5 Things to Look For in a Strapless Bra

Not all strapless bras are made equally, here’s what to look for.

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Some are built to hold you up but lack comfort. While others feel great, but don’t quite stay put.

Before we share our strapless bra tips for the next time you go bra shopping, let’s first quickly go over the basics.

What Is a Strapless Bra?

This style is exactly what it sounds like: a bra without straps. It’s arguably the most versatile bra you can own because it can be worn with almost every top and dress without distracting straps taking away from your look.

How Should a Strapless Bra Fit?

When trying on a strapless bra, keep in mind that your usual size may feel tighter than normal. In order to do its job without straps, strapless bras are designed to fit snugly on the body. Start with your everyday bra size and adjust as needed. Some women prefer to size up in this style while others opt to stick to their usual for maximum support. As long as you’re not sacrificing comfort, it’s completely up to you.

What Makes a Good Strapless Bra

1. No-slip grip: Pretty much everyone can agree that the most important feature of a strapless bra is that it stays up. Having to constantly shimmy your bra back into place can take all the fun out of your perfect off-the-shoulder look. Even strapless bras for small breasts should feature good silicone elastic at the cup edge and back to prevent unwanted slipping.
2. Multiway straps: For many of us, our strapless bra sits around waiting for a special occasion to be worn. But with detachable straps in the mix, you add versatility to your bra. Look for bras that include removable straps.
3. The right cup size: A strapless bra has to do a lot: stay put, support you, stay comfortable, and look smooth under your outfit. The right cup size is crucial here, and our half-cup sizes can help you find the perfect fit.
4. More hooks on larger sizes: Larger breasts need more support, especially when straps aren’t around to enhance stability. That’s why the best strapless bras for large breasts—or any breasts, for that matter—include a wider band and more hooks in the back to ensure a supportive and comfortable fit.
5. Comfortable boning on the sides: Boning, the inserts on a bra’s band that help it keep its structure, are necessary for support. The downside is that on many conventional bras, they can quickly become uncomfortable. Choose a strapless bra with boning that’s softly encased with quality padding, like our 24/7™ Classic Strapless.

Racerback styles, spaghetti strap dresses, off-the-shoulder tops — there’s never a bad time to go strapless. And who knows — with the right bra, you may just forgo straps forever.