How to Make a Bra Strapless

You can make a bra strapless if its straps unclip. Convertible or multiway bras are designed for it: remove the straps and the bra stays up on its band. A regular bra with sewn-in straps won’t stay up on its own, because it lacks the firm band, side boning and grip that strapless bras use.

Which bras can be worn strapless?

Look for these signs that a bra can go strapless:

• Detachable straps that clip into small loops on the cups and band.
• A wide band with side panels, often with plastic boning at the sides.
• Silicone grip along the top edge of the cups or band.
• The word “convertible” or “multiway” on the label.

If your bra has all of these, unclip the straps and it’s strapless. Our guide to the best strapless bras covers what to look for in a dedicated one.

How to wear a convertible bra strapless

1. Unclip both straps at the front and back.
2. Fasten the band on the tightest hook. Without straps, the band has to hold everything.
3. Lean forward and scoop your tissue into the cups, as in our guide on how to put on a bra.
4. Check the band is level and doesn’t slide when you raise your arms.
5. Do a test run: walk around, sit down and lift your arms before the event.

If it slides down, the band is too loose. Try the sister size with a smaller band and one cup larger, such as 34C instead of 36B. Our sister size calculator helps.

Can you cut the straps off a regular bra?

You can, but it rarely works. Without straps:

• The cups tip forward, because nothing holds the top edge against you.
• The band slides down, since regular bands aren’t built to hold the full weight.
• Wires may dig in as the bra shifts.

Smaller cup sizes sometimes get away with it for a short time, especially in a bralette or lightly lined bra with a firm band. For anything longer than an hour or two, a proper strapless bra is more comfortable.

Other ways to hide straps

If you don’t need to go fully strapless:

• Clear straps swap in on convertible bras and are less visible.
• Crisscross or halter settings work for racerback and halter necklines. See what bra to wear with a halter top.
• Adhesive bras work for backless and very open outfits. See our guide on choosing a bra for a backless dress.
• Built-in support in the dress itself, such as boning or a shelf bra.

When to buy a real strapless bra

A purpose-made strapless bra is the better option when:

• You wear a D cup or larger, where a band without straps has more to hold.
• The event is long, like a wedding or a full day out.
• You’ll be dancing or moving a lot.

Bravissimo describes strapless bras as designed to keep you “secure and supported under strapless outfits”. The difference is in the build: deeper bands, side boning and grip.