Letting go of perfection: What to expect from your strapless bra

Well, we've changed the clocks back, I had to scrape frost from my windshield this morning; it's official- we've entered the holiday season. As we navigate holiday parties, festive get togethers, and winter weddings over the next few months, many of us will find ourselves wearing outfits that require a strapless solution for our undergarments. Whether your cups overfloweth or you're lesser-endowed, we all benefit from confidently knowing that we're covered, supported, and unlikely to suffer a wardrobe malfunction on the dance floor. When you find yourself ready to rock a shoulder-baring look but still need a supportive bra, a strapless bra is the solution. So what should you look for, and expect, as you try on strapless bras?

Sometimes in life, good enough is good enough. In many cases, the fit of a strapless bra falls into this category.
In a well-fitting bra, the band is what is doing most of the heavy lifting in terms of supporting your bust, so in theory, removing the straps shouldn’t make much difference in terms of fit and support. If you’ve ever actually worn a strapless bra though, you know that isn’t always the case. While the band is doing most of the work, the straps do assist in providing a more secure, lifted, or comfortable fit.

So what should you expect? Strapless bras are specifically designed to stay in place without the use of straps. That may mean it has a higher center gore that tacks against your body, or is made with silicone or a firmer material to help it hug your body, keep its shape, and stay in place. It’s probably not going to be as comfortable as a regular bra: it's going to be tighter, and the cups may not lay perfectly because it doesn't have straps to help keep them close to your body. A strapless bra also often doesn't tack at the center like a regular bra will tack. If your breasts are full at the bottom, you might have some empty space because there's nothing holding your cups to your body.

Wait, then what can you expect from a strapless bra? It should still lift, separate, and support you, and while it may not be as comfy as a regular bra, it shouldn't be downright painful. Here is a great article on the realities of strapless bras that interviews our owner, Judy.

Also, she’s got a great trick for strapless bras: adjust the back so it sits a little lower. You’ll get more security, more comfort, and more versatility for your neckline! Now that you know what to expect, stop in and let one of our bra whisperers fit you from our great selection of strapless bra options, and go forth in confidence this holiday season!

Photo by Cassandra Hamer on Unsplash