Best Strapless Bras: Top 5 Most Supportive Brands, According To Style Experts

Sometimes it can be a struggle to find that perfect bra to wear with an outfit. If you like a strapless look, you’ll want to find a strapless bra that both fits and supports your body. The best strapless bras will be comfortable and help to avoid those embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions. Besides, nobody wants to be tugging at their bra to keep it in place after every little move.

Speaking of movement, if you like to exercise, the type of bra you choose can make or break your workout. According to a recent study from researchers at the University of Memphis, a well-designed sports bra can significantly improve a woman's running time– potentially shaving off an impressive 4.2 seconds per minute. Marathon runners could see a reduction of around ten minutes off their total running time.

The findings also show a properly fitted sports bra offers additional support, leading to greater knee stiffness, and allowing the lower body to bear more of the strain. "Over the past 50 years, limited evolution in bra design has occurred. Our findings, in conjunction with previous research studies, show that sports bras should be considered not only as apparel, but also as sports equipment that can both improve performance and reduce the risk of injury, playing a role in women's health," notes Dr. Douglas Powell, the study's lead author.

If you’re ready to go bra shopping, StudyFinds is here to assist. We’ve pulled together a list of the five best strapless bra brands from ten expert websites to find the most supportive options on the market. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!

First up is this offering from ThirdLove, which has lots of positive reviews. Oprah Daily calls it ‘Best Strapless Bra Overall’, adding its "soft foam cups and silicone strips lend support, and of course, the style comes in the brand's signature half-cup sizes so you can find your perfect fit."

What makes this strapless bra stand out? "It's made of a nylon and spandex blend and has flexible nickel-free wires and gold alloy hardware. Many shoppers love how this bra has a foam padded hook and eye closure and a tagless printed label that's scratch-free," according to Women's Wear Daily.

While USA Today notes, the bra is "snug enough that it stays in place all day yet not too tight to be uncomfortable." You can find it in cup sizes AA-H and band sizes 32-44.

Here's a strapless bra that scores points for support. "Made with underwire and smooth foam cups, irritation-free silicone and a comfortable band, the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Underwire Bra has a second-skin feel," suggests Forbes.

If you have a bigger bosom, this bra will keep you both covered and secure. "It comes in an impressive size range that goes all the way up to H, and shoppers who have especially larger busts claim this is one of the best strapless styles they have ever tried," adds Us Weekly.

However as Byrdie points out, "even when you have the correct size, the band feels pretty tight—this is necessary for support, but it doesn't make it the most comfortable garment for all-day wear. It also features cushioned underwire for extra reinforcement, but again because the bra is so structured, we recommend it for formal wear or special occasions rather than everyday wear." Sizes range from 30-44, B-H.

This affordable bra from Kim Kardashian's SKIMS brand is a reviewer favorite. Cosmopolitan crowns it ‘Best Overall Bandeau Bra’, noting that "shoppers loooove this buttery-soft bandeau for its second-skin feeling, especially since it offers subtle support without any digging or discomfort."

"The pullover style is also seamless, so the smoothing fabric lays flat underneath the clothes," suggests Women's Wear Daily. The SKIMS brand is known for embracing all body types. This bra is no different.

Glamour adds, it's "available in an inclusive range of skin tones and sizes. It's undoubtedly one of the best seamless bras—and best bandeaus—in the game." Find it in sizes XXS-4X.

SPANX is a well-known shapewear brand. "We can always rely on SPANX for the most functional undergarments, and this strapless bra is no exception. The smooth, underwire style features memory foam cups and a silicone grip to help prevent constant fidgeting," according to Elle.

InStyle gives this bra its ‘Best Overall’ title, noting "it never slipped or required us to consistently pull it up as we wore it throughout the day. SPANX uses a trademarked rubber band, called the SmartGrip strap, around the edge of the bra, which helps keep the bra in place; however, it never rubbed or dug into the skin because combined with the soft nylon and memory foam cups, the bra truly felt like a breeze on."

"The cups are soft and do an excellent job of shaping and supporting the breasts, but they can be a bit thick and bulky, which isn't ideal for those with already large breasts that don't want to accentuate their size. On the flip side, it does provide great support for larger busts which isn't all that common when it comes to strapless bras," adds Byrdie. Keep in mind, the size range isn't as wide as some of its competitors. This bra fits sizes 32B-40DDD.

Rounding out our top five, is this wire-free strapless bra from LIVELY. It "offers adequate support—courtesy of the lightly padded foam cups, side boning for structure, no-slip silicone strips, and wide band," suggests Oprah Daily.

Glamour praises it for comfort, adding "this breathable strapless bra is the wire-free style you didn't know you needed." Many reviewers love that this strapless bra features a hook and eye back closure.

Women's Wear Daily points out, the bra's cups offer "just enough nipple coverage for you to feel comfortable." It's available in sizes 32A-38DDD.

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.

About the Author

Melissa is a freelance writer, based out of New Jersey. She has over two-decades of writing, editing, and producing experience for Radio, TV, and Digital Media.

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