I Skipped the Bra with These Abercrombie Dresses—and 3 People Asked Me Where I Got Them

Name: Abercrombie & Fitch Cap-Sleeve Dipped-Waist Dress
Brand: Abercrombie & Fitch
Price: 96 USD

A busty gal's review

By Stephanie Maida

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Published Jul 17, 2026

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Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free Dress Review: Original photos of Stephanie Maida

Original photos by Stephanie Maida

Fit: 19/20
Quality: 18/20
Aesthetics: 20/20
Comfort: 19/20
Value: 19/20

Total: 95/100

The PureWow100 is a scale our editors use to vet new products and services, so you know what's worth the spend—and what's total hype. Learn more about our process here.

Abercrombie & Fitch has long been a go-to for jeans of all kinds, but in recent years, it's also become one of PureWow editors' (and readers') favorite places to buy dresses. In 2024, I sang the praises of the brand's viral Emerson dress, which not only made me feel like a character in Bridgerton, but which I also noted could be worn without a bra due to the snug fit at the bust. Now, A&F has released a whole line of frocks (and tops) that are specifically designed to be worn braless.

The bra-free collection features built-in shelf bras with removable cups for customizable coverage and support. This summer, I got my hands on both the bra-free Dylan dress ($120) and the cap-sleeve dipped-waist midi (~~$120~~; $96), and have worn them out multiple times the way they're meant to be: sans brassiere. In addition to the bevvy of compliments I received from friends when I posted them on Instagram, no less than three people stopped me on the street to ask about them.

Are they flattering? No doubt. But do they actually provide sufficient support for my 36C bust? Read on for my full review of each.

Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free Dress Review: Original photo of Stephanie Maida in striped Dylan dress

Original photo by Stephanie Maida

Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free Dylan Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

As someone with a larger chest than hips and booty, I love an A-line dress for balancing my proportions—and the Dylan does it to perfection. It's made from a crisp cotton poplin and is fully lined, giving it plenty of structure and shape. Of course, that also comes from the silhouette's unique tailoring, which puffs out a bit at the hips to create a dip-waist effect, making me feel like the leading lady in one of my favorite period dramas.

There's pockets (yay!) and smocking at the back so that, cinched as the bodice is, I can sit down and move freely without feeling like I'm suffocating.

But you want to know about that all-important support up top. Well, with just a bit of maneuvering, the girls sit beautifully in the cups. The ruched seaming at the bottom of the bustline helps to round out their shape, and thanks to the adjustable straps, I'm able to give them a nice hoist. I find the square-ish scoop neckline to be incredibly flattering, and it's cut high enough to showcase the perfect peek of cleavage. Each time I've worn it, I haven't once felt like I was spilling out. Impressed is an understatement.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL, Petite, Regular, Tall
Colorways: 13

$120 at abercrombie & fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free Dress Review: Original photo of Stephanie Maida in red cap-sleeve dress

Original photo by Stephanie Maida

Abercrombie & Fitch Cap-Sleeve Dipped-Waist Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

I truly love the shape and fit of this number—I actually think it's even more figure flattering than the frock above, but as you can pretty clearly see in the photo, it's also quite a bit more revealing. While I was comfortable wearing the Dylan to a work-adjacent event, this one I've saved for weekend outings and dates with my boyfriend. (It got a lot of fanfare at the Pride parade in West Hollywood, just saying.) Do the girls look fantastic? Absolutely yes. But due to the lower-cut sweetheart neckline, along with the fact that the puff sleeves aren't adjustable, there's definitely less coverage. Even so, I feel supported—despite being more exposed.

This number is also made from 100 percent cotton, and while it doesn't have a lining, the material is thick enough that it doesn't need it. I swoon over the corset-like pintuck detailing on the bodice, as well as the basque waist, both of which make me look snatched (if I do say so myself) but not feel constricted.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL, Petite, Regular, Tall
Colorways: 7

~~$120~~; $96 at abercrombie & fitch

Bottom Line: Do Abercrombie & Fitch's Bra-Free Dresses Live Up to the Hype?

When it comes to quality and fit, I don't have to think twice about investing in a dress from Abercrombie & Fitch. Between the weight of the cotton, shape-enhancing tailoring and overall construction, both of the dresses I tried live up to their price (which is regularly $120). Bonus points for the fact that they come in short lengths; I'm 5'1" and wearing the petite size of the Dylan, but the regular of the cap-sleeve (which is fine, it just wears more like a maxi). Now, while I was still a little skeptical about the whole bra-free aspect, I've been more than won over after taking these styles out for a few twirls.

I don't mind the lower, flirtier neckline of the cap-sleeve style, and if you don't either, it's a winner. But if you're looking for more coverage, I think you'll be pleased with the lift, support and more modest cut of the Dylan. In either case, I can confirm: You can leave the bra at home.

shop more bra-free at abercrombie & fitch

Stephanie Maida

Senior Commerce Editor

Oversees PureWow's coverage of sales and deals, celebrity commerce and new launches across categories
Has worked as a writer and editor for 10+ years
Studied journalism at New York University

read full bio

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