Best strapless bra: Comfortable, chic support for busts of all sizes
Halterneck and off-the-shoulder tops here we come – with some support from our pick of the best strapless bras
A strapless bra is a wardrobe essential – especially for those who like to wear strapless or fine-strapped dresses or tops, but for whom going bra-free isn’t an option. However, finding a bra that offers the perfect fit can be tricky.
Buying the wrong-sized strapless bra could be a disaster, invariably because it could slip down around your waist, with you having to hoist it up every few minutes to avoid doing so, or prove too tight around the ribcage, causing a fair level of discomfort.
Strapless bras are an especially difficult area to navigate for women with larger breasts. This is because the structure needs to work really hard in order to provide the appropriate support.
There are plenty of strapless bras on the market, but precious few that do their job and still manage to make women feel attractive and comfortable. So we’ve taken the pain out of choosing the best strapless bra, offering up a range of options, as well as including advice on how you should go about picking the best strapless bra for you.
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Best strapless bra: At a glance
- Best all-round strapless bra: Sumptuously Soft Padded Strapless Bra
- Best bandeau strapless bra for small breasts: Black Geo Lace Bra
- Best strapless bra for big breasts: Luxe Strapless Bra
How to choose the best strapless bra for you
Have you had a professional fitting?
Statistics reveal that 81 per cent of women wear the wrong-sized bra. This isn’t great news, since not only are these women likely to be uncomfortable and unsupported in their bras, but it can actually lead to physiological issues such as back pain and poor posture.
You should absolutely take the time to have a proper bra fitting. However, in instances this isn’t possible, some retailers offer a tape-measure-free fitting service online.
How much support do you need?
If you have a large bust, chances are you’re going to need plenty of support in order to feel comfortable and secure wearing a strapless bra. You want to feel contained and to be sure that the bra is enhancing your outfit rather than being a potential hindrance.
Those with smaller breasts have greater choice available to them, and could easily even rock a bandeau bra.
What shape will work best?
This really depends on personal taste, and the item of clothing under which you’ll be wearing the bra; but strapless bras come as balcony, sweetheart, bandeau or plunging.
Also, almost all strapless bras arrive with detachable straps.
Why are so many strapless bras padded?
The majority of strapless bras come with padding to help provide structure and support. You might feel that padding adds mass to an already large area, but the benefits of the shape and uplift that padded bras deliver is worth the extra half-centimetre or so in fabric.
How we test strapless bras
At Expert Reviews, we know that hands-on testing gives us the best and most complete information about a product. So, we personally test all the strapless bras we review. In basic terms, this means more than just trying them on for size. It means wearing them in real-life situations, with real-life outfits, and the same person will wear each bra for a full day and/or evening.
We looked at design and aesthetics first, before examining all of the stitching and fastening details for strength and quality. Each bra was initially evaluated for comfort and support when first put on. While the bras were not tested through any sporting activities, as we appreciate this is not their forte, we did perform a few star jumps to see the extent to which each could cope with such exertion. Throughout the day we took care to note any sagging, riding up or down of the back strap, or any discomfort from chafing or itching.
Finally, we confirm the size range, colourways, and any other particular product specifications.
READ NEXT: The best sports bras for large breasts
The best strapless bras for you to buy
1. Light Pad Multiway Bras 2 Pack: The best value strapless bra
Price when reviewed: £28 | Check price at Next
The first thing you’ll notice about this strapless bra is that you get two for the price of one – which is brilliant value, not least because the design here is top-notch, too. It’s as comfortable worn as a regular bra, as it is without its straps. The material is super-soft, ensuring there’s no chafing, itching or pinching, and we found the fit accurate (Next does offer an online bra size calculator). Elsewhere, X rows of hook and eyes form a solid support around the back, and around the front, the deep cups ensure there isn’t any unwanted overspill. Overall, you’ll be confident that everything stays in place.
Key features – Sizes: 30B to 40DD; Material: Colours available: 2 (white, black/white, nude); Detachable straps: Yes
2. Flora Strapless Underwire Bra: The best strapless bra for looks
Price when reviewed: £24: Check price at Very
This is a super-pretty bra – it’s indulgently laced, with a low-cut balcony neckline, which puts paid to the idea that strapless underwear is nothing more than unsightly scaffolding. Note that it comes up a little on the small side; but, usefully, you can take the little padded inserts out if you don’t need an extra boost. This is definitely one of the sexier options out there, and it looks fabulous with the straps on too.
Key features – Sizes: 32B to 28F; Material: 81 % Polyamide, 19 % Elastane; Colours available: 2 (white, black); Detachable straps: Yes
3. Sumptuously Soft Padded Strapless Bra: The best all-round strapless bra
Price when reviewed: £22 | Check price at Marks & Spencer
As you might expect from M&S, this bra is excellent. It looks attractive, with or without straps – but, crucially, it offers maximum support with minimum discomfort. The mark of a really good strapless is if it remains as securely in place as it does with the straps on – and this bra does exactly that. Wearing it, your boobs feel held and contained. Plus, it’s super-smooth finish – it’s padded, but certainly not bulky – makes it perfect for wearing under tight or silky fabrics.
Key features – Sizes: 32A to 42E; Material: 63% polyamide, 19% polyester and 18% elastane; Colourways: 7; Detachable straps: Yes
4. Black Geo Lace Bra: The best bandeau strapless bra for small breasts
Price when reviewed: £6 | Check price at Matalan
This bra is best suited for those with smaller busts. Of course, it is available in larger sizes and looks super-flattering (you could even wear this as a top with a high-waisted skirt or trousers); but it’s unlikely to offer much in the way of enduring support that a more ample chest will require.
A perfect option beneath lazy-day loungewear, this bandeau delivers maximum comfort, sitting neatly and discreetly without fuss. And to top it off, it’s super-affordable, too.
Key features – Sizes: Small to Extra Large; Material: 78% Polyester 13% Polyester 10% Elastane; Colourways: 2 (white, black); Detachable straps: No
5. Luxe Strapless Bra: The best strapless bra for big breasts
Price when reviewed: £36 | Check price at Curvy Kate
This is the real deal when it comes to offering solid support, made specifically for those with large busts. The cups are lightly padded with foam but held together with tight seams, plus they come with a supportive side “sling” section inside. Meanwhile, the band that sits across the back is wide, firm and tight – there’s no chance of slipping or sagging here, yet neither will you feel constricted. This bra will happily stay in position all day, holding you in – even while dancing – without loosening or needing to be pulled up. Deep cups also ensure there’s no danger of overspill.
With the “support” boxes ticked, note that this bra delivers on the attractiveness front, too. Bras that cater for larger busts often sacrifice on aesthetics, but this bra has a gorgeous sweetheart neckline and cute bow detailing.
Add to this the fact that Curvy Kate offers a tape-measure-free online bra fitting, too, and you can be certain that you’ll end up with the perfect strapless bra for you.
Key features – Sizes: 28D to 40HH; Material: 66% Nylon, 22% Polyester, 12% Elastane; Colourways: 4; Detachable straps: Yes
