9 Best Strapless Bras, Tested by Bra Experts (2024)

Yes, the most affordable strapless bra we tested was also the best-performing style. This Bali bra currently costs just $24 and outperformed styles over four times its price. This bra has lightly lined, full-coverage foam cups with an underwire for support and lift. It features silicone grips to help keep this bra in place, which testers especially appreciated. While this bra washed beautifully in our Lab tests with minimal shrinkage, it stretched out a bit in our stretch recovery tests.

This bra received the highest consumer score out of all the strapless bras we tested, with all testers giving perfect scores for running true to size, staying in place and being easy to take on and off. "I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this, for a strapless bra," reported one tester with a 36C bra size. "I typically can't stand strapless bras because they feel uncomfortable and slide down, but this one stayed in place and I even forgot I was wearing it." Another tester with a 34D bra size said, "It gives you a little lift and doesn't give you that uniboob look that some strapless bras will give you." We had B, C and D cup size testers wear this bra and they all reported that it was a perfect fit. Some testers noted that the fabric felt a little rough and wished it was softer.

Sizes: 34-42, C-DDD | Materials: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex | Colors: Two | Convertible: Yes, straps included

Available in an impressive size range up to an I cup size, this Wacoal bra has been a top performer in our evaluations for years. We tested this bra both in 2017 and 2023 — and it continues to be a tester favorite. In our Lab evaluations, this bra proved to be durable, maintaining its shape after our stretch recovery tests and it didn't shrink or change appearance after laundering. The thoughtful design, which includes a slightly padded bottom band to prevent any digging in, helps it feel supportive and comfortable throughout the day. There are also silicone grips along the top and bottom band of the bra to keep it secure. We especially appreciate the boning on the sides and the wider band to help provide ample support for larger cup sizes without any bulging or uncomfortable pinching.

One tester with a 38DDD bra size said, "Overall, the bra is great and the bra felt secure for someone with a larger chest." She also said, "I love the feel of the cups; they are so smooth and soft on my skin." Another tester with a 32G bra size said, "The cups were large enough and did not cut into my breasts." Both of these testers noted that the bra was more supportive when they wore it with the adjustable straps. Some testers also noted that the cups dug a bit into their ribcages a bit.

Sizes: 30-44, D-I | Materials: 91% polyamide, 9% spandex | Colors: Seven | Convertible: Yes, straps included

Anyone with smaller cups is familiar with the frustrating gaping that can happen with underwire bras. Pepper designs their bras specifically for people with AA to B cup sizes to ensure a proper fit. The cups on this bra have a more shallow design to help prevent gaping, and a silicone strip along the band keeps it from any sliding down. The flattering balconette cups are lightly lined to enhance your natural shape and provide nipple coverage without feeling bulky.

One tester with a 36A bra size tried this bra and said it was a "total game-changer for small-busted women." Our testers with small cup sizes loved Pepper bras for providing a proper fit that feels comfortable enough for all-day wear. Although we haven't tested this exact style in our Lab yet, Pepper bras have previously shown signs of wear and shrinkage after laundering.

Sizes: 30-40, AA-B | Materials: 75% polyester, 25% elastane | Colors: Four | Convertible: Yes, straps included

Most strapless bras feature an underwire, but this wireless, strapless bra from Soma is designed to provide the same support without any wire. The version of this bra with straps cinched the top spot in our wireless bra test. It features molded cups to create a natural shape and ample lift as well as fabric that's luxuriously soft because it's lightly brushed. Unlike most bras with three rows of hooks and eyes in the back, this style has five rows, so you can tighten it even if it stretches out. This is especially helpful as we did find this bra to stretch out a bit in our stretch recovery tests.

Testers especially liked the Soma Enbliss line for offering ample lift to create natural looking cleavage without a wire that pokes and prods. "The fabric was buttery soft and smooth; I really liked it and was comfortable all day," said one tester with a 32DD bra size. Another tester with a 36B bra size said, "I liked that it felt very smooth and supportive, and fit nicely." It received high marks across the board for being comfortable to wear, supportive and staying in place from consumer testers.

Sizes: 32-42, A-G | Materials: 71% nylon, 29% spandex | Colors: Five | Convertible: Yes, straps included

Free of bulky padding, scratchy seams or stiff underwires, this simple Skims bandeau bra offers a comfy solution compared to traditional strapless bras. With a snug fit and smooth, stretchy polyamide and elastane fabric, this bra is available in 10 different nude shades, so you can find a close match to your skin tone. Because this bra lacks any padding, it has minimal nipple coverage.

We have tested a variety of Skims bras, including this bandeau bra and the Fits Everybody T-shirt bra and push-up bra. Our testers applaud Skims' commitment to inclusivity with a size range that goes up to 4X and a variety of nude shades. "I loved the material and think it could be great for a casual bra," reported one tester.

Sizes: XXS-4X (30-44, A-H) | Materials: 76% polyamide / 24% elastane | Colors: 12 | Convertible: No

Featuring a classic design, this Thirdlove strapless bra offers lightly lined cups with an underwire for full coverage. It features a bit of padding around the underwire to prevent any uncomfortable digging in. The wide band with silicone grips on the top and bottom help keep the bra secure for a full day of wear. This bra is convertible with straps included. Our testers especially liked that it comes with two sets of straps: one matching the color of the bra you ordered and another that's clear.

Some testers found this bra to run a bit small. Thirdlove offers a unique sizing system with half-cup sizes, so we recommend reading the size chart closely to find your best fit. "[This bra] kept my boobs supported very well for a strapless bra," said one tester with a 34DD bra size. Another tester with a 32C bra size said, "This bra was very supportive and has the perfect amount of padding." One tester with a 32G bra size "thought it was smart the way they made the padding/lining thicker at the bottom to help keep your boobs up and it worked."

Sizes: 32-44, AA-H | Materials: nylon/spandex | Colors: Two | Convertible: Yes, straps included

Strapless bras with boning have more structure and shape, which can make them stay in place better and feel more supportive. Like a corset, this Lively strapless bra has boning on the sides, meanwhile the lightly padded balconette cups create lift with a flattering neckline that looks great under clothes. The boning and underwire are more flexible than other bras we've tested for a comfier fit. The breathable mesh throughout the bra helps prevent overheating too. We noted that the silicone grips are only at the top of the bra and not the bottom band, so they didn't help the bra stay in place effectively.

Lively bras have been top performers in our tests. One GH editor swears by this bra, saying "I usually avoid wearing a strapless bra at all costs, but this bra is shockingly comfortable." She especially likes how "this bra creates totally natural looking cleavage," perfect for her 34D bra size. For a more corset-like design, Lively offers another strapless bra that is snug down your ribcage.

Sizes: 32-38, A-DDD | Materials: 85% nylon, 15% spandex | Colors: Two | Convertible: Yes, straps included

Victoria's Secret is known for their high quality push-up bras and this style is no exception. It features slight push-up padding and a lower neckline to create natural cleavage while staying hidden underneath lower-cut tops. Ideal to wear with practically any garment, this strapless bra can be worn in 12 different ways for ultimate flexibility, thanks to adjustable straps that you can switch to halter, one shoulder strap, racerback and more.

A tester with a 32C bra size said this bra "stays up and doesn't fall down or move [and] it's comfortable!" She even said, "You honestly forget you are even wearing a strapless bra when you have it on (which is saying a lot)." All testers said this bra was true to size and easy to take on and off; plus, they loved this bra's appearance on its own. One tester with a 34C bra size wore this strapless bra "with a spaghetti strap dress for a wedding and it stayed in place for the whole event (plus getting there and getting home), which was roughly 12 hours." Some testers noted that the padding is built-in and they would have preferred if it was removable.

Sizes: 32-38, B-DDD | Materials: 83% recycled polyamide, 17% elastane | Colors: Four | Convertible: Yes, straps included

Featured in our best lingerie brands, Cosabella makes beautiful bras like this strapless style designed with scalloped lace for a delicate, feminine look that pairs perfectly with the brand's matching underwear. This bra has an underwire for a supportive fit with full coverage cups to keep you lifted and covered. We appreciate that this style is available up to a G-cup size, but the band size range is quite limited, only going up a 36.

We haven't yet tested this new launch from Cosabella, but we have tested the brand's Never Say Never balconette bra and bralette, which feature similar lace detailing. Our testers love Cosabella lace with one saying, "It was a beautiful lace that felt soft to the touch." "I LOVED the sexiness and look of the bra," said one tester with a 32G cup size who tried the balconette style. "It is a 10/10 in terms of finding lingerie that fits and is sexy."

Sizes: 32-36, B-G | Materials: 83% polyamide, 17% elastane | Colors: Six | Convertible: Yes, straps included

Factors we evaluate include:

• Stretch recovery: To ensure each bra will maintain its shape wear after wear, we conduct stretch recovery tests. We mark a section of the bra band and stretch it out to a standard measurement for two hours. We measure the markings after we release the bra to see how well it returns to its original shape after one minute and one hour.
• Washability: We launder each bra according to its care label five times to assess if the material has shrunk or shown any damage after laundering.
• Wear tests: Testers with a range of band and cup sizes try the bras and fill out thorough survey responses, providing feedback on ease of putting it on and taking it off, fit, comfort, support, stay-in-place capabilities, visibility under clothes and overall appearance. In our latest test, our testers wore sizes that ranged from AA to H cups and 30 to 48 bands.

✔️ Bra size: If you can never find a comfortable bra, it's possible you aren't wearing the correct bra size. Because each brand has slight variations in sizing, it can be helpful to try a few different sizes to find a proper fit. A strapless bra should fit snugly under your breasts and your breasts should fill out the cups without any gaping or spillage out the top. If possible, it can be extremely helpful to get measured by a professional at a retailer you trust. Use our guide to measure your bra size at home if you cannot go to a store in person.

✔️ Boning: These rigid inserts add extra structure and stability to strapless bras. Unlike an underwire that offers support just underneath your breasts, boning is positioned on either side of the bra to maintain the shape of the bra and prevent any bending. Because of its stiff nature, boning can sometimes dig in, but it is especially helpful in strapless bras for larger cup sizes as it offers extra support.

✔️ Padding: Consider the level of padding you want in your strapless bra. Most strapless bras feature some padding whether it's in the form of lightly lined foam cups or push-up padding to create more lift like the Victoria's Secret Every-Way Strapless Bra. There are some styles that offer no padding like the Skims Bandeau Bra too.

✔️ Occasion: While you can wear convertible strapless bras with straps like a regular T-shirt bra, you likely won't find them as comfortable as your reliable everyday bra. Strapless bras have a tighter fit and many have silicone grips to help it stay in place. Strapless bras are extremely handy for a variety of occasions and outfits like strapless tube tops, off-the-shoulder sweaters or spaghetti strap dresses. Most of our testers reported that they usually wear their strapless bras during wedding season when they're wearing formal dresses and need to keep their bra completely hidden.

Emma Seymour has been a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Textiles Lab for over five years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for all different types of bras, including strapless bras, bralettes and sports bras. She studied Fiber Science and Apparel Design at Cornell University with research experience in product quality assessment. As a lifetime sewer with previous product development experience, she has a strong fashion background with expertise in proper fit and construction.

Aidan Collins, product testing intern, and Rachael Chen, temporary textiles analyst, completed the most recent Lab testing for strapless bras.