What does strapless mean?
Strapless is an adjective describing something that has no straps, most often a garment without shoulder straps. It is especially common in discussions of dresses, gowns, bras, corsets, tops, and other clothing, and it may suggest a sleek, elegant, or deliberately minimalist style. The word is not quite synonymous with sleeveless: a sleeveless item lacks sleeves, while a strapless item lacks straps, particularly the supports that pass over the shoulders. A garment can therefore be both strapless and sleeveless, but it can also be strapless while having short sleeves. In ordinary use, strapless chiefly refers to clothing and may carry a fashion-oriented connotation when applied to eveningwear or formal designs.
adjectiveWithout straps, especially without straps that pass over the shoulders. It is most commonly used of garments such as dresses, gowns, bras, and evening wear.
- Having no straps, especially no shoulder straps; chiefly used of clothing.
"She wore an elegant strapless dress to the gala."
"The strapless gown stayed securely in place throughout the evening."
"The designer paired a strapless top with wide-leg trousers."
Strapless is fashion’s way of describing a garment that keeps its shape without relying on shoulder straps.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strapless come from?
Strapless was formed in English by combining “strap” with the suffix “-less,” meaning “without” or “lacking.” The element “strap” has a long-established English history, while the suffix derives from Old English “lēas,” meaning “without” or “free from.” Related English forms include “strapping,” “strapwork,” and “strapper,” all built on the same base word.
How strapless is actually used
The term is primarily a clothing term. When used of a formal garment, it often implies an elegant or evening style, but it is not restricted to formalwear.
Easily confused with strapless
A strapless garment has no straps, particularly over the shoulders, whereas a sleeveless garment has no sleeves and may still have shoulder straps.