7 Ways to Make a Strapless Bra Less Annoying

There are more than a few undergarments on the market that make little sense to me. The c-string, for example. Can someone please explain that to me? Call me crazy, but I simply don't see the point of having a piece of wire wedged between my cheeks when I could just go commando. It's basically the same thing anyway, right?

And how about those asymmetrical man thongs? I mean, to each his own, but I don't understand. If it's supposed to be an aesthetic thing, I'm just not seeing it. Plus, it looks incredibly uncomfortable. I guess beauty is pain?

High heels, waxing, skinny jeans... we put ourselves through some pretty bizarre things.

But sometimes it's all worth it — like when you can wear your beautiful strapless dress without having your bra straps showing. Of course, there's the whole ordeal of finding a strapless bra that'll actually support your chest and won't fall down, which can be a bit of a nightmare, but there's nothing like the satisfaction of finding a good one.

Here are a few tips to demystify the strapless bra, which, fortunately, is way sexier than any remixed man thong.

(Image: giphy.com)

1. Play Around With Sizes

It's a good rule of thumb to get measured whenever you're buying a new bra, but your usual size could vary from your strapless size. "When buying a strapless bra, you should size down in the band and up in the cup," Linda the Bra Lady suggest on her blog. "The reason for this is that the band is the only source of support, so it has to fit snug to keep the bra, and the girls, up."

2. Make It Stick

To minimize the risk of your strapless heading south, help your bra stick to your skin as much as possible. For example, keep your skin clean and forgo putting beauty products like oils and creams on your chest. Also, try to look for styles that have sticky features like silicone or a rubber grippy band on the inside seam. "Silicone inside the cups of a strapless bra will give extra stay-up support," Jenny Altman told Lucky . "Skip the moisturizer and powder around the bra area for the silicone to work its magic!"

Chantelle Intimates Sublime Convertible Strapless Bra, $30, Nordstrom Rack

This underwire strapless, which is available in sizes ranging from 32A-38F, features a silicone trim on the inside band. It also comes with detachable straps, so you can wear it with more garments and get more bang for your buck.

3. Try Before You Buy

I seriously hate (yes, I know hate is strong word but I definitely mean it in this case) trying on clothes in stores. However, there are some occasions when taking a trip to the dressing room might not be the worst idea. Case in point: when buying a strapless bra. "The fit and size of your bra can vary hugely from brand to brand so get in the changing room for a trying on session," Laura Puddy told Cosmopolitan .

4. Look For Well-Constructed Garments

Women who are well-endowed will get greater comfort from a strapless with a little extra band support. "If you’re full busted, you need a strapless bra from a brand that specializes in C cups and up," Altman told Lucky . "The construction should feature a wider band, three hooks in the back, and extra support through the cups."

Victoria's Secret Body By Victoria Multi-Way Bra, $59, Victoria's Secret

This bra changes depending on the size, so smaller busts get a double row of hooks, mid-sized busts get three hooks, and larger busts get four rows of hooks for a more supportive fit. Adjustable, detachable straps included.

5. Consider The Longline

And if that wide band doesn't do the job, try a longline style. These styles will give you some reinforcement from below your chest. "A longline bra has a bodice which will help support your bust," Linda the Bra Lady wrote on her blog. "Remember how the band is the source of support? With a longline bra, the band extends all the way to the waist for maximum lift."

Felina Essentials Convertible Underwire Longline Push-Up Bra, $48, Nordstrom

This longline style not only offers support, but it also acts as a push-up.

6. Fill It In

And you thought your days of bra stuffing were over? According to Cosmopolitan 's Charles Manning, you may want to reconsider. "I don't know any woman whose breasts are perfectly symmetrical," he says. "Fit your bra to your largest breast and use a pad to fill in the other side."

But I don't recommend stuffing with eggs. (Image: giphy.com)

7. Take Proper Care of it

A good bra is definitely worth the investment, but it's your responsibility to make sure that it's taken care of properly. "When it comes to underwire or more sturdy bras, always hand wash," Steve Boorstein (aka "The Clothing Doctor") told The Huffington Post. Let them dry with the cups facing upwards and smooth out any dents to help maintain the bra's original shape.

Lingerie Bags , $9, Amazon

And for times when hand washing isn't an option, machine wash your bras on a cold, delicate cycle in a lingerie bag like this one.