Some notes on Strapless Bras (and a fun strappy style too!)

With holidays coming up I’ve been torn about this blog because I want to be encouraging people to be staying home and staying safe which in my world doesn’t mean either strapless dressing or strappy dressing. But in case you have a small and safe New Year celebration ahead I still thought a blog about some of the best strapless options out there is warranted. It’s also good preparation for the upcoming warmer weather when you may want more flexible options for summer tops.

There are so many options available but how do you find one that you don’t have to fight with? This is an area where you just can’t compromise on band size and expect that things are going to stay where you want them. If you’re not in the correct size then the tightness might work in the sort term but as you move around and the breast tissue shifts the natural tendency will be for the bra to slide down your torso. This is where it’s important to go as small as tolerable in the band size and then go up in the cup size so that everything stays in place. This is most important of course when the occasion demands a good fit so that you can relax and enjoy yourself and not be left distracted by the fit of your bra.

The next thing to keep in mind is that if you’re going to have a tight band you can’t skimp on the fabric and the structure of the band. If it’s too stretchy or flimsy it may collapse and then dig in to your back and sides. The best strapless styles have a wider band and will have good support and strategically placed “stays” that help keep the band from folding.

Two of the best options on the market are the Wacoal (appropriately named) “Red Carpet” strapless and for larger bust sizes the “Dana” strapless made by Panache/Sculptresse. Notice the cup structure, the wire channel and the band and the stays on the back of the band. All of these components are necessary to feel secure that everything will stay where it’s supposed to all day or all night.

Keeping both of these factors in mind, the best thing you can do for yourself is to find the bra before you find the dress or shirt. In order for the bra to fit, be supportive AND stay properly in place they tend to have more coverage than you might want in the clothing you’ve chosen. There are a few “toolbox” brands and styles that can be adjusted to give good support and also be less visible under your outfit. They may not be quite as versatile overall but may work for a specific occasion. One example is the Koko Plunge by Panache/Cleo shown below. This style has a lower front plunge but still has a strong wire channel and enforced stitching on the back near the hooks for stability. However, because physics and gravity don’t change, this style compensates the lower center by coming up a bit higher on the sides.

These options may require a somewhat more personalized fitting consultation. If you find yourself in a situation like this in the coming weeks or months, especially as we are able to travel again more or as we get into the wedding season, please connect with me for additional advice personalized to your situation.

Sizing is also very important when you want to show your straps in one of these cute strappy styles under a scoop or v-neck top. For the desired effect of the straps laying across the breast, the correct size is critical.

Again, if you have a special occasion coming up that calls for a somewhat “showy” style, or supportive yet invisible style, connect with me for brand, size and style advice. There are so many cute, fun styles available that there’s no reason to limit yourself to boring bras!

I’ll be taking a break from blogging next week so Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all and best wishes for a safe and healthy New Year! Thank you for reading!🧑🏻‍💼