If trying to find a “skin tone” bra that actually matches your skin tone has been driving you crazy, this series of posts are for you. Most “nude” bras are only one or two colors, yet they still call them “nude.” The nudes for “ivory” skins are all wrong for latte skin tones, or mahogany, or olive skins, but the convention persists anyway. Grrr.
Not to mention each brand labels their colors differently. So one brand’s latte is another’s hazelnut. Go figure!
And whenever some writes an article touting “brown” skin bras there are only a few colors and styles. Great if that small selection works for you, but frustrating if it doesn’t. And they weren’t categorized in any way to differentiate them. Just “brown.” And that’s just as bad as calling any vaguely ivory/tan/hazelnut/coffee color “nude.”
So, I decided to do something about it. I found a color chart with skin tones laid out nicely in shades from ivory to ebony. Then, I broke that up into four sections (each post will be one section), matching the chart.
The original plan was to do a single post, but it sort of kept growing. So now it’s four posts, one post for each group of colors.
I can’t embed the chart here, as it’s not my work, and I don’t have the rights to use it, but this is a link to the color chart I used.
The color groups and posts are:
Light: porcelain to peach
Medium light: sand to olive (this post)
Medium dark: sienna to chestnut, and
Dark: bronze to ebony
I’ve started each post listing which group of colors it covers, and then listed each individual shade underneath.
Once again, I used my handy color meter tool to get the “formula” for each bra color and for each skin color. Then I matched them up. I’ve also listed both the brand “shade” and the skin tone “shade” under each bra so it’s easier to see which is which.
To reiterate from the first post, my lighting, eyesight, computer, monitor and room conditions may be different than yours. I have a client who can go on and on about lighting and how colors can change depending on the room conditions. That aside, it is at least consistent, and it does give a general guideline of what bra color is closest to each skin color. It also tries to compensate for the inconsistent color labels between brands.
And, of course, since this is still a bra blog about finding a bra that fits (except this time for color instead of size or shape), I’ve also labeled each bra with the body type that it it’s most suited for. So, small bust, average figure, full bust, and full figure. Plus, I’ve also listed the sizes for each and the sizing system that they use (US, EU, or UK). Because these posts are focusing on skin tone colors, rather than all the colors available, I’ve only listed skin colors for each bra, instead of all of them. Many will come in other colors too!
Lastly, since some bras come in more than one skin tone in this post’s range, they may appear more than once.
(Cool Sand, Sand, Beige, Cool Beige, Honey, Warm Honey, Golden Honey, Cool Olive, and Olive)
So light you may forget you’re wearing it. It’s got “padding” (contouring) for nipple control, and a bit of stretch along the edges for a better fit. The center is wide, so it’s better if you are wide-set. The plunge neckline won’t show under deep V-neck tops, and the straps are thin enough to hide under most tank tops. The special hidden edge design keeps your bra lines from showing under thin tops.
Damask neutral equals cool sand
US sizes 43B-40DD
Average Figure
(This also comes in a full figure style in the same colors up to a 44DD.
Vanity Fair Beauty Back Full Figure Underwire Bra
Four-way stretch fabric hugs your curves to give you almost a custom fit. The cups are smooth, and have just enough “padding” to keep you under cover when it’s cold.
There’s no lace or bumps in the bra, and the stretch fabric also helps minimize bumps and lumps around your back and sides. You’ll feel better and your clothes will look better.
And, the bra stays put. The straps don’t slip or slide, even if you have rounded shoulders. Since there’s no band under the cups, it will be more comfortable if you are short or carry weight in your stomach.
Damask equals cool sand
Sizes 36C-44DD
Full Figure
A best-selling and well-fitting bra that doesn’t cost a lot of money. It’s comfortable and supportive, with inner slings to provide shape and lift. It’s pretty too, with a jacquard pattern on the cups and lace trim along the cup edges.
It is more of a retro-style, so you'll get a "classic" look when wearing it. Great if you like vintage clothing.
The center is narrow, so it will fit better if you are close-set. Wide-set straps are best if you have wider and straighter shoulders. The high back and sides will help smooth out lumps and bumps.
Natural beige (equals cool sand)
US sizes 34C-DD, 36B-DD, 38B-DD, 40C-DDD, 42 and 44 B-DD
Full figure
Not to mention each brand labels their colors differently. So one brand’s latte is another’s hazelnut. Go figure!
And whenever some writes an article touting “brown” skin bras there are only a few colors and styles. Great if that small selection works for you, but frustrating if it doesn’t. And they weren’t categorized in any way to differentiate them. Just “brown.” And that’s just as bad as calling any vaguely ivory/tan/hazelnut/coffee color “nude.”
So, I decided to do something about it. I found a color chart with skin tones laid out nicely in shades from ivory to ebony. Then, I broke that up into four sections (each post will be one section), matching the chart.
The original plan was to do a single post, but it sort of kept growing. So now it’s four posts, one post for each group of colors.
I can’t embed the chart here, as it’s not my work, and I don’t have the rights to use it, but this is a link to the color chart I used.
The color groups and posts are:
Light: porcelain to peach
Medium light: sand to olive (this post)
Medium dark: sienna to chestnut, and
Dark: bronze to ebony
I’ve started each post listing which group of colors it covers, and then listed each individual shade underneath.
Once again, I used my handy color meter tool to get the “formula” for each bra color and for each skin color. Then I matched them up. I’ve also listed both the brand “shade” and the skin tone “shade” under each bra so it’s easier to see which is which.
To reiterate from the first post, my lighting, eyesight, computer, monitor and room conditions may be different than yours. I have a client who can go on and on about lighting and how colors can change depending on the room conditions. That aside, it is at least consistent, and it does give a general guideline of what bra color is closest to each skin color. It also tries to compensate for the inconsistent color labels between brands.
And, of course, since this is still a bra blog about finding a bra that fits (except this time for color instead of size or shape), I’ve also labeled each bra with the body type that it it’s most suited for. So, small bust, average figure, full bust, and full figure. Plus, I’ve also listed the sizes for each and the sizing system that they use (US, EU, or UK). Because these posts are focusing on skin tone colors, rather than all the colors available, I’ve only listed skin colors for each bra, instead of all of them. Many will come in other colors too!
Lastly, since some bras come in more than one skin tone in this post’s range, they may appear more than once.
Skin Tone Bras from Cool Sand to Olive
(Cool Sand, Sand, Beige, Cool Beige, Honey, Warm Honey, Golden Honey, Cool Olive, and Olive)
So light you may forget you’re wearing it. It’s got “padding” (contouring) for nipple control, and a bit of stretch along the edges for a better fit. The center is wide, so it’s better if you are wide-set. The plunge neckline won’t show under deep V-neck tops, and the straps are thin enough to hide under most tank tops. The special hidden edge design keeps your bra lines from showing under thin tops.
Damask neutral equals cool sand
US sizes 43B-40DD
Average Figure
(This also comes in a full figure style in the same colors up to a 44DD.
Vanity Fair Beauty Back Full Figure Underwire BraFour-way stretch fabric hugs your curves to give you almost a custom fit. The cups are smooth, and have just enough “padding” to keep you under cover when it’s cold.
There’s no lace or bumps in the bra, and the stretch fabric also helps minimize bumps and lumps around your back and sides. You’ll feel better and your clothes will look better.
And, the bra stays put. The straps don’t slip or slide, even if you have rounded shoulders. Since there’s no band under the cups, it will be more comfortable if you are short or carry weight in your stomach.
Damask equals cool sand
Sizes 36C-44DD
Full Figure
A best-selling and well-fitting bra that doesn’t cost a lot of money. It’s comfortable and supportive, with inner slings to provide shape and lift. It’s pretty too, with a jacquard pattern on the cups and lace trim along the cup edges.
It is more of a retro-style, so you'll get a "classic" look when wearing it. Great if you like vintage clothing.
The center is narrow, so it will fit better if you are close-set. Wide-set straps are best if you have wider and straighter shoulders. The high back and sides will help smooth out lumps and bumps.
Natural beige (equals cool sand)
US sizes 34C-DD, 36B-DD, 38B-DD, 40C-DDD, 42 and 44 B-DD
Full figure
Wear this under t-shirts for a smooth look. The cups are decorated with a floral jacquard pattern and it comes in plenty of pretty colors (aside from the skin tone colors). You don’t have to settle for just beige and black. The narrow center is best if you are close-set. It’s not just pretty, it’s also comfortable.
The underwire is encased in its own channel, so it won’t rub against your skin. And, larger sizes have extra support slings, as well as more hooks. The bra keeps you lifted and gives you a great rounded shape, without padding.
The bands are a bit tight, so you may want to switch up a band size and down a cup size.
Sand equals sand
US sizes 32D-G, 34C-I, 36-40C-I, 42-44 Through H
Full figure/full bust
Super sheer (great for date night or even just because it's Tuesday and you feel fancy). The mesh fabric stretches to fit your shape perfectly, and shimmers when the light hits it.
Bandless styling is more comfortable if you have a larger stomach, or a short torso.
Center pull straps add an extra boost, which is great if you are pendulous or saggy. The straps are also convertible for cup sizes A-D.
Nude equals beige
UK sizes 30B-G, 32-36 A through G, 38B-G
Small bust/average bust/some full bust sizes
A plunging neckline and padded cups provide plenty of oomph, making this a bestselling bra.
There are no seams and no lace, so it won't show under clothing. The plunging neckline is great for low-neck shirts nad tops.
If you're between smaller sizes (A/B) or don't have much projection, this is a good option, as Maidenform runs small.
I'm highlighting skin colors here, but it also comes in lots of prints if you want something fun.
Body beige equals beige
US sizes 32-38A-DD
Average figure
Full bust/full figure
If you are sick of slipping straps, this bra is for you. The straps are inset, meaning they are close together so they won’t slide off your shoulders. They are also fully adjustable, so you can get them just the right length, no matter if you are extra tall or extra short.
It also has slings inside the cups to push you forward, improve support, and keep underarm bulges under control. You’ll get a more centered, fuller looking appearance. And, the spacer fabric is much cooler than standard bras in hot weather.
Since it’s seamless, and has no decoration (other than a small bow), nothing will show under clingy tops. The material is soft and silky and feels good against your skin. It won’t cut into your stomach or squeeze under your arms either.
Sand equals honey
US 30D-G, 32-40C-G. 42-46C-DDD
Full bust
Lightweight and comfortable with side slings for support and shaping. Powernet fabric smooths out back fat and eliminates bumps and lumps. The sheer mesh along the tops of the cups lighten the visual effect of the bra, and give it a more youthful look (so you don’t feel like you’re wearing a granny bra).
The straps are comfortable and convertible, so you can wear them the standard way or criss-crossed. Plus, the deep U back and inset strap design ensures that those straps don’t slide.
It’s not heavily padded, so it’s less bulky and hot than a contour bra. And, the seamless cups have no lace or anything else to show under clothing.
Incidentally, if you want color, there are plenty of those too (like red and teal).
Nude equal to warm honey
US sizes 34-42B-DD
Average figure/full figure
Extra stretch in the fabric gives this bra a great fit. It will adapt to your shape, while also concealing unsightly lumps and bulges. The back and sides are high to help shape your body and give you a smoother look under your clothes. It’s got a bandless front and an arched center panel, which make it more comfortable for larger.stomachs or if you have a short upper body.
Center pull straps help add extra lift to sagging breasts and the wire is in its own channel (and not next to your skin). That all makes you look better and feel more comfortable. Best if you are wide-set, as the center is a wide triangle.
Honey Beige equals warm honey
Sizes 36C-44DD (not all sizes available)
Full Figure
Gain an extra cup size instantly with this graduated padded bra. You’ll look curvier, without feeling uncomfortable or fake. It’s sleek and understated, with no embellishment other than a bit of lace between the cups and on the end of the straps. Otherwise, it’s smooth sailing, for a sleek look that won’t show under your t-shirts or sweaters.
The plunging neckline is great if you want to wear a low-cut top.
The fabric is also extra-soft, so it feels smooth and silky against your skin.
Not recommended if you have narrow shoulders, as the straps are wide-set.
Maidenform runs small in both the cup and band so keep that in mind.
Latte equals cool olive
32B-38D
Average figure
No padding (because being small doesn’t mean you necessarily want any padding!) and sexy mesh lace make this bra a stunner. It’s got a low neckline, so it’s great for low-cut tops.
The cups are stretchy mesh, scalloped, and frame your bust beautifully. Since it is stretchy, it will adjust to fit your particular shape, giving you a better fit.
It does run small in both the band and cups, which is good if you are smaller than the size range (AA cups get an A). Otherwise, you may want to size up in the band. Size up in the cup if you are fuller (it runs shallow).
Beige equals cool olive
US sizes 32A-38C
Small Bust
Busty women often struggle to first get a bra that fits their bodies, and then find one that fits under clothing. You know what I mean. The bra looks OK on you, but then you get dressed and the buttons start flying around. Not with this bra.
It makes you look considerably smaller (without being squashed or flattened). It keeps everything in place, while giving you a natural-looking, attractive shape. And, the lining is stretchy so it will conform to your shape for a better fit. This is also good if one side is bigger than the other, as it will prevent gapping and wrinkling.
Inner slings push you forward and out from under your arms for a smoother appearance.
Another nice feature: it has four sets of hooks (instead of three), so you can get more use out of it as it wears.
The cups are seamless and smooth, so they won’t show under your clothing. It’s molded, but not contour, so you may get headlights in cooler weather.
Nude equals cool olive
EU sizes 32D-I, 34-38 C-I, 40-42C-H, and 44C-F (sizes are C,D, E, F, G, H, I)
Full bust
Gain an extra cup size instantly with this graduated padded bra. You’ll look curvier, without feeling uncomfortable or fake. It’s sleek and understated, with no embellishment other than a bit of lace between the cups and on the end of the straps.
Otherwise, it’s smooth sailing, for a sleek look that won’t show under your t-shirts or sweaters. It does have a plunge, wide-set center so it's better if you are wide-set.
Maidenform runs small, so keep that in mind.
Latte equals cool olive
32B-38D
Average figure
The underwire is encased in its own channel, so it won’t rub against your skin. And, larger sizes have extra support slings, as well as more hooks. The bra keeps you lifted and gives you a great rounded shape, without padding.
The bands are a bit tight, so you may want to switch up a band size and down a cup size.
Sand equals sand
US sizes 32D-G, 34C-I, 36-40C-I, 42-44 Through H
Full figure/full bust
Super sheer (great for date night or even just because it's Tuesday and you feel fancy). The mesh fabric stretches to fit your shape perfectly, and shimmers when the light hits it.
Bandless styling is more comfortable if you have a larger stomach, or a short torso.
Center pull straps add an extra boost, which is great if you are pendulous or saggy. The straps are also convertible for cup sizes A-D.
Nude equals beige
UK sizes 30B-G, 32-36 A through G, 38B-G
Small bust/average bust/some full bust sizes
A plunging neckline and padded cups provide plenty of oomph, making this a bestselling bra.
There are no seams and no lace, so it won't show under clothing. The plunging neckline is great for low-neck shirts nad tops.
If you're between smaller sizes (A/B) or don't have much projection, this is a good option, as Maidenform runs small.
I'm highlighting skin colors here, but it also comes in lots of prints if you want something fun.
Body beige equals beige
US sizes 32-38A-DD
Average figure
Sleek, understated and comfortable with no distracting lace, bows, or or decoration to show under clothing. It's completely smooth, and lined with a double layer of matching mesh, keeping the bra light and breathable.
The fabric has microfiber for softness and comfort (it feels silky and light). It's designed with a leotard back to help keep straps from sliding off narrower shoulders.
Note that there are some extra features in larger sizes: added inner slings, heavier underwire, and wider straps for better support for larger breasts.
Larger cup sizes (above D) seem to be running a bit small, and the straps are a bit long for some shorter women.
Desert equals cool beige
EU sizes 30C-H, 32-38H, 40B-G, 42B-F, 44B-F.Full bust/full figure
If you are sick of slipping straps, this bra is for you. The straps are inset, meaning they are close together so they won’t slide off your shoulders. They are also fully adjustable, so you can get them just the right length, no matter if you are extra tall or extra short.
It also has slings inside the cups to push you forward, improve support, and keep underarm bulges under control. You’ll get a more centered, fuller looking appearance. And, the spacer fabric is much cooler than standard bras in hot weather.
Since it’s seamless, and has no decoration (other than a small bow), nothing will show under clingy tops. The material is soft and silky and feels good against your skin. It won’t cut into your stomach or squeeze under your arms either.
Sand equals honey
US 30D-G, 32-40C-G. 42-46C-DDD
Full bust
Lightweight and comfortable with side slings for support and shaping. Powernet fabric smooths out back fat and eliminates bumps and lumps. The sheer mesh along the tops of the cups lighten the visual effect of the bra, and give it a more youthful look (so you don’t feel like you’re wearing a granny bra).
The straps are comfortable and convertible, so you can wear them the standard way or criss-crossed. Plus, the deep U back and inset strap design ensures that those straps don’t slide.
It’s not heavily padded, so it’s less bulky and hot than a contour bra. And, the seamless cups have no lace or anything else to show under clothing.
Incidentally, if you want color, there are plenty of those too (like red and teal).
Nude equal to warm honey
US sizes 34-42B-DD
Average figure/full figure
Extra stretch in the fabric gives this bra a great fit. It will adapt to your shape, while also concealing unsightly lumps and bulges. The back and sides are high to help shape your body and give you a smoother look under your clothes. It’s got a bandless front and an arched center panel, which make it more comfortable for larger.stomachs or if you have a short upper body.
Center pull straps help add extra lift to sagging breasts and the wire is in its own channel (and not next to your skin). That all makes you look better and feel more comfortable. Best if you are wide-set, as the center is a wide triangle.
Honey Beige equals warm honey
Sizes 36C-44DD (not all sizes available)
Full Figure
Gain an extra cup size instantly with this graduated padded bra. You’ll look curvier, without feeling uncomfortable or fake. It’s sleek and understated, with no embellishment other than a bit of lace between the cups and on the end of the straps. Otherwise, it’s smooth sailing, for a sleek look that won’t show under your t-shirts or sweaters.
The plunging neckline is great if you want to wear a low-cut top.
The fabric is also extra-soft, so it feels smooth and silky against your skin.
Not recommended if you have narrow shoulders, as the straps are wide-set.
Maidenform runs small in both the cup and band so keep that in mind.
Latte equals cool olive
32B-38D
Average figure
No padding (because being small doesn’t mean you necessarily want any padding!) and sexy mesh lace make this bra a stunner. It’s got a low neckline, so it’s great for low-cut tops.
The cups are stretchy mesh, scalloped, and frame your bust beautifully. Since it is stretchy, it will adjust to fit your particular shape, giving you a better fit.
It does run small in both the band and cups, which is good if you are smaller than the size range (AA cups get an A). Otherwise, you may want to size up in the band. Size up in the cup if you are fuller (it runs shallow).
Beige equals cool olive
US sizes 32A-38C
Small Bust
It makes you look considerably smaller (without being squashed or flattened). It keeps everything in place, while giving you a natural-looking, attractive shape. And, the lining is stretchy so it will conform to your shape for a better fit. This is also good if one side is bigger than the other, as it will prevent gapping and wrinkling.
Inner slings push you forward and out from under your arms for a smoother appearance.
Another nice feature: it has four sets of hooks (instead of three), so you can get more use out of it as it wears.
The cups are seamless and smooth, so they won’t show under your clothing. It’s molded, but not contour, so you may get headlights in cooler weather.
Nude equals cool olive
EU sizes 32D-I, 34-38 C-I, 40-42C-H, and 44C-F (sizes are C,D, E, F, G, H, I)
Full bust
Gain an extra cup size instantly with this graduated padded bra. You’ll look curvier, without feeling uncomfortable or fake. It’s sleek and understated, with no embellishment other than a bit of lace between the cups and on the end of the straps.
Otherwise, it’s smooth sailing, for a sleek look that won’t show under your t-shirts or sweaters. It does have a plunge, wide-set center so it's better if you are wide-set.
Maidenform runs small, so keep that in mind.
Latte equals cool olive
32B-38D
Average figure
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