Strapless bras are possibly the most temperamental item in the world of undergarments. They are notorious for sliding down, offering mediocre support, and creating odd indented profiles. This is even more true for larger chest sizes, for which adequate and comfortable support is a must. Not to mention, finding no-strap options in more inclusive cup ranges, band lengths, and plus sizes can add another layer of difficulty when shopping.
As frustrating as this reality is for boobs-havers everywhere, sometimes a strap-free bra is necessary for those special occasions that call for a shoulder-baring top. Or during those summer months when you just want to wear a soft and breathable bandeau. If you have been staring at that strapless dress but have not been able to wear it because your strapless bra search has come up short, we have gathered a helpful list of anti-bulge back-smoothing bras, comfortable bandeaus, lifting bustiers, and large-cup bras that offer support without any jabbing underwire. Plus, see what other large-busted reviewers had to say about them.
1. Cakes Body
A cleavage-boosting adhesive bra
Finally, an adhesive bra that actually works for larger busts and actually stays on for as long as you want it to. The Cakes Body sticky cleavage bra is designed with specially contoured silicone cups and tapered wings that add shape and lift to breasts, while the clasp creates cleavage. Perfect for all your backless and strapless tops or dresses, Cakes Body uses medical-grade adhesive to ensure a lasting stick that can be reused again and again. Shop this bra in three sizes and three colors.
Promising review: "I am a very large and heavy-breasted woman. It is very refreshing to find a cleavage bra that literally fits, stays on, and supports the girls. This has opened up an opportunity for me to wear many more variations of fashion." — Tonie B. $46 at Cakes Body
2. Skims
A buttery soft bandeau bra
Constructed from an ultra-soft stretch fabric and free from underwire, this seamless bandeau by Skims offers slightly compressive support, without digging in your skin. It is available in nine skin-toned shades, as well as some limited edition colors like electric blue and fuchsia.
Promising review: "This bra held up all night through dancing and sweating. I have a large bust so was happy to find something that works." — Kallie H. $28 at Skims
3. Amazon
A stabilizing anti-bulge bra with a flattering rounded profile
This full-busted underwire bra has a silicone strip and hidden stays that stabilize the sides and band and keep the bra in place. The molded stretch foam cups maintain their shape to keep a flattering rounded profile that will not create odd dents underneath T-shirts, and the seamless band smooths and prevents bulging. Available in four colors and sizes 30D-44G, this bra features a detachable strap to accommodate various wear styles.
Promising review: "I have tried out and owned dozens of strapless bras, but was never quite able to find one that I actually enjoyed wearing, until now. One of the biggest problems that I have is that they always seem to create a weird silhouette in profile that looks more 'cone' shaped than rounded, or they show an obvious line where the top of the cups hit my chest. This is the first one that I have found that does not create an odd profile, and it has the perfect rounded shape." — KH $78 at Amazon, $78 at Zappos, $78 at Nordstrom
4. Amazon
An underwire contour bra with multi-way wear
Available in 23 different colors in cup sizes B-H and band sizes up to 46, this contoured underwire bra has close to 21,000 Amazon ratings and features detachable straps that allow the bra to be worn in a number of different ways, such as crossed in the front or over one shoulder. The slightly padded cups offer extra support and promote a natural, rounded shape, while soft boning embedded in the breathable mesh band prevents buckling.
Promising review: "I am large-busted and have not bought a strapless bra in years because every other one I have ever tried has either been so tight it was uncomfortable OR slipped down all the time. But I fell in love with a dress that requires a strapless bra so I gave this one a shot. First, the bra fits just as expected—not too large or small. It gives 'the ladies' just the right amount of support without squishing them. It is so comfortable that honestly, I forgot I was wearing a strapless bra after a bit. Also, it stays in place—all day—not slipping or tugging. It came at a good price with good quality. I cannot recommend this bra highly enough!" — StacieG $27+ at Amazon
5. Bare Necessities
A supportive bandeau-style bra with underwire
The body-form design of this bandeau-style bra prevents visible bra lines under clothing and uses a supportive built-in underwire to lift breasts and provide a more comfortable wear. It is made from four-way stretch microfiber and features a highly breathable knit-in area between the breasts to reduce sweating, making this a great option to wear in warmer months. You can get this bandeau in three different colors and sizes S-2XL.
Promising review: "Comfortable! I typically wear 38DDD went with an XL - when I opened the package I was skeptical at first as it looked small, however, I was able to get it over my head with ease. I like that the thin foam pads are removable as well!" — Kerri $25 at Bare Necessities (regularly $40)
6. Third Love
A classic strapless available in half cup sizes
Third Love is one of the few bra companies that offers half cup sizes with options up to an H cup. Their 24/7 classic strapless bra claims to never fall down, maintain a smooth profile, and features soft, supportive foam cups. It is available in both nude and black and also comes with detachable and convertible straps.
Promising review: "I have tried a lot of different strapless bras for my 32F chest (or 32DD). VS, Aerie, Lively, and others; none of those were comfy and stayed up. It was not until I came across this one that I felt like I found the strapless bra for me. It does not give me a uni-boob, it stays up, AND has support too! Plus it is comfortable as well, feels like second skin to me! Just get it, you will not have any regrets!" — Maureen L. $68 at Third Love
7. Amazon
A back-smoothing strapless bra that keeps things lifted
Using soft four-way stretch fabric, this strapless bra lays flat and seamless under clothing and smoothes any back bulging along the band. The cups are also lightly lined to provide a smooth shape under form-fitting garments. This bra features detachable straps that allow it to be worn in a number of different ways, such as crossed in the front or over one shoulder. It is available in sizes 34B-44DD.
Promising review: "Ladies, if you have large breasts, (mine are 40 DD) that are saggy and uncooperative then THIS BRA IS FOR YOU! I love strapless tops, but I have never been able to wear them because I could not find a strapless bra to keep these girls up. So I went on a mission to find the perfect strapless bra. I did my research and read the reviews and purchased this [one] and, amazingly, [it] came through!!!! Yassss ladies This is it!!! My boobs feel secure, pushed up just right, and With NO spillage." — Stephanie Marie $54 at Amazon
8. Amazon
A bustier-style longline bra ideal for wearing under form-fitting garments
For extended coverage and smoothing along the back, this half-bustier-style strapless bra is a highly rated option that is great for formal wear and form-fitting garments. Vertical boning runs along the length of the band and supportive underwire runs beneath the seamless smooth cups. The length of the band also hits the natural waistline to accentuate your figure while multiple hook and eye closures and silicone strips keep this bra securely in place. It is available in three different colors and sizes 32B-44G.
Promising review: "When I tell you I have found the perfect strapless bra, I MEAN IT!! I have been looking for YEARS for the perfect strapless bra that lifts me up and keeps me there comfortably and this bra is it. This bra has a wide band that gives my back a very smooth look, underwire and padding. I am a 42DD and I tried dancing in this bra to make sure my boobs would not spill out and they did not! I feel so secure when wearing this. Overall I feel like it was a great investment!!" — Tesha $59 at Amazon
9. Amazon
A seamless unlined minimizer bra
Using full coverage and seam-free cups, this strapless bra helps support, shape, and minimize bust size while providing an uplifting effect for a secure wear. Built-in boning prevents overflow and silicone straps keep the bra in place. This bra is available in 30 colors and in cup sizes up to G and band sizes up to 46.
Promising review: "I honestly was not expecting much because of the affordable price, but this bra blew me away. I usually spend way more on bras thinking that is the only way to get real support and comfort—but this one proves otherwise. It is not only supportive for my DD cup size, but it is also incredibly comfortable and minimizes just the right amount without digging into my sides. It sits naturally and feels so good on, I did not even use it as a strapless! I wore it under a blouse and it stayed in place all day. Total game changer. I will definitely be buying more!" — Lizette Camacho $28 at Amazon
10. Amazon
A lace-covered strapless bra ideal for full-bottomed breasts
Ideal for shallow-topped and full-bottomed or uneven breasts, this strapless lace underwire bra can help create a rounded and natural-looking shape without any of the weird gapping you can sometimes get with strapless bras. It has silicone straps along the top and base of the bra to keep it in place, and comes with separate fully adjustable straps. It is available in two colors, cup sizes up to DDD and band sizes up to 40.
Promising review: "As a woman with larger breasts (34DDD), it has been impossible to find comfortable, supportive, and attractive bras, let alone strapless ones! This bra fits all of those requirements. I wear this bra even when I do not need strapless! It stays up and is fully supportive. I highly, highly recommend this bra for women needing more support." — Julie's Books $65 at Amazon
11. Soma
A buttery soft strapless bra that supports without painful underwire
If you are not a fan of underwire, but still like the support it provides, this soft, fully lined strapless bra might be a good option to try. It features full coverage contour cups that create a natural shape, a stay-put technology to provide support and keep it in place, and removable adjustable straps allow you to wear this bra in five different ways. It is available in three colors and sizes 32A-42DD.
Promising review: "I purchased this bra and have worn it on a daily basis for almost a year now. It stays up well all day. I even ordered a larger cup size and used it while I was breastfeeding. I am normally a 34C and go up to a 36DD when pregnant/breastfeeding. It is very hard to find strapless bras that will work normally, let alone when my breasts grow! It has a slight grip to it that I think really helps. Love this bra." — Anonymous $65 at Soma
12. Bravissimo
A lightly padded super support bra with removable straps
This multi-wearing strapless bra goes up to a J cup and features 3-4 hook fastening closures, depending on your cup size. It uses underwire to aid in support and the lightly padded cups provide a smooth, rounded shape under clothes. The detachable straps let you wear it two different ways and it is available in five neutral color options.
Promising review: "I am 38 J and this bra actually fits and is really comfy, I can wear it all day and there is no falling down or popping out. I am not saying I could go jogging in it but for a normal night out or even dancing it stayed put. Excellent bra hello strapless tops." — Diane B. $79 at Bravissimo
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
