How To Make A Strapless Bra Stay In Place
A good strapless bra can be hard to find. No matter what cup size you wear, you’re probably struggling with finding a supportive strapless bra that stays in place and gives you the perfect amount of lift. It’s no surprise that women with D+ cup sizes have an especially difficult time finding a strapless bra that let them down.
But don’t give up on your search just yet. There’s a strapless bra out there for you – you just need to know what to look for and where to look.
In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know about finding a strapless bra that stays in place.
Get a bra fitting first
Before you go shopping for a strapless bra, you’ll want to find out your bra size first. A bra fitting from your local lingerie boutique can clear up any questions you might have. Bra fittings are an essential (and free!) part of bra shopping. You’re doing yourself a disservice if you’re not getting regular bra fittings every 6-12 months. A bra fitter’s job is to the take the hassle out of bra shopping and make it easy. They’ll even bring you bras to try on based on your bra size, budget, and style preferences. We can’t think of anything better than that!
Look for a strapless bra with a wide band
A strapless bra with a wide band (3 hooks or more) will provide more support and be more likely to stay in place than a strapless bra with a thin band (1-2 hooks). Strapless bras that have plastic boning in the band also help to keep the bra from rolling up. Remember: 85-90% of a bra’s support comes from the band. If your bra band isn’t snug enough, it will likely move, roll up, or fall down – which is exactly what you want to avoid with a strapless bra. Don’t be afraid to wear a snugger band than you used to. Just avoid anything too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between your skin and the bra band. Any more and the band is too big, any less and the band is too small.
Related: 5 Key Features To Look For In A Strapless Bra
Opt for your sister size
Tired of your strapless bra falling down? A smaller band size may be the answer to your bra fit problems. If your issue is your bra band and not your bra cups, we recommend opting for your bra sister size with the smaller band size. For example, if you normally wear a 36DD bra, you’ll want to try a strapless bra in a size 34DDD/E. This works especially well for bra bands with stretch fabrics like modal, microfiber, lingerie mesh, and stretch lace, but it may not work as well for a fabric like a power mesh, which is a sturdier fabric with minimal stretch. You might want to stick with your regular bra size if you’re choosing a supportive strapless bra with a bra band that has plastic boning or a power mesh lined bra band.
Try a longline bustier
Longline bustiers are an excellent choice for D+ cup sizes. This supportive style extends to the waist and offers smooth shaping for all bra sizes. While a strapless bra is a lighter and shorter option, the longer length of the bustier ensures that the cups stay in place – creating a shelf-like effect and providing lift, support, and shaping for larger cup sizes. Longline bustiers are often form-fitting (like shapewear) and feature boning to smooth out the waistline. They may have moulded or non-moulded cups depending on the style. They’re a popular choice among brides but work equally well for every day wear and special occasions.
Strapless bras are undoubtedly one of the most challenging styles to shop for. But a great strapless bra is worth its weight in gold. We suggest shopping for a strapless bra in store (so you can try it on), giving yourself plenty of time to shop, and visiting your local lingerie boutique for help if you just can’t seem to find a strapless bra that fits. The bra fitters at your local lingerie store are there to help and can match you with the strapless bra of your dreams.
Related: 3 Reasons To Try A Bustier
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 fitter help.
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!
