Tales From the BRABAR Studio: How To Find the Perfect Strapless Bra For Dances?

Finding the perfect comfortable bra is difficult. Finding the perfect strapless bra is even more of a challenge. The strapless bra hugs your ribcage and covers your bust with no threat of falling. Occasionally, depending on the brand, you may want to size down in the band. There are many types of strapless bras, since there are many outfits that need specific styles.

Bandeau bras for tube tops, longline strapless bras, and plunge strapless bras are just a few styles available. There's also the sticky strapless bra and body tape as an alternative. But the best strapless bra is one that works across your wardrobe and holds up for years, depending on how much you wear it.

A Real Fitting: Two Sisters, One Dance

As is typical at the BRABAR Studio during springtime, teens and tweens come in with their mothers, aunts, or older sisters to be fitted for a strapless bra for their school dance dresses. One mother brought both her teenage daughter and her tween daughter into the studio for strapless bras for their dresses, wanting them both measured for the correct bra size before anything else.

I measured the older teen first so her younger sister wouldn't feel as nervous. She measured a 32-inch rib cage, so a 32 band. Her overbust measurement was 38 inches. Subtracting the 32 band from the 38 overbust gives a 6-inch difference - a DDD/F cup. The older teen was a 32DDD, petite in the ribcage with a full bust.

Then it was the tween's turn. She was a little nervous, since it was her first time being measured, but her sister had made it look easy, so she agreed. She measured a 27-inch rib cage, rounding up to a 28 band. Her overbust measurement was 31 inches. Subtracting the 28 band from the 31 overbust gives a 3-inch difference - a C cup. The tween was a 28C, petite in both ribcage and overbust.

What I Recommended

Once both girls were measured, it was time to pick out options to try on with their dresses. The older teen also needed an everyday bra. For both, I suggested:

• The Everyday Bra - a versatile, all-day supportive bra with a back closure and removable cups.
• The Soft Day Bra - combines the ease of a bralette with surprising support.
• The Soft Strapless Bra - ultra-versatile, ideal for off-shoulder, one-shoulder, halter styles, and tube tops.

As alternatives to the Soft Strapless Bra, I also suggested the Strappy Halter Bralette, the Lace Halter Bralette, the Open-Back Backless Halter Bralette, and the Soft Crop Multiway Convertible Bra Top, which can convert into a thin halter, a criss-cross back bralette, a one-shoulder bralette, or a casual strapless bra depending on how the straps are adjusted.

What They Chose

The outcome was positive. The sisters tried on the Strapless Bra, Everyday Bra, Soft Day Bra, and Soft Crop Bralette. Both loved the Strapless Bra - the older teen got it in 32-34, and the tween got it in 28-30. The older teen also got the Everyday Bra in 32-34.

The mother thanked me for the time and patience to help her daughters find the best strapless bra for their dresses and a good everyday bra for her older daughter. They left satisfied and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the tween need a smaller band size than the strapless bra she was used to seeing on her sister?

Their measurements were genuinely different - a 32-inch ribcage versus a 27-inch ribcage. Band size is always specific to the individual body being measured, not shared between family members regardless of resemblance.

Is it normal for two sisters to need very different bra sizes?

Yes, completely. Band and cup size are determined by individual body proportions, not age or family relation - siblings, even close in age, often measure quite differently.

What should I bring when getting fitted for a dance or event dress?

Bring the actual dress if possible. The neckline, back cut, and overall fit of the dress all affect which strapless style will work best and whether it will show.

The Cheat Sheet

• Measure Underbust: Wrap a soft measuring tape right below your breasts. Round to the nearest even whole number for your band size.
• Measure Overbust: Wrap the tape over the fullest part of your breasts. Round to the nearest whole number for your bust size.
• Calculate Cup Size: Subtract your band size from your bust size. Each inch of difference is one cup size, from A up through DDD/F.

Use BRABAR's Fit Guide and Bra Size Calculator to measure yourself accurately at home.