Hallelujah! Summer has arrived, and I can’t wait to wear my strappy tops and enjoy the sunshine. As a women over 50 with a curvy figure I am reluctant to go braless (too uncomfortable!) so I’m always on the lookout for the best strapless bras that will support my boobs and give me the confidence to wear my skimpy tops.
I’ve been a stylist for over 20 years and have helped hundreds of women to look great in their clothes, and I always start by ensuring they are wearing the best bras for their figure type in the correct size. I’ve researched all of the best bra brands, I’m an expert in the best bras for large busts, and I think a well-fitting strapless bra is a wardrobe essential, whatever your shape or size.
Amazon isn’t the first place I’d think of when shopping for a new bra, but I recently discovered the Delimira minimiser bra, which has become one of my favourite styles, so I was keen to see how their strapless bras measured up against the specialist lingerie brands. I was also keen to get one in a hurry (before the weather turned cool again), so I took advantage of my Prime membership same-day delivery and selected 3 styles to test.
Specifications
Price: £26.99
Band size: 30-44
Cup Size: A-G
Padding: No
Wired: Yes
Colours Available: 25 (some with limited size stock)
Strapless bras vary in shape and design – some are padded and will boost your bust, creating a cleavage, while others are designed to wear under low-cut plunging tops. I was looking for a smooth, seam-free style that I could wear under a tight-fitting jersey vest with thin straps.
The Meleneca Strapless Minimiser Bra was the most suitable option. I ordered it in a size 34F and wore it for a day under my top to ensure the bra gave me a smooth line. I considered the level of support and comfort it provided and whether it made my bust look smaller – here’s what I thought.
Meleneca Strapless Minimiser Bra
MELENECA
Strapless Minimiser Bandeau Bra
This bra is made from a double layer of fabric and has non-padded, seamless cups on the inside that are underwired for support. Boning in the side seams and silicone elastic along the inside edges ensure the bra stays in place. The multi-way detachable straps can be worn as a halterneck, cross-back or classic style. It’s available in a variety of colours, including a range of skin tones.
Meleneca Strapless Minimiser Bra Review
Shape & Design
From the outside, this bra has the appearance of a non-wired bandeau as the outer layer of silky fabric is totally seam-free. However, hidden inside are underwired cups made from firmer fabric that totally encompass the breast tissue. The elastic along the top edge of the bra has a strip of silicone to help the bra stay in place. Flexible strips of boning are encased in the side seams to give extra structure.
The straps can be attached to the inside of the bra and are adjustable to lengthen into a cross-back style. The bra fastens with 4 hooks and eyes, and there are 4 rows to ensure a perfect fit.
Support & Fit
As with any style of bra, it’s important that you wear the right size in order to get the perfect fit. I usually wear a size 32FF, but this wasn’t available in this style so I opted for the sister size 34F, which fitted well.
The soft moulded cups completely contained my boobs and it felt like they were being compressed and slightly squashed into place. The back panels were constructed from 2 thick strips of elastic that gripped firmly on the inside. I wore this bra for a full day and my boobs felt supported and it didn’t slip down, even when I raised my arms above my head.
(Image credit: @julieplayerfashion)
Comfort
As soon as I put this bra on the underband felt tight – but I think this is to be expected with all strapless bras, the band needs to fit snugly in order for it to stay in place. It felt firm but comfortable, however after approx 2-3 hours of wear the boning in the side seams stared to dig in slightly under my arms and when I took it off at the end of the day I had tiny patches of red and iritated skin.
Care
The label advises hand-wash only, and after wearing the bra for a da,y I gave it a quick rinse in cool water using a gentle liquid detergent. It dried really quickl,y and I didn’t see any changes in the shape or colour.
I do not advise washing in hot water as I predict the silicone strips would deteriorate and lose their ability to grip the skin. I will continue to wear the bra and report back any changes over a longer period of time.
Verdict
This is a versatile strapless bra that creates a smooth silhouette under tightly fitting tops. It’s comfortable to wear for short periods of time. It won’t drastically reduce the appearance of your bust, but it does make it appear slightly smaller by compressing the breast tissue and firmly supporting the bust.
Amazon’s speedy delivery makes it ideal if your best summer dresses call for a new strapless bra before the heatwave is over!
