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Wear your boldest fashion faves with confidence and coverage. strapless sports bra
Simple real / Marcus Millán
It’s frustrating when you’ve got a stylish new cocktail dress or top you want to wear out, but it’s cut so low in the back that a typical bra will inevitably show. However, a backless bra can provide all the support and comfort you need, all while staying invisible beneath outfits with cutouts, plunging backs, or other “backless” features.
To help you find the best backless bras for your unique needs, we researched and tested several styles from top brands and popular retailers. We evaluated each bra based on important factors such as fit, quality, comfort, support, and adjustability. Additionally, we asked Megan Irvine, senior buyer at lingerie retailer Bare Necessities, for expert insight on shopping for backless bras to find your perfect fit.
It stays in place reliably—even after multiple wears—and is easy to wash.
Moisture doesn’t quickly wick away in warm or sweaty conditions.
The Gatherall Bra earned nearly perfect marks across the board, performing well on everything from support to comfort and more. Made from adhesive silicone, the bra sticks to your body for the duration of your wear, and then can be easily washed and reused without losing adhesive power or becoming misshapen. In our testing, we found that the adhesive is strong enough to keep the bra in place even for all-day wear, but still manages to avoid leaving unpleasant residue behind on the skin.
We were also impressed by the comfortable fit of the bra, which felt smooth, stable, and lightweight. The edges of the bra are also tapered, so they won’t show lines under your clothes. Although the adhesive doesn’t leave residue on your skin, we did discover a small amount of clothing fibers stuck to the outside of the bra after wear.
During testing, we also noticed that the silicone material isn’t as breathable during hotter days, leading to a small amount of moisture buildup. Despite these minor hiccups, though, it’s a near-perfect bra that feels comfortable and supportive enough for most cup sizes and clothing styles.
Size Range: A-DD | Material: Silicone | Colors: 4
This strapless bra provides excellent coverage and support.
The lace front is visible through some clothing.
The Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra keeps you feeling secure without needing to overspend. Even without an underwire, the adhesive material and sturdy cups provide plenty of strapless support and coverage. The material is soft and flexible, and the adhesive has gaps around the areolas to avoid irritation during long wear.
After multiple wears during testing, we found the material stayed resilient and comfortable, and the bra itself retained its shape without warping. That slightly cushioned material, though, doesn’t lend itself to moisture-wicking, so we did have a little sweat buildup during wear. However, the standout component of this bra is, of course, its lace-up front.
While this feature does allow for a little custom adjustment for cleavage, it didn’t feel like a true push-up design. Additionally, we found that the laces and grommets may be visible through clothes, especially thinner fabrics, tighter items, and lighter colors. Still, it’s a reliable choice with a low price tag.
Size Range: A-D | Material: Polyamide, elastane, polyurethane | Colors: 2
It’s easy to customize to your precise sizing and cleavage preferences.
It may not provide full nipple coverage, and the support and comfort may be lacking for larger sizes.
For maximum customization, the Misses Kisses Build-A-Bra Kit allows individuals to assemble their own custom backless bra. Each kit comes with a set of pads and a joining rod—there are five pad sizes and three rod lengths to customize your size and preferred level of neckline “plunge.” Plus, the company offers plenty of video tutorials to help you through the unusual assembly and try-on.
Thanks to the high-quality silicone adhesives, we found that this bra stayed in place throughout testing, at least for smaller to medium sizes. For larger sizes, we noticed it was harder to keep the bra in place without discomfort from the rod digging in. Thankfully, the medical-grade silicone is a dependable adhesive for long wear, and it doesn’t leave any sticky residue on the skin.
During testing, we also didn’t experience too much moisture buildup or irritation, and the bra was easy to clean without showing signs of wear, tear, or shape warping. We did notice that the bra isn’t the best in terms of nipple coverage, but the low-plunge options do make it an exceptional choice to avoid bra visibility when you have a low neckline in addition to a backless outfit.
Size Range: S-XXL pads; rods offer a plunge depth of 2, 4, or 6 inches | Material: Polyester and foam pads; silicone stickers; stainless steel rods | Colors: 3
It provides quality, customizable coverage that’s fairly sweat-proof.
It lacks support for medium to larger breasts.
Many of us don’t need to wear backless bras very often, and for those rare occasions, the Brassybra 3-Pack Adhesive Bra can be a great solution. While not the most cost-efficient solution, this option offers three sets of adhesive bra pads, designed to adhere to the skin with silicone adhesive and then be tossed out after a single wear. With multiple options for nipple coverage and the ability to trim the material down, it’s fairly customizable.
While testing, we noticed that the edges of the pads tend to be visible under some clothes, since it’s hard to get them to smoothly mold to the body. The adhesive was also one of the most uncomfortable among our tested bras—peeling it off was somewhat time-consuming and left some irritation.
Because it’s effectively just a glorified set of stickers, this “bra” is probably best suited for smaller breasts. Anyone who needs a little more support will probably find these inadequate for more than just nipple coverage. But if you don’t want to invest in multiple pairs of backless bras, or if you have smaller breasts, this could be an option worth considering.
Size Range: A/B-DD/DDDD | Material: Cotton, polyurethane | Colors: 5
The coverage and support are strong enough to keep busts secure and comfortable.
There’s a learning curve to apply it correctly.
People with larger busts may find it more challenging to find a reliable backless bra, but we found the Niidor Adhesive Bra to be a solid solution. It’s a classic, stick-on backless bra, and during testing, its silicone adhesive proved sturdy enough to handle 10-hour days and plenty of movement. It does take some getting used to, as it can feel like it’s about to slip sometimes. But we found it to be surprisingly breathable and supportive, with plenty of stickiness and even a touch of padding for comfort and smoothness.
Over time, the bra still managed to retain its stickiness and shape, although the edges of the adhesive did start to pill a bit after multiple wears and washes. We did wish that the instructions for application were clearer, as it was challenging to figure out how and where to place the bra to maximize coverage, comfort, and support, and it took a few tries to get it right.
The coverage and shape, while great for larger sizes, didn’t work as well for smaller busts, but the Niidor Adhesive Bra definitely has what it takes to allow larger-busted people to wear backless outfits. It also includes nipple petals for further coverage if that’s your preference.
Size Range: A-G | Material: Silicone | Colors: 5
It’s a well-fitted design that pairs comfy, soft material with high-quality, long-lasting adhesive.
On larger busts, it lacks support and doesn’t have sizing beyond a DD.
Strong yet comfortable adhesive and a no-slip fit make the Victoria’s Secret Bare Backless Bra a stellar pick for shoppers with smaller breasts. During testing, we found the bra to be especially easy to put on and adjust, and the adhesive still was strong enough to avoid slippage during wear. We liked that it’s tight enough to stay in place, but not so tight as to cause discomfort or uncomfortable sweating.
The stickiness remained intact after washing, as did the overall quality of the bra—we didn’t notice any stretching or pilling of the fabric. We also appreciated the comfort of this bra, which features soft, slightly padded cups that are light enough to almost forget you’re wearing them. On smaller busts, the edges seamlessly blend with the skin, but we did notice more visible lines when tested on larger busts.
Removal was as easy as putting it on, and the bra didn’t leave any sticky residue or skin irritation behind. It’s a reliable and comfortable choice for smaller busts, but for larger busts, it doesn’t provide the necessary support to feel comfortable wearing for long.
Size Range: AA/A-D/DD | Material: Silicone | Colors: 3
It’s a versatile kit that provides sturdy, slip-free coverage across many sizes and preferences.
It’s uncomfortable to remove and challenging to apply correctly.
The VBT Breast Tape isn’t a bra in the traditional sense, but it does provide plenty of support and coverage for your backless outfits. The kit is very versatile, pairing a variety of silicone stickers and petals with 2-inch or 3-inch-wide single-use tape. These options allow you to customize the fit to your particular size and needs.
The sensation of wearing tape is odd at first, but once you get used to it, it’s surprisingly supportive. It stayed put throughout testing, even with movement and sweating, and it only creased and showed through clothes a little bit. This versatility, however, does come with a few downsides.
During testing, we struggled a bit to apply the tape. It tends to stick to itself, and if put on in the wrong place, it can’t be repositioned since the stickiness is gone after one application. It also can be challenging to position it with certain necklines, as it has to sit high enough on the bust to actually provide lift and support, not just basic coverage. Removal was somewhat uncomfortable, like peeling off a large bandage, which may leave irritated patches on sensitive skin.
Size Range: N/A | Material: Cotton, spandex | Colors: 9
It’s exceptionally adjustable, particularly with its ability to create or minimize cleavage.
It doesn’t offer much lift, and the laces may be visible through clothing.
Backless bras aren’t often as adjustable as their “regular” counterparts, but the Sneaky Vaunt The Original Push-Up bra gives you more room to customize the fit. We particularly appreciated the ability to stick on each pad separately, and tighten the laces to our preferred level. This structure allowed us to get a better fit and control the amount of cleavage for each wear. Once it was in place, it stayed in place, even through long hours of wear and plenty of movement.
The combination of the soft “jelly” adhesive and the durable outer material ensured stable placement and plenty of comfort, with a feeling similar to wearing a classic T-shirt bra. Although the bra felt fairly breathable and light while wearing it, we did discover a noticeable amount of sweat after we removed it. We also struggled with the laces, as they hang low and may show through clothes.
Although the cups fit smoothly against the skin without creating visible bra lines, it doesn’t provide a lot of lift, particularly if you have a larger bust. However, taking it off is easy and comfortable, and it leaves behind zero residue. We were also happy that even after several wears and washes, the bra still retained its shape and quality.
Size Range: A-DD | Material: Cotton fiber, spandex, polyurethane | Colors: 3
Earning high marks on key factors including adjustability, comfort, and fit, the Gatherall Bra is our top pick for a backless bra that provides reliable support, even for long wear. For shoppers looking for support on a budget, The Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra offers plenty of support and quality material without a high price tag.
To find the best backless bras, we researched and selected a wide range of backless bras and wore them in real-world situations over the course of several weeks. We applied the bras according to the manufacturers’ directions, taking note of the ease of application, the fit, and the adjustability. As we wore the bras to different events, we noted the fit, shape, support, and overall look they provided under typical clothing.
We carefully considered the overall quality of the bras, and we washed them at least once or twice per week during the testing period to evaluate their durability and the quality of the materials. We paid attention to signs of wear after use and after washing, and we evaluated “everyday” factors like the amount of coverage, support, range of comfortable motion, breathability, and more.
When selecting a backless bra, it’s important to consider the type of dress you’re wearing (strapless dress, halter top, plunging gown, etc). For example, “sticky bras,” which are truly backless and stay on through the use of skin-safe adhesive materials, are great for full-fledged halter tops and gowns where the back is fully exposed to the waist.
Meanwhile, plunging-back bras, which have extremely deep backs or straps to mimic a backless look, work well with outfits that feature plunging or draped backs. “Most [backless bras] are ‘invisible’ meaning they won't show under any tight outfit,” Irvine explains. “Some of them are made of seamless, bonded material while others are made of lace."
Backless bras can actually provide a surprising level of support, depending on their structure. “Sticky bras use an adhesive that sticks to skin without ripping layers off and can typically be reused many times,” Irvine says. Other styles, however, “stay up with a mix of boning and medical-grade silicone around the cups/band that helps keep everything in place,” Irvine adds.
While not all backless bras are alike, in general, bras that rely on adhesive tend to provide less support than silicone or boned bras. Smaller busts, therefore, will probably be more comfortable in sticky bras than larger busts will.
As with any bras, sizing backless bras is one part science, one part personal preference. Some bras may have silicone bands underneath the cups to help them stay in place, while others rely solely on adhesive cups. When possible, try multiple styles to see what fits you best. “Always check the size charts! A lot of these brands have really great ways to measure yourself in different areas so you can get the perfect fit,” Irvine advises.
While backless bras are meant to be mostly invisible, your bra might be visible in some way in both the front and the back. Front visibility is mostly about looking for ridges along the edge where the cup meets the skin. Many backless bras are designed with thin cup edges to more seamlessly blend into the skin, but if you’re wearing tight clothes, they still might stand out.
As far as back visibility goes, Irvine notes that some “backless” bras aren’t 100% backless. These styles “typically dip in the back lower than a regular bra to either around your waist or slightly lower,” Irvine says. If you’re purchasing this kind of bra, be sure that the “dip” is low enough to stay hidden beneath your chosen outfit.
Braza Bra Deep Plunge Adhesive Bra: We liked the comfortable material of this bra, as well as the super-sticky silicone adhesives along the sides of the bra. Despite its strength, the adhesive along the top of the cups was not adequately stable or supportive. When we moved or sweated at all, the cups would begin to unstick and pop out, leading to discomfort and bra visibility through clothes.
NuBra Seamless Adhesive Bra: This bra provided plenty of coverage and stayed put for the most part, and we appreciated the tagless design to avoid skin irritation. The design, however, often created a visible and uncomfortable gap at the top of the cups, and the flexible material of the cups lacked support for larger busts.
Backless bras absolutely can provide plentiful support, Irvine says. While the “stick-on” bras may have slightly less support and primarily use adhesive and a bit of padding, other styles get support through boning.
“Boning usually consists of different kinds of plastic that differ in flexibility, or even metal that is placed vertically throughout the [bra] to provide shaping and support,” she explains. Similar to how corsets work, boning in bras helps provide the necessary structure to ensure the bra stays stable and in place, and it is usually more common in plunging-back styles.
The physics of backless bras depends on the design and whether they’re made as purely “stick-on” bras or with some boning support.
“Outside of sticky bras, some bras that are termed ‘backless’ most likely do have some sort of back to them,” Irvine says, noting that these styles simply move the “back” of the bra out of sight beneath the clothing line. For these styles, Irvine suggests “looking for boning in the corset area,” which “will help keep everything in place.”
If comfort is a priority, Irvine recommends, “looking for bras that are made up of that seamless/bonded material,” and “styles where the boning is more flexible.” If you’re choosing a bra that relies primarily on “sticky” cups, test the bra at home before going out to make sure the adhesive won’t irritate your skin or leave a residue.
When washing a backless bra, check the manufacturer instructions to see what they recommend for cleaning, especially for “sticky” backless bras. Otherwise, Irvine recommends a typical gentle laundering. “For the sticky covers, use warm water and a very mild soap and then leave them to dry with the adhesive facing up,” she explains. “For the other styles, you can either hand wash or wash on a delicate cycle in the machine. Hang dry for more longevity!
bra customization This article was written by Amanda Prahl, a fashion shopping writer for Real Simple with over five years of writing lifestyle content. To find the best backless bras, we tested several options from top brands, evaluating key factors such as support, fit, quality, comfort, and adjustability. Amanda also spoke with Megan Irvine, senior buyer at lingerie retailer Bare Necessities, for expert advice on shopping for backless bras.