugely popular over the past year, and shows no signs of slowing down.  Once relegated to the rails of teenage “first bras”, these lightly lined items without padding have quickly become the new “it” undergarment, with fashion trendsetters such as Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Maggie Gyllenhaal frequently repping the relaxed and unrestrained style. Even high-end designers, including Alessandro Michele (of Gucci) and Marc Jacobs, sent a host of sheer and airy bra tops down last season’s runway.  So why has the push-up bra fallen out of fashion? Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at market research firm NPD Group, told The Wall Street Journal: “Comfort is a dominant theme throughout the fashion world, and today's bra consumer... is seeking both physical and personal comfort.”  Because they are so beautifully designed, it really doesn’t matter if they peek through your clothing  Most bras, with their digging straps, tight elasticity and fiddly clasps, don’t tend to score highly in the comfort stakes. But bralettes – lightweight with just the right amount of stretch – allow you to move around more freely.  The bralette can be perceived as the ultimate fashion-meets-function, effortlessly combining all the best parts of a t-shirt bra with the prettiness and lacy delicacy of a fashion bra. And because they are so beautifully designed, it really doesn’t matter if they peek through your clothing.  “Bralettes are the more acceptable way to show a little bit of lingerie,” says Amy Neville, a fashion and lifestyle blogger at amynevfashiondiaries.com and and fully converted bralettee. “With their popularity spreading, there are more designs and colours available, which is perfect in a generation of self-expression and individuality.”  The bralette is there to be seen and, whether under a sheer barely-there garment, a low-cut tee or peeking out of a tank top, solves all fashion dilemmas.  While there are many factors that come into play when choosing the right bralette, there is a huge range – from sheer to lacy – so you really can style them how you want. “The bralette can become a statement piece that you can blend into your day-to-day fashion – for example, some bralettes have a criss-cross design which adds a little bit of edge to your outfit,” adds Amy.  Whether you are after a sporty aesthetic or elegant lingerie to show off on a night out, a bralette should be your go-to  Most come in small, medium and large and many pull on rather than have clasps. And while it is true that they are a little more suited to those who need less support, they are not only for the under-21s.  “If you have a smaller bust like me, look for a bralette that offers a unique design over a lot of support,” Amy says. “My friends and I all have smaller chests and I have to admit at first we were partly hesitant that it wouldn’t complement our figures, but I could honestly now say we feel that while adding good support without underwires it does actually accentuate what you do have.”  From coral bralettes with wide lacy straps and scalloped edges to sexy, semi-sheer tulle cups embellished with bold black floral embroidery, there really is everything from super pretty to something that makes a bit of a statement.  So whether you are after a sporty aesthetic or elegant lingerie to show off on a night out, a bralette should be your go-to.  For autumn/winter 16, lingerie expert Wacoal sets the mood with Chrystalle: a beautiful new line of lingerie and loungewear. Featuring black Leavers lace, animal print and dainty dotty mesh, it promises to bring decadence and sensuality to autumn looks.  The Chrystalle bralette – with a low plunge shape, keyhole back and diamante drop – brings a showstopping feel to every look. Available in sizes S-XL.
You may have noticed there is now a new contender for comfort in the lingerie world. It has taken the fashion world by storm, so why wear the bralette?