No article of clothing seems put on this earth to make you feel like whatever shape women are supposed to be it’s not yours than the strapless bra. For most of us the battle with this evil garment started somewhere after our first period and before our first formal dance. At that point our boobs were likely perky enough they didn’t need any bra at all, but we read Seventeen magazine and were told that we needed a strapless bra. And the showdown began. Those smart enough to carry a big purse usually ended up with a bra in their bag by the end of the dance. (And no, there was no hanky panky going on.) The ill-fitting thing thought its purpose in life was to slide down your torso and not keep your wannabe cleavage in effect. The nerve.
More dances happened, more purchases of bras followed. They cut your breasts in half, they left a line in your clothing announcing their presence. They pinched back fat you didn’t even have (yet). I have to say, that I hate strapless bras. Breathe, Posh Hippie, breathe. I have tried bandeaus, which are OK for casual wear, but often lead to una-boob. I have tried most mass-marketed brands. But now, with the focus that comes from being a woman in her thirties, I am determined to find a strapless bra that makes me happy by doing its job. And doing it well, damn it!
Requirements:
- Must be comfortable for more than 10 seconds
- Must stay in place
- Must look good under clothing. Is that honestly so much to ask?
Right now I am reviewing one by the Swiss brand Hanro. So far, so good. But these things have to be lived in before you can really tell their story. Too many of my old bras are dead, buried or given away to unsuspecting friends. Here begins my survey to reach for that golden ring of a strapless bra that makes me feel like my body has been right all along and it’s the dang bra manufacturers who have been wrong. Wish me luck on this quest, and please send any tips, recommendations, and clues you have. I’m a gal on a mission.
- Posh Hippie
To be honest, I’ve kind of given up on finding a good strapless bra. I have 3 sitting in my lingerie drawer right now and I HATE them all.
One is DKNY and is more of a bandeau, another is a corset, and one is from Victoria’s Secret. Maybe about 3 years old. The straps are removable, but the bra is utterly useless without them. It also came with clear plastic straps, but I can’t decide what’s tackier: clear plastic or no bra at all?
I think one College Candy reader said it best,
XOXO,
Trendspotter
Ya it seems that a severe injustice is being perpetrated on the world with this one. I will do my best. The Hanro one is kind of uncomfortable on the sides after a few hours of wear, but it does look good under clothes. It needs some more road-testing before I can fully report though.
I don’t have boobs and have never worn a bra. I had no idea a good strapless bra is so hard to find. I wonder what kind of help Oprah could be in this department.
OK, ladies. I am actually today on the hunt for a strapless bra that I must find today for a top I must wear tonight. I think I may have found one that is (and this is saying a lot) at least a little better than the Calvin Klein’s I’ve had for years. Little to no back fat created. Cups that actually hold it all in.
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/intimates/bras/fullfigurebras/underwire/PRD~533924/Lilyette+Defining+Moments+FullFigure+Strapless+Bra.jsp
I’ll let you know my thoughts after a full night out. If it hasn’t fallen around my stomach, we may just have a long term love affair going here.
Clear plastic straps are definitely tackier than no bra at all!!
I was told by a bra fitter that the secret to a good fit in a strapless bra is to go a size down in the band, and a size up in the cup. Not so easy for those of us whose normal band/cup combo is already hard to find.
I have the Hanro mentioned above (2 of them actually) and it is the best I’ve ever tried. Posh Hippie, I know what you mean about being uncomfortable after a few hours, but they do “break in” and get more comfortable after awhile.
I wish I could offer other suggestions, but every other brand I’ve ever tried has been a disaster.
Ok, it’s official. I LOVE my inexpensive Lilyette strapless bra. It made it through a rowdy high school reunion night out – 6+ hours of meeting, greeting and busting a move:) It’s only sized for “full figured” which apparently is 34c to 42DD. No back fat, so comfortable, no digging in on the sides of my rib cage! Here’s the link to the bra sold online @ Kohl’s on sale for $21.99 right now! http://bit.ly/221gxp
It’s official. I LOVE my inexpensive Lilyette strapless bra. It made it through a rowdy high school reunion night out – 6+ hours of meeting, greeting and busting a move:) It’s only sized for “full figured” which apparently is 34c to 42DD. No back fat, so comfortable, no digging in on the sides of my rib cage! Here’s the link to the bra sold online @ Kohl’s on sale for $21.99 right now! http://bit.ly/221gxp
Ashley, I salute you. The thing the jury is still out about though is how it will hold up to a few washes. Part of the scandal is that you have to almost think of strapless bras as disposable. Like when the strapless dress says $150 on the tag, it really means $185. I want one that will be good for a while. Shanti, I did keep that “breaking in” idea in my mind and it’s why my Hanro review is still pending.
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