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Undetectable is the name of the game Strapless Invisible 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.
With dresses and tops taking the plunge both from the front and back, the time to shop for a sticky bra is now. "My number one rule for shopping sticky bras is comfort," Jessica Pfister, Vice President of Le Mystere, tells Bazaar. "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." Another pro tip: "You always want to make sure you’re selecting one that has a strong adhesive and offers enough coverage for your bust," Shopbop fashion director Caroline Maguire adds.
Ideal coverage and comfort ultimately depends on your bra size. "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."
Whether you're seeking extra fullness, a cleavage boost, or simply avoiding a nip slip, scroll on for the best 16 sticky bras, from the most comfortable to options for bigger busts.
"This Fashion Forms style is my favorite because its super lightweight, medical grade adhesive, virtually invisible," Pfister says. She notes that 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.
What reviewers are saying: "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."
These individual silicone breast covers lift to create a fuller and rounder shape while remaining exceptionally discreet.
Sizes: S/M, L/XL
What reviewers are saying: "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 popular Amazon buy features a beige and black silicone adhesive bra with a lace-up drawstring for a cleavage-enhancing push-up effect.
What reviewers are saying: "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 backless sweetheart adhesive bra creates volume with an underband for added support.
What reviewers are saying: "Love it! Excellent quality! I would definitely purchase again."
This best-selling seamless adhesive bra comes in assorted colors and prints, from various skin tones to black and leopard.
What reviewers are saying: "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."
Gatherall was founded to perfect the sticky bra—and with that undivided attention, you can trust that its designs. This female-owned and operated company provides strapless and backless support.
What reviewers are saying: "Best backless bra ever. I tried many backless bras for my wedding dress and no other bra felt as good and natural as Gatherall. Highly recommend, don’t even bother with other bras."
Best for those with band sizes smaller than 40, Wingslove makes a sticky bra featuring thin fabric cups. The front closure gives a little lift for those who desire slightly more cleavage.
What reviewers are saying: "Not a fan of bras in general but felt in love with the convenience of this one. I mainly use it with dresses for a nice push-up décolletage look. This style does not provide full coverage so I wouldn't recommend it as your every day bra but I guarantee you'll pull this baby out on many occasions when wanting to wear strapless tops."
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
What reviewers are saying: "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!!"
"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.
"Keep in mind that you may not be super comfortable and will feel restricted, so try and wear only for short periods," she adds. You can also layer tape with a nipple cover for extra protection or if you're using particularly sticky tape.
What reviewers are saying: "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 is designed for a push-up effect, with a curve-enhancing butterfly design and vents for breathability. To make the ultra-strong adhesive even better, it's hypoallergenic.
What reviewers are saying: "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."
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.
What reviewers are saying: "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. "I adore Nippies because they are available in a plethora of skin tones and come in two different sizes, which is rare and precious," Pfister notes.
Sizes: S/M, M/L
What reviewers are saying: "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."
Sticky bras can seem daunting. These nipple covers are perfect for those looking for an easy entrance into the world of strapless clothing, not running you more than $15.
What reviewers are saying: "I have purchased these twice now. The first set lasted for years. I don’t wear them every day, only when I think I might need them based on my clothing. They are very sticky. I keep them carefully stored in their plastic holder. They really do a great job covering up. When these wear out I will definitely buy more."
If you want to try out the aforementioned brand, but don't want to comment to the full bra, opt for its nipple covers. A tapered edge technology keeps them flush to your skin.
What reviewers are saying: "These are the BEST nipple covers I’ve ever used and I’ve used several through the years. I’m one that sweats a lot and these didn’t budge at all and stay out perfectly. Highly recommend!"
Nood strikes again, this time with a flower-shaped cover that is a personal favorite of Maguire. "They’re sweatproof which is always a win," she explains, "and the skin-texture is so great."
To make a sticky bra's adhesive last, proper skin prep is essential. "I highly recommend a shower to ensure all the skin's natural oils are removed from your body along with any lotions," Pfister advises. "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.
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
Gaby Keiderling is a New York based writer, working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features. She also covers celebrity style for Esquire's 'Get Ready with Me' franchise. Her work can also be seen in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and more. Sometimes you can spot her around the West Village, out on a walk with her dog Sneakers.
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