I’m Torn: Strapless Bras

July 20, 2009 1:00 pm     Posted in Reality  Katie - Michigan State University g+ page

strapless braEvery self-respecting college girl has one (or three): a strapless bra.  Without this little piece of lingerie magic, we would be without proper support in our skankiest dresses and tube tops (and whatever else needs to show a lot of shoulder and not a lot of bra strap).  Some of us need need them to keep us supported during times when we can’t support ourselves and others need them to shape and pad us when our non-existent boobs aren’t enough.


By Katie

Yet, as much as I love the strapless bra, I hate it.  The reality is that bras were made with straps for a reason and without them, it’s an epic fail waiting to happen.

While I own my fair share of so-called strapless wonders, I’m torn as to whether I really need them or not…

Love it:
There’s nothing quite as tacky as bra straps slipping out of tops.  I mean, it’s such an easy fix, so it’s annoying when people are walking around all strappy and whatnot.  I don’t care how nice your bra is, I don’t want to see the straps. And, no, those clear ones don’t cut it either.

In this regard, strapless bras work wonders.  They fit under your slinky tops without revealing to the general public that you buy your bras at Kmart (I only have, like, two from there…) AND they provide a step up from going without a bra, in that they stop the floppin’ and maybe provide some (in my case, much needed) push up action.

Also, when I first put a strapless bra on, I get to dance around and pretend I’m a burlesque performer.  Strapless bras have an aura of secret sexiness about them that makes me feel like I’m seduction on a stick.  They’re definitely a confidence booster (and my confidence definitely needs a boost once I look in the mirror and realize that my new, delicate dress really does make my arms look ginormous).

Loathe it:
Even though the straps are not there, people can tell you’re wearing a bra.  There always seems to be an annoying outline of the top of the bra that can be seen through your shirt.  Worst of all, when there are no straps involved, you have to hook that sucker even tighter around your ribcage, leading to unfortunate levels of back fat and horrible red marks/bruises when you take it off. NOT the situation you want to be in when you’re starting the sexy time (he might take it as a cue that you like pain and bring out the whips and chains…not a fun Saturday night).

Also, no matter how tightly you fasten it, the strapless bra will always need tugging up.  Tugging on your strapless bra all night = white trash fail.

I guess until I can afford something better (like fake boobs) or some wonderful lingerie scientist at Victoria’s Secret (they have those, right?) invents a perfect strapless bra, I’m stuck with the bras I have.  Worse case scenario:  I could just pull a American Apparel move and eschew the bra entirely.  In which case, I urge you all to stay away from my general part the USA to avoid the retina damage that will surely come from me walking around in a tank top/tube top/dress sans bra.

What do you think? Love or hate the strapless bra?

45 Comments on "I’m Torn: Strapless Bras"

  1. tissue says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 20098:59 am 

    I have these bra straps that are made with like cloth so when you wear them, it looks more like halter top layering and whatnot. Also, you can mix and match the bra straps to match your clothes. Those are awesome.

  2. Kelly says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 200910:27 am 

    necessary evil. its hard finding a decent one in a 30dd/32d.

  3. Lauren - University says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 200910:57 am 

    Ok I thought I was the only one who had the lines ALWAYS showing through my top. I seriously hate them. And they always flatten me out, which I do NOT need.

  4. Sheila says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 200912:21 pm 

    Wondebra just released a new strapless bra that's supposed to have new technology…. got to check it out!

  5. Samantha says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 200912:23 pm 

    I wish someone would design a better strapless. I hate them. I hate feeling like my bra is falling down and I hate how much they hurt; but I hate how ugly it looks if you wear a regular bra with a shirt that clearly needs a strapless.

    I guess this is just another joy of summer, in four months or I'll be wishing I had this problem when I'm sadly putting sweaters back on.

  6. Erin says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 200912:34 pm 

    Kelly I feel your pain, at one point your wondering is it worth it? I don't care where your shop, cute bras are not made in bigger sizes unless you are willing to hunt and strapless bras….well their almost impossible. At one point it would be lovely to walk around with out one, but when your breasts are DD like mine it's not only a little painful but embarrassing. But they are a necessary evil. I've given up wearing things that need them.

  7. hippierunner* says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 20091:41 pm 

    LOL, I get dressed and sit down for some CollegeCandy to find an article about strapless bras. Right after I just put one on. It is very hot out and I grabbed a skinny strap tank-blouse and realized it does not look as cute when bra straps are showing. Strapless bra comes to save the day! Unfortunately it can be a bit annoying that you may have red marks after wearing one, since they tend to squeeze but it’s worth it, so long as you dont get one so tight that back fat is prominent! If you wear the right one, it’s something to LOVE not loathe!

  8. Emmie says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 20092:05 pm 

    I’m torn. On one hand, love, since I love my shoulders and strapless tops are my best friends. On the other hand, loathe. Only because it’s impossible to find one that fits. I’m super skinny but my boobs aren’t small, which is hard enough to accomodate in a normal bra, let alone a strapless one. I have one 32B that almost sort of works, and that was a pain in the butt to find. I’m going to have to resort to buying online to get the 30C I really need, but I don’t want to do that!

  9. Krys says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 20092:05 pm 

    I hate them, but I like this corset-like undergarment I have much better. It does the same job and doesn’t cause me to tug it up every five minutes.

  10. Bethany says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 20091:25 pm 

    Oh good I thought I was the only one who found them annoying! A necessary evil however.

  11. Ana says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 20091:52 pm 

    Erin, Im a DD and I have a great strapless bra! I got it at Kohl's and they don't leave marks or back fat! I love them..They were a little expensive but I loove them!

  12. Lynn says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 20091:55 pm 

    Strapless bras have never worked for me, as a small-boobed woman – they fall down like a champ. However, stick-on bras, or "sticky boobs", as I like to call them, are awesome. They probably don't work for people who actually need support, but for me they're great. I never even notice I have them on.

    (However, they are not the bra to wear if you expect to do any removal of clothing in a man's presence. For some reason guys believe bras should not resemble tape.)

  13. Samantha says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 20093:23 pm 

    haha Lynn, the last part of your post cracked me up. I'm so envious, I wish I could wear something like that.. darn big boobs!

  14. Mimzy says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 20094:05 pm 

    "Tugging on your strapless bra all night = white trash fail."

    LMAO

  15. Ashley says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 20096:13 pm 

    I used to have all of the same problems until i discovered the stick on bra…..its UHMAZING! you have 2 sticky cups that can be worn attached in the center for a lil more cleavage or seperate if your shirt goes down low in the front. You havta hand wash it after every use but its totally worth it and can be worn for up to 100 washes! they have become a staple to my summer wardrobe :)

  16. Beverly says:
    Mon, 20th Jul 20097:07 pm 

    I would love them…If my boobs were smaller haha. I just avoid clothes that require them, or if I'm just staying in the house, wear a tank top with whatever bra I want :)

  17. D. says:
    Wed, 22nd Jul 200912:43 am 

    Erin: I'm with you. I can't find a regular bra that fits well, let alone a strapless. I just let the straps show…They don't really bug me.

  18. Kathy says:
    Wed, 22nd Jul 20098:03 am 

    I ordered a "Shape FX" strapless bra from Spiegel and sent it back the day after I recieved it. It amounted to wrapping yourself in an ACE bandage and it STILL rode down, but with a lovely 'roll' effect that could not be tugged back up. I too gave up wearing anything that needs a strapless bra unless I'm in the house, and in that case, who cares? Viva la freeballin'!

  19. Kaitlyn says:
    Thu, 23rd Jul 20098:10 am 

    Like someone else on here said, I have a corset-like thing that I use when I where slinky or strapless tops. It provides wonderful strapless support without tugging. And because it's a corset-like thing there is no risk of back-fat and it smooths out your silhouette, making your clothing lay much better. Plus, if you have a couple extra pounds around your tummy (like me…damn summer. I have no gym to get to and my dad likes to cook good food.) it helps to hold everything in and makes you more confident about wearing skimpier clothes. ^.^ I do own a couple strapless bras…I don't really care for them, but they're okay in a pinch (when my other thing is in the laundry or something).

  20. Poot says:
    Thu, 23rd Jul 20094:00 pm 

    whips and chains totally make for a fun saturday night in my book ;)

  21. Nicole says:
    Fri, 24th Jul 20095:01 am 

    i agree with kelly. i'm a 32DDD and have enough problems finding normal bras (aka bras with straps) that fit me, it'd be a miracle if i ever found a strapless one that fit.

    so forgive me, i really have no choice but to stick to being trashy and wearing those clear strap on the rare occasion i should wear something strapless.

  22. Emily says:
    Fri, 24th Jul 20095:34 am 

    I just got the victoria secret biofit bra, I kid you not it is the first strapless bra I've ever worn where I don't feel like its falling down. It is absolutely amazing, I highly suggest you try it.

  23. Jess says:
    Fri, 24th Jul 20098:34 am 

    I just bought the "Style Solutions by Fashion Forms Bandeau Bra" at Macy's. I asked the store clerk if there any bras I wouldn't have to keep pulling or be uncomfortable in and this bra is that. It's amazing, I highly recommend it.. and it was only $18. Can't beat it!

  24. beth says:
    Fri, 24th Jul 20097:54 pm 

    as a 32DD I have yet to find a strapless that doesn't fall down. in fact, last night I tried on 4 different shirts before I found one I could wear and it not look bad. It's so sad because there are so many cute tops out there, but I can't stand tugging and feeling like I'm slipping all night.

    My solution is to one day get implants so I don't have to wear a bra at all. haha. just pasties.

  25. Lauren says:
    Sat, 25th Jul 20091:46 pm 

    Daisy Fuentes makes an AMAZING strapless bra. It comes in a few different skin tones, has removable straps (halter or whatever), and best of all, there is this clear coating along the top and bottom edges that holds it in place, even if you need the support. Its amazing.

  26. TreeHugger says:
    Tue, 28th Jul 20098:11 am 

    Hate to rub it it, but..

    4k for saline balloons under my skin

    $1 for pasties, petals…big bandaids…whatever you can find

    Going without a bra and not worrying about it…priceless.

    Best investment I EVER made.

  27. Caitlin says:
    Fri, 7th Aug 200910:37 am 

    I wish I could love them because they are functional but mine NEVER ever stay up! I'm pretty flat so nothing is there to keep it in place.

  28. Vally says:
    Mon, 10th Aug 200912:09 pm 

    Though the strapless bra is a great invention I have to say that I'm guessing you don't have big boobs for us busty girls we can't wear strapless bras without it looking really bad so if you see someone's bra straps, even if you think it's tacky some of us have to do it. It's bad enough we don't get to wear certain types of clothing b/c our boobs show too much but now we're called tacky if our wife beaters show our bra straps?

  29. Heather says:
    Tue, 11th Aug 20091:19 am 

    I hate strapless bras and only wear them when absolutely necessary (like in a strapless bridesmaid dress). Unlike the author, I feel incredibly un-sexy from the time I put it on until it comes off. I just wear tanks instead of spaghetti strapped-tops so I can wear a bra without showing the straps. :)

  30. Mandy Sue says:
    Tue, 11th Aug 20094:57 am 

    Strapless bras should be outlawed. Instead, just go braless and use double sided tape. It works much better yall.

  31. Charlibear says:
    Fri, 14th Aug 20092:57 am 

    As an average size person with a 30F strapless bras are a pain in the butt. Ive yet to find one thats actually supportive enough.

  32. Magali says:
    Mon, 17th Aug 20096:23 am 

    Strapless bras are useless. If you flat chested you don't need them and if you're big chested they don't support you. Men invent these things.

  33. Victoria says:
    Tue, 18th Aug 20099:20 am 

    I totally agree with Magali if you are flat chested like myself it's useless to wear a strapless bra, but on the flip side I got these stick on silicon bra. It acts like a bra and it stays on all night even after sweating and jumping around all night long at the clubs, and as a flat chested woman it makes you look a cup size larger as well as you don't have to fuss with straps and it's backless and it's seamless. And the best part I got it for $10. So as for actual bras that go all around i don't like them but the stick on ones are find for special events as for everyday i would prefer the bra straps.

  34. Nicole says:
    Thu, 20th Aug 20092:00 pm 

    Well, im here to help……im have been working at VICTORIA SECERT for about three years, and the problem that a lot of women face is a very common, but solvable problem. although there are strapless bras that garunteen, some push up or andy other non realistic features, stick to something more basic. since I too have long to find answer to these problems, I have only through my search one bra that will do the job. Its fairly a new bra called, BIO FIT 7 WAY BRA, it has an incredible feeling, the side wings are very thin, and can be converted in multiply styles to fit almost every dress need. try it out n let me know what ya think…..

  35. Andrea says:
    Fri, 21st Aug 20091:00 pm 

    Ladies,ladies,ladies I've had boobs for about forty years now. The girls I'm carrying today are 36 DD. For me I've finally figured out the strapless bras with the tiny ribbon of silicone on the inside work the best. The rubber (silicone) or whatever it is sticks to your skin and I swear once the bra is on it will only move out of place if you are seriously jumping or dancing around. No more yanking! Some have additional padding, look around because there are plenty that do not. Usually I can find one for twenty five bucks or less in Walmart, Target you know…Don't spend a lot in the fancy schmancy stores even Victoria doesn't know this secret. Same for the strapless slips make sure it has the silicone on the bottom so the slip doesn't ride up to your butt.

  36. Ashley says:
    Sun, 23rd Aug 200911:40 am 

    i usually use double sided tape to hold my strapless bras in place..a lot less adjusting and pulling up throughout the night

  37. posh hippie says:
    Mon, 24th Aug 20099:18 am 

    I should have guessed this quest would be universal. I've just started to apply my research skills to finding a good strapless bras. many of the ladies at I Need Pretty Things don't seem to think I can do it. The whole thing started when I saw my sister wearing a strapless bra with a shirt that didn't need it. I couldn't tell she was wearing a strapless bra and must have complimented her boobs/ shirt and she dropped that bombshell that she was wearing a strapless bra when she had a CHOICE!! Wah? So she sent me one like the one she had and I'm testing it out right now. I'll post my review when I think I have given it a thorough examination, but I'm not so sure I'm sold on this thing. Anyway, we all need some luck in this realm. Won't the bra-makers hear our cries?

    love,

    posh hippie @inpt

  38. julie says:
    Mon, 24th Aug 20098:20 pm 

    love it and hate it! they help us to wear our clothes the way they should be worn but they are so darn uncomfortable! i feel your pain!

  39. Pippie says:
    Tue, 15th Sep 20096:50 am 

    I know I'm a little late to the party, but I have a few comments:

    1) If you have to tighten your strapless bra so much that you're getting "back fat" and red marks then you've got the wrong size. Get yourself professionally fitted, preferably at a specialty lingerie shop and definitely NOT at Victoria's Secret. They'll "fit" you into whatever size they're trying to sell that day.

    2) If it shows too much through your clothes, you've got the wrong bra. The annoying outline at the top of the bra is often indicative of a poor fit in the cup. There are also some great seamless strapless bras that will show even less. Finally, for the least show through, find a strapless bra that is colored as close to your skin as possible. Do NOT wear a white bra under a white top. Your skin color shows through a white top slightly and the white bra will stick out like a sore thumb.

    My friends and I have made it our mission to find the best strapless bras, so if anyone is interested in checking it out:

    http://www.beststraplessbras.com

  40. krishna says:
    Wed, 16th Sep 20091:23 am 

    i want you to arange a sexy bebe for me and bring her to my house to play sexy games

  41. amy says:
    Fri, 18th Sep 200911:01 am 

    trying to wear a strapless with a 36dd is pure torture. i freaking hate these things and i'll avoid them at all costs. corsets work much better as they actually provide a bit of support instead of letting my boobs hang out by my stomach.

  42. KATHY says:
    Tue, 12th Jan 20106:00 am 

    LADIES!!!! I have found the perfect strapless bras. Wonderbra Ultimate Strapless bra. I guarantee it will work. I just bought it & it works perfectly. no tugging all nite long. i tried it myself. FYI: I'm a 30DD.

    -kat

  43. KATHY says:
    Tue, 12th Jan 20106:01 am 

    LADIES!!!! I have found the perfect strapless bras. Wonderbra Ultimate Strapless bra. I guarantee it will work. I just bought it & it works perfectly. no tugging all nite long. i tried it myself. FYI: I’m a 30DD.

    -kat

  44. KATHY says:
    Tue, 12th Jan 20106:05 am 

    It holds them up all night & gives amazing shape to my girls & crazy sexy cleavage. I always have the problem that i have a small torso but big boobs for my height/weight (4'11 & 3/4" at 110 lbs) so its hard finding a bra that gives me support & great shape fantasie of englands strapless bra holds them up all nite but smashs the hell out of them, my boobs look smaller than they are which i hate because i love my girls. this is like a push up bra, no extra material or pushup material inside. its amazing! its low cut too.

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