What Are Dresses With No Straps Called?

A dress with no shoulder straps is called a strapless dress ; it has a neckline that sits across or around the chest while leaving both shoulders bare. You might also hear “bandeau dress” for a strapless style with a relatively straight, band-like neckline, but strapless is the clearest general term.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating what do you call a dress with no straps.

A one-shoulder dress has a strap or fabric covering one shoulder, so it is not strapless, even though the other shoulder is bare. Our Women’s Summer Backless One Shoulder Mini Dress – Sexy Cami Party Look is a one-shoulder style; if you’re comparing silhouettes, our guide to styling a backless one-shoulder dress for summer focuses on that distinct look.

A strapless dress should feel secure around your bust and upper torso without digging in, since it cannot rely on shoulder straps for support. When trying one on, raise your arms, sit down, and walk a few steps: if the neckline slips or you keep pulling it up, try a different size or cut.

Your choice depends on the dress’s neckline, fabric, and the support you prefer; a well-fitting strapless bra can provide coverage without visible straps. Try your undergarments with the dress before an event, then move around in both to make sure they stay comfortable and concealed.