What makes a great strapless bra?

A strapless bra is designed to give support to your bust without the help of straps, but without a precise fit and a decent amount of comfort, this undergarment can be quite a nuisance. Experts like Silvia Campello, Co-CEO of Cosabella, can’t stress the importance of these elements enough. “A good strapless bra, like any bra or bralette, should first fit properly—no gapping, no slipping and sliding, no bulging. And second, it should feel comfortable.”

How are strapless bras supposed to fit?

There are several points to consider when assessing fit, including the band size and structure, the cup size and shape, and the materials used. “Just like any bra or bralettes, strapless bras are supposed to fit snugly around the band and the band should not ride up in the back,” Campello says. Your bra falling (and you constantly pulling it up) is a tell-tale sign that your band is too big. Meanwhile, if your bra band is so tight that it’s painful, it’s too small. Cups, on the other hand, should cover your breasts completely. “If you are jiggling at the top, your cup is too small. If you are getting side boob spillage, your cup is too small,” Heather Viskovic, Director of Merchandising at Bare Necessities, explains. In addition to good sizing, stretchy fabrics, side boning, and wider bands also play major roles in the comfort of great strapless bras.

Do strapless bras really work for large breasts?

Strapless bras can work great for larger busts, but there are a few key design features to look for, ThirdLove co-founder Ra’el Cohen says. A wider, or taller, band “will provide more support and smoothing properties than a narrow band.” Just as critical: A cup with enough coverage, like a balconette that’s “not too plunging at the neckline,” Cohen explains. High-quality fabrics and design details, like a wider band, silicone grips, and side boning can also help to keep the bra in place, avoiding spillage.

What is the best way to determine individual size, especially when ordering from a new brand?

It’s a well-known fact that sizes are not always the same across brands. Bra sizing, which requires such a precise fit, can be particularly tricky, so it’s important to take the appropriate steps to ensure the right size. The best way to start: “Measure yourself,” says Campello, and follow the size chart at hand. “Read it carefully, follow the Fit Guide tips, and don’t try to ‘make it work’ when your size is not listed in the chart. Your best fit is always going to be your true size.”

The 20 Best Strapless Bras in 2023

Strapless bras—does anyone look forward to shopping for them? Perhaps this is because we’ve all had our fair share of experiences with ill-fitting or poorly designed ones that slip, pull, or warp. Still, a great strapless bra is essential to any wardrobe with its delicate silks and chiffons as well as strappy, strapless, or off-the-shoulder necklines.

To simplify your search for a great strapless bra, we’ve researched the top-rated styles on the market today and talked to a few experts.

Read on for the best strapless bras.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Cosabella Evolution Strapless Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Aerie Real Sunnie Strapless Bra at Ae.com

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

La Perla Black Lycra Strapless Brassiere with Chantilly Lace at Orchardmile.com

Jump to Review

Best for Large Busts:

Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Small Busts:

Lulalu Cora Convertible Strapless Bra at Lulalu.com

Jump to Review

Best Classic:

ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra at Thirdlove.com

Jump to Review

Best Balconette:

Fleur Du Mal Top Stitch Convertible Bra at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Detailed:

Agent Provocateur Hinda Balconette Bra at Agentprovocateur.com

Jump to Review

Best Bandeau:

Skims Fits Everybody Bandeau Bra at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Unlined:

Wacoal Halo Strapless Bra at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie?

4.5

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Cosabella.com

Cosabella’s Evolution Strapless bra style leaves little to be desired. It’s seamless under clothes, with lightly padded cups and underwire to support the breasts just so. It comes with removable adjustable straps to convert to a regular bra as needed, and it features a 4x3 hook and eye back closure. Reviewers around the world coin it “the best strapless bra” with great comfort and support.

Price at time of publish: $78

Aerie

View On Ae.com

Material: 64% nylon, 36% elastane | Colors: True Black, Sands | Cup Sizes: 32A-40D

This bra is billed to be soft, stretchy, supportive—and well-priced. It comes with removable straps and is ideal under T-shirts and tank tops, and the Real Soft® fabric offers a 360-degree stretch. Reviewers rave about the quality, versatility, and comfort of this number, but also suggest going up a band and/or cup size for the best fit.

Price at time of publish: $50

La Perla Black Lycra Strapless Brassiere with Chantilly Lace

Saks off fifth

View On Orchardmile.com View On Saksoff5th.com

Material: Lycra | Colors: Black, Nude, White | Cup Sizes: 32A-38C

If you’re looking for a strapless bra with a certain je ne sais quoi, La Perla’s brassiere could be for you. It promises to hug the figure gently under virtually any garment, while the chantilly lace cut-outs add touches of glamour and romance. And if you’re feeling extra spendy, consider completing the look with these matching Brazilian briefs.

Price at time of publish: $365

4.3

Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Underwire Bra

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Barenecessities.com

Material: 91% nylon, 9% spandex | Colors: Black, Brush, Sand | Cup Sizes: 30B-44G

This super-supportive strapless bra by Wacoal is the ultimate choice for anyone with a D cup or larger. It has nearly 10,000 positive reviews across major retailers: 4,150 on Amazon, 1,600 on Nordstrom, 715 on Bloomingdales, 400 on Bare Necessities, 400 on Dillard’s, 340 on Zappos, and 300 on Saks Fifth Avenue —you get the picture. Fully adjustable with stretch straps included, this smooth stretch microfiber bra can be worn in a multitude of other ways as well.

Price at time of publish: $72

Lulalu

View On Lulalu.com

Material: 92% nylon, 8% spandex | Colors: Black, Nude | Cup Sizes: 32A-38AAA

For Lulalu, versatility and comfort are paramount. This style comes in AA and AAA breasts to best accommodate women with small busts. It promises not to budge, no matter what, and offers some extra padding for a little lift.

4.4

ThirdLove

View On Thirdlove.com

Material: Nylon, spandex | Colors: Black, Taupe, Mahogany | Cup Sizes: 32A-48D

For a quintessential strapless bra style with the most inclusive sizing, look to ThirdLove. This bra is made with soft-support foam, a smooth band, and silicone edging for maximum support and comfort. It comes in numerous band and cup combinations, including half-cups, so you can find the most precise fit.

Price at time of publish: $72

Fleur Du Mal

View On Amazon View On Farfetch.com View On Fleurdumal.com

Material: 95% silk, 5% elastane | Colors: Black, Rose | Cup Sizes: 32A-36G

With this style, Fleur Du Mal marries the lift and shape qualities of a straight-across balconette bra with the functionality of a convertible strapless bra for the perfect hybrid piece. The Top Stitch Convertible Bra exudes luxury, from its silk-lined cups to its topstitch detailing, and is perfect under a square-neck dress or top given its wide-set straps. It’s also offered in extended sizing, to 36G—could we ask for anything else?

Price at time of publish: $134

SSENSE

View On Agentprovocateur.com View On Ssense.com

Material: Polyamide, elastane | Colors: Black | Cup Sizes: 32A-36DD

Agent Provocateur Hinda Balconette Bra is everything we’d want in a detailed strapless bra. It’s made from sheer stretch nylon-blend lace and tulle, with scalloped edging across the top of the bustline. In terms of silhouette, the cups make a sweetheart shape to emphasize natural cleavage and provide more coverage than a true balconette bra, which is generally characterized by lower cups. One downside to this bra: sizing only runs up to a 36DD, so it doesn’t accommodate women with larger breasts.

Price at time of publish: $250

Skims

View On Nordstrom View On Net-a-Porter View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Material: 79% nylon, 21% spandex | Colors: Talc, Dusk, Iris Mica, Rose Clay, Moonstone, Sky +more | Cup Sizes: XXS-4X

Per the name, this bandeau is designed to fit every wearer with sizes ranging from XXS to 4X. It’s also buttery soft and has a no-cut design that offers a light lift with no digging or apparent seaming. Reviewers love the comfort, quality, and material of this style. Purchase it in your skin tone, the seasonal color options, or both.

Price at time of publish: $28

Bloomingdale's

View On Nordstrom View On Barenecessities.com View On Belk.com

Material: 82% nylon, 18% spandex | Colors: Black, Sand | Cup Sizes: 32B-40DDD

The Wacoal Halo Strapless Bra is a summertime favorite amongst bra experts. That’s because it’s lightweight and breathable from a semi-sheer layer of floral lace. Supportive side boning and silicone keep this bra in place and accommodate bust sizes up to 40DDD.

Price at time of publish: $55

Bloomingdale's

View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales View On Neiman Marcus

Material: Nylon, spandex | Colors: Black, Peau Rose, Ivory | Cup Sizes: 30D-40D

Decades ago, corset maker Simone Perele set her mind to making sophisticated lingerie. In perfecting a method that combines plush fabric and delicate embroidery to create equal parts elegant, supportive and comfortable undergarments, Perele achieved that end. Enter the Eden Strapless Plunge Bra, today’s solution to strapless support with modern lace details.

Price at time of publish: $40

Soma

View On Soma.com

Material: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane | Colors: Black, Warm Amber, Porcelain | Cups Sizes: 34B-44G

For a serious lift and inclusive sizing, look no further than Soma’s Starlet style. The foam cups contour to your shape and the inner sides are lined with Lycra for a no-slip fit. Reviewers say it’s quite comfortable and supportive—so much so that they circled back later to buy it in other colors. This option would be great for a strapless top or a V-neck that shows just a little bit of cleavage.

Price at time of publish: $38

La Perla

View On Laperla.com

Material: 70% polyamide, 30% spandex/elastane; 100% cotton lining | Colors: Dark Nude, Black | Cup Sizes: 36A-34F

We’ve established that finding a great strapless bra can be like finding a diamond in the rough, and the more specific your needs in that category are, the harder it can be to find what you’re looking for. La Perla recognizes this, with its Second Skin Bandeau Bra covering your need for support in low-cut necklines.

4.9

Spanx

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Barenecessities.com

Material: Nylon, elastane | Colors: Very Black, Champagne Beige | Cup Sizes: 32A-40DD

Just as promised, this strapless bra won’t let you down, reviewers say. This style’s memory foam cups make for a natural shape, while the band, made with exclusive SmartGrip™ technology, embraces the body comfortably, without digging, for sizes 32A to 40DDD. For the best fit, the brand recommends wearing the bra level around the body, parallel to the ground.

Price at time of publish: $74

Wacoal Red Carpet Medium Control Convertible Bodysuit

Bare Necessities

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Barenecessities.com

Material: 65% nylon, 35% spandex | Colors: Black, Sand | Cup Sizes: 34C-40G

For maximum support, who doesn’t love a good bodysuit? This version by Wacoal has everything we could want, including a strapless feature. Reviewers say it’s comfortable, high-quality, and well-fitting. The microfiber fabric feels like a second skin and shapes the silhouette, while the built-in power mesh helps smooth the torso, if you're looking for that function.

Price at time of publish: $125

Else Petunia Strapless Underwire Corset Bra

Shopbop

View On Neiman Marcus View On Shopbop.com

Materials: Nylon, spandex | Colors: Black, Ivory | Cup Sizes: 32A-36D

For something slightly see-through, check out Else’s Petunia Strapless option, handcrafted in Istanbul. It’s billed to be a corset-style bra (meaning that it’s not a full corset, but rather, it’s inspired by the form of one) with a single layer of semi-sheer floral lace lining the underwire cups and a thick back band made from elastic, lace, and five hook-and-eyes down. To show off the scalloped edges on the cups, we’d wear it under a sheer blouse.

Price at time of publish: $100

Shopbop

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Walmart

Material: 40% silicone adhesive, 30% polyester, 30% polyurethane foam | Colors: Fair, Tan, Black | Cup Sizes: A-D

Whether you’re looking for some support under your favorite backless number or you want to avoid a bra bulge under a tight-fitting garment, NuBra is here for you. The Seamless Push-Up style is a bra with no back that stays in place with a gentle adhesive located inside of the cups.

Price at time of publish: $47

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Barenecessities.com View On Vabienusa.com

Material: Nylon, spandex, polyester, polyurethane | Colors: Black, Nude, White | Cup Sizes: 32B-38E

From the bust to the waist, this bustier by Va Bien has you covered (and cinched!) Per the name, it has a slightly lower back, which makes the piece perfect under low-back tops and dresses. Reviewers say it lends itself well to formal events, citing comfort and great quality as key reasons for why they love it.

Price at time of publish: $85

Felina

View On Felina.com

Materials: 76% nylon, 24% spandex | Colors: Black, Warm Neutral | Cup Sizes: 32C-36H

Those who want more coverage below the waist than the average strapless bra provides but less than what a corset gives might consider a longline strapless bra, like this one by Felina. The piece is designed with fully rounded cups for a sweetheart neckline and a faintly lower back for versatility.

B. Temptâd by Wacoal Future Foundations Wire-Free Strapless Bra

Bare Necessities

View On Nordstrom View On Barenecessities.com View On Bloomingdales

Materials: 77% nylon, 23% spandex | Colors: Black, Naturally Nude | Cup Sizes: 30B-38DD

Wacoal has a bra for all of your wire-free needs—it’s called Future Foundations, and the experts consider it a wardrobe essential. This style is seam-free and has a low-profile sweetheart neckline that works well under most garments. In place of wires, features like side boning, molded cups, and silicone edging work to prevent slipping.

Price at time of publish: $31

Meet the Expert

Silvia Campello is the Co-CEO of Cosabella. She has been with the company for nearly 24 years and is also a licensed acupuncturist.
Heather Viskovic is the Director of Merchandising at Bare Necessities. She has an extensive background in merchandising and has also worked at Ralph Lauren, Randa Accessories, and Fossil.
Ra’el Cohen is the ThirdLove Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer. She was the lead lingerie designer at the company for more than six years and holds a degree in fashion design from FIDM.

What to Look for in a Strapless Bra

Material

Shapewear, particularly bra wear, is generally made from polyester, nylon, and spandex—some of the world’s most popular textiles. Polyester is a durable fabric that’s considered relatively low-maintenance, as it can be washed without special instructions due to its high resistance to stretching and shrinking. Spandex is just as long-lasting—it doesn’t pill or shrink, and it’s eco-friendly because it’s made from plants and therefore biodegradable. Nylon is all-around very similar to polyester in that it’s just as durable and very cost-effective fabric, so options made mostly from these fabrics should be less expensive. It’s perhaps most desirable when it’s mixed with polyester, as one enhances the best qualities of the other.

Support and coverage

Cuts for strapless bras vary less than for bras with straps because there are only a few that can provide substantial support without the help of bra straps. Various balconette styles are suitable strapless bras, depending on whether you have a large or small bust. Cups on a classic balconette bra offer less coverage to emphasize natural cleavage and curves, though an offshoot of this version is a sweetheart shape, which seeks to achieve the same end in terms of the fit and look but provides a touch more support than the former. Plunge cuts are certainly more suitable for low-cut tops, while bandeaus provide the most coverage.

FAQ

What makes a great strapless bra?

A strapless bra is designed to give support to your bust without the help of straps, but without a precise fit and a decent amount of comfort, this undergarment can be quite a nuisance. Experts like Silvia Campello, Co-CEO of Cosabella, can’t stress the importance of these elements enough. “A good strapless bra, like any bra or bralette, should first fit properly—no gapping, no slipping and sliding, no bulging. And second, it should feel comfortable.”
How are strapless bras supposed to fit?

There are several points to consider when assessing fit, including the band size and structure, the cup size and shape, and the materials used.
“Just like any bra or bralettes, strapless bras are supposed to fit snugly around the band and the band should not ride up in the back,” Campello says. Your bra falling (and you constantly pulling it up) is a tell-tale sign that your band is too big. Meanwhile, if your bra band is so tight that it’s painful, it’s too small. Cups, on the other hand, should cover your breasts completely.
“If you are jiggling at the top, your cup is too small. If you are getting side boob spillage, your cup is too small,” Heather Viskovic, Director of Merchandising at Bare Necessities, explains.
In addition to good sizing, stretchy fabrics, side boning, and wider bands also play major roles in the comfort of great strapless bras.
Do strapless bras really work for large breasts?

Strapless bras can work great for larger busts, but there are a few key design features to look for, ThirdLove co-founder Ra’el Cohen says. A wider, or taller, band “will provide more support and smoothing properties than a narrow band.” Just as critical: A cup with enough coverage, like a balconette that’s “not too plunging at the neckline,” Cohen explains.
High-quality fabrics and design details, like a wider band, silicone grips, and side boning can also help to keep the bra in place, avoiding spillage.
What is the best way to determine individual size, especially when ordering from a new brand?

It’s a well-known fact that sizes are not always the same across brands. Bra sizing, which requires such a precise fit, can be particularly tricky, so it’s important to take the appropriate steps to ensure the right size. The best way to start: “Measure yourself,” says Campello, and follow the size chart at hand. “Read it carefully, follow the Fit Guide tips, and don’t try to ‘make it work’ when your size is not listed in the chart. Your best fit is always going to be your true size.”

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie?

This shopping guide was written by Byrdie contributor Hayley Prokos. A seasoned commerce writer and editor, she’s constantly on the hunt for products to make getting ready easier. Her work has appeared in SELF Magazine, Newsweek, and the daily Greek newspaper Ekathimerini, and she holds a Master of Arts in Journalism from Northwestern University. For this roundup, she poured over reviews and picked the brains of several bra experts for upwards of 12 hours.

Lead image product provided by Lively and Harper Wilde .

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