All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something.
The best strapless bras are essential lingerie for specific garments like thin-strap dresses, tops, and occasion attire. Though this bra style is a pain point for many women, especially those with a larger chest, the bra market is well-populated with options for every chest size, in various skin tones and neutrals, from padded to plunging, in bandeau or underwire designs that will cater to your particular preferences and needs. These innovative pieces promise support, comfort, and versatility to complement any outfit. Plus, in the strapless bra realm, advances in materials and design have conquered the common issues of slipping and discomfort, offering a range of options where elegance meets practicality, so you feel confident with every outfit choice, no matter how unique or skin-baring.
When building a collection, start with the basics, like a black or skin-toned style that will go the distance and serve as the foundation for various outfits. Then, consider a bandeau style for the best in comfort or a lacey design for extra style value. A convertible bra is ideal for those with a streamlined lingerie wardrobe—it can go strapless when needed but stay in rotation day-to-day with myriad silhouettes from blouses to T-shirts to halter tops. Plus, so much bang for your buck.
The Best Strapless Bras
For those tricker-to-navigate silhouettes, like a backless dress or one-shoulder top? It’s all about the most discreet of strapless underpinnings—the adhesive bra. Is it as supportive as a full-on bra? Perhaps not, but it’ll do the trick if you’re not a fan of going braless. Plunging and longline strapless bras are clever ways to support your chest, too—especially for down-to-the-belly button scoops or flimsier fabrics where you’d appreciate extra support and shaping through your waist.
Ready to discover the best strapless bra for you? Scroll on for 54 styles with the Vogue stamp of approval.
For Larger Cup Sizes
Strapless bras are perhaps the most challenging for larger cup sizes. To ensure support, seek designs with underwires, high-density foam cups, internal side slings, and power mesh panels. Labels like Curvy Kate, Goddess, and Le Mystere specialize in plus-size designs.
For Smaller Cup Sizes
When it comes to strapless bras for smaller cup sizes, the most critical factor is a stay-in-place design to avoid slips, whether you like a push-up, light padding, seamless bandeau, or underwire. Because heavy support is less of a requirement, pretty designs can become more of a focus, like Dora Larsen’s pink lace cups and Fleur du Mal’s convertible topstitch satin design.
The Skin-Tone Edit
A skin-toned strapless bra will work the hardest for you, no matter your style preference. Wear yours—be it wireless, convertible, or a classic design—with everything from tank tops to sundresses or black-tie attire. Commando’s butter-soft bandeau is one of the comfiest options you won’t need to rip off at the end of the day, while Skims’ modern mesh design lends a touch of modernity with stay-in-place function courtesy of a silicone band grip.
The Classic Black
A black strapless bra is the most inconspicuous with dark-colored clothing. If you’re set on the basics, level up your collection with a satin or lace-adorned style. Take things further with styles that can double as a crop top beneath layers, like a blazer or button-down, such as Fleur du Mal’s sweetheart neckline design with boning for shape and support.
The Comfy Bandeau
The most comfortable strapless bra on the market is unquestionably a bandeau style. While specific designs, like lace, are best layered under clothing, others can double as a crop top with high-waisted pants and skirts. Commando, Skims, and Hanky Panky make three of the most popular designs on the market.
The Convertible Options
A convertible bra is a do-it-all underpinning, whether you’re a lingerie minimalist or the multi-wear type. Opt for this if you rarely find yourself needing a strapless bra but still want to get lots of wear out of a purchase. Wolford, Wacoal, and Intimissimi’s styles offer a versatile, seamless look, while La Perla and DKNY’s designs offer a touch of romanticism with lace touches.
The Adhesive, No-Bra Alternative
An adhesive strapless bra is often the solution for those ultra-tricky silhouettes like a backless, cut-out, or asymmetrical design. While it’s not the most supportive, you’ll feel much more secure than in pasties or no bra at all. NuBra and Fashion Forms are cult-loved for their near-invisibility, while Stephanie Montes’ Nue is a breast tape option that works just as well, if not harder, than full-coverage adhesive cups.
The Strapless Lace
Lingerie is functional, but there’s no harm in seeking out styles to bring you joy. In the strapless bra department, that means a pretty lace design: black, white, skin-toned, or colorful. Else and Dora Larsen craft some of the most romantic and whimsical options with impressive support.
The Longline Silhouette
A longline strapless bra offers extra support and can help to smooth or shape your waist. These come in various necklines, too, whether you require a plunging, sweetheart, or convertible design, such as On Gossamer’s underwire style with boning, Cosabella’s plunging design, and Parfait’s bustier silhouette with a touch of lace.