The 8 Best Strapless Bras of 2023
Indeed, it's entirely possible to acquire a strapless bra that stays securely in place, avoids any discomfort along the sides, and maintains a sleek, streamlined profile.
JudiLife
What makes a strapless bra truly exceptional?
It's the seamless blend of unwavering support, unrivaled comfort, and impeccable aesthetics, offering the freedom to don open-shoulder ensembles with confidence.
Embarking on the quest for the perfect strapless bra is no small feat. The ideal one should defy gravity, offer seamless coverage, and vanish beneath your attire. In essence, it should be a versatile marvel, surpassing its strapped counterparts. Picture this: the freedom to flaunt open-shoulder ensembles, bolstered by convertible straps for added assurance.
In our pursuit of the paramount strapless bras, we spared no effort. Our discerning criteria demanded unwavering support, unrivaled comfort, and impeccable aesthetics, all without a hint of irritation. Each contender faced the scrutiny of two distinct individuals, representing both modest and curvaceous cup sizes. Only those that met our exacting standards endured; the rest were swiftly discarded.
Now, let's delve into the individual reviews of our top picks.
Unveiling the Ultimate Strapless Bras: Support, Comfort, and Style!
How To Wear A Strapless Bra | Strapless Bra Tips
BEST OVERALL
Photos: Amazon
What Impresses Us
This bra remains steadfast, even on ample chests, eliminating the need for constant readjustment throughout the day.
What Could Be Better
Regrettably, some users have reported operational issues arising around the two-year mark of usage. It's worth noting, however, that this occurrence isn't uncommon for mini fridges of this caliber.
Our expectations soared high when it came to selecting the ultimate strapless bra: a flawless fit, steadfast adherence without leaving a trace, and a comfort level that beckoned us to wear it day in and day out. Enter the Spanx strapless bra — a revelation that not only met but exceeded every criterion on our checklist.
This marvel underwent rigorous testing on two distinct chest sizes — B and DD — and emerged victorious on both fronts. Throughout the day, it stood its ground, never slipping or necessitating constant adjustments. The secret? Spanx's ingenious SmartGrip strap, a patented rubber band that ensures impeccable stability without the slightest discomfort. Coupled with the gentle embrace of soft nylon and memory foam cups, wearing this bra was akin to a gentle breeze, so much so that we almost forgot it was there.
BEST BUDGET
Photos: Amazon
What Impresses Us
The snug fit beneath the chest ensures the bra stays securely in place throughout the day.
What Could Be Better
With larger chests, the band and side boning may lead to some discomfort after extended wear.
In the realm of undergarments, bras have often carried a hefty price tag. However, rest assured, you needn't break the bank for adequate chest support. Case in point: the Maidenform bra.
This sleek balconette-style brassiere strikes the perfect balance, cradling with precision while offering a snug embrace that never feels restrictive. As we adorned ourselves with various outfits, the silhouette seamlessly melded, leaving no trace of telltale seams.
The intentionally snug band is a key feature, guaranteeing the bra stays in its rightful place throughout the day. It's worth noting that we found the fit particularly favorable for smaller chests, as opposed to larger cup sizes. Unless worn for short durations, the band tended to verge on the tight side, leaving a slight imprint on the skin and serving as a constant reminder of its presence. Additionally, there's a commendable amount of padding in the cups, providing a supportive lift without overwhelming volume.
BEST SPLURGE
Cosabella Never Say Never Plungie Strapless Bra
Photo: Amazon
What Impresses Us
The bra's deep plunge design effortlessly complements a diverse array of tops and dresses featuring alluring, low necklines.
What Could Be Better
The presence of lace necessitates delicate handwashing, which may become a bit laborious over time.
Much like curating a wardrobe, selecting the perfect bra is an investment in both comfort and style. If you're on par with us, you understand the quest for a new, reliable piece every couple of years. It's worth every penny. Enter the Cosabella Never Say Never Plungie bra, a masterpiece that seamlessly marries function and fashion. With its mid-width band, slip-resistant silicone lining, and padded cups catering to a fuller bust, it not only performs impeccably but also boasts an alluring lace detail that adds a touch of sophistication.
What sets this bra apart is its band, providing four different lengths with hooks – an extra level of customization that sets it apart from the rest. This ensures a tailored fit that complements your unique physique. While it embraces without feeling restrictive, it's worth noting that, like many strapless bras that rely on firm, supportive bands, it may leave faint imprints on the skin where the band and boning rest – a minor trade-off for steadfast support.
The true testament to this bra's prowess is its unwavering reliability. No need for constant tugging or adjustments; it stays in place without causing any discomfort. The plunge design unlocks a realm of style possibilities, effortlessly complementing V-cuts and low-neckline dresses – a feat that standard strapless bras often struggle with. Even under simpler tops, the smooth cups maintain a discreet profile. However, under particularly sheer fabrics, the lace detailing may subtly peek through.
One invaluable piece of advice: adhere to the care instructions. We learned this lesson firsthand by subjecting it to the washer and dryer, resulting in some fraying along the seams. Thankfully, a quick fix with scissors resolved the issue in minutes. To avoid this mishap altogether, opt for gentle handwashing – a small effort to preserve this remarkable bra.
BEST FOR SMALL BREASTS
Pepper MVP Multiway Strapless Bra
Photos: Amazon
What Impresses Us
This bra seamlessly adheres to the chest, ensuring a snug, gap-free fit against the skin.
What Could Be Better
The slightly thicker band may pose a challenge when pairing with cropped shirts.
For those in the petite bust league, finding a strapless bra that sits flush against the skin can be a true triumph. Enter Pepper, tailor-made for small bust sizes. This thoughtfully designed strapless bra offers just the right amount of support without overwhelming the bust with excess fabric or an ill-fitting cup.
Available exclusively in sizes AA, A, and B, with band sizes extending up to 40, this lightly lined bra features subtle caging along the sides. When combined with the sturdy band, it ensures a secure fit. Despite this snug embrace, we never felt any discomfort from tags or silicone against our skin.
A quick spin in the washer revealed no compromise in the bra's quality. We were delighted to retrieve it in the same impeccable condition as when it first graced our wardrobe. While it continued to offer steadfast support, we did find it less compatible with certain tops like crop tops, due to the slightly thicker band.
BEST PLUS SIZE
Photos: Amazon
What Impresses Us
This bra delivers comprehensive coverage and robust support, resulting in a flattering silhouette under clothing.
What Could Be Better
After an extended period, the band tends to become somewhat less comfortable.
For plus-sized individuals, the quest for a reliable strapless bra can be quite the intricate task. However, Thirdlove’s Classic Strapless Bra steps up to the plate, offering unparalleled support and comfort for our curvier frames. Our primary focus here was on securing ample coverage and ensuring maximum comfort, both of which this bra from ThirdLove delivered with finesse. Crafted from soft foam fabric and featuring a delicate level of padding, it provided the support and lift we needed, without veering into push-up territory. Bra fitting expert, Sabrina Oxford from Empreinte, advises that individuals with voluptuous figures should seek out bras with thicker bands, like this one, for enhanced support. Furthermore, she notes that the presence of underwire ensures a superior shape and maintains a seamless appearance beneath clothing.
The band is impeccably smooth and incorporates a silicone lining to prevent any unwanted slipping or shifting. While this feature performed admirably initially, we did find ourselves making the occasional adjustment after a few hours of wear. This could be attributed to the absence of side panels, which, in turn, contributed to a heightened level of comfort.
Additionally, we observed that the sizing of the bra runs slightly on the smaller side. After consulting their size guide, we opted to reorder with a wider band, a step we highly recommend you consider as well. Upon receiving the corrected order, we reveled in the flexibility of the three hook and eye positions, allowing for further customization to suit our individual body shapes.
BEST LOW CUT
Natori Feathers Strapless Bra
Photos: Amazon
What Impresses Us
This bra seamlessly disappears beneath even our most daring deep v-cut shirts, providing a flawless, concealed look.
What Could Be Better
The lace detailing around the band, while adding a touch of elegance, may become slightly irksome and cause a mild itchiness over time.
Finally, those daring deep V-neck shirts and plunging going-out tops have met their match: the Natori Feathers Strapless Bra. Despite its low cut, this bra delivers a surprising level of coverage, alleviating any concerns of a wardrobe malfunction. Even for those with a larger bust, confidence was never an issue when pairing it with a cut-out top, thanks to its comprehensive support. When donned beneath our favorite slightly daring shirts, it seamlessly blended, lying flush against the chest and vanishing from view. The tasteful lace accents along the band added a touch of sophistication, retaining their pristine look even after a wash. While we confess it may occasionally induce a mild itch, it’s a minor quibble that tends to dissipate with time, especially after a wash.
Throughout the day, the bra exhibited unwavering reliability, staying put on our smaller chests and maintaining a secure fit without any unsightly gaps. On our more generously endowed counterparts, there was a slight tendency for some movement after a few hours of wear and during more animated activities. This can be attributed to the absence of a silicone band at the bottom, a feature present only at the top. While not overly distracting or bothersome, it's a noteworthy observation worth mentioning.
BEST FOR HEAVY BREASTS
Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra
Photos: Amazon
What Impresses Us
The broader bridge between the cups imparts a lifted and well-separated appearance to the chest, steering clear of the uniboob effect.
What Could Be Better
The boning along the sides and back, while contributing to structure, may eventually lead to some discomfort.
For those with fuller breasts, the quest for substantial support to alleviate the strain on your chest, back, and shoulders is paramount. The Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra steps up to the plate, armed with strategic boning along the sides and back, an expansive band, reliable underwire, and well-defined cups. Additionally, a non-slip rubber binding lines the edges, ensuring a steadfast fit. In the realm of strapless bras, this offering provides the pinnacle of support, adeptly shouldering the weight of our ample assets with grace.
Upon donning this bra for our DD-sized breasts, we were met with a pleasant revelation: the broader bridge between the cups not only separated but also lifted our breasts, steering clear of the dreaded uniboob effect. The cushioned band encircling the ribs left no unsightly marks on our skin, a testament to its thoughtful design. The bra bestowed full coverage, eliminating any concern of spillage beneath our shirts. Instead, it gently smoothed over our chest, making it an ideal companion for form-fitting tops like tank tops and snug white tees.
Yet, with great support and structure comes a minor trade-off: this bra does tend to feel noticeably snugger than others on this list, and the boning may leave faint imprints on the skin. Nevertheless, considering the imperative need for robust support with heavier breasts, we deem it a worthy investment. We strongly advocate for shopping according to your true size, as this seemed to yield the most comfortable fit. Opting for a band size too small may result in discomfort from the boning making contact with your skin.
BEST FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Cosabella Forte Convertible Strapless Bra
Photos: Amazon
What Impresses Us
This bra provides commendable support, even without the added padding.
What Could Be Better
Unfortunately, the texture and shape may be discernible under clothing.
This bra is a true work of art, almost too exquisite to be concealed beneath clothing. Whether it's a grand soirée or a quiet evening in, this bra effortlessly transitions from a subtle, alluring detail to a striking statement piece. While it may lean towards the realm of special occasions rather than everyday wear, it still offers a level of comfort that easily endures six to eight hours without a hitch.
Every inch of this bra is adorned with an intricate lace pattern, artfully supported by delicate caging along the front, sides, and back. Once fastened with its trio of hooks, we were pleasantly surprised by the generous coverage it provided. While there may be a slight nod to the iconic '50s cone bra silhouette, there's an undeniable allure to this vintage-inspired style. Unlike its predecessors, however, this bra delivers commendable support even without any padding.
The band maintains its steadfast presence throughout the day, and the side boning remains discreet, never intruding upon our skin. It's worth noting that the lace detailing may peek through underneath clothing, prompting us to carefully consider our ensemble. A delicate slip, a coy peek-a-boo beneath a low-cut top, or simply paired with a plush robe for a snug evening in—all are fitting companions for this exceptional bra.
Looking for a versatile bra wardrobe?
While strapless bras are essential for certain outfits, don't forget to explore our guide on The 7 Best Wireless Bras for All Body Types. These wireless wonders offer unparalleled comfort and support, catering to various body shapes and sizes. Discover your perfect fit and experience a new level of undergarment comfort.