Brides / Chloe Jeong
Whether you are wearing a strapless gown or a backless number, there's a high chance you'll need a strapless bra on your wedding day. But finding one that doesn’t cut in and pinch your skin, or, worse, slide down, can be challenging, to say the least. Luckily there are tons of reliable (and stylish) options out there once you know what to look for. With the right bra, you'll have one less thing to worry about.
Double check your measurements and the style's size guide before buying a new bra. Cohen says it's normal for your size to feel a little tighter in a strapless bra, since that helps it stay put.
"Some of the key elements you should look for when shopping for a strapless bra are: the right cup size, multiway straps, a no-slip grip, and comfortable boning on the sides," says Ra’el Cohen, co-founder, and COO of ThirdLove. Keeping these points in mind, we tested 15 different styles of strapless bras across cup sizes over the span of two weeks. We wore the bras for several hours at a time to replicate wearing them at a wedding, plus we added some dancing and jumping in there. We also measured the band to see if it stretched after washing and wear. With all these insights, we compiled our list of the best strapless bras for all cup sizes, dress styles, and skin tones.
Best Fit
Spanx Up For Anything Strapless Bra
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Spanx
Size range: 32A-40DD | Material: Nylon, Elastane | Padding: Yes | Colors: Black, Beige
Say goodbye to pesky bras that pinch, squeeze, and slip because Spanx has designed the ultimate strapless bra that won't let you down—literally. Even while wearing this bra for a full day, we didn't find ourselves having to adjust it or lift it up, as we often do with other strapless bras. We measured and after two weeks of wearing and washing the bra, we found no stretch in the band. Even with the SmartGrip technology, the bra felt comfortable enough to wear daily, and we loved how there were no tags or elastics for a seamless look and feel.
Price at time of publish: $74
Best Versatility
Aerie Real Sunnie Strapless Lightly Lined Bra
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Aerie
Size range: 32A-40D | Material: Recycled Nylon, Spandex | Padding: Yes | Colors: 5
For a strapless bra that can easily be worn under your wedding dress and your favorite white tee, opt for this lightly lined style from Aerie. Removable straps give you the freedom to wear this versatile bra with a number of different outfit choices from your bridal shower to rehearsal dinner, and beyond. This was one of the most comfortable, well-fitting strapless bras we tried, even for those of us with large chests. We wore this bra out dancing, and the moisture-wicking fabric kept us dry while our girls felt supported and the band stayed in place. Plus it comes in five different shades to match a range of skin tones.
Price at time of publish: $50
Best Budget
Maidenform Ultimate Stay Put Strapless Underwire Bra
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Amazon
Size range: 34A-40DD | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Padding: Yes | Colors: Black, Nude, White
Aptly named the "Stay Put" bra, this affordable style didn't slide down and required little adjustment while we wore it for 8+ hour days. It offers full coverage while still being low enough to wear with low-cut tops. We also loved how seamless the overall design looked under clothes. The bra does come with a decent amount of padding, which those of us with smaller chests appreciated. If you rather go without the padding, consider Natori Feathers Strapless Bra.
Price at time of publish: $12+
Best Splurge
Cosabella Never Say Never Plungie Strapless Bra
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Size range: 30C-36F | Material: Polyamide, Elastane | Padding: Yes | Colors: Black, Nude, Red
There’s no denying that a strapless bra is an essential undergarment to have in your bridal wardrobe, so, why not invest in a high-quality one that will last for years? This Cosabella style is surprisingly elegant for a strapless bra with its lace band, though it feels more delicate due to the material. Still the band didn't stretch after two weeks of wear. We loved how the silicone strips and side boning ensured the bra didn't move at all, yet both features were comfortable and non-irritating. With a plunging front and convertible straps, you can wear it with nearly any dress. Best of all, the straps weren't flimsy or unlatched by themselves.
Price at time of publish: $110
Best Hold
ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra
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ThirdLove
Size range: 32A-44E | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Padding: Yes | Colors: Black, Nude
"A comfortable strapless bra that stays up is key and this one will exceed your expectations," says Cohen. "It's made with soft-support foam that's outfitted with a smooth band and silicone along the edges to stay in place without digging in." The silicone strips did take some getting used to, but they certainly did their job. We wore this bra to a pottery class (which if you don't know, involves hunching over your work) and the bra stayed in place and was surprisingly comfortable. The smooth microfiber held up well even after washing and no tags meant no itching. The bra blended seamlessly under our clothes, though if you are wearing a low cut dress, you might want to go with a more plunging design, like Cosabella Plungie Bra.
Price at time of publish: $72
Best for Small Chests
Pepper MVP Multiway Strapless Bra
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Pepper
Size range: 30A-40A | Material: Polyester, Elastane | Padding: No | Colors: 6
If you have a smaller chest and can't seem to find a strapless bra in your size, check out this style from Pepper. Specializing in smaller cup sizes, Pepper has crafted the ideal strapless bra for AA, A, and B cups — no gaping or slipping involved. The design features a thicker band, which limited our outfit choices, but we appreciated how it ensured the bra stayed in place. With underwire and lightly lined cups, this style is ideal for those who don't want bulky padding. If you want more lift, consider Maidenform's Stay Put Bra, which was a favorite among us with smaller chests.
Price at time of publish: $60
Best for Larger Chests
Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless Bra
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Amazon
Size range: 28D-40J | Material: Nylon, Polyester, Elastane | Padding: Yes | Colors: 4
If you're worried a strapless bra will create the dreaded uni-boob, this one from Curvy Kate has got you covered. Specifically made for cups D and up, the design features underwire cups that lifted and separated our breasts. We definitely noticed the support, as it reminded us of wearing a corset, but the snug fit kept the wide band in place even as we raised our arms overhead or bent over (aka it's dance floor ready). We also liked how the cups provided ample coverage, so we didn't feel like our nipples were about to pop out. The light padding and side boning didn't bother us either.
Price at time of publish: $77
Best Wireless
Soma Enbliss Wireless Stay Put Multi-Way Strapless Bra
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Soma
Size range: 32A-42G | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Padding: Yes | Colors: 5
A wireless strapless bra may sound like an oxymoron, but Soma proves it does exist. Thanks to contoured cups, it gives your chest a natural lifted shape. The inside of the bra has a sticky texture — similar to adhesive bras — that provided extra grip without being painful or irritating your skin. In fact, we found it comfortable enough to wear daily, which doesn't happen with strapless bras often. Plus, the smooth, seamless design complimented all kinds of clothing. We wore it under a bridesmaid dress, and it looked amazing in the wedding photos. With how much we loved the look, we'll even wear it with the detachable straps when we need a racerback or halter bra.
Price at time of publish: $62
Best Low-Cut
Natori Feathers Strapless Bra
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Natori
Size range: 32B-36DDD | Material: Nylon, Lyrca, Polyester | Padding: No | Colors: Nude, Black
For low-cut dresses, like plunging sweetheart necklines or cowl-neck slips, we recommend this style from Natori. It's a strapless version of the brand's popular Feather's bra, which as the name suggests, is known for being lightweight and streamlined with barely there padding. Even in the strapless version, we found this bra impressively comfortable, as neither the wire or the lace band dug into our skin. While lace can often be detectable under clothes, this one stayed invisible. Though the bra is low cut, the cups still kept the girls supported and secured, and there was no gaping. We did notice the band was not as wide as others on this list, so that might be a dealbreaker for those needing that extra hold.
Price at time of publish: $72
Best Smoothing
Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Underwire Bra
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Amazon
Size range: 30B-40I | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Padding: No | Colors: 4
With a wide, 4-hook band, this bra smooths and supports for incredible lift. We found it a bit tight, but for those of us with larger chests, this grip kept us in place for hours on end. The cushioned band adds extra comfort and ensures no marks are left on your skin. The design also offers enough space between the cups to prevent the look of a uni-boob. Having owned three of these bras in the past, we can assure this bra is worth the investment.
Price at time of publish: $76
Best for the Honeymoon
Skims Ulta Fine Mesh Strapless Bra
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Skims
Size range: 32A-46F | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Padding: No | Colors: 6
If you are looking for a sexy strapless bra for your honeymoon rather than a sturdy style to wear down the aisle, we recommend this number from Skims. Made from unlined mesh, it didn't give us too much coverage or support, which depending on the occasion, could be exactly what you are looking for. Despite the sheerness of the fabric, we noticed no wear or tear after wearing and washing for two weeks. Finding the right size was a bit tricky — the bra seems to run small even when following the size guide — but thankfully you have 30 days to make returns. Coming in fun colors like bright pink and red, you can easily incorporate it into your lingerie look.
Price at time of publish: $52
Best Plus-Size
Torrid Strapless Push-Up Lace Sling Straight Back Bra
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Torrid
Size range: 32C-50DDD | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Padding: Yes | Colors: Black, Nude, White
Designed specifically for plus size figures, this curve-celebrating bra is available in sizes 38C to 40DDD and has a comfortable wide band for a super supportive fit—even without the straps. Wear yours under anything from a strapless wedding dress to your favorite tank top.
Price at time of publish: $55
Best Shade Range
Nubian Skin Naked Bandeau
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Nubian Skin
Size range: XS-XL | Material: Polyamide, Elastane | Padding: No | Colors: 4
Besides the size, you also want to make sure the bra is the right shade. Wearing a bra that is too light, especially under a dark dress, will be obvious when you are taking a ton of photos. This black-owned brand makes undergarments in a wide range of skin tones, since there isn't just one shade of nude. Made from Italian microfiber, this bandeau bra is the perfect soft and seamless style. Unsure of your correct shade? Use the brand's shade guide to find your ideal match.
Price at time of publish: $41
Best Plunge
Fashion Forms U Plunge Backless Strapless Bra
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Amazon
Size range: A-D | Material: Nylon, Elastane | Padding: Yes | Colors: Black, Nude
If you’re opting for a wedding dress with a plunging neckline and an open back, this backless strapless bra is a smart choice. Adhesive, clear straps work to secure the bra in place while a deep-v silhouette ensures a flawless fit.
Price at time of publish: $31
Best for a Slip Dress
Commando Double Take Bandeau
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Amazon
Size range: S/M-M/L | Material: Nylon, Spandex | Padding: Yes | Colors: 4
Donning an impossibly chic slip dress on your wedding day? Opt for this virtually undetectable bandeau bralette that will lay flat under any slinky slip or gown with pin-thin straps.
Price at time of publish: $64
Best for Backless Dresses
Fashion Forms Voluptuous Backless Strapless Bra
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Shopbop
Size range: B-H | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Padding: Yes | Colors: Nude
Rocking a backless gown? This revolutionary undergarment features a virtually invisible adhesive band and seamless cups for a flawless no-show look. Its push-up design gives you an extra lift and its soft beige color works under white and blush gowns.
Price at time of publish: $28+
Most Romantic
Adore Me Kendil Push Up
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Adore Me
Size range: 30A-38DD | Material: Polyester, Nylon, Spandex | Padding: Yes | Colors: Black, Beige, Brown
You heard it here first: strapless bras can be both fashionable and functional. This style from Adore Me is as sweet as ever for the bride-to-be with a romantic aesthetic and features a rose balconette and delicate, floral lace.
Price at time of publish: $65
Meet the Expert
Ra’el Cohen is the co-founder and COO of ThirdLove, a lifestyle brand that creates undergarments for all body types.
What to Look for in a Strapless Bra
Fit
If there's one thing we know, it's that there's nothing more uncomfortable than wearing a strapless bra that doesn't fit properly. And almost 80 percent of women are actually wearing the wrong bra size, according to Cohen. To ensure a perfect fit, it’s important to know your measurements and to refer to a brand’s fit and style guide.
Supportive Features
For a comfortable yet supportive fit, go for bras with gentle boning and an underwire that doesn't pinch, like in Spanx's Up for Anything Strapless Bra. If you're worried about a runaway strapless bra, select styles with a no-slip grip or adhesive cups, like ThirdLove's 24/7® Classic Strapless Bra.
Style
The style of the strapless bra you choose ultimately depends on your dress. Wearing a backless dress? Bras with clear, adhesive bands and seamless cups, like Fashion Forms' Voluptuous Backless Strapless Bra, are perfect for a flawless no-show look. And if you're looking for a no-fuss bra to wear under a slip dress, consider bandeau styles crafted from breathable, butter-soft materials that feel like next-to-nothing when worn, like Commando's Double Take Bandeau.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.