Strapless Bras:

Strapless bras were introduced in the late 1930’s, but no one seemed interested in strapless bras until the ‘50’s, when strapless evening gowns were in vogue. It’s been fifty more years and strapless bras have gotten something of a bad rap, because many women believe they can’t find strapless bras that give them the same shape as their normal bras. And beyond shape and comfort, a lot of women have thought they couldn’t even find strapless bras that stayed up. But in today’s lingerie market, there are more strapless bra options than ever before. Strapless bras can fall into any of the following categories:

•    plunge style strapless bras
•    low-back strapless bras for backless gowns
•    convertible strapless bras
•    clear straps that give the illusion of strapless bras
•    strapless silicone bras

The new evolution of strapless bras features high-tech constructions that are lightweight, reusable and more comfortable and natural looking than the earlier incarnations. Silicone strapless bras are popular because they remove the headlight nipple effect that women get when cold, so these kinds of strapless bras keep men from gawking, though they’re not tremendously supportive for larger-busted women. Silicone strapless bras actually adhere directly to the skin and must be peeled off at the end of the night. One of the most popular strapless bras we carry of the silicone variety is the Fashion Forms NuBra. It is nice because it is more lightweight than many of the other silicone strapless bras.

Longline bras are technically strapless bras because they don’t have any straps, though the support comes from being firmly anchored around the waist. We carry several longline bras including the Carnival Bridal Splendor Low Plunge Longline Bra, the Goddess Smooth Underwire Longline Bra, the Wacoal Strapless Long Line Bra, the Goddess Smooth Simplicity Bridal Longline Bra and the Carnival Bridal Splendor Satin Torsolette Bra. These strapless bras offer great support and often act as slimming agents as well. Another angle strapless bras take is the tube top, or bandeau, styling. Popular strapless bras of this ilk are the Maidenform One FAB Fit Tube Top Bra, the Fashion Forms Bandeau Bra and the Sassybax Underwire Strapless Bandeaux Bra.

The dominant style in strapless bras, however, still features underwire support, side boning, and some kind of silicone beading to hold the bra in place. Strapless bras of this style include the Goddess Cantilevered Strapless Bra, the Goddess Smooth Simplicity Bridal Strapless Bra, the Lily of France Value-In-Style Convertible Strapless Bump Pad Bra, and even the Le Mystere Renaissance Dream Shameless Strapless Underwire Bra. The latter features seamless, padded cups for a smooth outer appearance and is something of a revolution in strapless bras for its nearly invisible look under clothing. The Lilyette Specialty Strapless Bra has a similar look, with nearly invisible side boning and unique Stay There Power band system.

Not every woman has a need for strapless bras in her repertoire, but just in case she finds herself with a brand new strapless dress or top, it’s nice to have a convertible bra in the drawer, one that she knows will fit her right and stay in place so she can show off her shoulders with total confidence.