Free the Nipple: Why Sheer Bras Are Having a Moment Right Now

April 10, 2024
Victoria Bouthillier

Everywhere we look—from celebs flaunting naked dresses to see-through styles on the runway—gauzy, barely-there silhouettes are dominating. There's no denying it: sheer garments are having a moment.

Increasingly, undergarments are designed to be seen. And what better way to put your lingerie on display than with a little something sheer?

Similar to the underwear as outerwear trend, fashion's latest obsession with everything-sheer has an undertone of reclamation. There's something powerful about uncensoring the female body, areolas and all.

Are we finally in an era where 'Free the Nipple' is more than just a viral slogan? The more we see nipples grace red carpets and social media feeds, the more its shock value wanes. Because, well, everyone has nipples.

Lingerie is no exception to translucent trends. While sheer, sequin dresses might be appropriate attire to make at The Oscars, they're still a little brazen for Sunday brunch. Sheer bras, on the other hand, are an everyday gateway into see-through styles.

A sheer bra under a blazer? To die for. A peek of mesh under a crop top? Literally iconic.

Once reserved for the glamours of Hollywood, sheer fabrics and styles have found their way into our closets and top drawers, affirming their place as wardrobe essentials.

How to Embrace Underwear as Outerwear

Knix model wearing the Mesh Deep V Bra and Light Leakproof No-Show High Rise in Citron display: full

Sheer garments might not be anything new for the likes of supermodels, but this trend's trickle down effect on street style is still budding. We've come a long way from the days of Jennifer Lopez's sheer, plunging gown breaking the internet at the 2000s Grammys.

Sheer styles seamlessly blend whimsy with sophistication, but this trend's staying power is in its wearability. Notably breathable, easy to layer, and fun to style, underwear as outerwear has gone from daring choice to dinner with the girls.

Of course, there will always be opportunities to go bold when it comes to hopping on the sheer bandwagon (we're looking at you, pantless trend). But if you're looking to sprinkle some sexy into your everyday, look no further than sheer bras.

With the launch of our Sexy Mesh Capsule collection, as seen on Knix Global Brand Ambassador Gabrielle Union, we're making sexy ultra-wearable. Designed with comfort in mind, the Mesh Deep V Bra and Mesh High Rise underwear have all the smooth, sheer makings of underwear as outerwear.

For so long, bras have been thought of as serving a hidden, functional purpose—but there's something quietly badass about wearing undergarments that are designed to be seen. Suddenly, exposed bra straps become something to be marvelled, and a cheeky bra-blazer combo becomes a go-to outfit. 

Though it may seem daunting, if this trend has proved anything, it's that sheer bras and underwear as outerwear can be adapted to a range of comfort levels and personal tastes.

For a dash of sexiness, consider a peek of mesh panties above the waist of your jeans (for period days, Light Leakproof No-Show Mesh High Rise underwear absorb the same as about 1.5 regular tampons).

Embrace your sexiest self with a sheer bra poking out from underneath a crop top or cardigan. And because every body deserves sexy, wireless support, our Mesh Bra is available in sizes XS-XXXXL (from A-to-G, including D cup) with plus cups available to those who prefer more coverage in the chest. 

If you're not quite in your sheer era but appreciate the aesthetic, opt for something like the Mesh Deep V Bodysuit, which features double mesh paneling in the cups for full coverage, but can still be effortlessly paired with high rise jeans and flowy skirts. Sheer doesn't necessarily mean provocative, but it sure brings a touch of elegance to more risqué looks.

A Sheer Confidence Boost

Knix model wearing the Mesh Deep V Bra in Black display: full

Sure, lingerie is a staple of romantic date nights—but we'd argue its earned its place among our everyday rotation. And for good reason: there's something about a sexy set that provides an instant confidence boost.

If your confidence could use a jolt and your top drawer could use a refresh, you've come to the right place. Say it with us: underwear can be fun. It can also be fun without losing out on support or function.

To strike a balance of comfort and style, infuse your underwear lineup with bold hues, mesh cutout panties, sheer bras, skin-bearing fabrics, and easy-to-wear bodysuits. You may even unexpectedly find that reinvigorating your underwear rotation breathes new life into your tried-and-true wardrobe staples.

Whether you choose to make your underwear the star of your outfit or prefer to rock a sheer bra under a turtleneck, a dash of sexy goes a long way. And what we love most about ethereal, see through styles and unlined cups are how they're designed to accentuate your natural shape.

Smooth and airy, our mesh bras offer lift and support (sans underwire) in a range of inclusive cup sizes that are designed for everyday wear. Sheer styles are also a go-to during summer heatwaves when we can't bear the thought of suffocating fabrics and tight clothes.

If we have to be sweaty, we might as well look cool.

Sheer Styles Are Making a Statement

Knix model wearing the Deep V Mesh and Light Leakproof No-Show High Rise in White display: full

This isn't the first time sheer fashion has wooed us with its translucent charm. From silent film stars of the 1930s to the nude runway looks of the 1960s, the resurgence of sheer has often coincided with feminist movements.

Once considered scandalous, sheer has become an emblem of bodily autonomy and sexual empowerment. With the increased politicization of women's bodies and the rollback of hard-won reproductive rights, it's no wonder many are choosing to challenge conventions through everyday sartorial choices.

For all its fondness of skin-bearing, sheer clothing is patently curated for the female gaze. Beneath its gauzy exterior, this trend has more substance than it lets on.

More than just a passing fashion trend, sheer fashion has the power to be subversive and push back against feminine norms in a fun, celebratory way.

Whether it's a matter of physical reclamation or a way to add intrigue to your outfit, sheer is here to stay.

So, to that we say: wear the sheer bra, put on the see through dress, and don that cute bralette—if you turn heads it means you're doing something right.