Is it even possible to have a strapless bra that you love?! 😩

[PARunnerGirl]

I have small boobs. B-cup (if I’m lucky!) and 32-34 depending on the bra. I don’t really need a bra I suppose but as the years go by it gives me a bit of extra lift and shape

I have NEVER had a strapless bra that I have felt good in. My major grips are that it either cuts in too much at the top of the cup so you get this sort of indent rather than a smooth line or that my boobs just seem so low! Like there’s no decent lift without the straps.

Any recommendations?

1. No it's not really possible.

1. But out of interest: What is your underbust measurement? (Ribcage)

Yes, wonderbra ultimate is an amazing strapless bra

Was coming on to recommend the same wonderbra. If it works for me (FF cup) I think it would be even comfier on a more petite person.

I have that wonderbra too and will admit it’s better than any others I’ve had but I DO NOT LOVE it.

I also have that wonderbra and concur - it's better, but I don't love it.

I had wonderbra before and it really wasn’t comfy but I think it was a tad small.

@jokolo I am not sure. I am at my boyfriend’s tonight and don’t really want to use his scummy DIY tape measure to measure my rib cage 😆 But does a certain size or ratio mean something?

Use a piece of string or ribbon and then measure that with the tape measure.

You might be better off with a smaller band and bigger cup size.

I love the Primark strapless bras. Avoid the bandeau ones though.

Calvin Klein are good for my small-ish 34c

Maybe go a cup size up for strapless to avoid the tightness

You are probably a 28D not a 32B.

booborbust.com/

Thanks @Mamette and @jokolo for that tip. I actually cannot wait to do my measurements and use that calculator! Hoping it solves all my bra woes

@Pikachubaby That is really interesting because my favourite bra (not strapless) is from CK. I will definitely check them out.

What I don’t get is why they make them so solid and padded. I’m a GG or H cup - I don’t need a further inch of padding!

I've never found a good strapless bra. Oddly enough the wonderbra one flattens me. My regular bras are perfectly comfortable with the straps slipped off the shoulders. Why can't they make strapless bras like that? They don't need to be stiff and boned.

I had a great one for my wedding from Bravisimo - it was a bit pricy and looks quite bridal but as it’s so comfortable I tend to wear it a lot anyway. I’m a 32c. All others have been too uncomfortable.

Watching with interest OP. I wear a 36A but its very very tight, if I try a 38B the cup is massive.

I will measure up tomorrow!

@Ernieshere It's very unlikely that you are a 36A. Almost nobody is. That would mean you have a 36 inch ribcage and then 1 inch for your breast tissue. It's not impossible it's just unlikely.

For comparison, I am size 14 and 5'10, so not in the least small. My ribcage is 32 inches. My bra size is 32F. I do not have enormous boobs at all and used to wear 36C or 38B. If you wear a size 18 or below it's unlikely you are a 36 back.

www.curvykate.com/blog/want-to-know-the-real-reason-why-women-are-wearing-the-wrong-bra-size/

@jokolo

Thank you & thanks OP for starting this!

It looks like I am a 32E, I have orderd 5 branded bras from Very as they have 20% off & free delivery/returns.

Do you think I will find a 32 tight as I could hardly breathe with a 36 around me, or will the cup take some of the pull

Thank you both again

Wacoal Halo is my go to, I've had several now.

www.figleaves.com/uk/wacoal-halo-lace-strapless-bra/WC-65449.html?dwvar_WC-65449_color=86226&cgid=lingerie-bras#q=halo&nolanding=true&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIleOGxPDi6gIVh63tCh0fWAQSEAAYBCAAEgKrqvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&start=1

@Ohffs66 I had that one too! I have definitely been through a few 😆 I am now starting to think the issue is sizing and maybe I can get away with an incorrect fit in a normal bra but not strapless.

@jokolo Bang on... it’s putting me at a 28D! I can’t believe it because on a 32B or C I am on the last hook and it feels like it’s really straining. But I’m guessing the bigger cup size gives you some extra space. I feel like I hardly fill a B cup at times too! Like there’s a lot of empty space at the top particularly.

Guess I need to try on a few at this smaller back size and see 😊

The thing to get is that cup and band sizes work together. A B cup is not a fixed size. It's a volume measurement. If you filled a bra with water then 28D would take the same amount of water as 30C, 32B, 34A.

(And you can count down the band size the other way as well so 28D is the same volume as 26DD, 24E, and so on.)

If you are 28D you can get a 32B on - it will go round your body - but your breasts will not be supported by the band as they are pushing it out from your body to fit into the bra themselves. To get a supportive bra you need to fit correctly round the ribcage and THEN allow enough volume in the cups so your breasts don't pull out the band (shifting the downward pressure to the top of your chest and the straps). Once you remove the straps there's nothing holding you up at all!

In a well-fitted bra the majority of the support should always come from the band and the straps are definitely auxiliary.

Not all bras are exactly the same (and neither are all bodies). I have some bras in 34E, some in 32F, some in 32FF - depending on the cut and so on. So it's worth trying some sister sizes when you're figuring out your real size.

Oh and if you have a lot of empty space at the top you most likely have shallow breasts with wide root (I have these; I'm sorry it's such a weird and terrible description also!). If you bend over when you measure you get a more accurate overbust. Stick to balconet shapes in the main.

www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/comments/1dyo3m/a_guide_to_shallow_breasts_with_a_wide_root/

@jokolo Yes- that is exactly what I have! How on earth did you become so knowledgable on boobs?! 😂 This has honestly been such an informative thread for me Thank you!

I only wear strapless bras - I hate straps.
I love my BouxAvenue lace slightly padded ones and a really smooth, non padded, non underwired M&S one.
Wonderbra ones make me look too booby.