Both a girl’s best friend and worst enemy, there are few pieces simultaneously more loved and more hated than the strapless bra. The best no strap bras make your favorite outfits look clean and effortless while keeping you feeling supported – while the worst will leave you tugging them up all night in a desperate attempt to keep them on at all.
I’ve been around the block when it comes to shopping for bras, and I feel like I would be doing you a disservice to not share my findings with you. Trust me – the right strapless bra will change. your. life. and make you forget all of the other times that you made an excuse to wear a top with straps because you didn’t want to deal with a strapless bra. Never again! Keep reading to learn more.
CHOOSING THE BEST NO STRAP BRAS
Let’s be honest – most of us don’t particularly enjoy shopping for bras. It’s hard to know the best places to look, and if you don’t have a good fitting experience, you’ll either leave no closer to knowing the proper bra fit than before or never wanting to deal with a bra fitting again.
But here’s the thing: finding the best no strap bras doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’ve been feeling like there’s no hope of finding a strapless bra that works for you, settle in – I’m here to help you find a no strap bra that you’ll absolutely fall in love with.
WHAT ARE NO STRAP BRAS?
A no strap bra is exactly what it sounds like – a bra that doesn’t have straps. But what is the point of wearing a no strap bra?
A no strap bra, or a strapless bra, is worn when wearing a top or dress that you don’t want to be able to see your bra straps with – often a strapless top or dress, or an off the shoulder piece. When you’re wearing something that doesn’t easily hide a bra strap, having a strap there can ruin the lines and style of the look. But if you aren’t a fan of going braless, you’re still going to need support – which is where strapless bras come in to save the day.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF STRAPLESS BRAS?
Before you determine the right strapless bra for you, it’s important to understand your options. So: what are the different types of strapless bras?
- Underwire Strapless Bra – If you’re looking for really great support, you’ll probably want to choose an underwire strapless bra. These bras give you the structure and lift that you crave from a traditional bra, and are a good choice if you have a larger bra size. Plus, they make your cleavage look great.
- Wireless Strapless Bra – If you don’t enjoy wearing wired bras, don’t worry – you can go with a wireless strapless bra. These bras are much more comfortable, and offer a less structured look.
- Backless Strapless Bra – In my opinion, everyone needs one great backless strapless bra in their closet. You never know when you’ll find the perfect dress or top that’s absolutely ruined by straps or a bra back, and this bra will come in handy. These bras are often adhesive, otherwise known as sticky bras.
- Contour Strapless Bra – These bras have molded cups that seamlessly fit to your body, providing a smooth, natural appearance.
Each of these types of strapless bra serves a specific purpose – which ones do you most need to shop for?
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WEARING STRAPLESS BRAS?
There are a number of different reasons that you might want to wear a strapless bra. Here are just a few:
- Versatility – A strapless bra allows you to wear whatever you want, whenever you want. Don’t worry about your outfit choice or neckline – just wear a strapless bra.
- Freedom of movement – The right strapless bra will be super comfortable, easily staying in place no matter what you’re doing and allowing for an easy range of movement.
- Invisible support – Get the support of a regular bra without the appearance of one! Strapless top? Backless clothing? No problem – your strapless bra has you comfortably supported.
MY ULTIMATE SIZING & FIT GUIDE FOR STRAPLESS BRAS
Finding the right bra fit is always important, but with strapless bras, it’s especially crucial. You want a bra that fits perfectly – not too tight, but not too loose, either. The goldilocks of bras, if you will.
If you don’t want to get professionally fitted, don’t worry – you can measure yourself at home to figure out the right size. Here are my tips for making sure that you determine your perfect fit:
HOW TO MEASURE FOR A STRAPLESS BRA
- First, figure out your band size. Take a tape measure and wrap it snugly around your ribcage, directly under your bust. This will give you your band size.
- Next, figure out your cup size. Measure around the fullest part of your bust, then subtract your band measurement from the number that you get.
MY TOP STRAPLESS BRA FITTING TIPS
- The band should fit snugly on the loosest hook of the bra. You don’t want to be able to fit more than two fingers underneath the band. Remember, you don’t want to have to worry about it slipping.
- The cups should fit snugly – no weird gaps or spilling over.
- The part of the bra between the two cups – known as the center gore – should lie flat against your sternum.
If you plan on doing your bra shopping online, don’t be afraid to try a few different sizes. Finding the perfect fit can be tricky! Many people order a size down from their regular size when shopping for no strap bras to ensure it stays in place easily.
MY GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST NO STRAP BRAS
When I’m shopping for strapless bras, here are a few things that I always look for and think about:
KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER:
- Support & Lift Capabilities – Does this bra hold everything in place? Do I feel supported, or am I experiencing sagging? If you aren’t receiving the right support from your bra, you’ll be dealing with back pain, so pay attention to a bra’s support while you shop.
- Comfort & Fit – We already talked through how to find the perfect strapless bra fit – does this bra meet the criteria? Is it comfortable, or are you already counting down the hours until you can take it off again from the moment you put it on?
- Material & Durability – Bras are the kind of pieces that I like to invest in. A good bra will last you for years – and look great the whole time – while a bra that isn’t well made will quickly fall apart on you, and will be uncomfortable throughout the process. Choose a bra with material you love that’s made to last.
- Size Range Availability – This point goes out to my ladies on both ends of the spectrum – if you have a particularly small or particularly large chest, does the strapless bra that you’re looking at come in sizes that work for you? Trust me, it’s not worth it to go with a bra that you’re going to have to try to make work – choose one in your correct size from the get go.
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR:
- Non-Slip Design Elements – One of the most stressful parts of wearing a strapless bra is worrying about whether or not you’ll be able to keep it up. I like to choose strapless bras that feature non-slip elements so that I’m not thinking about having to pull my bra up all evening.
- Convertible Options – I am always a fan of convertible pieces, and bras are no exception. Some bras come with removable straps, which is always a win in my book. That way, if you want to wear it with the straps, you easily can, while also being able to remove the straps hassle-free when you need a no strap option.
- Padding and Underwire Options – So much of this comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer a bra with solid padding, or are you more comfortable with an unpadded bra? Do you like the support of an underwire, or does the underwire irritate you? Some bras give you optional padding or removable underwires, so if you like to keep your options open, you can.
- Breathable Fabrics – If you live in or plan to travel to a warm climate, it’s always nice to have bras that are breathable. You’ll feel so much more comfortable – and less sweaty! – when you choose moisture-wick materials.
MY TOP STRAPLESS BRAS
Ready to discover the perfect strapless bra for you? Here are a few of my favorite styles of no strap bras and the best bras that I’ve found on the market.
TRADITIONAL STRAPLESS BRA
Women’s Pink Wear Everywhere Lightly Lined Strapless Bra
Victoria’s Secret is a classic in the world of lingerie – and for good reason. This strapless bra features soft, comfortable fabric and a sturdy underwire that provides great support. Its smooth fit looks seamless under any piece of clothing, and it stays up with ease – no fidgeting or adjusting. Plus, removable straps make the bra easily convertible!
Women’s Beauty Back Smoothing Strapless Bra
This timeless strapless bra from Vanity Fair features soft, 4-way stretch fabric and lightly lined cups for ultimate comfort and a smooth, seamless look underneath your clothing. No-slip silicone on the back and sides of the bra keeps everything in place, and the underwire provides easy support to keep you looking and feeling great.
Classic Strapless Bra
For a comfortable bra that provides great lift without falling or sagging, this ThirdLove bra is one of my go-to choices. Ultra-thin memory foam cups form to your specific shape, and no-slip silicone gripping lines the top and bottom edge. The bra also comes with removable clear straps for extra versatility, and the best part? This bra comes in half cup sizes, so if you struggle to find the perfect fit, this might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
LONGLINE STRAPLESS BRA
Elissa P50116 Women’s Full Bust and Full Figure Strapless Longline Bra
I love this bra because it’s designed to support all body types, from small busts to large busts alike. Silicone elastic keeps it in place no matter what the day throws at you, and and I love the elegant lace detailing.
Strapless Bra for Women Non-Slip Silicone Padded Bandeau Bra
Thin and stretchy but still padded, this longline strapless bra features no-slip silicone, along with a set of clear removable straps for easy wear multiple ways. Supportive and comfortable, it’s a great choice.
Women Longline Strapless Bra Full Coverage Corset Bra
I love this longline bra because it can be converted so many ways – one-strap, halter, cross back, classic, and more. The supportive boning makes this bra extra flattering, which I love.
ADHESIVE STRAPLESS BRA
Sticky Invisible Push up Silicone Bra for Backless Dress
Everyone needs a good sticky bra in their wardrobe, and I love this push up silicone bra. It stays securely in place all day, and the deep v design does a great job of boosting cleavage.
Strapless Sticky Bra
I love that this bra comes with two different colors when you order – and it even comes with nipple covers! It’s comfortable and sticky without causing irritation, with a clasp design that provides a great push-up effect.
Sticky Adhesive Silicone Nipple Pasties
No matter what you plan on wearing, these silicone nipple pasties will do the trick. They’ll stay all day, and they’re so comfortable you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. And the best part is that they come in a ton of different skin tones, so you’re sure to be able to find your perfect match.
BEST STRAPLESS BRAS FOR DIFFERENT BODY TYPES
Depending on your body type, you’re going to want different things from your strapless bra. Here are a few of my top choices of strapless bras for different body types.
STRAPLESS BRAS FOR SMALL BUSTS
If you have a small chest, you want a strapless bra that fits exceptionally well without slipping or falling. You shouldn’t be worrying about keeping it up! You also may want a bit of a push-up or some extra padding, and you always want to make sure that there’s no gapping, so you have a smooth, flattering fit.
Strapless Bra | MVP Multiway Lightly Lined Strapless
This bra is specifically designed for women sized AA, A, or B, so it’s made with small busts in mind. Its no-slip elastic band keeps the bra from sliding down, and light padding adds the perfect confidence boost if you want a little extra curve.
Strapless Bra
This sleek, supportive bra from Skims is one of my favorites for the small-chested ladies. Double layered with ultra-wide wings to keep everything smooth, silicone detailing will keep it in place all day long.
Every-Way Strapless Bra
Possibly the most versatile strapless bra for women with small chests, this bra from Victoria’s Secret features twelve different styling options. It has light push-up padding, and both natural and clear straps.
STRAPLESS BRAS FOR FULLER BUSTS
If you have a large chest, you want great support from your strapless bra to keep you free of back pain. It might feel impossible to find a bra that can keep everything up without straps, but trust me – it’s not impossible! Here are my favorite options for feeling comfortable and secure all day long.
Women’s Luxe Strapless Bra
Made specifically for large busts, this strapless bra features soft, flat seams and great boning. Its great rounded shape fits naturally without gapping, for support that leaves you feeling secure no matter what the day throws at you.
Women’s Pink Wear Everywhere Lightly Lined Strapless Bra
With size options all the way up to a DD/E, this strapless bra from Victoria’s Secret is insanely flattering, made from high-quality fabrics and breathable materials. The supportive elastic band provides all-day comfort, no matter your bra size.
Women’s Multiway Strapless Bra
Slightly padded without being a push-up, I love the structure of this bra. The anti-slip silicone keeps everything in place comfortably, and the soft underwire provides lift and support without being uncomfortable.
COMFORT FEATURES IN MODERN BEST NO STRAP BRAS
For years, strapless bras have gotten a bad rap, especially if you have a larger cup size. But strapless bras have majorly improved in recent years, and they’re so much more comfortable now. Here’s how:
- Silicone Grip Lining – Most strapless bras now have silicone grip lining, keeping your bra in place without digging uncomfortably into your skin.
- Cushioned Underwire – Support that doesn’t cut into you or cause pain.
- Breathable Fabric – Especially during the warmer months (which, let’s be honest, is when you’re most likely to be wearing strapless bras), breathable fabric keeps you cool and comfortable all day long.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF STRAPLESS BRAS
Finding a strapless bra that you love is worth its weight in gold. You want to take extra-good care of it so that it lasts for a long time. Here’s how to best take care of your strapless bra:
WASHING AND DRYING
- Don’t wash your strapless bra in the washing machine. Instead, hand wash it in cool water to preserve elasticity and elongate its lifespan.
- Use gentle detergent.
- Don’t wring or twist the bra when you’re done washing it; gently squeeze it out and then let it air dry to maintain its shape.
PROPER BRA STORAGE
- Store your strapless bra in an upright position to maintain its shape and prevent denting.
- Rotate your bras regularly so that the elastic can rest between wears.
- Store strapless bras in a cool location to keep the silicone non-stick grips in good shape.
A good strapless bra is an investment, but with proper care, it’s an investment worth making.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Strapless bras have gotten a bad reputation over the years, but when you find a good strapless bra, trust me – it will change your life. When you find one that you love, don’t be afraid to grab it in a few different colors. It’s worth having as a staple in your lingerie collection! If you’re shopping online, read online reviews from people who have similar body types to yours, and don’t be afraid to order multiple bras and return the ones that don’t fit. You deserve to love your no strap bra! The best no strap bras will change your life – it’s just a matter of putting in the work to find the perfect one for you.
SAVE IT ON PINTEREST:
READ MORE:
Winter Capsule Wardrobes: Chic Outfits to Create in the Winter
My Top Places to Shop Clothes for Petites
