What kind of bra do you wear with a plunging neckline? The obvious answer is to choose one of the best plunge bras. But you may also find that a bralette, bridal, convertible, or push-up bra meets your needs as these are somewhat similar. If that’s the case, who should wear plunge bras?
Or better yet, what does a plunge bra do? Let’s start with what it is.
What is a plunge bra?
If you’re wearing an outfit with a low neckline and you don’t want the bra to show, a plunge bra is the ideal solution. It has demi-coverage cups that cover the outer third of the breasts. This allows you to wear a deep neckline all the way to the center of your rib cage and show off a little cleavage. No straps will be visible unless your top doesn’t have shoulders or sleeves.
Styles that are similar to a plunge bra
There are variations on the plunge bra that you may find more comfortable. For example, there are convertible bras that allow you to go strapless, criss-cross the straps on the back, or go halter style with one strap around the neck.
Another option is the balcony bra that lifts the breasts and presses them together. Then there’s the bralette that’s quite comfortable and lightweight – it’s almost like wearing a crop top. A lacy triangle bra is a pretty variation on this theme.
Lastly, some T-shirt bras allow for a V-neck or scoop neckline. They have the added benefit of seamless cups and smooth fabric that won’t leave impressions on what you’re wearing.
How to choose the best plunge bra
Selecting any bra is much easier when you know your size. Although you can go off whatever bra size is in your drawer, just remember you might have changed sizes. Also, sizes vary between different manufacturers.
How to measure for a bra
Get out the measuring tape and wrap it around your ribs below your breasts. Write down that number and wrap the tape around the breasts at the fullest part and note that number, too.
The first number is the band size. It corresponds to the numerical size on the bra, so 32, 36, and so on. The second number is the bust size. It will help you figure out your cup size.
Subtract the band size from the bust size. If the difference is one inch, you’re an A-cup. If it’s five inches, it’s a DD-cup. There are charts online that can help you confirm the correct size.
Choose a style
It helps immensely if you already know what you’ll be wearing with the plunge bra. Then you can make sure that it doesn’t reveal either straps or cups.
This is also the time to decide on whether you want an underwire. Typically, an underwire is not necessary unless you have D-cup breasts or larger. However, they are handy if you will be dancing or physically active while wearing the plunge bra.
Select a fabric
Bras are usually made of synthetic fabric like nylon, polyester, or polyamide (a type of nylon). Nylon and polyamide are softer and smoother and more abrasion-resistant than polyester. Nevertheless, polyester is more resistant to sweat and fading.
Along the same lines, check out the care instructions. Although it’s smart to hand-wash lingerie, some bras might be machine-washable.
Also, consider whether or not you want lace as it may leave impressions on the fabric. And finally, choose the color that coordinates of the outfit or appeals to you.
Check out the best plunge bra reviews below to help you decide.
[table id=13 /]Best Plunge Bras in 2024
Natori Feathers Contour Plunge Bra
[su_amz asin=”B001RTCQA0″]If you love pretty bras in bright colors, pause here. This brand has sizes for 30A to 38DD and over two dozen colors. The cups are lightly lined and contoured so that they don’t gape even if you bend over or hunch your shoulders.
What’s also nice is that the sheer feathered lace lies flat to avoid making whatever you’re wearing lumpy.
It has a typical hook and eye closure in the back and the stretchy shoulder straps are adjustable. In fact, the whole bra molds to the body for a perfect fit and a lightweight feel.
If there’s any downside, it’s that this is a hand-wash-only garment.
Pros:
- Contoured, lightly-lined cups and adjustable straps that mold to the body with no gaping
- Wide range of sizes and colors
- Semi-sheer and lightweight
Cons:
- Hand-wash only
- It may be difficult to choose just one or two bras when there are so many gorgeous colors
ToBeInStyle Women’s Deep Plunge Convertible V Bra
[su_amz asin=”B01C942XDQ”]This is the best strapless plunge bra. It can also be worn as a standard bra, a halter top bra, or a criss-cross back bra. The silky cups are lightly padded and they have underwire support.
If you wear it with the straps on, they are transparent and adjustable. That’s why the bra goes well with low-cut blouses, V-neck dresses, and halter dresses since it accommodates very low necklines.
It comes in white, black, and beige in sizes 30A to 40D. Reviewers say that it’s best to order the next largest if you’re in between sizes.
Of course, this is a hand-wash-only item. And fair warning to those with a full bust: some find that vigorous activity allows the girls to pop loose.
Pros:
- Transforms between plunge, standard, halter, and crisscross styles
- Transparent, removable, adjustable straps
- Smooth and silky padded cups with underwires
- Sizes from 30A to 40D
Cons:
- Hand-wash only
- Only three basic colors
Warner’s Women’s Cloud 9 Super Soft Comfort Bra Ro5691a
[su_amz asin=”B07413V5SD”]It’s affordable and comfortable, with contoured, padded cups and no underwire. This is a triangle bra that can handle V-neck and scoop necklines. It’s nice and light for everyday wear.
It has a pretty and practical wide lace panel at the bottom that keeps underarm bulges under wraps and prevents the bra from riding up. Thankfully, it’s not itchy or scratchy.
The fabric is 12% spandex, 88% polyester, so it feels soft and stretchy. It’s even machine-washable.
Pros:
- Triangle bra with padded, contoured cups and no underwire
- Soft and stretchy material is machine-washable
- Light and comfortable for everyday wear underneath scoop and V-neck tops
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide as much support or lift as an underwire
Calvin Klein Women’s Constant Push-Up Plunge Bra
[su_amz asin=”B07JWVFKV2″]What about the best plunge bra for small breasts? We recommend this one for sizes 32A through 36D. It’s a padded underwire bra that lifts and flatters the bust. The cut is perfect for V-necks and tank tops.
Moreover, it’s made from 89% polyester, 11% elastane, so it’s machine-washable. Reviewers say that it’s comfortable enough that once you get the adjustable straps situated, you’ll forget you’re wearing the bra.
On the downside, it’s a bit thick so the outline can be seen underneath thin fabric.
Pros:
- Uplifts and flatters small breasts
- Padded underwire cups for sizes 32A through 36D
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- Thick profile can be seen underneath thin fabric
Maidenform Women’s Sexy Plunge Convertible Bra
[su_amz asin=”B0083QNPTG”]This is the most versatile bra we reviewed. It’s ideal for strapless dresses, backless tops, and deep V-neck tops. It shows maximum cleavage while providing coverage and support. The cups have a soft inner lining and an underwire for extra lift.
Since it’s convertible, the straps come off to turn it into a strapless bra, or you can reattach one to make it a halter bra. It comes with an extra transparent halter strap if you want more support. Furthermore, you can cross the straps in an X-shape. If you’re not sure how to adjust it, Maidenform has an instructional video online.
The main con is that you’ll need to hand-wash it and lay it flat to dry. Also, it’s available in only two colors.
Pros:
- Reveals maximum cleavage while providing support
- Transforms between halter, traditional, and crisscross styles
- Includes a transparent extra halter strap
- Lightly lined cups with underwires
Cons:
- Only available in two colors
- Hand-wash only
Lilyette by Bali Women’s Plunge Into Comfort Keyhole Minimizer
[su_amz asin=”B001FSKA6U”]Here’s the best plunge bra for large breasts when you want extra support and a smaller bust size. It’s not padded—only lined. Therefore, it disguises perky nipples without feeling hot or bulky.
The low-cut cups have underwires. They’re designed to maintain a natural shape with less projection toward the front. Happily, the bra doesn’t flatten the bust or spread the breasts out to the sides.
Another nice feature is the smooth and silky blend of nylon and elastane fabric. It may be hand-wash only, but it’s worth it. Choose from sizes 34C to 42DDD.
Pros:
- Minimizing underwire bra for large breasts maintains the natural shape
- Silky fabric is lined but not padded
- Fits sizes 34C to 42DDD
Cons:
- We heard a couple of complaints about how the adjustable straps creak with movement
ZUKULIFE Women’s Essentials Deep U Push-Up Convertible Plunge Bra
[su_amz asin=”B0783QP9HG”]It’s all well and good to wear a plunge bra unless you wish your breasts looked bigger. This convertible bra takes care of the problem with cups that enhance the cleavage and provide extra lift. Moreover, it transforms to a halter bra, a criss-cross back bra, and a strapless bra.
In order to secure and uplift the breasts, this plunge bra is very form-fitting. The brand recommends choosing a larger size just in case. Reviewers say the cups shape and cradle while the U-shaped plunge accommodates very low-cut tops.
It’s available in eight colors in sizes ranging from 32A to 42D.
Pros:
- Firm cups lift and shape the breasts, enhancing cleavage
- Also becomes a strapless, halter, and crisscross back bra
- Available in eight colors and a wide range of sizes
Cons:
- Remember to choose the next size up from what you would typically wear
Cosabella Women’s Trenta Soft Bra
This elegant bralette is also a lightweight plunge bra with no underwire. It’s attractive and flattering, with minimal support and coverage.
Just as important, the fabric is a blend of polyamide and elastane so it’s soft and stretchy, not itchy. Plus, the bra comes in over two dozen beautiful colors including soft pastels and eye-catching shades.
Pros:
- Bralette with no underwire for light support
- Soft and stretchy fabric in twenty-five colors
Cons:
- Minimal support but maximum comfort
Conclusion
If you’ll be in a cocktail dress or bridal gown, a plunge bra provides invisible support to enhance your figure. We hope our reviews of the best plunge bras helped you find your new favorite lingerie today. If the bra is a big success, tell us more about it in the comments below.