How To Buy The Perfect Strapless Bra
Love them or hate them – strapless bras are one of the most challenging styles to shop for. No matter how much we try to avoid shopping for a strapless bra, we all end up needing one at some point.
If you’re convinced you’ll never find a strapless bra that fits, we’re here to change your mind. We’re certain there’s a strapless bra out there for you – you just have to know where to look (your local lingerie boutique is a good place to start).
Whether you’re shopping for a strapless bra for a special occasion dress or a cute top you just purchased, here’s how to buy the perfect strapless bra:
Get the fit right
You’ve probably heard that 85-90% of a bra’s support comes from its band. So in order for your strapless bra to stay up, you’re going to need a snug band. When it comes to fit, the fit of the band directly affects the support of the bra. We typically recommend being able to fit two fingers between your skin and the bra band. This is especially true for a strapless bra.
You might find that the band of a strapless bra in your regular bra size moves when you move or raise your arms. If this is this case, we suggest trying your bra sister size with a smaller band size. To get this size, you’ll need to go down in the band and up in the cup. For example, the bra sister size for a 34DDD (US bra sizing) or 34E (UK), is a 32DDDD/G (US) or 32 F (UK).
Of course, we always recommend getting a bra fitting before a new bra. The bra fitters at your local lingerie boutique can help you out with a bra fitting and suggest strapless bras that will fit you perfectly. Which brings us to our next thing to consider…
Related: The 2 Best Strapless Bras For C-G Cup Sizes
Pay close attention to the construction
Looking for a strapless bra that won’t show under your outfits? A molded contour strapless bra is exactly what you need. This style has seamless, molded cups that will give your boobs a rounded shape under clothing and also provide hidden support.
The Jeanie Contour Strapless Bra (a supportive strapless bra made of microfiber) and the Elissa Contour Strapless Bra (a versatile strapless bra with beautiful lace details) are great options for you if this is what you’re searching for.
For the most supportive fit, we recommend a strapless bra with a wide band and boning in the band. The boning works to prevent the bra band from rolling up. A wide band with multiple hooks is much more supportive than a bra with a thin band or no band (like a backless strapless bra, for example).
Also, be sure to take a look at the inside of the bra. Is there silicone tape along the inner cups and wings of the bra band? The silicone tape adheres to your body to help keep the bra in place.
Lastly, check out the fabric on the cups and band. The most supportive strapless bras use a sturdy fabric, like power mesh, to line the wings of the bra – making it possible to get a phenomenal fit in your regular bra size. If the bra uses a stretchy or unlined fabric, you may want to size down in the band and up in the cup to get the best fit.
Remember: A strapless bra may never give you the same lift as your favorite t-shirt bra. But you can still find a supportive strapless bra that fits perfectly if you keep these tips in mind.
Related: 5 Key Features To Look For In A Strapless Bras
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitterhelp.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
