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Multiway bras: five ways to wear one

One bra, five strap settings. A good multiway bra covers strapless dresses, halter necks, racerback vests and one-shoulder tops, so it is the most useful bra for a wardrobe of party clothes.

A fashion design studio with mannequins, a clothes rail and sketches
Photo: @silverkblack (opens in a new tab) on Unsplash

By Jenisha Jonchhe Researched and tested where possible Updated

Affiliate links: this guide links to Amazon UK. As an Amazon Associate, My Bra Size earns from qualifying purchases. It never changes the advice or the size we suggest.

What to search for on Amazon UK

Add your UK size to the search on Amazon (for example “34G”). Not sure of it? Use our bra size calculator first.

  1. 1

    Moulded multiway bra with detachable straps

    Smooth moulded cups disappear under fitted tops, and the straps clip into several positions.

    Search Amazon UK for multiway bra moulded detachable straps (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
  2. 2

    Multiway bra for fuller cups

    Fuller-bust multiway styles add a wider band, side boning and grip, so they still hold when worn strapless.

    Search Amazon UK for multiway bra full cup DD+ (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
  3. 3

    Replacement clear and coloured straps

    Clear straps blend in better under sheer and coloured tops. Check the hook size matches your bra.

    Search Amazon UK for replacement bra straps clear detachable (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)

As an Amazon Associate, My Bra Size earns from qualifying purchases. Links open Amazon UK; prices and stock are set by Amazon and its sellers. Search results change often, so a product appearing there has not necessarily been tested. Product photos, where shown, come from Amazon. How we handle affiliate links

A multiway bra is a strapless bra with detachable straps that clip into different positions. It is one of the most practical bras you can own if you wear dresses and tops with unusual necklines.

The five ways to wear a multiway bra

  1. Classic. Straps straight over each shoulder, as on any bra.
  2. Halterneck. Both straps meet behind your neck, for halter dresses and tops.
  3. Cross-back. Straps cross between your shoulder blades. This stops slipping on sloping shoulders and suits racerback vests.
  4. One-shoulder. A single strap over one shoulder for asymmetric necklines.
  5. Strapless. Straps off, with the band and cups doing the work.

What to look for

Because it has to work strapless, a good multiway bra has the same features as a good strapless bra: a firm, wide band, silicone grip on the inside edges, and cups that fully enclose your breasts. Smooth moulded cups make it more versatile under fitted clothes.

Check the strap hooks too. Small, flat metal hooks are more secure than plastic, and extra loops on the cups and band give you more positions.

How should it fit?

Start with your usual UK size from our bra size calculator. Try it strapless first: if it holds on the loosest hook while you raise your arms, it will hold in every other position. Then try the halterneck setting and check the band does not rise at the back. Our bra fitting guide explains the band, cup and wire checks.

Brands to search for

Wacoal and Panache are both known for multiway strapless styles, and many high street and fuller-bust brands make their own versions. Check each brand’s size range before you buy.

Questions people ask

What is a multiway bra?
A multiway bra has straps that unhook and reattach in different positions, so one bra can be worn classic, halterneck, cross-back, one-shoulder or strapless.
Is a multiway bra the same as a strapless bra?
Most multiway bras are strapless bras with detachable straps. That means the band is built to hold without straps. A standard bra with removable straps may not be.
What size multiway bra should I buy?
Your usual UK size. Because it must hold strapless, the band should feel firm on the loosest hook. If it feels loose without straps, try your sister size with a smaller band.

Written by

Jenisha Jonchhe

Jenisha Jonchhe is a New York-based fashion writer and designer with academic training in fashion design. She writes research-led bra sizing and fit guides for UK shoppers.

Researched from brand and retailer size guides, and tested hands-on where possible. Search results on Amazon change often, so a product appearing there has not necessarily been tested. How we research and test