The best strapless bras, at a glance
Strapless bras have a reputation for being the worst—and for years, I agreed. Every single one I owned gaped at the top, dug into my ribs, or slid down the second I moved. Still, I wore them anyway, tugging and adjusting my way through weddings and special events because I didn’t think a better option existed.
Earlier this year, I set out on a mission to finally find a strapless bra that actually lived up to its promises. And while I discovered a few solid contenders, the fall weddings and holiday parties on my calendar felt like the perfect excuse to test a few more. Since the last update to this story, I’ve evaluated four additional styles for a total of 17 overall.
After wearing them with everything from formal gowns to sleek tops, the SpanxSmooth Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bra remains my top pick. 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 styles you won’t want to rip off right away.
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 five months, I tested a total of 17 styles. 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 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: Spanx SpanxSmooth Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bra
SpanxSmooth Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bra
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing SpanxSmooth Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bra
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, and silicone dots on the top of the cups to further aid in the no-slip department and 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. (PS: 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
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing ThirdLove 247 Classic Strapless Bra
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
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Victorias Secret Bombshell Add-2-Cups Push-Up Strapless Bra
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
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Maidenform Dreamwire Strapless Multiway Underwire Bra
What we love: Convertible; adds volume and shape; silicone gripping on wings; especially low cut 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’s 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 undergarments 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
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Skims Fits Everybody Strapless Bra
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 for Small Breasts: Pepper MVP Multiway Strapless Bra
Pepper MVP Multiway Strapless Bra
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Pepper MVP Multiway Strapless Bra
What we love: Lightweight fabric with no extra bulk; seamless design; secure silicone strips; convertible design
What could improve: Designed only 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 meshlike, 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.
Best Underwire: Wacoal Red Carpet Convertible Strapless Bra
Wacoal Red Carpet Convertible Strapless Bra
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Wacoal Red Carpet Convertible Strapless Bra
What we love: Breathable mesh sides; solid size range; convertible straps for versatility
What could improve: Fabric isn’t as soft as others
The Wacoal Red Carpet Convertible is a wildly popular strapless bra (with over 8,000 Amazon reviews averaging 4.2 stars) designed for reliable support and all-day wear. It features three rows of hook-and-eye closures for a customizable fit, silicone on the top and bottom edges to help it stay securely in place, and mesh sides for improved airflow—perfect for hot summer events. Convertible straps add versatility, letting you wear it in multiple ways depending on your outfit.
The fabric isn’t as buttery soft as some other bras I’ve tested, but it was still comfortable enough to wear for more than six hours while attending a wedding. I also noticed the underwire provided consistent lift without digging in, and the lightly lined cups provided a smooth shape under a body-hugging dress—minimal adjustments required throughout the evening.
Best for Large Breasts: Panache Alice Strapless Bra
Panache Alice Strapless Bra
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Panache Alice Strapless Bra
What we love: Underwire and full cups provide more support; great lift and shaping; convertible straps
What could improve: May show through thinner fabrics
This balconette-style option is designed with larger busts in mind, offering lift, shape, and reliable support. It features two rows of silicone along the top and bottom edges for extra staying power and comes with convertible straps for versatile wear.
Because of its larger profile and the characteristic stitching of balconette styles, it’s not quite as discreet under thinner fabrics as some other strapless bras. That said, the balconette cut is a great choice for strapless dresses or tops where you want both support and a flattering silhouette, since it naturally lifts and rounds the bust. In testing, I was impressed by how much more shape this bra provided than your average strapless style, and found it works best with structured or medium-weight fabrics—think taffeta or cotton blends—with slightly higher necklines where the stitching stays discreet and the lift enhances the silhouette.
Best Backless: Knix Push-Up Luxe Adhesive Reusable Bra
What we love: Reusable for more than 50 wears; great for tricky necklines; comes in black (less common in sticky bras)
What could improve: Limited sizing
This push-up adhesive bra is a backless, strapless solution ideal for low-back, strapless, or off-the-shoulder tops and dresses—including evening and wedding gowns. The lightly padded cups give the look of one added cup size, while the medical-grade silicone adhesive keeps it securely in place for all-day wear. It’s also reusable for 50-plus wears with proper care—hand-wash and air-dry only—meaning each wear costs about $1. Sizing is a little trickier than standard strapless bras, since you choose just your cup size, and is more limited, since options only extend from A to D.
Other strapless bras we tested
These picks aren’t our absolute favorites—more on that below—but they are still worth mentioning on your search for the best strapless bras.
Natori Feathers Strapless Plunge Multiway Bra
Natori Feathers Strapless Plunge Multiway Bra
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Natori Feathers Strapless Plunge Multiway Bra
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 Glamour 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
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Soma Bodify Strapless Bra
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
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Cosabella Evolution Strapless Bra
This bra impressed us with its ultrasoft, 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.
Aerie Smoothez Bandeau Bralette
Aerie Smoothez Bandeau Bralette
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Aerie Smoothez Bandeau Bralette
If you’re searching for a true second-skin feel that slips right on, Aerie’s bandeau bra is a solid wireless, strapless option. The buttery-soft fabric is incredibly comfortable, and I liked that it comes with removable pads (though I preferred it without, since they tended to shift around and didn’t add much shape). Because it’s wireless, I also recommend sizing down for a more secure, stay-up-all-day fit.
Ultimately, though, this bra isn’t quite what most people are looking for in a strapless style. It’s definitely one of the most comfortable strapless bras, but it doesn’t provide the support or shaping that make a bra feel like a real go-to option, which kept it off our top list.
Wacoal Comfort First Strapless Bra
Wacoal Comfort First Strapless Bra
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Wacoal Comfort First Strapless Bra
Made from soft, smooth materials, this strapless bra sits comfortably on the skin and features lightly padded cups that provide a natural shape without adding bulk. The slightly fuller cups offer solid support and help prevent spillage, while the seamless design and silicone band kept the bra in place during testing. On the downside, the size range isn’t quite as expansive as some other brands, and ultimately, we found the brand’s Red Carpet style to be the superior option for all-day comfort and longer wear.
Gatherall Backless Strapless Reusable Silicone Adhesive Sticky Bra
Gatherall Backless Strapless Reusable Silicone Adhesive Sticky Bra
Original photo from Malia Griggs testing Gatherall Bra
The Gatherall Backless Strapless Bra uses a gentle adhesive to stay in place and is both water- and sweatproof. It offers subtle lift, a seamless finish, and is easy to clean and reuse after rinsing. Overall, it’s a workable option for backless styles, but we’ve found that other sticky bras—including the one from Knix—perform better over long-term use.
Everything to know about strapless bras
What to look for in a strapless bra
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
To take care of your strapless bra, you should generally wash it by hand using cold water and a gentle detergent, then lay it flat or hang it to dry. Softer styles, like bandeaus, are often machine-washable on a cold, gentle cycle—preferably inside a mesh laundry bag—but avoid the dryer to maintain shape and elasticity.
Should you go down a size in a strapless bra?
No, you generally do not need to size down in a strapless bra. Strapless and sports bras are designed to fit a little firmer than regular bras, so your usual band and cup size is typically correct, 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 rib cage, 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, combine 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, Delince says.

