The best strapless bras don’t have to slide down the moment you move. I’ve spent most of my life assuming they were just inherently awful. The ones I owned always gaped at the top, dug into my ribs, or never stayed in place. But I wore them anyway, tugging and adjusting my way through weddings and summer nights, because I didn’t think a better option existed.
But recently, after realizing I was still clinging to a stretched-out bra I’d bought years ago, I decided it was time to find out if strapless bras had evolved. So I tested 13 of the most popular and highly reviewed styles, wearing them with everything from formal wedding guest dresses to tank tops with tricky necklines. And to my surprise, I found a game-changer: the SPANXsmooth Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bra. It’s lightly compressive, actually stays put, and gives a smooth, lifted shape—something I especially appreciate as a mom of four approaching 40.
Of course, the perfect bra looks different for everyone, so I also asked fellow Glamour editors, stylists, and trusted friends to share their go-to strapless bras, from everyday options for both small and large breasts to strapless push-up bras you won’t want to rip off right away.
The best strapless bras, at a glance
Featured in this articleBest Backless:
Gatherall Backless Strapless Reusable Silicone Adhesive Sticky Bra
Jump to reviewBest Push Up Bra:
Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Add-2-Cups Push Up Strapless Bra
Jump to reviewBest for Large Busts:
ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra
Jump to review
We researched the market for the most popular and well-reviewed strapless bras from brands both big and small, plus asked stylists which ones they recommend to their clients and even use themselves. Then I tried the most widely recommended styles, plus tapped other editors with different body types to weigh in on the ones they love and rely on.
Over the course of four months, I considered the design of each bra. What kind of materials was it made of? Was it a wire bra or wireless? I also considered other features like molded cups and padding, as well as the profile. Could I wear it under a plunging dress, or was it better suited for more standard garments like tube tops and tanks with spaghetti straps? Of course, I also assessed long-term comfort and, perhaps most importantly, how well each bra stayed up. Because, well, it’s just not cute to constantly be hiking up your bra while you’re trying to tear up the dance floor at a wedding—who’s with me?
We’re confident the final list contains only the best strapless bras on the market. These are the bras that not only feel like a second skin (read “don’t dig in”), sit seamlessly under clothing (no awkward shelf), and won’t require constant tugging (phew!).
Best Overall: SpanxSmooth Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bra
SpanxSmooth Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bra
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing SpanxSmooth Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bra
- What we love: Ample silicone grippers to help the bra stay up; breathable and quick-drying fabric; cups provide a very natural and desirable shape
- What could improve: It’s not convertible
Spanx may not be my favorite brand of shapewear, but I was seriously impressed with the strapless bra. The material is really smooth and doesn’t cinch, crease, or dig. Instead, the soft fabric sits flush to create a naturally beautiful shape, thanks to light compression. There was no shelf, nor were there any lines in sight—even while wearing thin, tight bodysuit tanks. The fabric is also breathable and quick-drying.
Importantly, this strapless bra has serious staying power. There are more silicone strips on the wings than any other brand I tested. There are even silicone dots on the top of the cups to further aid in the no-slip department, plus help minimize any gaping issues. I successfully made it through a day in which I logged more than four miles walking in the city without adjustments and even spent a few hours dancing one evening with only minor adjustments. For all of that staying power, there is one concession to be made: It doesn’t have convertible straps, so you can only wear it as a strapless. (P.S., if you wanna save some coins, peep these Spanx promo codes).
Best for Large Busts: ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra
ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra
Tested and reviewed by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley
- What we love: Inclusive sizing; poke-free flexible underwire; supportive memory foam cups; includes clear and matching-color removable straps
- What could improve: Some reviewers report inconsistent sizing
Get some good grip and full coverage with ThirdLove’s classic bra. Glamour reviewer Emily Rodriguez praises this bra’s comfort. “I wore this strapless bra all day, and (a) it stayed in place, but (b) it didn’t make me feel like I was constricted by intense underwire,” she says.
I had a similar experience with this option but did find it ran a bit small. Even the cups looked and felt smaller than some other brands I tried, which may make this a better pick for those with small chests. The underwire didn’t dig in but offered a nice little lift. I also appreciated the shape of the molded cups—they aren’t too padded yet add some shape. The garment sat nice and flush with my skin, too, so I didn’t experience that awkward shelf you often get with other strapless bras—great for clean lines under your favorite tee.
Best Push-Up Strapless Bra: Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Add-2-Cups Push-Up Strapless Bra
Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Add-2-Cups Push Up Strapless Bra
Tested and reviewed by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley
- What we love: Breast-enhancing; versatile; push-up
- What could improve: Excess padding means the bra isn’t comfortable for extended periods of time
The cups on this signature Victoria’s Secret bra feature a nonslip band that prevents them from sliding down throughout the day, with padding designed to almost double your cup size if that’s what you’re going for. I truly couldn’t believe how much volume it added to my relatively small bust (hello, cleavage!). “This is a game changer, especially for someone who hates padded bras,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Romano. “It also provided the necessary support for my scoliosis but didn’t dig into my skin or leave me reaching for my back roller.”
Another standout feature of this strapless push up bra is its convertible design. With its adjustable and removable straps, you have the flexibility to wear it in multiple ways, including strapless, halter, crisscross, or one-shoulder. Whether you’re attending a special event or simply want to make wearing your everyday tops easier, this garment delivers an unparalleled fit, though we don’t recommend it for extended wear, since the padding doesn’t feel natural.
Best Convertible Strapless Bra: Maidenform Dreamwire Strapless Multiway Underwire Bra
Maidenform Dreamwire Strapless Multiway Underwire Bra
Tested and reviewed by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley
- What we love: Convertible; adds volume and shape; silicone gripping on the wings to help the bra stay up; lower-cut than some other options for plunging necklines
- What could improve: Created a slight shelf
For an option that doesn’t feel bulky or excessively padded, Maidenform’s Dreamwire Strapless Multiway Underwire Bra added a fair amount of volume. Not quite as much as Victoria Secret’s push-up, but a close second with less bulk to the actual garment. It also has concealed underwire that doesn’t dig in at all for a more comfortable fit.
I liked the fact that this is more of a plunge strapless bra, so you can wear it with more low-cut tanks, tees, and dresses. It’s also convertible, meaning it comes with matching straps that allow for multiway wear. Without the straps, my biggest complaint was that I did notice a bit of a shelf at the top—not ideal for wearing under garments that have straps but still require a strapless, such as racerback tanks or spaghetti straps, but great for something like a wedding dress that has a more structured top. (In fact, multiple brides we polled wore this on their big day and noted it stayed up). Overall, though, I thought this one checked most of the boxes and offered an excellent value.
Best for Plus Sizes: Skims Fits Everybody Strapless Bra
Skims Fits Everybody Strapless Bra
Tested and reviewed by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley
- What we love: Wide range of colors to suit more skin tones; size inclusive
- What could improve: Slightly flattening
TBH, there wasn’t much I didn’t love about the Skims Fits Everybody Strapless Bra. The fabric is very soft, but most importantly, it stays up without digging in or creating awkward lines under a shirt or strapless dress. Not to mention, in classic Skims fashion, it comes in eight colors to suit more skin tones and extended bra sizes up to 46H. I also appreciate that it’s a convertible strapless bra—it comes with matching straps that can be worn any which way.
