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The Truth About Strapless Bras: Best Brands, No Matter Your Size

  |   By Holly Jackson

Every holiday season, the topic of strapless bras comes up.

There's one truth that should be universally acknowledged: most strapless bras are terrible, relatively ineffective and genuinely uncomfortable. This problem is even worse if you’re full busted or full-figured. At best, most strapless bras are annoying and not great at providing lift. In the worst cases, they’re truly painful.


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Today, I’ll help you separate the good from the bad. That way you can hopefully spend your time at your next big event eating yummy snacks and enjoying yourself rather than awkwardly trying to readjust your bra every ten minutes. While I’m generally into buying bras online and taking your chances on returns, I think strapless bras are one of the times that heading to your local boutique can be of great benefit to you. That said, these strapless bras are all a good starting point no matter how you’re buying.

Lace Longline Strapless Bra by Elila:

strapless bras

Lace Longline Strapless Bra
Available in 4 Colors
Bands 34 - 48 and Cups B - I
via Elila

This Elila is the only strapless bra that I own, which probably says a lot. It’s not modern looking, and it’s not a work of art, but it provides incredible support and can be worn comfortably for hours at a time. Make sure that the torso section is exceptionally fitted when you try it the first time----it will loosen up with wear. The only real downside is that it takes a team to get into due to the large number of hooks in the back, so you may have to ask your partner to help or ask a roommate for help. The upside is that once it is on, it doesn’t move an inch until you unhook it at the end of the day.

Smoothing Moulded Strapless Bra by Fantasie:

strapless bras

Smoothing Black Moulded Strapless Bra
Available in 2 Colors
Bands 30 -42 and Cups B - G
via Fantasie

This bra is a classic and has a cult following. I saw a Facebook post recently where someone was desperate to identify this strapless since it was so well-loved that the tag with the brand and size had disappeared. If you’re looking for an essential smooth molded cup strapless, this is where you should start.

Fuller Bust Low Back Strapless Bra by Ultimo:

strapless bras

Ultimo Fuller Bust Low Back Strapless Bra
Available in Bands 32 - 38 and Cups DD - F
via Figleaves

If you’re on the lower end of full-bust cup sizes and want a low back strapless, this is quite literally your only option. It’s not as low as some core size offerings, but it will work under a v-cut back or plunge back and provide decent support.

Retrolution Bridal Multi-way Bra by Gossard:strapless bras

Retrolution Bridal Multiway Bra
Available in Bands 30 - 38 and Cups A - E
via Gossard

This strapless is another with a cult following from the brand known for making the plungiest of plunge bras. This strapless is from the same line, featuring multi-way straps and a retro look that will appeal to a lot of people. It is a great all-purpose bra that also gets serious style points.

Red Carpet Strapless Full Busted Underwire Bra by Wacoal:

strapless bras

Wacoal Red Carpet Convertible Strapless Bra
Available in 4 Colors
Bands 30 - 44 and Cups B - H
via Nordstrom

The Wacoal is another seamless strapless that is pretty basic but also works. It’s been around for ages and is popular with pretty much everyone who fits the size range. The silicone grip on the inside helps the bra stay in place, so you won’t have to hide in the bathroom to adjust your bra at your next party.

Deco Shape Black Moulded Strapless Longline Bra by Freya:

strapless bras

Freya Deco Shape Underwire Contour Longline Bra
Available in 2 Colors
Bands 28 - 34 and Cups B - G
via Amazon

I am a firm believer in longline bras for those who are better endowed, only because a wider band helps distribute pressure and makes it more comfortable to wear over a more extended period. The Deco is giant of the full-bust lingerie industry, so this strapless longline version of the classic is bound to be a favorite. It’s also far better looking than the average strapless bra!

Luxe Strapless Bra by Curvy Kate:

strapless bras

Luxe Strapless Bra
Available in 2 Colors
Bands Sizes 28 - 40 and Cups B - J
via Curvy Kate

This bra made a splash when it hit the market several years ago and has now become a full-bust staple. It provides a fair amount of lift due to the internal sling support and is comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This bra is cut higher than some on this list, which means it may not be ideal under plunging necklines.

Do you wear strapless bras? If you're full busted or full-figured, which lingerie brands work for you?

Featured image: Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless Bra

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