The 7 Best Strapless Bras for Small Busts of 2023
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“A” cups rejoice! Bandeaus aren’t the only game in town.
InStyle / Brian Kopinski
No wardrobe foundation is complete without a strapless bra. Yet most of us will probably agree that strapless bras can go horribly wrong for any number of reasons. Whether it’s slippage, uni boobs, or what can only be described as the ace bandage effect, finding the right strapless bra is a challenge, to say the least.
Laura Tempesta, bra expert and founder of Bravolution, says that “smaller busted bodies have a shape under the breasts that are flatter. It’s more like a shallow “U” or a straight line. For that reason, smaller-busted consumers should look for bras with a straighter line design under the bust.”
For those with small busts, accommodating a strapless look may be easier than it is for your DD counterparts. Though adhesive bras and bandeaus are pretty great, they’re not your only option, nor are they always the best option. The best strapless bras should lift, separate, support the girls, and stay put.
Related: The 21 Best Bras of 2023 That Don't Skimp on Support
Best Overall: Pepper MVP Multiway Strapless Bra
What We Love
The flexible fit allows for movement and was specifically designed for smaller busts.
What We Don’t Love
The style doesn’t offer sizes larger than B cups.
Stylist and founder of Be Brilliant Styling, Liana Galardi-Murgola, likes the MVP Multiway Strapless by Pepper.
“The Pepper brand revolves around the idea of empowering women to feel extra confident and proud of their small chests,” says Galardi-Murgola. “They have their own cups, which prevent gapping, which can be a big problem for smaller busts. A majority of their bras have a natural lift, which doesn’t make you feel like you are trying to make your bust look bigger.”
With almost 1,000 reviews and a near-perfect rating, it would appear that Pepper is a fan favorite. Available for small busts starting at AA, the MVP strapless features a flattering balconette cup for a nice lift, and convertible straps give you incredible flexibility.
Price at time of publish: $60
Size Range: AA - B | Colors: 5 | Materials: 75% Polyester, 25% Elastane
Best Value: Calvin Klein Seductive Comfort Lace Strapless Lift Multiway Bra
What We Love
This versatile option can be worn in strapless, halter, conventional, one-shoulder, and cross-back styles.
What We Don’t Love
We wish they had more than two colors.
This Calvin Klein strapless has a little bit of everything; smooth cups that remain invisible under a strapless top or a t-shirt, lined cups that offer a little lift, and even some sexy lace wings. This bra also comes with convertible straps, so you can wear it five ways. That’s a lot of bang for your buck (or your $46), so that’s why it hits our list as the best value.
Price at time of publish: $46
Size Range: A - DD | Colors: 2 | Materials: Nylon, elastane
Best Stay Put Strapless: Maidenform Ultimate Stay Put Strapless Underwire Bra
What We Love
With the brand’s patented Stay Put Power Band, the strapless underwire bra firmly rests against the body to prevent slipping.
What We Don’t Love
It doesn’t offer a lot of lift.
With a stay-put power band and comfort grip technology, the Maidenform Ultimate Stay Put Strapless hits our list as, you guessed it, the best stay-put bra. This bra is a go-to favorite for professional wardrobe stylist and owner of Builtgracefully, Grace Thomas.
“Maidenform makes the perfect stay-put bra,” says Thomas. "With smooth cups, you’ll be able to wear this under most fabrics, and you won’t notice any gaping in the cups. Not to mention, with the price point under $25, this is a must-buy.”
Beyond its ability to resist shifting, sliding, and slipping, Maidenform’s Stay-Put strapless bra also features a balconette neckline, and like most Maidenform bras, each cup size is designed with a unique level of fit.
Price at time of publish: $24
Size Range: A - DD | Colors: 3 | Materials: Nylon, elastane
Related: The 11 Most Comfortable Bras of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Budget: Boao Lace Bandeau Bra
What We Love
The lace style is pretty enough to peek out under tops and stretchy enough to comfortably wear all day.
What We Don’t Love
Like most bandeaus, it doesn’t offer any lift.
“Smaller busted women can also opt for less traditional strapless bra styles such as bandeaus and nipple covers,” says Thomas. “These styles will still give you the coverage you might be looking for in a simpler style. Luckily for those with a small bust, you don’t require as much lift, and styles like bandeau strapless bras are extremely comfortable for all-day wear.”
For a sexy lace bandeau, try the Boao Lace Bandeau Bra. Made from modal, spandex, and lace, these bras offer good coverage, but you won’t find any padding or lift here.
Price at time of publish: $18
Size Range: S - XXL | Colors: 4 | Materials: Modal, Spandex, Lace
Best Push-Up: DOBREVA Women's Push Up Strapless Bra
What We Love
Made with a soft, satiny fabric, the bra offers extreme lift to add up to two cup sizes.
What We Don’t Love
The extreme push-up effect might be too much for some.
“This bra by Dobreva is a must for those looking for some extra oomph in their strapless bra,” says Thomas. “It’s a dupe for the classic Victoria’s Secret Bombshell bra, and the style gives you up to two added sizes with its technology. The underwire band provides support and lift while still giving you that push-up effect. Plus, it’s offered in small sizes like AA; this is a must to add to your lingerie closet.”
Price at time of publish: $26
Size Range: AA - D | Colors: 3 | Materials: 76% Polyamide, 24% Spandex
Best Splurge: ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra
What We Love
Firm silicone edges keep any possible slippage in check.
What We Don’t Love
The limited color selection is disappointing.
The ThirdLove 24/7® Classic Strapless Bra is an excellent choice for women who struggle to find the right size and fit. With the brand’s signature half-cups, there’s something here for everyone.
The 24/7® Classic Strapless features soft, supportive foam cups and no-slip silicone edges that keep your bra in place. A foam-padded hook and eye closure, a tagless (aka scratch-free) label and multi-way straps round out the list of great features on this strapless splurge.
Price at time of publish: $72
Size Range: AA - H | Colors: 2 | Materials: Nylon, Spandex
Related: The 12 Best (And Actually Supportive) Backless Bras That Will Stay in Place
Best Backless: Fashion Forms U Plunge Backless Strapless Bra
What We Love
This solution-oriented bra accommodates multiple wardrobe issues for a worry-free day of wearing.
What We Don’t Love
Color options are limited.
No list of strapless bras would be complete without an entry for the pioneers of specialty bras, Fashion Forms. And if you’re looking for a strapless, backless option, this might be the best $36 you’ve ever spent.
Molded cups and side boning provide some good lift, and while the adhesive wings keep everything where they should be, the bra comes with a matching fabric strap for added comfort and support should you need either.
Price at time of publish: $36
Size Range: A - D | Colors: 1 | Materials: 84% Nylon 16% Spandex
Related: Need a Lift? These Are The 10 Best Boob Tapes of 2023 for Just That
What to Keep in Mind
Check The Cup Shape
Bras with a shallow cup are created for those with a smaller bust, so look for a bra with a subtle cup shape. You don’t need an oversized cup, as it’ll fold over the top of your breast.
Pay Attention To The Band
“Make sure that the center front of the band lays flat against your skin,” says Thomas. “You don’t want any gaping in this area; that means your bra band is too large.”
Moreover, in the absence of straps, the band does the heavy lifting (no pun intended) to support the breasts. For that reason, the band on a strapless bra should be tighter than the band on your regular bra — but don’t pick one so tight it’s uncomfortable.
Try Before You Buy
The size and fit often vary from brand to brand, especially for strapless bras. So, to get a perfect fit, you must try the bra before buying it.
Get a Grip
Slippage is a common concern for strapless bras, so to minimize the possibility of your bra not ending the night where it started, look for a no-slip-grip strapless bra. Plenty of strapless bras come with sturdy silicone on the cups and band to prevent the bra from moving around too much.
Manage Your Expectations
A strapless bra may never perform or feel like your regular bra. They are different types with different functions, so they shouldn’t feel the same. If you go into the process understanding that from the jump, then you'll be far more likely to succeed in your quest.
Your Questions, Answered
What makes a good strapless bra?
“Fabrication and the type of construction are all things to look for when searching for a strapless bra,” says Gabrielle Richards, bra expert, body confidence coach, and Senior Brand Manager of Shapermint.
“The fabric can help determine if it will have stretch, breathability, and be smooth while wearing. And construction is key — if it’s strapless, you are looking for words like boning, anti-slip silicone grip, multiple rows of hook and eye to help adjust the fit, and padded/molded cups to help with the shape.“
How do I keep my strapless bra from falling down?
To ensure that your strapless bra stays where you want it to, you may choose to invest in a high-quality option with a no-slip silicone grip. If the silicone band doesn’t quite work for you, then a long line strapless could be an ideal alternative. It is constructed with longer boning that further stabilizes the bra, so it tends to feel a bit more supportive.
Are strapless bras supportive?
Contrary to popular belief, strapless bras can be pretty supportive. But whereas the band, the cups, and the straps provide support in traditional bras, their strapless counterparts rely on the band, cups, boning, and larger hooks for support.
Why Shop with Us
Sharon Brandwein is a freelance writer and SEO specialist. She has experience reporting on lingerie and undergarments, having written numerous articles for InStyle about bras. In addition to her own experience, she also interviewed a select group of experts for information on how to pick the best strapless bras for small busts.
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