Designed specifically for smaller busts, the Pepper MVP Multiway Strapless Bra is a best-selling option for small busts that offers a supportive fit without extra bulk. The barely there underwire provides a gentle lift, while the no-gape cups and grippy silicone band help everything stay in place. Convertible straps give it extra versatility—you can wear it strapless, halter-style, one-shoulder, or as a traditional bra.
I was immediately drawn to the lighter-than-air design. The fabric is almost meshlike, so it truly feels like second skin the way it sits on the body—even though it’s a strapless underwire bra. It’s also among the more seamless I’ve tried. There’s no shelf or lines anywhere, even under a very clingy tank top. Still, the silicone band on the bottom keeps everything super secure while you move about. I got through an entire day without any adjustments and have found myself reaching for the straps to wear this convertible option as a regular bra on the days I don’t need a strapless.
- Sizes available: 30A–40B
- Material: Polyamide, elastane
- Colors: Black, espresso, buff, fawn, sand, ecru
Best for Large Breasts: Panache Alice Strapless Bra
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Panache Alice Strapless Bra
This balconette-style option is designed with larger busts in mind, offering lift, shape, and reliable support. It features two rows of silicone along the top and bottom edges for extra staying power and comes with convertible straps for versatile wear.
Because of its larger profile and the characteristic stitching of balconette styles, it’s not quite as discreet under thinner fabrics as some other strapless bras. That said, the balconette cut is a great choice for strapless dresses or tops where you want both support and a flattering silhouette, since it naturally lifts and rounds the bust. In testing, I was impressed by how much more shape this bra provided than your average strapless style, and found it works best with structured or medium-weight fabrics—think taffeta or cotton blends—with slightly higher necklines where the stitching stays discreet and the lift enhances the silhouette.
- Sizes available: 30D–40J
- Material: 45% polyester, 28% cotton, 21% polyamide, 6% elastane
- Colors: Honey, black
How we tested strapless bras
We researched the market for the most popular and well-reviewed strapless bras from brands both big and small, plus asked stylists which ones they recommend to their clients and even use themselves. Then I tried the most widely recommended styles, plus tapped other editors with different body types to weigh in on the ones they love and rely on.
Over the course of five months, I tested a total of 21 styles. I considered the design of each bra. What kind of materials was it made of? Was it a wire bra or wireless? I also considered other features like molded cups and padding, as well as the profile. Could I wear it under a plunging dress, or was it better suited for more standard garments like tube tops and tanks with spaghetti straps? Of course, I also assessed long-term comfort and, perhaps most importantly, how well each bra stayed up. Because, well, it’s just not cute to constantly be hiking up your bra while you’re trying to tear up the dance floor at a wedding—who’s with me?
We’re confident the final list contains only the best strapless bras on the market. These are the bras that feel like a second skin (read: don’t dig in), sit seamlessly under clothing (no awkward shelf), and won’t require constant tugging (phew!).
Other strapless bras we tested
These picks aren’t our absolute favorites—more on that below—but they are still worth mentioning on your search for the best strapless bras.
The OG Natori Feathers Bra has a cult following and is considered one of the best bras out there, but we weren’t as impressed with the brand’s strapless version. “Though it offers plenty of support and has a wide band that kept the bra up even during 12 hours on a wedding dance floor, it’s very uncomfortable,” says Glamour contributor Brie Schwartz. “It left some marks after many hours of wear.” Despite being a regular wearer of the regular version, I had a similar experience. The whole thing dug in a bit, but the real problem for me was the way the cups creased in the center. Unfortunately, this made my boobs look rather misshaped. And while it does go up to a DDD cup in sizing, it’s important to note that the band size only goes up to 36, and we thought the item ran small overall.
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Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Soma Bodify Strapless Bra
Soma Bodify Strapless Bra
Soma is known for having some of the most comfortable undergarments out there in sizes suitable for both petite and plus-size frames, but their Bodify Strapless wasn’t one of my top picks for a few reasons. It was one of the tightest around my chest, it didn’t sit flat against my sternum, and the boning on the sides was very rigid and prevalent. I did like the shape I got from the molded cups but ultimately couldn’t get past the comfort issues for extended wear. The lingerie does, however, have overwhelmingly positive reviews and wins praise from influencers, so it’s possible it runs small or just doesn’t fit my body type quite right.
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Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Cosabella Evolution Strapless Bra
Cosabella Evolution Strapless Bra
This bra impressed us with its ultrasoft, breathable fabric and seamless, stretchy design that offers comfortable support without digging in. It’s ideal for long wear and molds nicely to the body. However, the thin outer layer can wrinkle under clothing, and we noticed a slight shelf effect at the top of the cups after extended wear. It’s also not convertible. While it’s a great pick for anyone looking for a comfortable strapless bra, these drawbacks kept it from making our top list.
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Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Wacoal Comfort First Strapless Bra
Wacoal Comfort First Strapless Bra
Made from soft, smooth materials, this strapless bra sits comfortably on the skin and features lightly padded cups that provide a natural shape without adding bulk. The slightly fuller cups offer solid support and help prevent spillage, while the seamless design and silicone band kept the bra in place during testing. On the downside, the size range isn’t quite as expansive as some other brands, and ultimately, we found the brand’s Red Carpet style to be the superior option for all-day comfort and longer wear.
Courtesy of brand
Knix Push-Up Luxe Adhesive Reusable Bra
This push-up adhesive bra is a backless, strapless solution ideal for low-back, strapless, or off-the-shoulder tops and dresses—including evening and wedding gowns. The lightly padded cups give the look of one added cup size, while the medical-grade silicone adhesive keeps it securely in place for all-day wear. It’s also reusable for 50-plus wears with proper care—hand-wash and air-dry only—meaning each wear costs about $1. Sizing is a little trickier than standard strapless bras, since you choose just your cup size, and is more limited, since options only extend from A to D.
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Original photo from Malia Griggs testing Gatherall Bra
Gatherall Backless Strapless Reusable Silicone Adhesive Sticky Bra
The Gatherall Backless Strapless Bra uses a gentle adhesive to stay in place and is both water- and sweatproof. It offers subtle lift, a seamless finish, and is easy to clean and reuse after rinsing. Overall, it’s a workable option for backless styles, but we’ve found that other sticky bras—including the ones from Knix and Cakes—perform better over long-term use.
Frequently asked questions, answered
What should I look for in a strapless bra?
When shopping for a strapless bra, it’s important to consider your bust- and band-size needs above all, as well as how snugly it fits. Look for bras that have strong, nonslip grip along their outline to keep them in place—and while we recommend ordering your usual size (see below), go down from your standard fit if you’re between sizes or have experienced slippage in the past. Make sure your breasts are contained along the top of the cup and near your arm, which is where you often see spillage (meaning your bra fits poorly and will show through your clothing). “A band that’s too big is the most common reason for slipping—no matter your bust size,” Alicia Miller, director of merchandising and fit specialist at lingerie brand Chantelle, tells Glamour. Sena notes that you should avoid wearing lotions or oils under your strapless bra, as they can cancel out the grippiness.
How do I measure for a strapless bra?
To measure your bra size, use a soft, flexible measuring tape (often called tailor’s tape), following these steps:
- Measure the circumference around your rib cage, right under your breasts, keeping the tape level and snug against your body. Mark down the number in inches, which is your band size. If you get an odd number—say, 35—round up to 36.
- While wearing a well-fitting unpadded bra, measure the fullest part of your bust in line with your nipples without pulling too tight on the measuring tape. It should just sit flush with your skin and not press in. Mark down the closest round number (i.e., 40 instead of 39.5).
- Now you’ll have to calculate the difference between the two measurements to get your cup size. Using the numbers above, there is a four-point difference between 36 and 40, and each point corresponds to a cup letter—A is 1, B is 2, C is 3. So in this example, the cup size would be D.
- Finally, combine your initial band size with your cup size. In our example, the final bra measurement would be 36D.
Do I need to size down in a strapless bra?
No, you generally do not need to size down in a strapless bra. Strapless and sports bras are designed to fit a little firmer than regular bras, so your usual band and cup size is typically correct, says Helene T. Delince, founder of The Fitting Curve in Rockville Center, New York.
How do I wash a strapless bra?
To take care of your strapless bra, you should generally wash it by hand using cold water and a gentle detergent, then lay it flat or hang it to dry. Softer styles, like bandeaus, are often machine-washable on a cold, gentle cycle—preferably inside a mesh laundry bag—but avoid the dryer to maintain shape and elasticity.
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