The 11 Best Backless Bras of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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Including stick-on cups, breast tapes, and low-back bras
People / Alli Waataja
Styling a low-back dress or top calls for an undergarment that provides enough support and shaping but also goes virtually undetected — a.k.a. a backless bra. Traditionally, backless bras refer to an adhesive style with stick-on cups. However, you can also opt for low-back bras, breast tape, and even convertible straps that transform your bra into a low-back style.
With all of these different styles to consider, finding the best backless bras is no easy feat, which is why our PEOPLE Tested team set out to find top options across various categories. From classic adhesive bra styles to ultra-stick breast tape, we spent four weeks testing 23 of the top-recommended (and some lesser-known) styles to find backless bra options that don’t just cover the nipples but also lift, support, and even shape the breasts.
These are the best backless bras that PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Bare Necessities The Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra
Pros
This bra features an excellent fit with adequate coverage.
The lace-up detail allows you to customize the fit for a push-up effect.
The adhesive remained intact (and like new), even at the end of the four-week test period.
Cons
The lack of underwire takes some getting used to.
The lace-up detail is noticeable under tighter-fitting clothing.
Our top pick for the best backless bra overall is The Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra. This backless bra features a strapless adhesive style that is designed to stick to and hold the breasts in place without a band or straps. Although wearing an adhesive bra takes some getting used to in general (the lack of underwire was a bit strange at first), we chose this as our top pick because it boasts a lightweight construction, smooth padding, and even has a lace-up detail that allows you to cinch the breasts and create a push-up effect.
While it took us some time to trust that an adhesive bra would stay in place, this bra felt secure and even supportive (for a sticky bra) with long wear. The adhesive bra kept its integrity throughout the entire testing period, and the adhesive never lost its stickiness, even after four weeks of wear.
Style: Strapless, adhesive bra | Cup Sizes: A-D | Band Sizes: Not applicable
Best Overall, Runner-Up: Gatherall Bra
Pros
The bra provides plenty of coverage and has a comfortable, weightless feel.
It features an ultra-stick adhesive that stays put even when sweating.
Despite not having a band or straps, the bra provides plenty of support.
Cons
It doesn’t have a lace-up center, which gives it a more seamless look, but doesn’t allow you to customize the fit.
Throughout the testing period, we were also impressed by the Gatherall Bra, which is an excellent choice if you want a style that is a little more seamless. Since this bra doesn’t have a lace-up detail, it goes virtually undetected under clothing. And, despite not having a band or strap, it feels highly supportive and has a near-weightless feel, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping down. Additionally, the cups provide plenty of coverage and comfortable, natural support.
Similar to The Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra, the adhesive bra style took some getting used to, but the ultra-sticky adhesive and overall comfort made it easy to forget about the lack of straps. The bra is also made from a silicone material, so it appears smooth and doesn’t absorb moisture (which is especially appreciated when adhesive is involved). And, despite its super sticky interior, it was easy to remove at the end of the day without any tugging or pulling.
Style: Strapless, adhesive bra | Cup Sizes: A-DD | Band Sizes: Not applicable
Best Value: Cmojsk Sticky Bra
Pros
The bra comes in a two-pack for under $25.
The bra is lightweight and has a smooth, satin exterior that provides a seamless look (though, the lace-up detail is noticeable).
It has one of the best size ranges for an adhesive bra.
Cons
The bra runs a little small, so we recommend going up a size.
You can see the lace-up detail through tight clothing.
For the best deal on backless bras, consider the Cmojsk Sticky Bra from Amazon. This adhesive bra comes in a two-pack for under $25. Additionally, the bra features a lace-up detail that allows you to customize the fit and create a push-up effect for cleavage (though the laces are noticeable under tight-fitted clothing).
Style: Strapless, adhesive bra | Cup Sizes: B-E | Band Sizes: Not applicable
Related: The 19 Best Front Closure Bras of 2024
Best Bustier: Bare Necessities Dominique Noemi Strapless Backless Bustier
Pros
The bustier features a scoop-back design, providing a backless effect in addition to underwire support.
The cups are very soft and flexible.
It’s comfortable enough for long wear, and you don’t have to worry about adjusting it.
Cons
The bra might not be backless enough for some garment styles.
It feels a bit snug at first but, with some wear, the bustier bra shapes to the body.
If you love the look of a backless bra but want something with a little more support and security, we recommend a low-back bustier. We love the Bare Necessities Dominique Noemi Strapless Backless Bustier because it features a classic bustier style with soft and flexible cups, supportive underwire, and a structural design with a scoop-back design that goes undetected with many backless dress styles.
While this style won’t work for all garments — after all, it’s not entirely backless — we love that the bustier provides similar support and shaping to a classic bra while also making it possible to slip into something with a low-back silhouette. Additionally, you don’t ever have to worry about it slipping and sliding, and it doesn’t need adjusting even after long wear.
Style: Strapless bustier | Cup Sizes: A-F | Band Sizes: 32-44
Related: The 13 Best Strapless Bras of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Disposable: Brassybra Adhesive Bra
Pros
This set comes with both adhesive breast tape and nipple covers, so you can customize your backless bra needs.
The tape comes in four different skin tone colors, plus classic black.
The tape is water and sweat-resistant and sticky enough to stay put for extended wear.
You can cut the cup-shaped tape to make it fit better.
Cons
Since it is a tape, it’s not as supportive as reusable adhesive bras (though it still provides a fair amount of support, all things considered).
As much as we love a reusable adhesive bra, sometimes something a little more disposable is necessary. For those moments, we recommend the Brassybra Breast Tape, which comes with both cup-shaped tape and nipple covers for customized coverage. While testing these “sticky boobs” out, we were impressed by the overall quality, comfort, and ease of use. The tape is ultra-sticky and stays in place even when worn for extended periods. It’s also sweat and water-resistant (you can swim with it on!) and is made from hypoallergenic materials.
The tape comes in four different skin tone colors, plus classic black, so you don’t have to worry about it being noticeable under clothing. It’s also thin enough to cut, so you can use scissors to create a more customized shape and fit, too. Since it is a tape, we didn’t experience a tone of support, though it still provides a fair amount, considering its construction and design.
Style: Tape | Cup Sizes: A-DDDD | Band Sizes: Not applicable
Best Plunge: Braza Bra Deep Plunge Adhesive Bra
Pros
The oversized adhesive side tabs help secure the bra in place while remaining undetected.
The cups are foam-lined, providing a shaping and smoothing effect.
The bra has an underwire design for added support.
Cons
The application takes some getting used to.
The adhesive isn’t very sweat-proof and can move around when moisture seeps in.
With the Braza Bra Deep Plunge Adhesive Bra, you can wear dresses with plunging necklines and a backless style. This bra features a bustier look from the front with two oversized adhesive tabs on the sides to help secure the bra in place and make it backless. We love this bra because, despite its backless style, it still supports, shapes, and smooths thanks to the foam-lined cups and included underwire. The bra can also be worn up to 50 times, so you get a lot of use out of it.
Since the bra has adhesive side tabs (instead of adhesive cups), the application takes some getting used to, and we found that the first few wears felt a little off due to fit. But, once we got the hang of the application, we were able to achieve a more comfortable fit. It’s also worth noting that the adhesive tabs aren’t very moisture-proof and can actually slip if they get too wet, so we don’t recommend wearing this bra in sweaty situations.
Style: Strapless, adhesive bra with plunge neckline | Cup Sizes: A-DD | Band Sizes: Not applicable
Best Sweat-Resistant: Braza Bra Reveal Adhesive Bra
Pros
This tape bra features a lifting and shaping design.
The adhesive is sweat-resistant and waterproof (you can even wear it under swimsuits!).
The tape provides a seamless look.
Cons
The tape is only available in a fair skin tone color.
It’s not supportive enough for larger breasts.
The Braza Bra Reveal Adhesive Bra is another tape option we love, especially if you want a lifting and shaping effect. The adhesive tape features a unique cup shape designed to lift and gently support breasts (though it works best on smaller cup sizes) and, since it’s tape, it boasts a near-seamless effect under clothing.
We love this option because it’s completely sweat-resistant and waterproof — you can even wear the bra under swimsuits. And, since they are individual cups, they’re a great option for those sticky (pun-intended) styling situations when you need a bra for a plunging neckline and backless silhouette. Plus, you can cut the tape down to customize the cup fit.
Style: Tape | Cup Sizes: Not applicable | Band Sizes: Not applicable
Best Investment: Miss Kisses Build-A-Bra Kit
Pros
The bra fits really well and can even enhance cleavage.
The brand offers free virtual try-on sessions and has several video tutorials you can watch to ensure proper placement for the best fit.
The adhesive is easy to clean and doesn’t lose its stickiness.
Cons
This backless bra features a unique design that takes some getting used to. For the best experience, we recommend taking advantage of the brand’s free try-on sessions and video tutorials.
The Miss Kisses Build-A-Bra Kit is definitely worth the splurge. When purchasing this bra, you can choose your preferred plunge length and pad size for a more customized bra (and fit). The bra features a one-of-a-kind design that works sort of like a tong to support, lift, and cinch the breasts. The cups feature ultra-sticky adhesive designed to smooth and shape the breast while also staying put, and the unique front wire allows you to customize the lift and cleavage.
When testing this bra out, we were impressed by the unique design. While it does take some time to get the hang of things, the brand has lots of helpful resources to assist, including a virtual try-on session where they share tips and tricks for the best fit and lots of video tutorials, too. With these insights, we were able to customize our bra to fit our needs and achieve plenty of support, shaping, and comfort, too.
Style: Strapless | Cup Sizes: S-XXL | Band Sizes: Not applicable
Related: The 11 Best Wireless Bras of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Push-Up: Sneaky Vaunt The Original Push-Up Bra
Pros
The bra features a lace-up detail that allows you to cinch the breasts together for a customized push-up effect.
The cups are rounded, providing full coverage.
Despite its adhesive style, we felt secure, supported, and comfortable while wearing it.
Cons
The lace-up detail shows under tight-fitting clothing, so this bra is not a good seamless option.
If you want that push-up effect but also need to keep things backless, the Sneaky Vaunt Original Push-Up Bra is our top pick. This bra features ultra-sticky round cups that provide plenty of coverage and support, plus a lace-up detail that allows you to cinch the breasts together for a more customized push-up.
When testing this bra out, we were thrilled by the quality of the adhesive and found that it never — we mean never — slipped or shifted, which is quite impressive for “sticky boobs.” We also love that you can adjust the fit and amount of cleavage you want, and how much cleavage you can achieve with this bra style (which, usually, is not much). In addition to its quality and customized fit, we found that this bra was one of the most comfortable ones we tried.
Style: Strapless, adhesive bra | Cup Sizes: A-DD | Band Sizes: Not applicable
Best Tape: VBT Breast Tape
Pros
The kit comes with both breast tape and nipple covers, so you can customize the fit and style.
We wore this tape for over 12 hours, and it never moved or lost its stickiness, even while sweating.
Cons
Depending on the level of lift and support you want, the tape isn’t compatible with low-cut tops.
For the best tape for breasts, try VBT Breast Tape. This kit comes with both breast tape and nipple covers and is available for under $25 on Amazon. During the testing period, we were most impressed by the overall quality of this tape and found that its sticky texture was unmatched. Upon our initial application, we wore the tape for over 12 hours and it never moved, lifted, or lost stickiness — even while sweating. The tape also appears seamless under clothing. However, if you want more lift, you have to place the tape higher up on the chest, so it might not be compatible with all necklines (especially low-cut tops).
Style: Tape | Cup Sizes: Not applicable | Band Sizes: Not applicable
Related: The 23 Best Bras for Large Busts of 2024 That Offer Ultimate Comfort and Support
Best Adhesive: Victoria's Secret Bare Backless Strapless Bra
Pros
It boasts a classic adhesive bra design with comfortable silicone cups.
The adhesive interior stays in place and, with proper care, doesn’t lose its sticky texture.
The cups provide ample coverage.
Cons
Since the silicone is a little thick, the bra isn’t seamless under tight garments.
For a classic adhesive backless bra, look no further than the Victoria’s Secret Bare Backless Bra. This bra is constructed from a soft and durable silicone material with a super sticky interior that adheres to the skin and stays in place, even while sweating. When testing this bra, we were impressed by its comfort and found that, with proper care, the adhesive keeps its integrity and doesn’t lose its sticky texture. Plus, the cups provide plenty of coverage, so you feel secure and supported despite wearing a completely backless bra.
Since the silicone material is on the thicker side, it can provide padding and shaping to the breast. However, this also means that it’s visible under thin and tight garments, so it’s not a great choice for bodycon style dresses (unless, of course, the material is thick enough to hide the seams).
Style: Strapless, adhesive bra | Cup Sizes: A-DD | Band Sizes: Not applicable
Other Backless Bras We Tried
NuBra Seamless Adhesive Bra: In addition to these top picks, we also tried the NuBra Seamless Adhesive Bra. While the cups were a little too pointy for our liking, we still think it’s an excellent choice for those who like this style and are looking for an adhesive bra that comes in lots of different colors, costs under $50, and provides good coverage and support. When testing this adhesive bra, we were most impressed by how quick and easy the application process is. We also love that you can separate the cups to adjust the fit, depending on how much cleavage you want. On top of that, this bra has an ultra-sticky interior that adheres well to the skin and stays in place without slipping and sliding.
Things to Consider When Buying Backless Bras
Style
Backless bras come in several different styles. So, before shopping, consider what style might work best for your preferences and needs. The most common type of backless bra is an adhesive bra that features two cups with a sticky interior and either a lace-up center (for cinching and adding cleavage) or a clip in the center that you can keep intact for a push-up effect or unclip for a more natural look. In addition to adhesive bras, you can also find bustiers with a scoop back that creates the illusion of a backless style while still providing the support and security of a waistband. Some bras even come with a low-back converter that allows you to adjust the band to accommodate low-back garments.
The Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra is our top pick for the best backless bra. This adhesive style features sticky cups that adhere to the breasts, providing good coverage and a smoothing and shaping effect. Additionally, this bra features a lace-up detail that allows you to customize the cleavage and fit. For an adhesive bra without the lace-up, we also love the Gatherall Bra. If you want a little extra support and like the sound of a backless bustier, we recommend giving the Bare Necessities Dominique Noemi Strapless Backless Bustier a try. In addition to these backless bras, you can also achieve a backless look with breast tape, such as the VBT Breast Tape.
Skin Tone
When shopping for backless bras, Kimmay Caldwell, an undergarment educator at HurrayKimmay.com, says to consider the skin tone. “Just like with basic bras, the closer you can get to your skin tone, the more invisible it will be under white [clothing],” she explains. If you are looking for a bra to wear under darker clothing, Caldwell recommends opting for a darker bra (such as classic black) for an invisible look. “It will blend better, and if the edges accidentally pop out, it will look like it’s part of the outfit rather than tape.”
Support
Backless bras don’t usually provide the best support, especially when compared to more traditional bra styles. If you are worried about support, Caldwell recommends wearing a backless bustier. These bra types add more structure, have plenty of support, and feature a low scoop back that is still easy to hide under clothing. Our top pick for the best backless bustier, the Bare Necessities Dominique Noemi Strapless Backless Bustier features a low-back design, along with comfortable foam cups and underwire for additional support.
How We Tested
To find the best backless bras, the PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of styles before narrowing it down to 23 adhesive bras, bustiers, and breast tapes to test. From there, the team conducted real-world testing, wearing each style at least 1-2 times during a four-week testing period.
Wear: During the testing period, team members thoroughly examined each backless bra, carefully considering the style, quality, comfort, fit, support, and adjustability. They also wore the bras to a variety of places, including the office, events (where they danced and, ultimately, sweated in the bras), and workout classes.
Care: Those testing reusable options also washed and cared for the bras according to the manufacturer’s instructions and made note of the overall care process and how well the bras held up in the wash.
Value: After four weeks of testing, the team compiled their notes together and compared each experience. After much deliberation, they narrowed down their selections based on the bra types and experiences before coming up with the top 11 best backless bras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do backless bras work?
“When applied properly and with realistic expectations, backless bras do work,” says Caldwell. “Keep in mind that you are wearing a stick-on bra — it will not give you the same shape and support as your favorite underwear T-shirt bra — so ‘working’ means keeping you more lifted and rounder than no bra at all,” she explains.
Should I size down for a backless bra?
Unless a bra runs large and won’t fit your usual size, Caldwell does not recommend sizing down. “With many disposable breast tapes and adhesive bras, you can actually cut the bra to fit your bust shape and size,” she notes, adding that it’s safer to size up and then cut away the extra bits for a more customized fit.
Are there side effects to silicone bras?
Albeit rare, some people have a silicone allergy, which could result in a reaction to some of the materials found in backless bras (especially the adhesive type). “The best stick-on bras are made with medical-grade adhesive and should not irritate the skin,” says Caldwell. “But, no matter the material, it’s always best to test a small area before wearing it out,” she adds, noting that some adhesive bras even come with a small test patch. If your bra doesn’t have a test patch, Caldwell recommends wearing it at home for an extended period to test it out. “This can save you from a bad reaction during a special event.”
How do backless bras stay on?
“The most common method for keeping a backless bra in place is adhesive,” says Caldwell. Some styles feature silicone or foam cups with durable (aka, super sticky) adhesive inside and are designed to smooth and shape the breast while providing some lightweight support. You can also create your own backless bra with the help of breast tape. This tape is similar to physio tape and is designed to flex and move with you and the curves of your body.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best backless bras, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to learn more about their experiences with each bra. While reviewing their notes, she paid close attention to the overall quality (especially when it came down to the adhesive), fit, support, and comfort. She also considered how well each option held up over time, especially with regular wear and washing (when applicable). Additionally, Jessie reached out to undergarment expert Kimmay Caldwell to learn more about what backs an excellent backless bra, including what to look for when shopping.
Meet Our Expert
Kimmay Caldwell is an undergarment educator at HurrayKimmay.com and the creator of Bra Confidence & Comfort.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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