You've finally found that perfect wedding dress. But, it's strapless. How do you find a strapless bra that's right for your shape? What if you need a full figure strapless bra? Or a DD or DDD (or larger) cup size? Or need the best strapless bra for a small bust?
That's what started my original search for the perfect strapless bra - a dress I got for a wedding. It was strapless. So, I headed off to the stores to buy a strapless bra. Not as easy as I thought.
The bras in my size were limited. The strapless bras even more so. The pretty strapless bras — practically non-existent. I didn't want to look like a granny (heck, my granny wouldn't have worn any of them; she liked pretty bras). Some of them slid down, others had no support (probably OK for smaller women, but not if you have a large bust).
So, here's a collection of pretty strapless, low back, backless (no back at all), push-up, and longline or bustier bras, organized by sizes and shapes: full bust, full figure, small bust, push-up, and petite.
Plus, there's a section at the end for bustiers and low back or backless strapless bras. Just the thing for weddings, strapless or backless and summer tops. And, they all stay up where they're supposed to! Even the plus size versions.
That's what started my original search for the perfect strapless bra - a dress I got for a wedding. It was strapless. So, I headed off to the stores to buy a strapless bra. Not as easy as I thought.
The bras in my size were limited. The strapless bras even more so. The pretty strapless bras — practically non-existent. I didn't want to look like a granny (heck, my granny wouldn't have worn any of them; she liked pretty bras). Some of them slid down, others had no support (probably OK for smaller women, but not if you have a large bust).
So, here's a collection of pretty strapless, low back, backless (no back at all), push-up, and longline or bustier bras, organized by sizes and shapes: full bust, full figure, small bust, push-up, and petite.
Plus, there's a section at the end for bustiers and low back or backless strapless bras. Just the thing for weddings, strapless or backless and summer tops. And, they all stay up where they're supposed to! Even the plus size versions.
Best Plus Size Strapless Bras That Stay Up
This includes band sizes up to 48 in C, D, DD, DDD, E, F, FF, G, and GG cups in US or UK sizes.
Yes, it holds you up. So you don't have to bag, sag, struggle, or fight with your bra, even if you need and L cup. It's got convertible straps so you can wear the bra strapless, standard, halter, one shoulder, or criss-crossed.
It's unlined (no extra bulk or padding). Boning and powermesh on the sides helps keep you in place and push your breast tissue forward. The angled and vertical seams provide great shaping and lift, even for heavy breasts.
Oh, and bonus pretty sheer lace on the tops of the cups.
Comes in black and beige in UK sizes 32I-L, 34G-L, 36DDD-L, 38DDD-L, 40DD-L, 42DD-J, 44DD-H, and 46DD.
You get plenty of options with this bra. Wear it strapless, halter, criss-cross, or the usual way.
It’s molded (for shaping), but not padded so there’s no extra bulk.
That also makes it lighter, even in the larger sizes. There’s boning on the sides to give you extra support, minimize bulges, and push you forward.
And, the no-slip material on the cups keeps the bra where it belongs (no sliding!).
Comes in black or beige, US sizes 34-42 C, D, and DD.
This is a contour bra, with some padding for modesty. It will hide back fat and side bulges so you’ll get a smooth look without lumps or bumps. The sides are boned for better support.
It works strapless, halter, criss-cross or the traditional way.
The fabric on the back even covers the hooks, so they won’t show through your dress.
There are silicone grippers everywhere most strapless bras can slip: under the band, on the underwires, on the sides and along the back edge— so this one won’t. It has an arched center, so it won't dig into your stomach.
Available in rose beige, white, and black; US sizes 36-44 C, D, and DD.
Pushup bras give you extra oomph (they are padded on the bottom to push up your breast tissue and give you more cleavage. Some of these go up to a DD cup, but these brands run small so they're best for average busted women.
You can wear this bra six (yes six!) different ways: standard, strapless, criss-cross, halter, one shoulder, or one shoulder cross-over.
There’s a bit of padding for shaping and support without looking phony.
A silicone strip around the top of the cups keeps the bra in place, even if you’re dancing or bending over.
Comes in latte, black, and white in US sizes 32 -B, 34A-D, 36 A-D, and 38 B-D.
Maidenform is best for smaller band and cup sizes (this brand runs small!).
This has push up padding for more oomph. The fabric is super-soft and will mold to your skin for a better fit. It's got a pretty lace insert between the cups and more lace along the band. Plus, it's really versatile. You can wear it four different ways (strapless, halter, criss-cross, and standard).
Note that Calvin Klein runs small, particularly in the band, so take that into account.
Comes in black, beige, and white. US sizes 30 C-DD, 32 D and DD, 34B-DDD, 36 A-DD, and 38D and DD
A multi-functional bra that you can wear strapless, halter, criss-cross, or standard. The bra has three hooks in back plus power mesh sides for more support. That, plus the silicon strips along the sides and back ensure it stays up.
Get more cleavage and great staying power with this beautiful strapless bra. The contrasting lace along the edge adds a touch of elegance. There's boning for support and silicone grippers on the top and sides to keep the bra from sliding or slipping.
The straps can be removed, or worn halter, one-shoulder, criss-cross, or standard. It's like having five different bras!
US sizes 30B-36D in black and beige.
This bra is great for larger cup sizes. The silicone on the back helps keep everything where it belongs. The boning shapes (rather than add padding or size).It does come with straps, which you can wear the usual way, criss-cross, halter, or not at all.
Note that this bra runs a bit big. The center is narrow, so it is best if you are close-set. It comes in sizes 30 DD, E (US DDD), F, FF, G; 32C-G, 34-36 B-G,; 38B-G; 40D and E; and 42 C-D, in beige and black.
The plunge neckline on this bra is great for lower cut tops and dresses.
There are two loops on the cups, and four on the band, so you can wear the straps either closer together or further apart (great for adjusting for either narrow shoulders or tops with no sleeves). And you can wear it strapless, traditional, or criss-crossed.
It gives great support (even at larger cup sizes), and there's boning in the sides to push you out and forward.
The styling is particularly good if you are wide and shallow (since strapless bras naturally have wider wires and less coverage.
Comes in beige and black in UK sizes 28D, DD, E, F, FF, and G; 30D-GG, 34-36B-GG, and 38B-G.
Note that UK E equals US DDD.
This bra has been causing quite a stir. It comes in cups up to an H (US sizes) and still provides support and lift. It's quite a feat of engineering. It's got contouring for shaping and lift, without being bulky.
The back and sides are high, so it will smooth you out. The center is wide, so it's best if you are wide-set. Wear it strapless, traditional, halter, or criss-cross. It has silicone strips and boning so it will stay in place even if you jump up and down while wearing it.
Comes in black, beige, fawn, sand, and pecan in sizes 30D-G, 32, 34, 36, 38 C-H, 40C-G, and 42D-DDD.
An excellent choice if you're short, small busted, and have a small frame. It has padding, but you can remove the pads if you want to. The straps are detachable and can be worn four different ways (halter, racerback, classic, and one-shoulder).The cups have a delicate floral lace design.
This design is particularly good for wider-set breasts (see the wider triangle in the middle).
Sizes 28-32A, B, and C in pearl, beige, black, and black lace.
Yes, it holds you up. So you don't have to bag, sag, struggle, or fight with your bra, even if you need and L cup. It's got convertible straps so you can wear the bra strapless, standard, halter, one shoulder, or criss-crossed.
It's unlined (no extra bulk or padding). Boning and powermesh on the sides helps keep you in place and push your breast tissue forward. The angled and vertical seams provide great shaping and lift, even for heavy breasts.
Oh, and bonus pretty sheer lace on the tops of the cups.
Comes in black and beige in UK sizes 32I-L, 34G-L, 36DDD-L, 38DDD-L, 40DD-L, 42DD-J, 44DD-H, and 46DD.
You get plenty of options with this bra. Wear it strapless, halter, criss-cross, or the usual way.
It’s molded (for shaping), but not padded so there’s no extra bulk.
That also makes it lighter, even in the larger sizes. There’s boning on the sides to give you extra support, minimize bulges, and push you forward.
And, the no-slip material on the cups keeps the bra where it belongs (no sliding!).
Comes in black or beige, US sizes 34-42 C, D, and DD.
This is a contour bra, with some padding for modesty. It will hide back fat and side bulges so you’ll get a smooth look without lumps or bumps. The sides are boned for better support.
It works strapless, halter, criss-cross or the traditional way.
The fabric on the back even covers the hooks, so they won’t show through your dress.
There are silicone grippers everywhere most strapless bras can slip: under the band, on the underwires, on the sides and along the back edge— so this one won’t. It has an arched center, so it won't dig into your stomach.
Available in rose beige, white, and black; US sizes 36-44 C, D, and DD.
Best Strapless Bridal Bras for Average Bust (Push Up)
Pushup bras give you extra oomph (they are padded on the bottom to push up your breast tissue and give you more cleavage. Some of these go up to a DD cup, but these brands run small so they're best for average busted women.
You can wear this bra six (yes six!) different ways: standard, strapless, criss-cross, halter, one shoulder, or one shoulder cross-over.
There’s a bit of padding for shaping and support without looking phony.
A silicone strip around the top of the cups keeps the bra in place, even if you’re dancing or bending over.
Comes in latte, black, and white in US sizes 32 -B, 34A-D, 36 A-D, and 38 B-D.
Maidenform is best for smaller band and cup sizes (this brand runs small!).
This has push up padding for more oomph. The fabric is super-soft and will mold to your skin for a better fit. It's got a pretty lace insert between the cups and more lace along the band. Plus, it's really versatile. You can wear it four different ways (strapless, halter, criss-cross, and standard).
Note that Calvin Klein runs small, particularly in the band, so take that into account.
Comes in black, beige, and white. US sizes 30 C-DD, 32 D and DD, 34B-DDD, 36 A-DD, and 38D and DD
It's got a low neckline, so it won't show under a low-cut dress or top. EU sizes 32C -40G, black and beige.
Runs small, go up a band size and down a cup size.
Get more cleavage and great staying power with this beautiful strapless bra. The contrasting lace along the edge adds a touch of elegance. There's boning for support and silicone grippers on the top and sides to keep the bra from sliding or slipping.
The straps can be removed, or worn halter, one-shoulder, criss-cross, or standard. It's like having five different bras!
US sizes 30B-36D in black and beige.
Strapless Bridal Bras for Women with D, DD and Larger Cups and Small Bands (Full-Busted)
These are great options for large-busted women. They come in band sizes starting at 28 (up through 42). Some have cup sizes up through H.
Note that this bra runs a bit big. The center is narrow, so it is best if you are close-set. It comes in sizes 30 DD, E (US DDD), F, FF, G; 32C-G, 34-36 B-G,; 38B-G; 40D and E; and 42 C-D, in beige and black.
There are two loops on the cups, and four on the band, so you can wear the straps either closer together or further apart (great for adjusting for either narrow shoulders or tops with no sleeves). And you can wear it strapless, traditional, or criss-crossed.
It gives great support (even at larger cup sizes), and there's boning in the sides to push you out and forward.
The styling is particularly good if you are wide and shallow (since strapless bras naturally have wider wires and less coverage.
Comes in beige and black in UK sizes 28D, DD, E, F, FF, and G; 30D-GG, 34-36B-GG, and 38B-G.
Note that UK E equals US DDD.
This bra has been causing quite a stir. It comes in cups up to an H (US sizes) and still provides support and lift. It's quite a feat of engineering. It's got contouring for shaping and lift, without being bulky.
The back and sides are high, so it will smooth you out. The center is wide, so it's best if you are wide-set. Wear it strapless, traditional, halter, or criss-cross. It has silicone strips and boning so it will stay in place even if you jump up and down while wearing it.
Comes in black, beige, fawn, sand, and pecan in sizes 30D-G, 32, 34, 36, 38 C-H, 40C-G, and 42D-DDD.
Five Strapless Bra Fit Tips
- A strapless longline bra or bustier will smooth your midriff and help eliminate lumps and bumps. Perfect for gowns or a wedding dress.
- Since the band has to do all the work on a strapless bra, look for a bra with at least two hooks. You'll also get a smoother look (no bulging and bumping) and the bra will go straight across your back, rather than riding up.
- When you find a brand that fits you well, stick with it. Not every bra made by that manufacturer may work for you, but start there first.
- Molded bras (meaning a bra with a defined shape (regardless of whether you're wearing it), tend to run a bit smaller than soft cup bras. Unless you're small busted, a molded strapless bra may be a better choice than a soft cup.
- Look for high quality materials (elastic and plenty of spandex) for more support.
Best Strapless Bridal Bra for Small Busted Petite Women
An excellent choice if you're short, small busted, and have a small frame. It has padding, but you can remove the pads if you want to. The straps are detachable and can be worn four different ways (halter, racerback, classic, and one-shoulder).The cups have a delicate floral lace design.
This design is particularly good for wider-set breasts (see the wider triangle in the middle).
Sizes 28-32A, B, and C in pearl, beige, black, and black lace.
Strapless and Backless Bridal Bustiers
From 32 to 50 band sizes and A to H cup sizes (UK and US)
Smooth and sleek, with contoured cups that won't show under your dress. Boning helps define your shape and control stomach bumps. There's powernet in the back to smooth down bulges, as well as attachments in front for garters.
The straps are long enough to wear standard, criss-cross, or halter style. And, of course, you can remove them to wear the bra with no straps at all.
Another nice feature is that this style comes in more larger band/small cup sizes than usual. There's no A cup above a 40 band, but since the cups are fairly stiff you can insert a pad to fix that.
32A-38A-DD, 40-42B-D, and 44C-DD in white, beige, ivory, and black.
Bigger doesn't have to mean bland. This longline plus size bustier strapless bridal bra is lavished with pretty lace. The stays give lots of support, without buckling. It's plus size, strapless, and it will stay up!
It's also got multi-part cups for great support, lift, and shaping. The transversal (arched) seams give a rounder shape and help support your chest. Vertical seams are great for lift and more support.
It is somewhat rigid, so make sure you get the right size. This style runs a bit smaller than usual, so go up both a band and cup size for a better fit.
U.K. cup sizes 34-50 B, C, D, DD, F, FF in black or white. Apologies for the photo, there was no plus-size model image available.
Super lift even though it's strapless. You can wear it either with no straps, standard, or criss-crossed, depending on the style of your dress. The cups have light padding and extra boning for more support and lift. They will not budge, and neither will you. There's just enough padding to hide the headlights without being heavy or bulky.
Smoothing fabric helps hide your tummy (if you have one) and minimizes lumps and bulges.
Boning at the front, sides, and back keeps every part of you locked and loaded without slipping or sliding (even on a hot day). It's got a low back, so it's perfect for backless dresses.
Beige or white in US sizes 32C-38D.
Strapless, with great support and every inch is covered in lace. The pretty lace hides power mesh for extra support, and there's boning just about everywhere (on the front, sides, seams, and back to make sure everything stays where it belongs.
The sizing on this is a bit tricky, but it does have two things going for it. One, it comes in a rare (why is this rare???) mocha color, and two it has an extensive size range. The key is to add four inches to your rib cage measurement, than go up a band and down two cup sizes.
So if you measure a 34, add 4 inches, and get the 40 band. If your normal cup size is F, get the D. Also, if you have a larger stomach, you may need an extender in the back in order to be comfortable. (I did say it was tricky).
Elila sizes 34-48 B, C, D, E, F, G, and H in white, mocha, beige, and black.
If you're smaller busted, you might try Fashion Forms Silicone Skin Bandeau Bra. Women with DD or DDD cups are better off with a strapless bustier with a low back. The adhesive styles aren't big enough and not supportive enough.
The straps are long enough to wear standard, criss-cross, or halter style. And, of course, you can remove them to wear the bra with no straps at all.
Another nice feature is that this style comes in more larger band/small cup sizes than usual. There's no A cup above a 40 band, but since the cups are fairly stiff you can insert a pad to fix that.
32A-38A-DD, 40-42B-D, and 44C-DD in white, beige, ivory, and black.
Bigger doesn't have to mean bland. This longline plus size bustier strapless bridal bra is lavished with pretty lace. The stays give lots of support, without buckling. It's plus size, strapless, and it will stay up!
It's also got multi-part cups for great support, lift, and shaping. The transversal (arched) seams give a rounder shape and help support your chest. Vertical seams are great for lift and more support.
It is somewhat rigid, so make sure you get the right size. This style runs a bit smaller than usual, so go up both a band and cup size for a better fit.
U.K. cup sizes 34-50 B, C, D, DD, F, FF in black or white. Apologies for the photo, there was no plus-size model image available.
Super lift even though it's strapless. You can wear it either with no straps, standard, or criss-crossed, depending on the style of your dress. The cups have light padding and extra boning for more support and lift. They will not budge, and neither will you. There's just enough padding to hide the headlights without being heavy or bulky.
Smoothing fabric helps hide your tummy (if you have one) and minimizes lumps and bulges.
Boning at the front, sides, and back keeps every part of you locked and loaded without slipping or sliding (even on a hot day). It's got a low back, so it's perfect for backless dresses.
Beige or white in US sizes 32C-38D.
Strapless, with great support and every inch is covered in lace. The pretty lace hides power mesh for extra support, and there's boning just about everywhere (on the front, sides, seams, and back to make sure everything stays where it belongs.
The sizing on this is a bit tricky, but it does have two things going for it. One, it comes in a rare (why is this rare???) mocha color, and two it has an extensive size range. The key is to add four inches to your rib cage measurement, than go up a band and down two cup sizes.
So if you measure a 34, add 4 inches, and get the 40 band. If your normal cup size is F, get the D. Also, if you have a larger stomach, you may need an extender in the back in order to be comfortable. (I did say it was tricky).
Elila sizes 34-48 B, C, D, E, F, G, and H in white, mocha, beige, and black.
Why No Backless Adhesive Bras?
I haven't included adhesive backless bras because they don't work terribly well, especially if you're a larger cup size. They push your breasts together, and will provide some coverage, but not much lift or support.If you're smaller busted, you might try Fashion Forms Silicone Skin Bandeau Bra. Women with DD or DDD cups are better off with a strapless bustier with a low back. The adhesive styles aren't big enough and not supportive enough.
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