The best strapless bras don’t have to slide down the moment you move. I’ve spent most of my life assuming they were just inherently awful. The ones I owned always gaped at the top, dug into my ribs, or never stayed in place. But I wore them anyway, tugging and adjusting my way through weddings and summer nights, because I didn’t think a better option existed.
But recently, after realizing I was still clinging to a stretched-out bra I’d bought years ago, I decided it was time to find out if strapless bras had evolved. So I tested 13 of the most popular and highly reviewed styles, wearing them with everything from formal wedding guest dresses to tank tops with tricky necklines. And to my surprise, I found a game-changer: the SPANXsmooth Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bra. It’s lightly compressive, actually stays put, and gives a smooth, lifted shape—something I especially appreciate as a mom of four approaching 40.
Of course, the perfect bra looks different for everyone, so I also asked fellow Glamour editors, stylists, and trusted friends to share their go-to strapless bras, from everyday options for both small and large breasts to strapless push-up bras you won’t want to rip off right away.
The best strapless bras, at a glance
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How we tested
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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 four months, 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 not only feel like a second skin (read “don’t dig in”), sit seamlessly under clothing (no awkward shelf), and won’t require constant tugging (phew!).
Best Overall: SpanxSmooth Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bra
SpanxSmooth Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bra
Nordstrom
Spanx
- Sizes available: 32B–40DD
- Material: 51% elastane, 49% nylon (cups); 55% elastane, 45% nylon (wings)
- Colors: Beige, black
- What we love: Ample silicone grippers to help the bra stay up; breathable and quick-drying fabric; cups provide a very natural and desirable shape
- What could improve: It’s not convertible
Spanx may not be my favorite brand of shapewear, but I was seriously impressed with the strapless bra. The material is really smooth and doesn’t cinch, crease, or dig. Instead, the soft fabric sits flush to create a naturally beautiful shape, thanks to light compression. There was no shelf, nor were there any lines in sight—even while wearing thin, tight bodysuit tanks. The fabric is also breathable and quick-drying.
Importantly, this strapless bra has serious staying power. There are more silicone strips on the wings than any other brand I tested. There are even silicone dots on the top of the cups to further aid in the no-slip department, plus help minimize any gaping issues. I successfully made it through a day in which I logged more than four miles walking in the city without adjustments and even spent a few hours dancing one evening with only minor adjustments. For all of that staying power, there is one concession to be made: It doesn’t have convertible straps, so you can only wear it as a strapless. (P.S., if you wanna save some coins, peep these Spanx promo codes).
Best for Large Busts: ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra
ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra
Amazon
ThirdLove
- Sizes available: 32AA–44H
- Material: Nylon, spandex
- Colors: Black, taupe
- What we love: Inclusive sizing; poke-free flexible underwire; supportive memory foam cups; includes clear and matching-color removable straps
- What could improve: Some reviewers report inconsistent sizing
Get some good grip and full coverage with ThirdLove’s classic bra. Glamour reviewer Emily Rodriguez praises this bra’s comfort. “I wore this strapless bra all day, and (a) it stayed in place, but (b) it didn’t make me feel like I was constricted by intense underwire,” she says.
I had a similar experience with this option but did find it ran a bit small. Even the cups looked and felt smaller than some other brands I tried, which may make this a better pick for those with small chests. The underwire didn’t dig in but offered a nice little lift. I also appreciated the shape of the molded cups—they aren’t too padded yet add some shape. The garment sat nice and flush with my skin, too, so I didn’t experience that awkward shelf you often get with other strapless bras—great for clean lines under your favorite tee.
Best Push-Up Strapless Bra: Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Add-2-Cups Push-Up Strapless Bra
Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Add-2-Cups Push Up Strapless Bra
Amazon
Victoria’s Secret
- Sizes available: 32A–38E
- Material: Polyamide, elastane
- Colors: Praline, black, leopard
- What we love: Breast-enhancing; versatile; push-up
- What could improve: Excess padding means the bra isn’t comfortable for extended periods of time
The cups on this signature Victoria’s Secret bra feature a nonslip band that prevents them from sliding down throughout the day, with padding designed to almost double your cup size if that’s what you’re going for. I truly couldn’t believe how much volume it added to my relatively small bust (hello, cleavage!). “This is a game changer, especially for someone who hates padded bras,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Romano. “It also provided the necessary support for my scoliosis but didn’t dig into my skin or leave me reaching for my back roller.”
Another standout feature of this strapless push up bra is its convertible design. With its adjustable and removable straps, you have the flexibility to wear it in multiple ways, including strapless, halter, crisscross, or one-shoulder. Whether you’re attending a special event or simply want to make wearing your everyday tops easier, this garment delivers an unparalleled fit, though we don’t recommend it for extended wear, since the padding doesn’t feel natural.
Best Convertible Strapless Bra: Maidenform Dreamwire Strapless Multiway Underwire Bra
Maidenform Dreamwire Strapless Multiway Underwire Bra
Amazon
Macy’s
- Sizes available: 32A-40DD
- Material: 67% nylon, 33% spandex (cups); 63% nylon, 37% spandex (back)
- Colors: Almond, black, white
- What we love: Convertible; adds volume and shape; silicone gripping on the wings to help the bra stay up; lower-cut than some other options for plunging necklines
- What could improve: Created a slight shelf
For an option that doesn’t feel bulky or excessively padded, Maidenform’s Dreamwire Strapless Multiway Underwire Bra added a fair amount of volume. Not quite as much as Victoria Secret’s push-up, but a close second with less bulk to the actual garment. It also has concealed underwire that doesn’t dig in at all for a more comfortable fit.
I liked the fact that this is more of a plunge strapless bra, so you can wear it with more low-cut tanks, tees, and dresses. It’s also convertible, meaning it comes with matching straps that allow for multiway wear. Without the straps, my biggest complaint was that I did notice a bit of a shelf at the top—not ideal for wearing under garments that have straps but still require a strapless, such as racerback tanks or spaghetti straps, but great for something like a wedding dress that has a more structured top. (In fact, multiple brides we polled wore this on their big day and noted it stayed up). Overall, though, I thought this one checked most of the boxes and offered an excellent value.
Best for Plus Sizes: Skims Fits Everybody Strapless Bra
Skims Fits Everybody Strapless Bra
Nordstrom
Skims
- Sizes available: 30A-46H
- Material: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane
- Colors: 7 skin tones plus black
- What we love: Wide range of colors to suit more skin tones; size inclusive
- What could improve: Slightly flattening
TBH, there wasn’t much I didn’t love about the Skims Fits Everybody Strapless Bra. The fabric is very soft, but most importantly, it stays up without digging in or creating awkward lines under a shirt or strapless dress. Not to mention, in classic Skims fashion, it comes in eight colors to suit more skin tones and extended bra sizes up to 46H. I also appreciate that it’s a convertible strapless bra—it comes with matching straps that can be worn any which way.
I wore this strapless bra with a racerback-style shirt for more than 12 hours straight on a busy day of errands and rarely had to make adjustments. I did, however, think there was something to be desired in the shape department. I felt like my boobs looked a little flatter than they did in other styles.
Best Bandeau: Aerie Smoothez Bandeau Bralette
Aerie Smoothez Bandeau Bralette
American Eagle
- Sizes available: XXS-XL
- Material: 70% Nylon, 30% Lycra
- Colors: Beige, black
- What we love: Removable pads; buttery soft fabric
- What could improve: Doesn’t come in traditional bra sizes; removable pads move around inside the bra a bit
If you’re searching for a true second-skin feel that slips right on, Aerie’s bandeau bra is a solid wireless strapless option. I found the buttery soft fabric to be extremely comfortable, and I liked that it has removable pads. I actually preferred the bra without the cups, since I found they were moving around a bit inside and didn’t do much to help with shape. And because of the wireless bra style, I also recommend sizing down for a more snug, stay-up-all-day fit.
Best for Big Busts: Wacoal Comfort First Strapless Bra
Wacoal Comfort First Strapless Bra
Amazon
Nordstrom
Zappos
- Sizes available: 32B-38DDD
- Material: 55% polyamide, 45% elastane (body); 100% nylon (cups)
- Colors: Beige, black
- What we love: Convertible; silicone strips on the wings; no rigid boning; full-coverage cups for extra support and limited spillage
- What could improve: The underwire starts to feel uncomfortable after a few hours
Made from soft, smooth materials, this strapless sits nicely on the skin without digging in and features lightly padded cups that lend a natural shape that doesn’t add excessive bulk. The cups are slightly more full-coverage than some other options on our list, which means it offers great support, plus helps prevent spillage around the top, side, and back, especially for those with larger busts. Just note: The size range isn’t quite as expansive as a few others, especially the Skims.
Even though I would not consider myself especially large-chested, I really liked the shape I got from this lightly lined bra. The overall look was one of the more seamless and smooth. And I appreciated the silicone on the band to help it stay up. Another big plus? There’s no boning, which I find can be the most painful spot on a strapless bra. It’s also convertible, thanks to matching straps.
Best Backless: Gatherall Backless Strapless Reusable Silicone Adhesive Sticky Bra
Gatherall Backless Strapless Reusable Silicone Adhesive Sticky Bra
Gatherall
Nordstrom
- Sizes available: A-DD
- Material: Silicone
- Colors: Cream, latte, mocha, noir
- What we love: No uncomfortable hooks or wires; offers a light lift; waterproof and sweatproof; washable
- What could improve: Some reviewers say the bra runs big, so double check sizing
If you’ve given up on sticky bras, the Gatherall Backless Strapless Bra might persuade you to give them one more chance. Designed with a gentle adhesive, this one somehow manages to feel both secure and comfortable—even through sweat, movement, and long hours of wear. It’s also water- and sweat-proof, plus offers reliable support that “makes it so much easier to wear any tricky tops or dresses,” says April Buchanan, founder and CEO of The Perky Lady. It’s also easy to clean, she says.
“I’ve used nipple covers, but not a sticky backless bra before, and I really like this one,” says Glamour tester Malia Griggs. “It was super useful for this wedding-guest dress, which I’ve previously worn without a bra. It was easy to apply and stayed put all night, even when I danced.” She also appreciated the subtle lift and seamless finish: “After a quick rinse of water and some time to dry, it’s good to go again. I’m excited to keep using this!”
Best for Small Breasts: Pepper MVP Multiway Strapless Bra
Pepper MVP Multiway Strapless Bra
Amazon
Nordstrom
- Sizes available: 30A-40B
- Material: Polyamide, elastane
- Colors: Black, espresso, buff, fawn, sand, ecru
- What we love: Lightweight fabric that doesn’t have any extra bulk; seamless design; secure silicone strips to keep things in place; convertible design
- What could improve: Specifically-designed for smaller busts
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 mesh-like, 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.
Other strapless bras we tested
Natori Feathers Strapless Plunge Multiway Bra
Amazon
Nordstrom
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 our commerce director, 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.
Soma Bodify Strapless Bra
Soma Bodify Strapless Bra
Soma
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.
Cosabella Evolution Strapless Bra
Cosabella Evolution Strapless Bra
Amazon
Shopbop
This bra impressed us with its ultra-soft, 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 comfort lovers, these drawbacks kept it from making our top list.
Frequently asked questions
What to look for in a strapless bra
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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 it’s a good rule of thumb to size down from your standard fit, making 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 to take care of your strapless bra
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The best strapless bras are about as low-maintenance as any of your other bras. While some exceptions apply, most strapless bras can be washed by hand and hung or laid out to dry. Softer bras like bandeaus are often machine washable with cold water (preferably in a net bag).
Should you go down a size in a strapless bra?
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It’s a common misconception that you need to measure strapless bras differently than regular bras, bra fit experts tell Glamour. Strapless and sports bras are designed to fit a little firmer, says Helene T. Delince, founder of The Fitting Curve in Rockville Center, New York.
To measure your bra size, use a soft, flexible measuring tape (often called tailor’s tape), following these steps:
- Measure the circumference around your ribcage, 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, etc. So in this example, the cup size would be D.
- Finally co,mbine your initial band size with your cup size. In our example, the final bra measurement would be 36D.
Of course, all breasts are different, so finding the right bra will likely require some trial and error, says Delince.
The post 9 Best Strapless Bras 2025 That Stayed Up After Hours of Wear appeared first on Glamour.
