The 12 Best (And Actually Supportive) Backless Bras That Will Stay in Place
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These choices definitely won’t budge — even on hot, muggy days.
InStyle / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
Jennifer Lopez did it. Emily Blunt did it. And they both did it while walking the red carpet — we're talking about going backless. While it's tempting to think that going backless is only something A-listers (or those unafraid of going braless) can get away with, we've got some good news: anyone can pull it off with the help of the right undergarments.
Jessica Pfister, Vice President of Le Mystere, tells InStyle that as fashion has evolved, the lingerie market has kept pace. "As dresses and tops have taken the plunge from the front and the back, invisible support products have become abundant and super easy to find at retailers like Target, Amazon, and your local department store," she says. Not only did the market keep up, but it did so while keeping comfort at the forefront. "Technological advancements have allowed manufacturers to create more flexible, comfortable options that are less cumbersome than they were in the past," Pfister adds.
Loosely translated, that means you should have no trouble finding a backless bra to wear with your favorite outfit—and our front-runner for every occasion is the NuBra Seamless Bra Cups for their strong adhesive and invisibility.
Best Overall: NuBra Seamless Adhesive Bra
What We Love
It stays in place, so you never have to worry about it slipping.
What We Don't Love
It might not cover the entire breast if you wear a larger cup size.
Made with medical-grade adhesive and lightweight silicone, the NuBra will be one of the most comfortable backless bras — it won't feel heavy or pull on your skin when you go to take it off. It even has a fabric lining for extra comfort. It comes in cup sizes A-E as well as multiple skin tones, making it particularly versatile. And professional wardrobe stylist and owner of Builtgracefully, Grace Thomas thinks every woman should have this bra in their wardrobe. "The NuBra is a best seller for a reason," says Thomas. "With the adhesive backing on the cups, the bra stays in place all day, doesn't slip, and leaves you with a clean strapless, backless look," says Thomas. Plus, with proper care, it can be worn up to 100 times.
If you like a little more cleavage NuBra can also help perk up the girls, courtesy of the hook front closure. To help you out, the brand provides directions on the packaging on how to achieve optimal cleavage.
Price at time of publish: $47
Size Range: A - E | Colors: 7 | Materials: Silicone, polyester, polyurethane
Best Budget: Niidor Adhesive Strapless Bra
What We Love
It's seamless, so it will be invisible under any fabric.
What We Don't Love
According to reviews, the adhesive on the cups can be slightly irritating.
The discreet design of this backless design features a flattering deep V-shape in the front, so it works just as well with plunging necklines, along with a strong clip to clasp the cups together for cleavage or not. Moreover, the adhesive is strong enough to hold for hours without slipping — though it does tend to irritate the skin a little bit, especially as you go to take it off since it is super strong — and it beautifully supports larger cup sizes (just be sure to size up or two for more coverage). Plus, it's available in a range of colors and sizes, too, all the way up to a G cup.
Price at time of publish: $29
Size Range: A - G | Colors: 4 | Materials: Silicone
Best Splurge: Gatherall Bra
What We Love
It keeps its stick and flexibility after washing.
What We Don’t Love
It might not fit plus-size women.
Because of the adhesive on most backless bras, they typically come with a timeframe until it will no longer stick — or it can only be used once. But when you spend a solid chunk of change on the product, it would definitely be nice to see it have a bit more longevity. That’s why we love this bra from Gatherall, which can actually be washed. It won’t lose its flexibility after it’s cleaned either, as long as you follow the instructions. You wash it as you would with your strappy bras, hand washing in the sink, using a gentle soap (the brand suggests their antibacterial soap with the product) as you hand wash, then leave the bra to hang dry.
The brand makes the sizing super clear, too, offering cup sizes up to a DD and providing charts to allow you to determine which would be the best fit for you. However, they only recommend the bra up to a band size 40. Plus-size bands are typically 42 and above, so plus-size women might not be able to fit in this option. We hope they expand the sizing soon.
Price at time of publish: $68
Size Range: A – DD | Colors: 4 | Materials: Silicone
Best Plus-Size: Brassybra 3 Sets Adhesive Bra
What We Love
This works well for both low-cut and backless looks.
What We Don't Love
It takes a little practice to correctly secure the tape.
The idea for Brassybra came to founder Katherina Borve after she resorted to using duct tape on her wedding day when she couldn't find a backless bra that fit her breasts. Susan Moses, celebrity stylist and author of The Art of Dressing Curves, is all too familiar with that challenge, which is why she recommends this backless bra to her clients; it gives larger breasts support, security, and a discreet lift. It supports cup sizes D and larger as well as comes in different shades to accommodate a wide range of skin tones. Because it technically is just boob tape, it feels weightless and will be comfortable for all-day wear.
Price at time of publish: $38
Size Range: A - G | Colors: 5 | Materials: Cotton, polyurethane
Best for Plunge Necklines: Fashion Forms U Plunge Backless Strapless Bra
What We Love
The high-cut cups enhance cleavage.
What We Don't Love
There's no adhesive on the cups — only on the wings making it less secure than other options.
Fashion Forms has a long history in the specialty bra market, so whether you're looking for strapless, backless, or anything that's barely there, chances are you'll find it in their assortment. Case in point: The U-Plunge Backless Strapless Bra, which essentially has you covered for virtually any situation. The low U-neckline will accommodate an array of styles, ranging from a sweetheart to a deep v. Reviews suggest it works for even the lowest of cuts, and still manage to do its job without the show. Side boning and molded cups offer plenty of support and lift, and adhesive wings ensure that everyone stays put. It also accommodates cups up to size D, and is available in black and neutral.
Price at time of publish: $36
Size Range: A - D | Colors: 2 | Materials: Nylon, spandex, silicone adhesive wings
Best for Small Breasts: Fashion Forms Nubra Ultralite Backless Strapless Bra
What We Love
The front clasp allows you to create a bit of cleavage.
What We Don't Love
It only comes in one color.
Unlike many backless bra options, this one from Fashion Forms doesn't have side extensions — any support the bra offers comes courtesy of the cups, which are adhesive, wireless, and molded for shape and coverage. Smaller breasts may not need the extra security that those with larger breasts crave. But don't worry, for those looking for some enhancement, the front closure also offers lift and cleavage.
It's worth noting that while it comes in cup sizes up to DDs, the bra itself offers little support. Though reviewers say that it's still a great backless bra option. On a final note, the product description indicates that this bra is reusable up to 25 times, but care and storage practices can and will affect its performance and longevity.
Price at time of publish: $36
Size Range: A - DD | Colors: 1 | Materials: Silicone adhesive, polyester, polyurethane
Best for Large Breasts: Va Bien Low Back Strapless Bustier
What We Love
The boning provides structure and support.
What We Don't Love
The low v-shaped back may not work for some tops or dresses.
For large breasts, Moses suggests long-line, backless bras for lift, security, and structure. "All of these design elements are really important because, with the absence of straps, you don't want to worry about your bra sliding down, shifting, and ruining your look,'' she says. This bustier from Va Bien checks all those boxes. While it's not technically backless, the super low V-back is low enough to work with a backless top or dress. To offer tons of support for bigger busts, the cups offer tons of hold but we suggest size down because of the extra room. Plus, it's lightweight enough to work under thinner fabrics like silk.
Price at time of publish: $85
Size Range: 32C - 38D | Colors: 3 | Materials: Polyester, nylon, spandex
Related: 4 Strapless Bras for Big Busts That Actually Really Work
Best Push-Up: NuBra Women's Push Up Plunge Bra
What We Love
It lifts and supports the chest, regardless of your outfit’s neckline.
What We Don’t Love
It is difficult to remove.
When you think of a backless bra, you don’t always associate it with lift — just light coverage. But for a backless bra that not only supports but also pushes the gals up for a more lifted effect, try this one from NuBra, which contains extra padding on the inside. While we wish it came in more skin tone options, it suits a wide variety of necklines — v-neck, scoop-neck, plunging — remaining practically undetectable underneath your clothing. Thanks to the medical-grade adhesive, it will stay put, too. Madison San Miguel, InStyle Contributing Commerce Writer, owns the bra in a size D and confirms its lifting benefits. “I don’t own any push-up bras because of my chest size, but sometimes I need some lift if I am wearing something strapless and/or backless,” she says. “This supported my chest without me needing to adjust it, and gave them more shape.” San Miguel found it to be a bit difficult to remove, though, so keep that in mind if you’ll have to take it off late at night when you just want to go to sleep. But she finds the appearance it gives her worth the extra time.
Price at time of publish: $38
Size Range: A – D | Colors: 1 | Materials: Polyurethane, silicone
Best Shaping: Spanx Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
What We Love
This bodysuit covers all the bases — with a low-back, front-plunge, and all-over smoothing
What We Don't Love
While the straps are adjustable, they aren't completely detachable.
While this piece is not technically a backless bra per se, it is a one-and-done solution. Not only is it deep cut in the back, and plunging in the front, it also offers major support and light shaping, too. You can remove or use the optional back clasp for an open back, adjust the straps in five ways (traditional, narrow back, racerback, criss-cross, and halter), and wear the suit without a bra (it’s lightly padded!) — it’s that versatile. The pièce de résistance, though, might be the Easy Access Gusset that expertly addresses the most common concern women have with one-piece shapewear — going to the bathroom.
Price at time of publish: $148
Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 2 | Materials: Elastane and Nylon
Best Pasties: B-Six NIPPIES Adhesive Nipple Covers
What We Love
They have a seamless finish that is nearly invisible to the eye.
What We Don’t Love
They only stay sticky for a short period of time.
If you don’t need a lift or quite as much coverage as a full backless bra offers, opt for a nipple cover, instead. Made entirely out of silicone, these nipple covers conceal both the areola and breast (depending on your cup size) with a seamless finish. They’re designed to fit close to your skin tone, too, so that they’re practically invisible (without the lines) underneath clothing. The brand promises that they’ll stick all day long, even if you sweat, and while you can reuse them, you will probably only get two uses out of them.
Price at time of publish: $27
Size Range: A-C, D+ | Colors: 5 | Materials: Silicone
Best for Cleavage: Umooie Sticky Bra Invisible Lift Bra
What We Love
You can adjust the amount of cleavage and lift you want.
What We Don’t Love
The drawstring might show under some clothing.
Need more or less cleavage? This sticky bra has you covered with its adjustable drawstring ties that allow you to customize how much it pushes your breasts together — just pull up or down the string to fix the cups to your liking; it doesn’t even require a knot or tie. It gives smaller breasts a perkier, more lifted appearance, similar to the pushup qualities found in the NuBra. But the ties might appear under tighter clothing because they don’t entirely lay flat. This would work best under a looser fitting, backless garment.
Price at time of publish: $40
Size Range: A – D | Colors: 3 | Materials: Nylon, spandex
Best Converter: Lady Up Women’s Low Back Bra Converter
What We Love
It converts any regular bra to a backless option.
What We Don’t Love
They’re only available in one size.
For an exceptionally affordable option, turn your favorite bra into a backless one with this converter that attaches to the band of your bra, crosses behind your back, then connects again on your stomach. We know this sounds a bit complicated, but the converter, which gives you 12.6 to 17 extra inches, allows you to lower your band up to five inches to suit a low back top that still has straps. Larger busts might appreciate this option, too, because you can gain the support needed from your bra without having the back show. The nylon and spandex blend boosts its durability, too, so trust that it has enough stretch to accommodate you. We wish it came in more sizes, though, to accommodate plus-size folks.
Price at time of publish: $15, on sale $12
Size Range: One size | Colors: 3 | Materials: Nylon, spandex
What to Keep in Mind
Cup Size
It should come as no surprise that cup size plays an important role in your purchase of a backless bra. Typically, backless bras don't have a band, so the sizing is all about the cup.
As you might have guessed, those with average-sized breasts will probably find a wealth of choices, whereas those who are larger or smaller than average size might hit a few snags.
Comfort
Pfister tells InStyle that comfort is key. "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 evening," she says. Instead, Pfister suggests opting for a backless bra or adhesive that gives you enough support, but also allows you to move . "If you are a smaller cup size, sometimes just a nipple cover will do the trick," she says.
Application
Backless bras are different from your standard bras. In the absence of straps, it's often an adhesive that keeps them in place, and while "peel and stick" sounds pretty basic, the process may not be as intuitive as you might think when you have to work around your breasts.
Truth be told, it wouldn't be a bad idea to do a trial run in the days leading up to your event so you can iron out any wrinkles beforehand. Also, keep in mind that many backless bras are reusable, but maintenance and storage play a big role in their usefulness and longevity.
Your Questions, Answered
What do most women get wrong when buying backless bras?
Pfister tells InStyle that one of the biggest misconceptions is that a backless bra will support you like a standard bra. "If you find a low back bra or bustier, it's possible that you get the lift and support you crave," she says. "However, if you are using adhesives, are over a C cup, or have very full or pendulous breasts, you need to level-set your expectations and accept that a natural support level is ok, trending, and looks quite beautiful."
Are the adhesives used for backless bras skin safe?
According to Pfister, the adhesives used in backless bras are typically medical-grade, hypoallergenic, moisture-resistant, and breathable. "This is a major step up from the duct tape that was used by celebrities for years! Talk about sacrificing comfort for fashion," she says. "For the most part, companies rigorously test their product to confirm consumer safety with use. I would say unless your skin is extremely sensitive, these products are fairly safe for most people." She also suggests reading the fine print if you have a latex allergy to ensure the bra you choose is latex-free.
Since many backless bras are adhesive, can I use duct tape or masking tape in a pinch?
The answer to this one is a resounding no. Yes, we've all been in a tight spot and have probably done some questionable things to get through the night and make our look "work," but duct tape or masking tape should never be an option. The adhesives used in those products are super strong and not intended for human skin. Ultimately, they can cause inflammation and allergic reactions, not to mention they can actually peel your skin off.
Why Shop With Us
Sharon Brandwein is a freelance writer based in Alabama. Besides InStyle, she has written for a number of lifestyle publications, including Bustle, Parents, and Brides. She also graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology. For this piece, Brandwein researched and found the top-rated backless bras based on customer reviews, sizing options, shade range, removability, and stickiness. She also consulted Jessica Pfister, Vice President of Le Mystere; Grace Thomas, professional wardrobe stylist and owner of Builtgracefully; and Susan Moses, celebrity stylist and author of The Art of Dressing Curves, for more information on how backless bras should fit and function.
Related: The 8 Best Minimizer Bras That Effectively Reduce Fullness And Bounce
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