I wrote a post some weeks ago on fashion faux pas to avoid and I mentioned how annoying visible bra straps are. Many readers left comments explaining how frustrating it is to find the right strapless bra so I thought I should share a few tips that have helped me.
Strapless bras are a necessity for many of us because apart from supporting our breasts, they help compliment outfits that need it. For example, ordinary bras will show through your tube-tops, tank-tops or sleeveless dresses and tops. Strapless bras show the beauty of such pieces without the strap getting in the way or ruining the look.
As handy as strapless bras can be, many women make serious shopping blunders when it comes to choosing the right strapless bras for themselves. When you make such mistakes, you’ll find yourself being self-conscious as your blunders will always (I mean, always) show.
To guide you on what to look out for when it comes to shopping for strapless bras, here are a couple of pointers that shouldn’t pass you by. You will be thanking me for this post.
- A secure band ideal for you
Without the straps, strapless bras rely heavily on the band to hold your breasts in place. This means that you need to find a strapless bra with a band that is firm enough to support your breasts, but not too firm, that you feel uncomfortable.
A good rule of thumb is to look for a strapless bra that is a band size smaller than your usual bra size. The band should not allow space for anything less than 2 fingers.
Another thing to watch out for is when the band is too tight it can cause the fat in your back to bulge out making it look obvious behind your top or dress, which is very uncomfortable and doesn’t look good. To combat this, choose a bra that has a wider band to hide the bulge.
- Choose the right cup size
The ideal cup size is one that will separate your breasts at the cleavage. Small cups will make your breasts spill over at the top making an unattractive bulge in the front. Large cups will start showing the lines in your clothing.
What you need to do is to aim for a middle ground with cup sizes by picking a half-size more or less depending on if the bra is too small or too big.
- Look out for the rubber strips
Rubber helps to prevent your strapless bra from sliding down or even moving from side to side. This will save you the embarrassment of constantly adjusting your bra every now and then.
To keep your strapless bra in place, look for rubber strips that are placed along the top of each cup. Rubber prevents friction and that is what stops your bra from slipping.
- Double check the material
There are some people who develop rashes or scars from their bras. This is usually caused by the bra’s material. If you know that you’re allergic to silicone (which is the main cause of those rashes or scars), then go for bras that are silicone free. Check the label on the bra to see what its material contains. Better safe than sorry.
Do you struggle to find the right strapless bras?
I have an ample set so I always struggle with cup sizes from the high street shops so I usually stay away from strapless bras but thanks to your tips I will try looking again especially the rubber strips
Thanks for reading Anosa.
I don’t actually have many strapless bras, as it’s so difficult to find the right one. Thanks for this post 🙂
Thank you for reading Lubka.
I struggle with strapless bra’s as very few come in my size and I find they tend to flatten instead of push up
Yea many are.
Good ideas and totally a good reason to get your cup size checked too as apparently more than half of us don’t know our right sizes. I love strapless bras so most of mine are and find them really comfortable to wear 🙂
Thanks Alina.
Great post and tips. I have a few but they are not rights as they slip down a little 🙁 I will have to remember these tips if I but a new one at Christmas 🙂
Thanks Claire.
Well I for one found this very useful, I can never seem to get my strapless bras to stay up so I stopped wearing them but might try again now.
Yea try these tips when shopping for your next strapless bra.
Great advice. That’s also one of my pet peeves, I hate seeing visible bra straps. It doesn’t look neat 😉 Haven’t worn a strapless bra in ages, only because I haven’t had the need to wear one, or haven’t worn clothes that needs one 😉
I hate seeing them too..Lol.
Helpful TIPS.
X
Thanks Moji x
oh I hate rubber straps. They are so annoying. I have not had a strapless bra before but it’s something that could come in handy.
Yea they are annoying.
agreed
Fab tips Stella. I have never found a strapless bra yet that has been a perfect fit. I have always ended up fidgeting like a crazed woman to try and keep things in place! Hehe, will keep this in mind 🙂 x
Lol..I know..x
You’ve got some fab tips here Stella, I always find it hard to find a good strapless bra because I’m quite chesty but I have a fair few clothes that I need them for. I have one perfect one and shortly after I bought it they stopped doing bras in sizes F-H in their style so I couldn’t even grab another xx
Thanks Charli. I know it can be very hard for chesty women to find good bras xx
I hate shopping for strapless bras. It can be so tedious for chesty girls. Thank you so much for sharing these tips, they are very helpful. I’m in need of a strapless bra.
It can be hard for even medium chested women so I can imagine your pain.
Ah I really struggle with strapless bras, not so much the fit but I just never truly feel secure in them. I’m constantly worried I’ll fall out, haha. 😉 Great post!
Ashton x
ashtonjade.co.uk
Yea I know what you mean. Lol..
So hard to find the perfect strapless bra! I can recommend the Curvy Kate and Fantasie ones especially as they make a wide range of sizes.
Ah nice. Will check those ones.
Will check those out..
Some great tips here. Will keep these in mind if I ever find myself needing a strapless bra! 🙂
Thanks Elizabeth.
I recently was sized at Victoria Secret and found out I was wayy bigger than I thought. Strapless bras are hard to pick and find for smaller girls anyway, and me, a bigger chick, oh yeah trouble on the homefront! I can never find one that actually keeps them in place for more than 10 mins.
I know what you mean. It can be very tricky to keep them in place.