Wearing a bra—especially a strapless one—is not always the most enjoyable experience. We've all dealt with the slipping, sliding—and generally adjusting all night to avoid nip-slips. It's a PAIN! (And don't even get me started with the whole shopping for a bra experience, sifting through what seems like millions of options only to be confused by cup and band sizes. Why are we doing math in the fitting rooms?! If someone is making me pull out a ruler, I should get paid for my labor.) But back to strapless bras. I mean, what's worse than being out and about, trying to live your life, only to suddenly be aware of the fact that your bra is bee-lining toward your belly button? It actually doesn't have to be this way, though, is the thing. There are bras out there that don't give us this kind of shit. And not having to worry is pretty mind blowing. I've listed out the best ones on the market, below, FYI.
But, here's a caveat: Feeling good in a bra is a very unique to you thing. What works for your body might be a disaster for your bestie, depending on preferences and body type. So, it's all about prioritizing your comfort and making sure your "breasts are perfectly encased in the cups without billowing out," says bra expert and author, Jené Luciani Sena. And luckily, thanks to a World Wide Web of endless possibilities, there are a ton of options. Take a peek at our faves, below.
Our top picks for the best strapless bras in 2024:
To save you hours of research and review rabbit holes, we hunted down the best strapless bras for every type of situation. Whether you're looking for a wireless bra, a bra with lots of support, something perfect for those deep-V silhouettes, a seamless bandeau, or you're someone with a smaller or larger chest, you'll find what you need below. Plus, our expert weighs in on alllllll your burning strapless bra questions. Let's go!
Best Supportive
Pros
- Stays put
- Lifts your chest up
- Doesn't slip
Cons
- Some reviewers say it runs small
The cushioned underwire on this bra provides that extra security for your breasts—meaning you know they'll sit propped up and in place at all times. Bonus: It's convertible, which means you can wear it with straps as a standard, criss-cross, or halter bra if you want.
Notable 5-star Review:
This is the ONLY strapless bra I found that ticks all the boxes! Stays put—no matter the circumstances (humidity, sweat, weather, dancing—it stays up!). Comfortable—it’s so comfy, you forget you’re wearing it! Gives nice shape—not visible at all through the clothes and since it’s molded, it gives a nice breast shape. Durable—the material is not only nice and soft, but this bra is super durable. I had my first for years and it only started fraying now a little! Yes, tons of washing too. Get this bra, you’ll never look back!
More Best Supportive Bras
Best Padded
Pros
- Push-up padding for lift
- Non-slip band
- Can be worn five different ways
- Has adjustable, removable straps
- Comes in six colors
Cons
- Some reviews say the cup is uncomfortable
If you want a more rounded and lifted look, a padded strapless bra is the one for you. It props up your breasts, giving 'em a lil au naturelle boost. Plus, the padding ensures that nothing will be see-through—or able to poke through—no matter how hot or cold it gets or how sheer a top or dress is. (We all got that one tricky shirt or frock in our closets.)
Notable 5-star Review:
These bras, both with and without the straps, are my everyday bras. Some of my clothing needs a padded bra, so this fits the bill and it's lovely and soooo comfortable.
More Best Padded Bras
Victoria's Secret Bombshell Strapless Bra
Best Plunging
Pros
- Stays invisible under thin fabrics
- Has light foam
- No bulging or slipping
Cons
- Underwire may feel uncomfortable for some
No, the only solution to a low-cut tank or dress is not pasties or going without support entirely. Two words: Plunging bra. It has the same décolletage design but will hold things together a bit more while staying completely hidden. People have said that it's so comfy that they don't even feel like they're wearing a bra!
Notable 5-star Review:
This bra looks beautiful beneath the drape of a silk camisole, which is an ultimate testament to how it molds itself to your shape with perfect contours. It's fuss-free and doesn't slip or need constant adjusting while wearing it. The fabric isn't scratchy either. It even looks sexy which is definitely important next to being both practical and functional. I'm pleased.
More Best Plunging Bras
DKNY Modern Lace Convertible Strapless Underwire Bra
DotVol Multiway Deep U Plunge Padded Push Up Convertible Bra
Best Bandeau
Pros
- Underwire both supports and separates to prevent uni-boob
- Ultra stretchy fabric fits over larger busts but is still tight at the band area
- Comes in 7 different colors
Cons
- Not a ton of lift
Think of this as a tube top with built-in cups. It's stretchy, and seamless, and it doesn't have an uncomfy hook-and-eye closure. What's not to love? Wear it under a thin, breezy shirt or on its own.
Notable 5-star Review:
I’m a 36B and this bra is sooooo comfortable. I’ll probably even wear it as just a shirt in the summer with highwaisted shorts. Not see through at all. So soft. Worth it.
More Best Bandeau Bras
Best Seamless
Pros
- Has convertible straps
- Soft and comfortable material
- Stays in place
Cons
- Only ranges from 30B to 36DD
Okay, so you want a smooth bra that'll stay invisible under clothes and won't give you uniboob at the same time–gotcha! Go for this seamless option with sleek microfiber fabric and lightly padded contoured cups. It'll shape both of your boobs while keeping the whole look leveled.
Notable 5-star Review:
Love this bra! I have struggled for a while trying to find a great strapless bra—usually they are too tight, fall down, and are uncomfortable but NOT this one! This one fits perfectly (I took my usual size) and I don’t give it another thought throughout the day. It’s soft and comfy and the quality I have come to expect from Cosabella—you won’t be disappointed with this bra!
More Best Seamless Bras
Natori Minimal Contour Strapless Bra
Best for Larger Chests
Pros
- Comfortable and supportive
- Lifts
- No slippage
- Convertible design
Cons
- Some reviewers said the cup sizing is off
Found: a top-rated, strapless bra that goes up to size 44G. Over 7,000 glowing reviews rave about how this strapless option is actually comfortable and supportive for bigger boobs. The search is over!
Notable 5-star review:
I'm in AWE of this strapless bra. I stand 5'7", 195lbs, cup size is normally 36DDD. I have NEVER EVER found a strapless bra that had big enough cups, didn't fall down, overall comfy, AND flattering (didn't create that awkward "double boob at the top"). THIS (*clap*) IS (*clap*) IT (*clap*)!!!!!!! I bought a cup size up, so 36G, based on some of the reviews. As soon as I put it on, the seas parted, the angels started singing, and I knew it was a keeper. This bra delivers!!! And I especially love that the middle plunges a little more than other strapless ones so you can wear more low cut necklines if you want. I feel secure and barely even know I'm wearing it.
More Best Bras for Larger Chests
Vanity Fair Back Smoothing Strapless Bra
Best Wireless
Pros
- Full coverage seamless pillow-soft foam cups
- Side seams for extra support
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- Side boning a little uncomfy
If wired bras are too harsh on you, join the wireless side. They’re just as supportive and provide even more flexibility. Ahem, and the near five-star rating on this bra also clearly shows how loved it is!
Notable 5-star review:
"This strapless bra is phenomenal. To give some background, I wear a 34C in both Wacoal and B.tempt'd and I am shallow on top/full on bottom (which can cause gaping in a lot of contours). I like a wider band to help with smoothing in the back. The first time I put this on, it was like a glove. I felt secure, no tugging, slipping down, and pulled back to hug the chest wall just right across the top of the cup to accommodate for what can usually gap. The flexible but strong fabric is firm enough to stay put but soft enough to not pinch or make me want to tear it off by the end of the day. A comfortable strapless!!! I have found my solution."
More Best Wireless Styles
Best Skin-Tone Option
Pros
- So! Many! Colors!
- Goes 30A-46H
- Helps alleviate back pain
Cons
- Runs small
The people have spoken! This near five-star rated strapless bra from Skims is 100 percent worth the hype—especially if you’re on the hunt for a neutral option that matches your skin tone. It’s available in 10 different neutral shades, which is more than what most other brands offer. This bra also comes in a range of sizes. You can choose from band sizes 32 to 46 and cup sizes A to H. Reviewers particularly can’t stop raving about how lightweight and comfortable it is, its smoothness under clothing, and the fact that it stays up.
Notable 5-star Review:
Tbh, I always had trouble finding the perfect strapless bra. I always feel like they tend to slide down or they're bulky or it's just not comfortable. I kid you not, from the first time I tried it on, it was perfect for my body. I really appreciate the material and comfortability of this bra. I don't regret purchasing it at all. If you are looking for a GOOD QUALITY and RELIABLE strapless bra, just add this to your cart now.
More Best Skin-Tone Option Bras
Best for Comfort
Pros
- Comfortable silicone strip to prevent slipping
- Convertible, multiway straps
- Specifically designed for smaller chests
- Comes in three colors
Cons
- Only available in AA, A, and B cup sizes
Bras are not My Thing. They've always felt too restricting, tight, or like another weight on my body. So, when I must wear one for a particular clothing item or occasion, it has to be so comfy cozy that it doesn't even feel like I'm wearing one. This strapless option fits that bill, and you won't have to worry about constantly hoisting it up, thanks to its silicone strip lining.
Notable 5-star Review:
MIND BLOWN! Oh my sweet, sweet lord! It fits! It doesn't slip! It's comfortable and doesn't make me want to rip it off after 20 minutes! I work as a bartender and my shifts are six to 10 hours long, constantly moving around, bending and reaching. All other strapless bras slip down the first time I reach for anything. I can't believe how comfortable this bra is, it definitely doesn't feel like I'm wearing it. I'm not giving this bra five stars, I'm giving it eleventy million!
More Best for Comfort Bras
Skarlett Blue Goddess Multi-Way Bra
How should a strapless bra fit?
It's hard to believe that a strapless bra can actually give you support and won't feel like it's going to slide down. But it is possible! "A strapless bra should fit well, just like any other bra—however, it is more challenging because you don’t have the 10 percent of support the straps provide!" Jené Luciani Sena, tells Cosmo. "This means if you’re wearing a band that’s too big (as many women do), you cannot get away with it here! You want the band to be horizontal across your back and not pinching, squeezing or digging in. Breasts should be perfectly encased in the cups without billowing out."
How do I find the right strapless bra fit?
Sena recommends "measuring yourself every year and then use that size as a guideline." It may take some time and a few tries to see what feels and looks best in your opinion, but Sena says it's all "trial and error," so be patient with yourself in the process. You'll find The One!
Is it better to size up or down for a strapless bra?
If there's something you don't wanna do, according to Sena, it's go bigger. She says "The old rule of thumb is to size down in the band so you get the snugger fit which you can certainly try but make sure it’s not digging in or uncomfortable." She adds that "you can also look for a wider band and gripping on the inside lining of the bra and top of the cups which will help it stay put."
When should you wear a strapless bra?
Essentially, the choice is yours! It truly doesn't matter whether or not you wear a bra, as long as you and your girls feel comfortable. Most people go for a strapless bra when an outfit has a strapless top or is just complicated (perhaps it has lots of cut-outs or it's a super strappy style).
What’s the difference between a strapless bra and a bandeau?
They're the same, but like in different fonts, ya know? "Technically any bra without straps can be strapless, but a bandeau has a very specific styling to it, in that it looks almost like a tube top," Sena says.
How do you keep a strapless bra from falling down?
Wearing a ~normal~ bra means you get support from the straps and the band. But with a strapless bra, you only have the band to keep the girls up. To keep yours from falling down, you'll have to focus on that part of the bra. You don't wanna get something that's too small, or else it'll dig into your skin. Sena says to "look for gripping silicone lining that's in the entire inside of the perimeters of the bra." She also highly suggests not wearing lotion or oil on or around that area that day, as it can cause a lot of slippage!
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Cosmo’s team of fashion experts—which includes fashion director Cassie Anderson and fashion features director Rachel Torgerson, senior accessories editor Andrea Zendejas, and fashion editors Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Danielle Flum—have decades of experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we've curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor who writes fashion at Cosmopolitan and has five years of experience writing about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle news, including the most comfortable bras. She regularly tests and analyzes bras for efficacy.
We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!
Reviews have been edited for clarity.
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle about 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is Miss Supranational Haiti 2024, a Syracuse Masters graduate, and the author of three books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @iamtarahlynn.
