3 Tips For Keeping Your Strapless Bra In Place

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Ask anyone with breasts which single garment is the bane of their existence, and it's highly likely that the answer will be "strapless bra." A great idea in theory, strapless bras are supposed to support you while also remaining invisible under your outfit. But the reality of this uncomfortable undergarment is that it usually has to be tight enough to dig in, and if it's not, you're definitely worried that it's going to slip off. The good news is that there are a few simple adjustments you can make to fix your strapless bra in place. 

Celebrity wardrobe stylist and fashion expert Jazmin Whitley reveals that one crucial tip, in particular, is vital for keeping your strapless bra up. "Make sure the size is correct," she exclusively tells Glam. "If it's too big, you'll constantly be pulling it up while wearing it. If it's too small, it'll dig in and often move around while wearing it." The stylist recommends checking the sizing guide if you buy it online; otherwise, it's always worth getting an in-store fitting. The fit of a strapless bra should be slightly tighter than a bra with straps since it needs to sit above the ribcage. With that in mind, don't write a size off if it leaves you with some overflow of skin. It can sometimes even help to go for a size smaller than what you'd normally go for and make up for it with a bigger cup. In addition to ensuring the size of your bra is correct, you'll want to make sure your outfit fits to a T, as baggy clothes can sometimes drag down undergarments that aren't supported well.

Sizing is certainly the biggest thing to keep in mind for helping your strapless bra stay up, but there are a few other tips to consider as well. You'll want to look out for key features when buying your bra that will stop it from falling down, and if all else fails, consider some adhesive help. 

Glam's exclusive survey on women's bra preferences showed that the strapless bra is the least-popular variety, and that's likely due to the constant slipping. The key to avoiding a strapless bra that slips down is to know what to look for before you buy it. Ideally, a strapless bra with a thick band under the bust is going to provide more support than a thin band. Along those lines, a longline bra, which extends down past the waist, or even a corset, is the best shape for those who are really worried about slipping. It might take some getting used to, but longline bras tend to fit much more snugly than regular strapless bras. Otherwise, look for a strapless bra that has boning in the sides for additional support. Jazmin Whitley confirms in our exclusive chat that a strapless bra is only ideal when a regular bra doesn't work, so if it is less breezy than you're used to, the silver lining is that you probably won't have to wear it that often. 

This isn't all moot if you already have a strapless bra, by the way: An old bra can lose its shape and therefore slip down easily, even if it once fit perfectly. So, it's important to not only know what kind of bra to look for but also when to say goodbye to an old strapless bra that no longer serves you. As previously mentioned, your best chance of finding the best strapless bra in terms of fit and design is to get assistance from the staff, but ultimately, it's always going to be trial and error. The bra that's perfect for someone else, or even that used to be great for you, might not be the best option, so don't hesitate to do a little digging. 

If you find your strapless bra still falls down even though it's new, fits well, and has supportive structures like boning and a wider band, then you might just have to bite the bullet and incorporate some adhesive tape. A common bra mistake is persisting when it clearly doesn't support you, so there's no shame in getting a little help. Contrary to popular belief, body tape isn't just for those who want to go totally bra-free. You can purchase the kind that sticks to skin on one side and fabric on the other, such as Fearless Body & Clothing Tape, so attach some of that to the inside of your bra for extra assurance. 

When using adhesives, it's important to try out a test patch first to ensure that you won't have a reaction. Once you have the all-clear, wipe your skin of all product, including moisturizer, body butter, shimmer lotion, and anything else that can create a slippery surface. Note that if your skin is wet in any way, a strapless bra has a higher chance of falling down. But Jazmin Whitley assures Glam exclusively that in most cases, "the right strapless bra that fits correctly under the outfit that calls for it will provide the support needed." If you'd like the extra guarantee, though, here's how to apply boob tape so that it actually stays put all day.