Being a fashion editor, I’m usually the first person my friends come to with their style dilemmas, and right now, the question that keeps cropping up is, “Which bra would look good with this outfit?” With occasion season in full swing, many of us are now faced with working out which underwear (if any!) works with the outfit we have planned.
I’ve been quietly observing the trends coming through, and with lots of backless, strapless and plunging pieces on offer, there’s more emphasis on getting your underwear right than ever before. I myself spent inordinate amounts of time trying to find a backless bra to suit 1) the dress I had in mind and 2) my 32G cup size. It was an effort, but the reward of being comfortable enough to wear a dress style I previously never thought I’d be able to was so worth it. So today, I’m focused on helping you find your perfect plunge-bra solution.
Ali Tate Cutler wears a plunging top with jeans and sandals.
Depending on your wants and needs, finding the best plunge bras can be tricky. My experience with them varies drastically—I have one I love and have bought in every colour it comes in (more about this style later). However, others have left me feeling unsupported and dealing with four-boob overspill. Not the look you want when you’re wearing a silk slip dress, let me tell you.
Identifying the needs of your plunge bra is crucial in choosing the correct one. Do you want it to smooth, to support, to look pretty or, the holy trinity, to do all three? Do you also need it to be strapless or backless? That presents another challenge. Fortunately for you, I love a challenge.
Allison Ho styles a plunge bra with a striped blazer and shorts co-ord.
Below, I’ve hand-picked what I believe to be the best plunge bras on the market right now with my rationale for each. Scroll on to see them, and hopefully, you’ll find your perfect plunge-bra match.
Every review I read and hear about Skims is a positive one. This plunge bra provides more than ample side support, while the thick band ensures it stays in place.
As someone with a larger bust, I will only wear this strapless bra, which speaks volumes about its support. Handily, it also features a plunging neckline, meaning it works for a multitude of dresses.
For tops, dresses or jumpsuits with extreme-plunge necklines, this is the bra to opt for.
This plunge bra comes with detachable straps, so you can wear it with or without them.
A delicate plunge bra you’ll be reluctant to cover up—never underestimate Calvin Klein lingerie.
Make no mistake; the lace isn’t just for show. The overlay actually provides you additional support in the most beautiful way.
This is the plunge bra I swear by—it’s not for dresses and tops with low sides, but it is for any outfit you want equal amounts of plunge and support for.
An incredibly soft option for those of you who prefer the feel of wearing triangle bras.
Such a gorgeous colour! This would look incredible peaking out from underneath a contrasting-colour dress.
With its low back and plunge front, this bra will open up a world of sartorial options for you.
The moulded cups on this bra create the most beautiful shape, while the deep-plunge bra works for lower necklines.
If you’re in the market for a plunging T-shirt bra, this is it.
This bra is double-lined, meaning it gives maximum coverage (no nipple shadow here).
I can’t speak to its support—I imagine there’s a lack thereof—but there’s no denying that & Other Stories does the prettiest high-street lingerie. And hey, if you don’t want the additional support, why not make aesthetics the main priority?
Again with the lace overlay, which provides additional support. The soft, jersey banding also makes it more comfortable for all-day wear.
If creating a cleavage is high on your agenda, but you also need the negative space for a plunging neckline, this push-up style will provide you with both.
The moulded cups are ideal for wearing under anything clingy or tight-fitting.
The placement of the lace and mesh on this plunge bra is going to look so beautiful.
If you’re looking for a plunge bra that feels incredibly special, Fleur du Mal is the answer.
For entirely backless looks, this plunge stick-on from John Lewis & Partners provides the solution. It also comes with pretty impressive reviews from people who’ve actually worn them.
Nudea lingerie continually gets support on social media. Although it doesn’t currently stock a plunge style, this low triangle bra might provide you with the sufficient plunge you’re looking for.
Dora Larsen creates some of the prettiest lingerie out there, but this colour-block number is next-level beautiful.
This is stretchy and incredibly soft—another one for your daily lingerie line-up.
