If I’m asked to name the one bra that’s seen a humongous rise in demand over the last decade, it’s the strapless.

What started out as a bra for honeymooners is now a bra that almost everybody covets, irrespective of their comfort levels. Let’s get a few facts straight about the strapless:

1. It’s a bra without straps, and given that straps provide the majority of support needed in a bra, this bra is last on the list of supportive bras.

2. Strapless bras range from Good to Very Bad depending on their holding power.

3. A good strapless bra must have an underwire to somewhat compensate for the missing straps.

4. However good a strapless bra, it must be worn with a well-fitting, almost tight garment for additional support. The bodice area needs to be very snug, such as in red carpet gowns and bustiers, which then hold the strapless in place.

5. Strapless bras tend to roll down, so be careful please. The more toned your body, the lesser the chance of an accident.

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There is a trend among teens today id to think of the strapless as normal. Many mothers, too, are oblivious of the lack of support of strapless bras. Thus, it’s becoming very common for teens to overuse strapless bras along with flimsy and barely there innerwear, which then results in untimely sagging.

Sagging breasts can lead to physical discomfort and pain, especially in the lower back. Reversing sagging breasts is not easy. It either requires surgery, or regular use of high support bras. The best way to tackling sagging breasts is to avoid their appearance in the first place by using supportive full-cup bras with strong straps, instead of flimsy stringy ones.

When choosing a strapless bra — and this is mandatory for those who are heavy-chested — never ever buy without a trial, or you’ll be short-changed, with the bra collapsing in the middle of your evening.

A good strapless covers the breasts to the maximum and has inbuilt loops for straps. It is definitely padded to add support and minimise accidents. The underwire must cover the entire breasts. When possible, such as with a halter neck, use straps if your garment allows it. Don’t wear a strapless unless absolutely essential; where a strapped bra works, please don’t use a strapless bra.

And finally, perhaps the most apt description of a strapless bra is by Cammie McGoverns in Say What You Will:

“What’s a strapless bra?" he finally asked.

“LIKE A TOURNIQUET FOR YOUR CHEST.”

“Can you breathe if you’re wearing it?”

“BARELY!”

The columnist is the founder-CEO of Necessity-SwatiGautam, a customised brand of brassieres. Contact: necessityswatigautam@gmail.com