Strapless Solutions?

Updated on May 09, 2014
M.M. asks from Chicago, IL
10 answers

Wondering if any mama's out there have a good solution for stapless bras?
I'm a 34DD, so it needs to be a bra that can contend with my boobs that are slightly saggy after 2 kids.

I'm dying to find a bra that doesn't:
a) clearly look like I'm wearing one. You know...that gap where your chest goes flat and then all of a sudden juts out where your boobs are, accentuated by the shape of the bra and clearly visible molded cups...
b) hug around my ribs so much that is creates the sausage effect around my armpits...again, where I'm clearly wearing a strapless bra....
c) actually gives me a nice shape
d) doesn't fall down every 6 seconds

Anyone have a magic solution?
I have tried the adhesive bras, and they are OK...but few and far between for my DDs.

Is there any hope? I'm not above duct tape so I can rock those spaghetti strap cami's this year!

1 mom found this helpful

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Featured Answers

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Try Calvin Klein strapless bras.
They have several styles.
Go to Nordstrom or some department store.
They will help you with fit.
I have the Calvin Klein t-shirt strapless bra.
I like it and wear one everyday because I hate regular "strap" bras.

Just try Google searching "Calvin Klein strapless bras."

Oh and another tip: get a bra strap extender. Because if, you need one, then it makes it more comfortable and lessens the "sausage" roll effect because then the bra strap is not TOO tight but just right.
I got bra strap extenders for my strapless bras. And it lasts a long time. And then when I put on my bra, the band is not too tight.

1 mom found this helpful

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T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

The best bra advice I can give to anyone is GO GET FITTED! :) Being rather busty myself, and I have been since 6th grade :(, I've found that is the best way to get all the things on your list!

I've not done a strapless in a long time, but honestly Nordstrom has the absolute best bra fitters around! They know their stuff. It does take a bit of time, so carve out at least an hour and don't bring your kids! You will not be disappointed, I promise you! Their bras can be expensive, but it's one of those things that I just expect to pay good money for because I need my boobs to be supported! Good luck!

4 moms found this helpful

C.C.

answers from San Francisco on

My first bit of advice would be to get measured by a really good fitter, if you haven't already (Nordstrom or a good specialty shop, not any of the chain lingerie stores, because none of them do it right). Or watch this video, which tells you how to measure yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jk55ep4XUQ
I always thought I was a 36DD - well, come to find out that once I was measured properly, I'm a 34I. No wonder none of the 36DD strapless bras would stay up! I agree with the advice to try Nordstrom. They have a good selection of strapless bras. I think the ones that come down to your waist (or at least a bit further down than a traditional bra) work best to support a larger bust.

3 moms found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

Warcole convertible bras from Nordstroms!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They only come in black and nude but they give me amazing support, in fact they feel more supportive without the straps then most of my normal bras do. I wear a 40G so if they work for my girls they should work for yours. And the price is not too bad at around $60.

But they are molded cups, I don't think you can get support from a strapless without molded cups.

Also, if you need to be fitted I would go to Nordstoms even if you don't buy a bra from there, they are actually trained to do it correctly unlike the girls at JCpenny or Victorias secret.

2 moms found this helpful
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R.K.

answers from Appleton on

I was a bra fitter at Penney's for 3.5 yrs. I left in 2008, at that time Penney's carried a selction of bras with removable straps, so strapless. Most of these bras had the rubber type bands along the bottom so they did not slip.

One point, if you go into Penney's to look for a bra get a fitting. If your bras give you that stuffed sausage look they may be too tight.

2 moms found this helpful

J.S.

answers from Richland on

Soma makes a really good strapless/convertible.

I just wanted to add because I am actually surprised all these big busted women have never gone to Soma or fell in love with their bras. They cost less than stores like Macys and the like. Still the biggest sell, and I have sold a lot based on this, I can jump up and down on a trampoline and my boobs stay in! I can bend over and touch the floor and my boobs stay in. It does not shift or dig. It is the perfect strapless bra.

I have never been comfortable in a strapless bra since I was 20, until someone told me about Soma. They have sizes well into the alphabet though I couldn't say what the last letter is. Of course they have people that will fit you.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.A.

answers from Chicago on

It does sound like you are wearing the wrong size bra. There should be no "gap where your chest goes flat". That usually means the cup is too small as does your comment about armpit. From your description you need to go up a few cup sizes and maybe a band size. I also think you may want a style that comes down farther to prevent the "back fat" you called "sausage effect" (love it). I have a regular molded one from Maidenform and Vanity (Kohls I'm guessing) but the right size made all the difference.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.S.

answers from Washington DC on

They make very good strapless bras for larger-chested women, but you will have to go to a high end lingerie store and will likely pay a higher price for it. Find a place where they specialize in bras and do fittings. In Maryland we have 2 places I know of, one called "Bra La La" and one is called "We Fit". They bring you in a fitting room and measure you and talk to you about exactly what you are looking for. Lots and lots of brides & bridesmaids end up here looking for the right strapless to fit a specific dress. In my experience, a good strapless for anyone above a B cup, is just something that cant be found in a department store. In my opinion its totally worth it to be able to wear what you want, and have the bra really work like a bra is supposed to!

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M.H.

answers from Chicago on

Not sure if this will help, but for my wedding I wore a strapless bra, but it came down to my waist. Not once did I have to pull my dress up and I looked great. But it was a wedding dress surrounding it, not sure how well that would go under a cami.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.R.

answers from Washington DC on

years ago, when I wore stuff like that, there used to be "tube top" bras that were similar to tube tops. they stayed on pretty good. I'm sure there's something like that will all these new spanx type products out there.

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