Can we all agree that when it comes to wearing a bra ….just no <3….especially a strapless one? (And shopping for a bra and having to sift through the—what seems like—millions of different styles is a double no.) I mean, what’s worse than being out and about, trying to live your life, only to be distracted by the fact that your strapless bra is heading south toward your belly button?
The only options are to make a beeline for the bathroom, casually try to adjust it right then and there, or just say eff it and go braless. While the last option is oh-so-appealing, sometimes it’s just not realistic—which is why a reliable strapless bra is a wardrobe essential.
Like most undergarments, strapless bras are super personal—what works for you might be a disaster for your bestie, depending on preferences and body type. Luckily, thanks to a World Wide Web of endless possibilities, there are a ton of options.
Our top picks for the best strapless bras in 2023:
Just so you won’t have to go through hours of researching and trying on bras that’ll just end up letting you down, we did the hard work for you (and the girls) by hunting down the best strapless bras for every type of situation. Whether you’re looking for a wireless bra, a bra with lots of support, perfect for those deep-V shirts/dresses, or even a seamless bandeau, you’ll find what you need below. And, of course, each one is comfortable, cute, and most importantly—slip-proof. You’re welcome!
Best Padded
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 naturel boost. Plus, the padding ensures that nothing will be see-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 fit the bill and it’s lovely and soooo comfortable.
Best Plunging
No, the only solution to a low-cut tank or dress is in fact not pasties or going bare-chest. Two words: Plunging bra. It has the same décolletage design but will give you much more support while staying completely hidden.
Notable 5-star Review:
Comfortable and beautiful. 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.
Best for Comfort
Bras are not My Thing. They’ve always felt too restricting, tight, or like another weight on my body. Though 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 a strapless. The first time I wore it to work to test it out, I brought a regular bra with me just in case. I definitely didn’t need it, I’m so happy with this strapless! I’m not giving this bra five stars, I’m giving it eleventy million!
Best Supportive
The cushioned underwire on this bra provides that extra security for your breasts—ensuring that they’ll sit propped up and in place at all times.
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!
Best Longline Style
Ideal for strapless dresses—looser or form-fitting—a longline bra will make the whole silhouette look smooth without sacrificing support for your boobs. Everything underneath will appear much more streamlined (no harsh lines here!) since it can extend over your waist and up to your hips. Bonus: This style can even improve your posture! Because of its extra fabric that covers most of your torso, it’ll allow for better upper body weight distribution and can make you stand a bit taller—similar to a corset.
Notable 5-star review:
This longline bra was exactly what I needed. I have a high stomach and putting this bra on removed that look that I did not want to see. It gave me a sliming line and made me feel good again. I now have a longline bra that I can wear when needed to reduce my bulge. I am very happy with this bra.
Best Bandeau
Think of this as a tube top with built-in cups. It’s stretchy, 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 and flattering. 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.
Best Convertible
Money-saving hack alert: Invest in a convertible bra because it’s basically four bras in one—especially if you’re someone who barely owns any. It can be worn sans straps, standard, criss-cross, and/or halter if you want it to have straps. No matter how revealing the get-up is, it won’t let you down.
Notable 5-star review:
WOW!! OMG!! I’ve never loved a bra so much, I have tried so many strapless bras and they seem to hold in my side boob fat and back fat. It doesn’t cut into my underarms. The cups fit my boobs perfectly. Overall, I love this bra, with and without the straps.
Best Seamless
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!
Best for in-Between Cup Size
Struggling to find a strapless bra with half sizes? Say less. This versatile one from ThirdLove will cater to you. Click on the bra and be amazed.
Notable 5-star Review:
I am 5’8, 210 lbs and I wear a 38DDD. My whole adult life I could never find a strapless bra that was comfortable. Not until I bought this bra! I purchased a 36DDD as suggested and I’m in love! It stays put, lifts, and keeps its shape. I barely had to adjust throughout the night and that was because I was bowling. Highly recommend!
Best Backless
Before you assume that there’s no way a strapless bra can exist without backstraps and provide maximum support, check out this backless one and think again.“But, how in the world does it stay up?” you may be wondering. Well, the silicon adhesive on both cups binds to your skin so that it pretty much becomes ~one~ with your boobs.
Notable 5-star Review:
Easiest and most comfortable strapless bra I’ve ever owned. This is my third one! The others have lasted 4-5 years each, and the adhesive has never worn off. Only replaced because eventually there is too much lint/dust that gets stuck to the adhesive! Even through the SWEATIEST of 95 degree heat and humidity, this will hold up. Seriously, can’t recommend enough!!
Best for Larger Chests
Found: a top-rated, strapless bra that goes up to size 44G. Yep, you read that right! 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 was 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.
Best for Smaller Chests
As a member of the itty bitty titty committee, the strapless bra option selection out in the wild is rough. And I know my fellow small-boob people agree! Enter: This one legit made for smaller busts with sizes only ranging from 32-40 AAA-A. Praise be!
Notable 5-star Review:
Fabulous! I have always had a difficult time finding a beautiful strapless padded bra that fit my AA size. I LOVE my Lulalu bras. Very excited to have discovered a company catering to petite forms. It has been such a challenge. Thank you!
Best Lacey Style
Opt for a lace bra if you want something flirtier than your plain, average black bra. But don’t worry about its decorative fabric showing through! It’ll look totally smooth under your clothes.
Notable 5-star Review:
This is it! I’ve been on a two-year hunt to find a comfortable strapless bra and this is it! Super comfortable you’d never know you had a strapless on. It stayed put all day! I’ve already ordered it in black. So happy.
Best for Everyday Lounging
For the stay-at-home and/or running errands days, the last thing you want is a bra with straps digging into your skin. The ultra-soft strapless option from Skims will be your new go-to ~chill~ bra.
Notable 5-star Review:
I usually size down in strapless things but in this case sizing up is the move. Once you know that, these are amazing. Stay in place and don’t give you the dreaded uni-boob. For someone that loathes wearing strapless bras, I forgot I was even wearing one.
Best Wireless Style
If wired bras are too harsh on you, join the wireless side. They’re just as supportive and provide further flexibility.
Notable 5-star review:
Best strapless bra ever! 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 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. 🙂
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 trust to keep the girls up. So, in order to keep yours from falling down, you’ll have to focus on that part of the bra.
Either look for a strapless bra with a band that has some grip or consider sizing down on the band. But of course, you don’t wanna get something that’s too small, or else it’ll dig into your skin. A good way to test that out is by sticking two fingers under the band. If they fit, then the bra should fit comfortably too.
How to choose the best strapless bra for you
The utmost important thing to keep in mind when looking for a strapless bra is that it’s snug and secure. Because since we’re working with a sans straps sitch here, we gotta be sure everything is tight and right—you feel me? But there are also some other things to be aware of when shopping for that perfect strapless bra.
Consider one with a silicone grip
If you wanna feel extra locked in, choose one with silicone on the edges. The stickiness of the material will cling to your skin, assuring no slips or slides. Loveee a lil no slip-grip.
Consider one with removable straps
Hey, I get it. Sometimes you want a bra that can do it all, and a strapless bra with removable and adjustable straps might just be the one for you. Just sayin’, more bang for your buck!
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Cosmo’s shopping team is constantly curating the internet to bring you the chicest, trendiest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
We have pretty high standards when it comes to recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes picks for all styles. 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.
Assistant Shopping Editor
Megan Uy is the assistant 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.
Associate Fashion Editor
I’m Cosmopolitan’s Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.
Hanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets. Before joining Cosmopolitan, she wrote fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content at People (so, yes, she’s basically a professional product tester at this point). Follow her on Instagram for photos of Timothée Chalamet and #OOTD mirror pics.