Backless Bras

Fashion is an ever-changing world, and throughout history designers have pushed to make garments that are as dynamic and interesting as possible. As they continue to strive for more ways to create a stunning ensemble, along the way practicality has taken something of a hit.

Very few women actually have small enough breasts to be able to go braless – you do need to be almost completely flatchested before this is a viable option, and considering the average cup size in the UK is currently between a C and D, clearly very few women are actually able to consider going without their supportive bras. So does this mean, when it comes to backless dresses and tops – items which are certainly designed to create a stunning effect – a woman is stuck with the choice of being uncomfortably unsupported, or stuck with showing an unsightly bra strap? Of course not, as just as fashion for outerwear has advanced, so has lingerie – backless bras are now a staple of many women’s wardrobes.

In truth, to call a bra “backless” is something of a misnomer, as very few backless bras that are actually adequately supportive exist. This is for several reasons, the main one being that the back strap of a bra is actually what provides the majority of the support in a bra, and without it the object of lift and comfort is defeated somewhat.

What so-called backless bras do do, however, is move that necessary strap. The majority of bra back straps are designed to sit either on or just below the shoulder blades, depending on the style. Usually, these straps are at least an inch in width and in the majority of styles they also hold the clasps that secure the bra onto the body. If you want to wear a backless gown or top, the visibility of this strap is always going to completely destroy the effect of the garment and render wearing it futile. However, these backless garments do always come to an end toward the small of a back, leaving material to hide the strap under.

So lingerie designers simply shift the location of the strap to further down, securing it in place with a second strap across the stomach. This is the maximum amount of support you are going to be able to get if wearing a strapless bra, but it nevertheless is not truly “backless”.

If you really do want something completely without straps, there are plenty of options out there. The most popular types of true backless sexy bras are self-adhesive, usually anchoring themselves to the body via tape on the breasts, and provide lift and support through a complex system of specially structured cups. Wearing one of these truly backless bras is a personal decision, though they are generally not recommended for anyone over a D cup as they simply do not provide adequate support.

It is not a choice of backless or lower-strap bras alone, however. Many bras described as “backless” do actually have a back strap, but rather than an unsightly band of cotton, they featured two rows of encrusted diamante which is usually elasticated. These straps provide almost the same level of support as a conventional back strap, but are much more attractive and suitable for evening wear. For these, the clasp is usually moved to the front, so two seamless lines of diamante are all that is visible.

Backless bras – no matter which of the three options I’ve mentioned you may choose – are never going to be as fully supportive as a conventional bra complete with a back strap. However, for the occasional night out, they are perfectly adequate and allow you to showcase a part of your body rarely seen, without any unsightly material and clasps getting in the way.