Ever been frustrated trying to find a skin tone bra that actually matched (or even came close) to your skin tone? In my case, most of the bras are too dark (I’m sort of a vellum/pale gold color). Which is annoying.
It’s even more annoying, and traditionally even more difficult, if your skin is latte, amber, chestnut, walnut, or mocha. It’s a sea of “nude” that isn’t really.
Now, I’m also aware, that as a relatively pale person, my sense of skin tone differences isn’t as acute as it could be. So, I tried to be as scientific and consistent about this as I could.
First, I found a skin tone color chart online, with skin tones from pale porcelain to dark ebony. Then I went through all the bras in every skin tone I could find and matched them up to the skin tone labels.
To do this, I used a color meter tool. If you’re not familiar with what that is, the short explanation is that it breaks up each color into a formula (it’s used for web design and printing so you can get the same shade every time).
Then, I used the color meter on each bra photo, got the formula, and then matched it against the colors of the skin tone images. I chose the closest formula color I could find.
Now, a few caveats, what looks similar on my screen, and to my eyes, at my desk may look different under varying light conditions, in different rooms, and on different computers.
However, at least it gives you an idea where each bra falls on the spectrum and the colors are grouped and labeled consistently. This is particularly important since the color names are not uniform across brands. One brand’s mocha color is another brand’s cappuccino color. I’ve seen bras labeled cappuccino that are sort of a coffee with milk color while others are a black coffee color.
I can’t embed the chart here, because it’s not mine and I don’t have permission to use it, but this is a link to the color chart I used.
I’ve divided the color groupings into color categories (matching the chart), and created a post to match each set. It was originally going to be one post, but it got out of control! So now it's four posts (one for each group).
They are:
Light: porcelain to peach (this post)
Medium light: cool sand to olive
Medium dark: sienna to chestnut, and
Dark: bronze to ebony
Each post has a heading on top, and then all the subcategory colors listed underneath. I’ve also matched up the color name of the bra with the color name on the chart. So, for example, Wacoal “ivory” equals “warm ivory” while Vanity Fair "ivory" is "porcelain.”
Although these posts are about bras that fit your skin tone, rather than your body shape or size, this blog is still “find a bra that fits”. Therefore, each bra is also labeled with the sizes it comes in and the body types (average, small bust, full bust, full figure) for which it is best suited. I've also listed multiple options for each color, if available, to match different body types. So, you don't have to find the right color only to be disappointed that there's nothing in your size!
Since color is what’s important here, I’ve only listed the skin tone colors for each bra (many come in blues, reds, prints, purples, etc.). Since some of the bras come in multiple suitable skin tones, they may appear more than once.
Bras for Light Skin Tones (from Porcelain to Peach)
This includes shades of porcelain, ivory, cool ivory, warm ivory, rosy cream, cream, wheat, latte, cool peach, and peach.
Porcelain Skin Tone Bras
Versatile, and comfortable, this bra can be worn the usual way or converted to criss-cross. It’s not padded (just shaped) so there’s no extra bulk or weight to drag you down.
The inner slings give you great support and a natural, rounded shape under clothing. Since it is completely smooth, with just a band of sheer mesh along the cups, it won't show under thinner tops or t-shirts.
And, it really is a comfortable bra. So much so that you won’t want to tear it off the minute you get home. There’s a bit of stretch in the cups for a better, more comfortable fit that will keep everything contained where it belongs. The design is full coverage, so you won't have cleavage from this style. It will keep you well, covered though.
The bra is constructed with high sides and back to hide unsightly bulges, as well as a leotard back to help straps stay put on your shoulders. Inner slings add extra support and lift.
The bandless design and arched center are more comfortable if you have a larger stomach (or a short torso).
Light beige (equal to porcelain)
US sizes 34-42B-DD
Average figure/full figure
Just because you need a plus size bra, doesn't mean you have to be stuck with something that's dull and boring. This bra isn't just supportive, it's actually pretty too. Even in larger sizes (up to a 44 band in DD, and DDD cup up to a 40 band).
There's a little lace, a floral design, and a tiny bow, all of which add up to a bra you’ll be happy to look at, and feel good wearing. It’s not just pretty though. It also has plenty of support and comfort features.
For example, the higher sides and back help hold everything in place, and stamp out unsightly back and side bulges. Your clothes will look smoother, and you'll feel better. The cups are rounder and wider for superior support and containment. That means you won't slide out of your bra or constantly have to keep adjusting to keep everything where it belongs.
Plus the bra cups have some extra stretch for a better fit. This is great if you're bigger on one side than the other (which is a common occurrence). Slings hidden inside the cups cradle your bust and provide extra lift for a more youthful look. A great solution if you're sagging, or suffering from "aging" or drooping breasts.
Mother of Pearl (equals porcelain)
US sizes 34C-DD, 36B-DD, 38B-DD, 40C-DDD, 42 and 44 B-DD.
Full figure
Sick of back fat and unsightly bulges? This bra makes them disappear. Like it never even happened. The high sides and “beauty back” design on the bra help smooth out lumps give you a more polished look under your clothing.
The cups are completely smooth, with no lace or decoration anywhere, other than a pretty appliqué in the center. There are no lumps or bumps or seams to show under your clingiest shirts and sweaters. It's got a contour construction, which makes it a great t-shirt bra too. There's no heavy padding to add size or bulk. It's just thick enough to hide the headlights when it's cool.
And, you'll get a great fit too. The fabric stretches in four directions. That means no wrinkling, or gapping. The straps are wide and comfortable so they will stay in place all day.
A bandless design and arched center panel offer extra comfort if you have a larger stomach. It won't dig into your ribs like some other bras do. Which is important! Especially if you have to sit or bend a lot.
The wide center panel is best if you are wide-set. If you are close-set, you might pop out of it!
It also has a leotard back, which will help keep the straps in place (no slipping or sliding).
Ivory equals porcelain
US sizes 36C-44DD (not all sizes available)
Full Figure
Ivory Skin Tone Bras
Boost your bust with this uplifting bra. Graduated padding makes you look fuller and bustier, without looking fake. It is designed to push you up from the bottom and sides for a more natural look. The contour cups (meaning they are padded and will keep their shape, even when you remove the bra), and the low neckline are ideal for t-shirts, summer tops, or low-cut dresses. There are no seams to show under your clothing.
There is a bit of lace overlay between the cups and near the bottom of the straps for an extra flourish, but it doesn't touch your body. The bra material is super-soft and comfortable against your skin, so you don't have to worry about itchy lace or fabric.
The center is plunge and has a wide neckline, so it's better if you are wide-set.
Maidenform does tend to run small, so if you are between sizes, order up one size. It does technically come in cup sizes up to a D, but I would not recommend it for those sizes. If you are busty, try a different bra.
On the other hand, it's great if you are an A or a B cup. And, it does have some larger band/smaller cup sizes like 38B.
Ivory equals ivory
US sizes 34A-38D
Average figure
A comfortable, supportive bra that minimizes without leaving you looking and feeling squashed. You'll look up to one and a half inches smaller, so you'll look neater and sleeker. No popping buttons!
It's embellished with lots of lace along the tops of the cups and the front of the straps, for looks. Angled seams give you a better shape and help lift and support your bust.
The center is narrow, and the wires touch, so it's best if you are closer-set. The material is quite soft and comfortable, even with the lace. '
There's no lining (we're trying to minimize bulk here, not add it). And the underwires are cushioned for better comfort.The center is arched, and while there is a band, it's fairly narrow, both better if you have a larger stomach.
One more thing, make sure to follow the directions and hand wash this. Just plop it in the sink with some water and a gentle detergent (baby detergent works well, or get fancy and buy lingerie wash), and swish it around. Machine washing tends to make it fray.
Pearl equals ivory
US sizes 34C-44DDD
Full figure
Exquisite lace and exceptional construction and fit combine to create a bra that’s supportive and beautiful. If you’re a value shopper, this bra is not for you. If you appreciate luxury and fine craftsmanship, and need exceptional support, it’s perfect. And they last and last and last. You won’t have to keep replacing them every few months (just make sure you don’t wear the same bra every day).
One woman reported her bras lasted 16 years! (Wow, and I thought my Marie Jo was doing great at 11). The full cups and full coverage design are perfect if you are round and full (or for implants).
The cups are exceptionally deep, so it’s ideal for fuller, rounder breast shapes. It will keep everything in place exactly where it belongs, while still looking elegant and refined,
There are panels on the side for additional support and shaping. This pulls you forward, and keeps everything centered where it belongs, and away from under your arms. Fantastic for larger bust sizes because the support is so good, and the seams used help both lift and shape you (for a more rounded look). Also, the lace on top is stretchy, so you’ll essentially get a custom fit (great if one side is bigger than the other). The arched seams on the cups add support and lift.
Natural equals ivory
EU sizes 32D-I, 34C-I, 36-44 B through I, and 46 F through H.
Full bust
Warm Ivory Skin Tone Bras
This bra has shorter wires and demi-cup styling, which is especially flattering for smaller bust sizes. The shorter wires mean they are less likely to poke you in the ribs. It can be worn strapless, the standard way, or racerback. There is padding, and you can add even more if you like. But it still looks natural, rather than phony. The band is a bit stiff, so you may want to order a band and cup size up for a more comfortable fit.
Pearl equals ivory
US sizes 28A-38A
Small bust/petite
Spacer knit fabric helps this bra support you comfortably and beat the heat at the same time. It's lightweight, comfortable, and supportive, even at larger cup sizes.
There are side slings to push you forward and keep breast tissue from sliding under your arms. Close-set straps stay in place and don't slide off your shoulders.
The sleek, polished, no-fuss design won’t show under clothing (since there’s no seams, lace, or mesh). Even the sides and back are one piece, without any bulky seams to peek through under clingy tops. Since the straps are relatively narrow, you'll also be able to wear it under sleeveless tops (don't worry, the support should come from the band, not the straps; if your straps dig into your shoulders, wider straps won't help, you need a smaller band size).
It's also good for traveling, since it will pack flat, and dries quickly.
Ivory (equals warm ivory)
US 30D-G, 32-40C-G. 42-46C-DDD
Full bust/Full Figure
Latte Skin Tone Bras
Pretty, lightweight, but still strong enough to hold up G cups, even on smaller body sizes, which is what Freya specializes in. The cups are embellished with a lace overlay and trimmed both on the top and bottom with scalloped lace (it’s along both the tops of the cups and the band). There’s a cheeky keyhole opening too.
You may wonder at the back (just one hook? In a G cup?). Yes, just one hook. But it works.
The reason is that it's constructed with a unique "gate" shape, which provides extra support and stability. That helps keep everything in place, and prevents the bra from shifting.
The single hook also makes the bra much easier to close. Only one hook to worry about instead of two or three.
Cafe au Lait/Latte equals Latte
UK 28D-30 D through G, 32C-G, 34-38C-G.
Full bust
An eye-catching design that mixes lace and something you might not expect…a houndstooth pattern. The balcony shape is super-flattering, and stretches for a better fit. The extra stretch also helps to prevent the dreaded quad-boob effect, keeping everything inside the bra where it belongs.
It has a leotard back, which will keep the straps from slipping off your shoulders. This is great if you have sloping or narrow shoulders. And, the straps are fully adjustable (up to a G cup), so it’s a good fit if you are extra tall or extra short. Speaking of short, the underwires are also short, which means it’s more comfortable if you have a shorter torso (the wires won’t dig in under your arms).
Vertical, angled seams, and non-stretch lower cups combine for extra lifting power and support, keeping your bust up where it should be. The lift is so good you may think you’ve lost weight, without sacrificing a single calorie or lifting one barbell.
The center panel is narrow, so it’s best if you are close-set.
Chai equals Latte. Also available in ivory.
UK sizes 28F-H, 30D-K, 32-40D through K (D, DD, E, F, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K)
Full Bust
Rosy Cream Skin Tone Bras
Is it light and dainty? No. But on the other hand, if you are a fuller figure, a few bits of lace with a string won't do the job it needs to do.
That said, the satiny trim along the cups and straps, and print fabric, add an elegant touch, but keeps you looking smooth, without any lumpy lace. The minimizing effect produces a sleeker silhouette and eliminates unsightly bulging buttons.
Many minimizers tend to flatten you, but this one doesn't. Instead, the angled seams provide lift and a more rounded, natural looking shape under your shirts. It's also got the Bali U-back design, which means that the straps stay in place on your shoulders, and won't slide off. The back and sides are also high, to keep everything contained and minimized, both in front and behind.
It does have a narrow center, so it will fit better if you are close-set.
Rosewood equals rosy cream
US sizes 34C-50DDD
Average/Full Figure
This bra appears dainty, but that lace hides lots of support and lift. Freya specializes in full bust bras (this one goes up to a G cup; and its sister bra (AA1012) goes up to K! One of the secrets is that the back is “gated” which helps keep it from moving or sliding around, despite being thin and delicate-looking.
Another trick is the shape and style of the seams: vertical seams create lift, and the angled seams add extra support and shaping. The lace is fairly flat, and won’t show lumps and bumps under clothes.
The straps are fully adjustable, so you can get them the right length for your height.
Natural beige equals rosy cream
UK 28D-30 D through G, 32C-G, 34-38C-G.
Full bust
Cream Skin Tone Bras
This Maidenform bra is pared down and polished, with no superfluous decoration or fluff. There's just a bit of padding, only enough to hide the headlights, and make you look a bit bigger, without looking fake. The cups are made with fabric that stretches two ways, for a better, closer fit to your body's natural shape. It's almost like getting a custom bra.
There aren't any seams or lace to create bumps or lines and the bra is virtually invisible under your clothing. It's got a low neckline, and wide set straps, which are perfect for plunging tops and holiday dresses with deep or sweetheart necklines. The center is plunging and wide, so it will fit best if you are wide-set.
I'm focusing on skin tone bras on this particular post. However, if if you want something a bit more fun and flirty, it also comes in lots of colors, prints, and patterns, such as stripes, cherry blossoms, roses, and leaves.
Maidenform bras do tend to run small, so you may have to size up to get the right fit. This brand is best if you are small or average busted (despite the DD cup sizes listed).
Blush equals cream
US sizes 32A to 38DD
Small/Average figure
This bra is a long-running Chantelle favorite, and with good reason. It's both exceptionally pretty and comfortable. The lift and support are outstanding, making it a perfect choice for drooping or sagging breasts.
It's cut and sewn to push your tissue forward and out from under your sides and arms. That also reduces the lumps and bumps under your arms. It raises your bust, gives you a more projected appearance, and (as a bonus) makes you look thinner.
The center is arched, so that also makes it more comfortable for larger stomachs (particularly if you sit all day). The wires are on the shorter side, which also adds to the comfort (particularly if you are short, or have a short torso). It's less likely to poke!
The straps pull from the center, rather than the back, making it easier to adjust them, and also helping to prevent slippage if you are large busted.
The center panel is narrow, so it's a better fit if you are close together.
Ivory equals cream
EU sizes 32B-44F
Full bust
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