The bra is known to have been around as early as 1400 BC. Since then, bras were meant to cover, support and possibly to protect female breasts. These days however, the development of the bra has shifted focus from being functional to being fashionable. The latest incarnation of this ubiquitous garment is the clear strap bra.

Obviously, the intent of bras equipped with clear straps is to create the illusion of being bra-less. At the very least, the wearer does not have to worry about unsightly bra straps showing up unexpectedly when wearing loosely fitting dresses or shirts.

For women who can afford expensive lingerie, an exposed bra strap is not much of an issue - it may actually be a fashion statement! Just like guys wearing low cut jeans to show-off their Calvin Klein underwear. Unfortunately, not many people can afford expensive designer undergarments.

Imagine a beautiful lady wearing an elegant gown strutting down the red carpet. She waves to the crowd and there it is - a flesh-tinted rubber strap of a plain old brassiere sticking out like a sore thumb. Not a very attractive image, is it?

Fashion conscious demand

In the 1930's, what would be the predecessor of the clear strap bra came about - the strapless bra. However, the commercial demand for it did not come about until the 1950's when bare shoulder dresses starting coming in vogue.

To this day, the strapless bra exists but not many women are too excited about it. For the most part, the support function of the strapless bra is totally non-existent. Today's modern women live active lifestyles. The failure of the strapless bra to provide an adequate anchor for the ladies has lead to many infamous wardrobe malfunctions.

Between ugly bra straps and strapless let-downs, the obvious middle ground is the clear strap. Of course, women had to wait for the development of clear pliable plastic technology for it to become a reality. Nevertheless it is here and since it was launched many women have worn it.

For casual wear only

For the first time in its history, the bra strap can be left exposed without worry or shame. Some women even opt for straps with printed designs or adorned with accessories like beads. There are of course those that still find the concept of a barely-there bra strap annoying; but then when it comes to fashion you can't please everybody all the time.

Fashion aficionados therefore advice women to limit clear strap bra for casual use only. For formal wear, clear straps are just as out-of-place as plain bra straps. Keep bare-shoulder ensembles bare without glistening plastics in the way.