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. So, how do you find the best strapless bras?

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.

A no-slip grip is, therefore, a paramount feature to seek in any strapless bra as it keeps up your strapless bra. Look for a bra with a silicone lining along the top and the bottom edges that can help the bra adhere to the skin and stay in place. This magical feature could mean the difference between your bra staying in place with no unexpected slips or constant awkward adjustments.

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. Opt for a bra with removable multiway straps that can be adjusted to various configurations - traditional, crisscross, halter, racerback, or even one shoulder. Go for a strapless bra that comes with both matching and transparent straps. This adaptability allows you to wear your strapless bra with different outfits, giving you more bang for the buck and endless styling possibilities.

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. Too small? You’ll be spilling over the edges (not cute). Too big and you get empty spaces and lose support. Ill-fitting cups not only compromise support but also undermine the overall silhouette. The right cup size is crucial here, and our half-cup sizes can help you find the perfect fit. If needed, don’t shy away from getting professionally fitted. Otherwise, take advantage of ThirdLove’s online Fitting Room Quiz to get your accurate size. Your girls will thank you.

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.  Extra hooks are more than just an aesthetic detail; they help distribute the weight evenly, reducing the strain on your band. Additionally, with more hooks, you can adjust your fit more precisely as you can choose the hook that feels most comfortable and secure for you. 

5. Comfortable Side Boning

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 Classic Strapless.

Strapless Bra Sizing

Now to the question, “How should a strapless bra fit?” Since your strapless bra does not have straps to help lift your breasts, it relies more on the band. This may mean that your strapless bra needs a different size than your regular bra. You may need a smaller band size for a more snug and secure fit. However, this is not a rule, and you should always try a size and check the fit.

When to Wear a Strapless Bra

A strapless bra makes a great option for any occasion that requires you to show off your shoulders, from a wedding to parties, from dates to a casual day out. A strapless bra is a go-to option when you are wearing any outfit that is off-the-shoulder, halter, one-shoulder, or any other shoulder-baring dress. 

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.