Wearing a strapless dress is sexy and stylish, but can also be a challenge. Sometimes, these gowns can make a good fashion statement. Other times, you might wish you didn’t wear it in the first place.
The type of bra you wear with your strapless dress can mean either comfort, distress or wardrobe malfunctions. The first thing that comes to mind is a strapless bra. But this may not always be a good choice especially to busty women.
There are clever ways of choosing a strapless bra that works. On the other hand, there are strategies of avoiding a strapless bra, and still get the comfort and support you need. Below are 8 types of bras that you can wear with your strapless outfit.
1. Strapless Bra
If you have to use a strapless bra, make sure it is your correct size. You might get away with wearing the wrong size of an ordinary bra. But you won’t get away with this one. If you are not sure about your size, go to a store where they do bra fitting.
When wearing a normal bra, about 20% of the support comes from the shoulder straps. With a strapless bra, all the support must come from the band. That’s why most strapless bras will have wider bands.
Qualities of a Good Strapless Bra
- Comfortable
- Band is wider and lower
- Coated with silicone on the inside to keep the cups from falling
- The band should be firm around the under-bust
- Should not be too tight above the bust
- Cups are made of sturdy material so the bust does not sag
Girls with small perky boobs can wear strapless bras with thin bands. This is because there is little chance of the bra slipping. But if you are big busted and you still have to keep adjusting your bra, try a long-line strapless bra. You can also use fashion tape or glue.
2. Invisible/Clear Strap Bra
The straps (and sometimes the band) of invisible bras are made of transparent material. Sometimes, the same may have a tint that goes well with a good number skin tones. This is meant to increase the camouflage effect.
The band closure is usually located at the side rather than the center of the back. Some of the bras may also have a front closure. In some instances, the back band may be criss-cross.
Clear strap bras are ideal for:
- Strapless dresses
- Backless dresses
- Dresses which bear the shoulders
3. Adhesive/Stick-On Bra
A sticky or adhesive bra is perhaps the best option for a backless dress. But they also work fine with strapless outfits. They are mostly made of silicone or foam.
Fabric adhesive bras do not stick to the breast. They rather have re-usable adhesive at the side wings. They look like an ordinary bra with the straps and the better part of the band removed.
4. Show-Off Bra
A regular bra is meant to be underwear. It is therefore weird to let parts of it stick out. But there are special bras which are engineered to be cute enough for showing off.
Show-off bras have patterns, attractive lace or a sexy style. Some of them have a simple design like that of a tank top, bralette or sports bra. You can wear such a bra when;
- Going to the beach
- Wearing a see-through top
- Wearing shoulder-bearing clothing
- Hiking or camping
5. Delicate Bralette
Delicate bralettes are often made of thin and sometimes translucent material. They are therefore not as stunning as regular bras, which are hard to ignore if they show under clothes.
Showing off a filmy bralette does not exhibit bad taste. You can make your own fashion statement with this kind of outfit. They are simply meant to be seen.
6. Bandeau Bra/Tube Top
A bandeau is a form of elasticized strapless bra. But it is more stylish and comfy. It is perfect if you want to show off your shoulders with your strapless outfit.
Like most strapless bras, they don’t have shaping around the bust area. You should thus buy your correct size to avoid issues linked with strapless dresses. If your breasts are too big or too saggy, a bandeau may not be a good option for you.
7. Strapless Bodysuit
If you want the convenience of a strapless bra, but without the risk of your bra falling off, go for a strapless bodysuit. By anchoring to the shaping of your torso, a strapless bodysuit acts like a corset. There is no chance of it falling off your bust. This is probably the best option for busty ladies.
8. Strapless Body Shaper
Body shapers have been used for a while to smooth bulges and give the wearer an even look. Because they are made of stretchy material, they make a woman feel more secure and under control.
If you wear a strapless body shaper under a strapless dress, you are worried less about your bust drooping or your dress slipping. Unlike bodysuits, the bottom side is made like a skirt.
If none of the above options are fine with you, you can try pasties or a corset-style strapless dress with built-in support. As strapless dresses are sexy and elegant, you can’t give up on finding good support for your bust. Using these tips will aid you in finding the perfect bra for wearing under your strapless dress.
