Strapless Bras For Every Occasion
Strapless Bras
For Every Occasion
Let’s talk strapless and other sometimes complex bra solutions! The secret to finding a strapless bra you love and want to wear is knowing how a bra is supposed to fit. I’ve put together an updated list of some of my favorite solutions for all occasions, including backless and nipple covers. If you’ve been around here for a while, you may have a solid understanding of the three general points of fit I commonly talk about:
The center wire (called a gore) should be flat against your sternum.
The side wire of the cup should be behind all breast tissue, not sitting on top of it.
Your band is where your lift and support come from, it should be snug and parallel to the floor (not riding up your back).
For a visual of these three points, check out my recent video here. If you’re realizing your bra doesn’t fit, it’s okay! 8/10 are wearing the incorrect size, but I’m here to help. I strongly encourage you to seek a proper fitting, I have a full blog post on what to expect at a bra fitting and where to find a good one. If you can’t find a fit-focused retailer in your area, you may want to consider a virtual fitting. I’ve had many members of the #ProperlyFittingBraClub have good experiences with Bravissimo virtual fittings, myself included.
Now that we have a solid understanding of fit let’s get into it! It’s been a while since my last post on strapless bras, and while many of the styles are still my favorites, I’m excited to add a few new solutions to the list. Speaking of solutions, if you are looking for specialty garments and shapewear, check out my shapewear guide for beginners and the answers to 15 of your most frequently asked undergarment questions, including answers about bras, shapewear, and underwear. I’ve also recently reviewed SKIMS undergarments and shapewear, their strapless bra made this list, so I encourage you to check that out as well.
For more traditional underwire strapless bras, I have several great options. My favorite is the Elomi Strapless which I’m wearing in all of the photos in this post. This bra is a continuation of the Wacoal Red Carpet. Both are great bras, the Elomi was created to pick up where the Wacoal sizing ended/left off. So if you’re on the smaller end, try this one. If you’re in between/able to fit into both - try both and see which one you prefer! The Curvy Kate one is also great and well-loved by many. If you’re fuller busted, and looking for an unlined bra (no thickness in the cup), try this one. It’s not for everyone, but it is a fantastic option without added bulk. Keep in mind, different brands run on different sizing charts, so you may need to convert before purchasing.
I typically wear my strapless bras with high-waisted shapewear shorts, like these, these or these ones. However, if you’re looking for some built-in smoothing/shaping into the garment, you may want to consider a longline option like this one or this one! You may also consider a shapewear piece with removable straps, either with shaping shorts or one without. I own the one with shorts, as seen here, and I would only recommend it for people with smaller busts because XL is the largest size, and it is a tad small on me. You can use CARALYN10 for a discount and free returns as well.
I have a few wire-free options to share with you but want to manage expectations before moving forward. As you know from my recent wire-free bra favorites guide, when you forgo wire, you forgo your best chance for lift and support. Remember that your support comes from the band, so beware of “sizing up” in your band size. With that said, there are some great options. If you’re smaller busted, I’ve heard fantastic things about this wire-free option. I’ve also tested out this SKIMS one, a great option for a wire-free. It will not do any significant lifting or provide separation. Still, under pieces that I don’t need or can’t accommodate extra bulk with a traditional strapless bra, it is a good option.
If you need a backless option, I’ve had good experiences with Brassy Bra. While I wouldn’t recommend wearing it daily, it is great for special occasions. Their IG highlights do a great job of explaining how to use it. I usually get the Caramel in the largest size! If you need some nipple covers, after years and years of searching, I finally found the best ones. They’re a small sister-owned business called CAKES Body, they are the largest ones on the market, reusable and actually seamless underneath the thinnest of fabrics. If you’re smaller busted, you could get away with wearing them underneath a form-fitting bodysuit or top. I like to wear them underneath swimsuits and unlined bras for a little extra modesty. They are non-adhesive, so they’re not sticky or hard to peel off but comfortably stay in place all day. You can use CARALYN towards your purchase!
Photos by Ryan Kell