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Undetectable is the name of the game. Sticky Strapless Bra
The bra quickly becomes a pain point when dealing with a backless, strapless, or plunging silhouette. But rather than despair or go braless (hey, it's not for everyone), the best sticky bras are solutions for undetectable coverage and support. Indeed, adhesive bras, breast covers, petals, and boob tape hide beneath even the slinkiest and skin-showy attire, all with a second-skin feel that isn't excruciating to remove by day's end. "My number one rule for shopping sticky bras is comfort," Jessica Pfister, Vice President of Le Mystere, tells BAZAAR.com. "No matter how amazing you look, if you are taped to the hilt or bandaged up so much that you cannot breathe, you are not going to be able to enjoy your occasion."
With dresses and tops taking the plunge both from the front and back, Pfister says invisible support products, like sticky bras, have become abundant and super easy to find at retailers like Target, Amazon, and department stores. What's more, she notes how technological advancements have allowed brands to create more flexible, more comfortable options that are less cumbersome and frankly safer, including designs that are less damaging to the skin, like medical-grade, hypoallergenic, moisture-resistant, and breathable sticky bra options that are often latex free. "This is a major step up from the duct tape that was used by celebrities for years," she says. "For the most part, companies rigorously test their product and undergo strict testing from an outside testing agency to confirm consumer safety with use."
When deciding what type of sticky bra is best for you, the lingerie expert says a backless bra or adhesive design will offer enough support with flexibility of movement. "If you are a smaller cup size, sometimes just a nipple cover will do the trick," Pfister says. For larger breasts, she says shopper reviews are your best friend. "Try to find feedback, and images, if possible, from someone with a similar size. Real-world feedback is priceless." The Le Mystere executive does suggest a low-back bra or bustier design for genuine support and lift. However, if you need a more discreet option, she recommends adhesive tape because it "can be manipulated as needed to properly support your breast tissue."
Proper skin prep is also essential before putting on a sticky bra. "I highly recommend a shower to ensure all the skin's natural oils are removed from your body along with any lotions," Pfister advises. "If a shower isn't possible, use baby wipes to thoroughly cleanse the skin. Also, wash your hands to ensure there is no excess dirt or moisture." She continues, "Once clean, make sure you towel dry, or better yet, use a cool blow dryer to dry the skin. Make sure not to apply deodorant anywhere near the bra to ensure its adhesion. Apply one cup at a time to ensure no gaping." Post-event, Pfister says to clean your adhesive bra with water and mild soap gently. Then, return it to the original packaging, which typically includes a plastic cover, and store away from heat, which can melt the adhesive.
So whether you're seeking extra fullness, a cleavage boost, or simply avoiding a nip slip, scroll on for the best 13 sticky bras, from most comfortable to options for bigger busts.
Pfister says stick-up cups work best on those up to a C cup. They should cover most of your breast tissue while holding to your chest wall instead of on your breast tissue. "This will result in the best lift and support," she explains.
"If the adhesive only covers the front of your breast, the tissue will be free to move about, and you will not feel secure," she continues. "This will also increase your chances of having the adhesive fall off." Another warning: "These must be worn with caution as they can unstick if you use body lotion or are a heavy sweater."
Depending on the style, a stick-up cup style sticky bra provides a completely nude back, modesty from nipple show through, and depending on the style, can create significant cleavage. "This Fashion Forms style is my favorite because its super lightweight, medical grade adhesive, virtually invisible," Pfister tells BAZAAR.com.
Customer review: "Love this bra! It's a great alternative to buying 3 or 4 different specialty bra styles to suit your every single dress. This one bra is great under any strapless or backless dress. In fact, it's some comfy I'll wear it under t-shirts or sweaters from time to time when I don't feel like wearing a bra but when one is needed."
This best-selling seamless adhesive bra comes in assorted colors and prints, from various skin tones to black and leopard.
Customer review: "The adhesive is SO STRONG—almost painful, so go slowly when removing. This bra is definitely not falling off. Some bras leave adhesive residue on my skin, but this one does not."
Whether you tape for a push-up effect or want nipple covers, this breast tape is a versatile, hypoallergenic option with easy removal. "I love this product because it works for every size breast and is available in a multitude of colors," says Pfister. Bonus: It comes with a pair of silicone nipple covers.
Customer review: "I am a 34C, and this tape worked perfectly, lasted through a long night of dancing and partying, and was easy to remove. I actually didn't use any additional product to remove tape, just went slowly and carefully. I used pretty much the whole roll in between my test run and the actual event, would recommend more than one roll if you need this for more than one night or person."
When an adhesive bra doesn't quite work with a slinkier silhouette, these sticky silicone breast petals provide just enough coverage. "Nipple covers are typically only available in one size," Pfister notes. "These covers do not offer any support or shaping but prevent any unwanted nipple show-through." The Le Mystere VP says silicone nipple covers offer a small amount of breast roundness for more conical breast shapes as the padding from the gel rounds your areola a bit. Noting, "I adore Nippies because they are available in a plethora of skin tones and come in two different sizes, which is rare and precious." When applying nipple covers, Pfister says, "Make sure to line up your nipple to land in the middle of the cover to allow for full coverage of your areola. This will offer the smoothest look."
Sizes: S/M, M/L
Customer review: "I have both sizes of the nippie skins. My cup size fluctuates from C-DD. The M/L is great for the times I feel I need a bit more coverage with a sheer bodice. They last all day, I’ve worn them up to 14 hours. They clean easily and store easy. The edges do start to lose adhesion after about ten wears."
"If you need incredible lift and manipulation at all costs, adhesive tape will be your savior," says Pfister, describing this tape and petal set as a breathable option made with cotton and spandex. "Unless your skin is uber sensitive, these are safe for most people," she explains. Adding, "If you have a latex allergy, make sure to read the fine print to ensure the products are latex free. Otherwise, tape a way to create the shape you crave.
Two more pro tips: "Keep in mind that you may not be super comfortable and will feel restricted, so try and wear only for short periods," she says. You can also layer tape with a nipple cover for extra protection or if you're using particularly sticky tape.
Customer review: "I'm a triple D, maybe even bigger than that, and these held them up real nice! Very flattering."
This five-pack of adhesive breast tape comes in four skin-toned hues to lift and shape beneath the trickiest of necklines.
Sizes: S/M, M/L
What reviewers are saying: "I wanted to try this product for a very long time. I purchased the product because I have a dress that was uniquely cut in the front with cutouts, and I would have been able to wear a traditional bra with it. I wanted to wear this dress to a holiday party. I'm not going to lie, I was a little skeptical and nervous to try the NOOD Lift and shape bra. It worked like a charm—it stayed in place all night very securely. I was dancing, and it was hot in the restaurant but it never moved from the initial placement. I highly recommend the NOOD Lift and shape Bra. It really is a game-changer!"
This sticky bra, featuring underwire and adhesive cups with subtle graduated padding, is crafted from ultralight microfiber for plunging silhouettes.
This backless sweetheart adhesive bra creates volume with an underband for added support.
Customer review: "Love it! Excellent quality! I would definitely purchase again."
This popular Amazon buy features a beige and black silicone adhesive bra with a lace-up drawstring for a cleavage-enhancing push-up effect.
Customer review: "I love the low profile shape, it fit really nicely under my dress without showing. I wear a 30D and this gave me perfect cleavage and just enough support."
This adhesive silicone backless bra—available in three skin-toned shades—features light padding and can be worn up to 25 times. Plus, it comes with reusable packaging for storage or travel.
Sizes: AA/A, B/C, D/DD
Customer review: "This bra is cute, super comfy, easy to throw on. It stays on all day and lasts about six months. I love the mocha color! I also love the pink dot inside the middle. It makes it easy to know where to place it. You will love this bra! Best backless stick-on bra ever!!"
These individual silicone breast covers lift to create a fuller and rounder shape while remaining exceptionally discreet.
Sizes: S/M, L/XL
Customer review: "I felt comfortable wearing these in lieu of a bra with backless dress. I am a C so these provided a decent lift and stayed in place with no adjustment for over six hours in humid conditions."
This sticky bra is designed for a push-up effect with breathability, with a butterfly-shaped design to enhance curves. To make the ultra-strong adhesive even better, it's hypoallergenic.
Customer review: "I'm a 34DD with wide-set breasts, so I got the largest size for better coverage due to other brands always being too small in the suggested size. Worked great. Had on for about six hours, the last two indoors, with lots of sweating, and I still had to peel it off when I got home. I think the vented design made a big difference too, and the holes didn't show thru even in a lighter-colored top."
In five colors, this water-and-sweat-resistant sticky bra features second-skin cups that gently lift with a body heat-activated hold and silicone adhesive.
Sizes: A/B, C/D, DD/DDDD
Customer review: "This actually works! With size D cup, I was surprised by the level of support these stickies had. I was able to wear my backless dress, and I felt confident."
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