A utility bra includes a right strap, a left strap, a right cup coupled with the right strap, a left cup coupled with the left strap, a center panel coupled with the right cup and the left cup, and a strap securing mechanism having an inner securing layer and an outer securing layer. The inner securing layer includes an inner gripping element and the outer securing layer includes an outer gripping element. The inner gripping element and the outer gripping element face toward one another, for example when the utility bra is worn by a user. The strap securing mechanism is coupled with the right strap or the left strap. The inner gripping element and the outer gripping element operate to grip the a personal item between the inner securing layer and the outer securing layer.