Fashion

11 Strapless Bras For +Size Women With Small Boobs

by Ione Gamble

Underwear shopping is rarely easy, but finding the perfect strapless bras for plus size women with small boobs can be even more of a challenge. With representation of body diversity in the lingerie industry seemingly on the rise — just consider Ashley Graham designing her own plus size underwear line for Addition Elle and the popularity of un-retouched images such as Lena Dunham’s recent campaign for Lonely Lingerie — it could be argued that things are slowly changing when it comes to catering to the needs of varying shapes and sizes (particularly the needs of our underwear drawers).

All of that being said, however, there’s still a distinct gap in the market when it comes to beautiful lingerie for plus size women with smaller chests. With many plus size ranges focusing on cup sizes from C or D upwards, it’s arguably even more difficult to navigate the market when trying to shop for one of the most difficult underwear items of all time: The dreaded strapless bra.

For the best of us, sporting a strapless bra is often a nightmare-ish experience. From those not-tight-enough to stop them from slipping down all day to the too-tight ones leaving the wearer with deep red lines, finding the perfect fit can often feel like striking absolute underwear gold. To save you the heart (and back) ache, here are 11 of the best strapless bras for small boobed, plus size ladies.

1. Keep It Simple

Va Bien Bras Ultra-Lift Strapless Bra, $69, Bare Necessities

While lacy, decorative bras are sometimes the answer to your lingerie dreams, more often than not we all just want something that fits properly and promises not to slip down our chests halfway through the day.

2. Rock A Structured Longline

Lace Longline Bra, $59, Bare Necessities

For those fancier days when you're after style as well as support, nothing beats a lacy bustier.

3. Or A Seamless Shaper

Felina Bras Essentials Strapless Bustier, $79, Bare Necessities

Because sometimes all you need is some full body support and sculpting when opting for strapless options.

4. Invest In A Multiway

Femme Convertible Bra — Déesse Collection, $55, Addition Elle

It's all well and good to lust after a bra for every possible underwear need, but sometimes it just makes more sense for both your apartment and wallet to streamline your lingerie draw.

5. You Don't Have To Stick To Black, White, & Nude

Azura Contour Plus, $50, Adore Me

Although there are many great strapless bra options to be found in neutral tones or simpler black and white, it's more difficult to find strap-free options in fun color-ways. This set from Adore Me, however, fills that gap — and is available in a variety of cute eye-popping options including navy blue and cherry red.

6. Lose The Straps, Not The Detail

New Look Plus Lace Longline Bra, $25, Asos

There's no easy way around it: Strapless bras can often be boring. Yes, many simple options will do a great job of keeping everything where you want it to be. But when wearing sheer tops or opting to rock the underwear as outerwear look, aesthetics are sometimes important, too.

7. Try A Bandeau

ToBeInStyle Women's Plus Size Bandeau, $9, Amazon

Because sometimes, there's nothing better than keeping things comfy and casual. The right bandeau can provide comfort, support, and even double up as cute outerwear in the hot summer heat.

8. Prioritize Comfort

Curve & Co Plus Size Bra KATE For Curvy Women, $45, Amazon

"Clothes should not hurt" is a tagline most of us can likely get on board with — and one that KATE For Curvy Women champions. Since, for so many of us, our underwear can be painful, it's refreshing to see a brand address such concerns head-on.

9. Try The Bra Tested On Trampolines

Curvy Kate Luxe Black Strapless Bra, $42, Curvy Kate

I'm not joking. The folks over at Curvy Kate are so committed in their quest for creating a strapless bra that provides all the comfort and appeal of a normal one that they've left no stone unturned.

10. Bandeaus Don't Have To Be Basic

Glamorize Women's Complete Comfort Strapless Bra, $17-$23, Amazon

When most people think of bandeaus, it's usually of simple stretch fabric with minimal ruched detailing. But for those who want to amp things up every once in a while but love the fit of their bandeau, there are other options. This strapless bra has the coverage of a bandeau, but the detail and support of a more typical strapless number.

11. Test Out Seamless For Size

Seamless Strapless Bra, $40, Bare Necessities

For those skintight clothing days where even the subtlest of underwire or side support can mess up the line on your banging bodycon dress, this seam-free strapless has you covered.

Although being a small-breasted, plus size gal and shopping for bras is rarely easy, there is a (slowly) expanding industry adapting to the needs of many of us. While we wait (im)patiently for the industry to catch up, try to remain sane with the knowledge there are viable strapless options out there.

Images: Courtesy Brands.