Show some skin with these adhesive bras and bra alternatives.
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You know as well as we do that nothing ruins an outfit quicker than ill-fitting or exposed undergarments, so how do you wear your favorite backless dresses and off-the-shoulder fall sweaters without compromising bust support? If you’re not keen on going braless (if you are, more power to you), then your best bet is a sticky or adhesive bra.
Before you scoff, know that these oft-ridiculed contraptions have earned significant upgrades over the years, making them much sturdier and more reliable than the pasties of yesteryear. But choosing one of these backless, adhesive bras to hold everything in place can feel like a gamble, so we consulted Kaelin Bass—founder and CEO of KMBoobies (and self-proclaimed "Boob Fairy”), to get her tips and tricks addressing the modus operandi of a braless lift.
“Sticky bras come to the rescue, offering a discreet solution for fashion conundrums,” she asserts. “They’re perfect for those backless, strapless, and plunge-neckline pieces that regular bras simply can’t handle.” Similar to the magic of boob tape, Bass advises that sticky bras will keep your assets tactfully covered while providing the necessary support for most cup sizes. To round up the best options, we tapped our editors for some of their most trusted sticky bra solutions and pulled a couple of top-rated, customer favorites as well. Ahead, shop the 12 best sticky bras and discover expert tips on how to wear them.
Although it comes with the price tag of a regular bra, the NuBra is one of the most beloved adhesive bra options on the market. It’s lightweight, washable, reusable, and sweat-resistant, meaning you needn’t worry about slippage if you’re having a good time on the dance floor.
Customer review: “Obsessed with this bra. Can’t believe how much push-up it gives for a strapless bra, it sticks on all day and is so comfortable. I highly recommend this product!”
Boomba’s double-sided padded inserts are far from your typical sticky bra. Designed to drastically enhance cleavage (and that they do; the brand boasts on its site you’ll look up to two cups sizes bigger, and that’s no lie), they stick to clothing rather than your skin. They work best with fitted dresses and tops such as corsets and bandeaus. While the brand has a variety of insert styles, the Demi Boost is among its most versatile and easily stays hidden with low-cut tops. Boomba offers four different skin tones and bra sizes from AA to G.
Colors: Sand, Beige, Caramel, Cocoa
Editor review: “There are some tops I couldn’t fill out as well on my own, but add a Boomba insert to my 32D bust, and the difference truly is insane. The Instagram user videos aren’t an exaggeration: These quick-to-apply inserts really, really do boost your cleavage in a way that will get you compliments. I found the Demi Boost to be really comfortable on, painless to remove, and very seamless looking. It didn’t slip once, and I forgot I was wearing it. While they are a little on the expensive side and can’t be worn with looser tops (at least not without a bra), these inserts really help make your outfits showstoppers…without anyone knowing you got a little extra help. No wonder they are a go-to for brides.”—Alyssa Bailey, senior editor, news & strategy
If you’re looking for a much cheaper dupe for the NuBra, this option from Wingslove features a similar design.
Customer review: “Quality is great...works amazing as a strapless/backless or even a low-cut bra alternative. You can literally wear it all day. Holds up perfectly and gives you great cleavage.”
Unlike most other strapless sticky bras, this silicone style is not meant to cover your underboob. Instead, it’s built to provide more flexible support and great lift without sacrificing any comfort. It’s washable and reusable up to 30 times, and it even comes with nipple covers for added coverage.
Colors: Cream, Latte, Mocha, Noir
Editor review: “As someone with a small bust, I can get away with (and often prefer) wearing pasties during times when I need to avoid a nipply look. But I’ve been craving something that gives me an extra boost minus the pain of straps and underwire. Gatherall's patent-pending sticky bra has been my savior. True to its name, it really gathers my girls and comfortably lifts them, seamlessly molding to my shape and creating push-up bra-level cleavage. I chose an A cup, but the style also comes in sizes up to DD—and many reviewers with large busts mention it works exceptionally well for them, too!”—Sam Peters, senior commerce editor
A good sticky bra is undeniably trickier to find if you have a larger chest, and no adhesive solution will replace the support of a real bra. But this Niidor option is your best bet. Its sizes go up to F, and one reviewer says it “holds [boobs] up like a champ.”
Customer review: “I wear a 34G and I had given up on backless, strapless anything since an adhesive bra catastrophe during prom in 2004...this thing works so damn well! The adhesive is top notch! I was in, I FELT SECURE, I FELT COMFORTABLE...”
If you have a smaller bra size and like a barely-there feel, this pick from Fashion Forms is a favorite on Reddit and TikTok for its great price and gentle fit.
Customer review: “I’ve never been able to achieve cleavage no matter what. I’ve tried so many push up bras and none of them worked...this thing works. I have finally achieved cleavage for the first time ever.”
If you’re ready to break up with a traditional sticky bra, it’s time to move on to this beloved boob tape. The one-time-use tape is sweat-proof and waterproof, plus it can be shaped to any style of clothing, giving you as much (or as little) lift as you’d like.
Customer review: “I put these on before my bridal fitting—super easy instructions, easy to put on, lasted all day without rolling down even with sweating! Held up the girls like I wanted! Can’t wait to wear them on my big day!”
If you like to show off the assets you were blessed with, you can adjust your cleavage with this lace-up sticky bra. Just apply each cup to your nipples, then tie it tighter or looser depending on the look you prefer.
Material: Spandex, cotton fiber, polyurethane
Customer review: “Great product, surprised it really fit with my DDDs enough to give me support for my summer dresses and tops.”
For slightly less dramatic cleavage but a supportive lift, we recommend this affordable option on Amazon.
Colors: Black/Nude, Black/Beige
Customer review: “At first it took some time to get used to applying this bra, but after I got the hang of it, it was perfect...this fit comfortably and created lift, support, and good appearance. I was in 90+ degree weather with high humidity. This stayed on perfectly the entire time”
An essential for plunging V-necks.
Customer review: “I’ve tried quite a few sticky bras and this one works the best. It lasts all day and night...it’s the perfect shape to hide in a deep V dress.”
You can always stick with a tried-and-true pastie if you want nipple coverage with the flexibility of going braless.
Colors: Caramel, Hazelnut, Coco, Creme, Espresso
Customer review: “THESE ARE AMAZING! Very thin and so comfortable. They stay in place very well and provide perfect coverage without visible edges.”
So while this isn’t technically a sticky bra, but hear us out: If you hate the idea of taping silicone to your skin, or if your skin is sensitive to adhesives, the Klassy Network bramis are a game changer. The tops come with built-in bra cups in a variety of sizes, meaning you don’t even have to think about picking a bra when you get dressed in the morning. Genius.
Colors: White, Black, Soft Blue
Customer review: “I’m obsessed with this! I’m about a 36D-DD...not only did it keep me up all day, but I felt supported even when I was jumping and dancing around! Love the material, and the inner lining is almost like shapewear.”
When choosing a backless or barely-there bra, you have a couple of style options to choose from. There are corset or drawstring bras for maximizing cleavage and push up, a simple set of clasped cups, and even just plain old nipple covers and bra tape.
Consider the occasion you’ll need your bra for, and what type of style might be the best fit for your bra size. Bass notes that sticky bras will work for most cup sizes, but that they tend to work best for smaller or petite busts that aren’t super heavy. “For those with more substantial busts, a trusted alternative might be boob tape, specially designed to handle the weight and provide a secure lift,” she offers.
You’ll also want to keep in mind your activity level and whether or not you need to prioritize waterproof and sweatproof options. Lastly, if you have hypersensitive skin, you might want to steer clear of intense bra tapes or be extra careful when following removal instructions. “As convenient as sticky bras are, they require a little extra care when it comes to removal,” says Bass. “To preserve your skin’s health in the long run, it’s best to use oil to gently and safely remove the adhesive.”
I know that all good things must come to an end, but that doesn’t mean a quality sticky bra should be a once-and-done affair. Some reviewers even noted that they’ve gotten months or years of reliable use out of one. But, much like protecting your favorite cashmere sweater or new hanging window plant, the efficacy results depend on some tender love and care.
Prior to wear, Bass suggests avoiding the application of any oils or lotions for optimal longevity. “A simple yet effective preparation step is to use alcohol wipes before wearing your sticky bra.”
Most adhesive bras will come with specific care or cleansing instructions, so make sure to follow them closely after use. Usually, a gentle handwash with mild detergent will ensure that your bra is reusable for the next round. Always leave them to air dry so the adhesive can regenerate, and try to keep debris or lint off of the sticky surface.
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Nipple Covers For Women Lauren Puckett-Pope is a staff culture writer at ELLE, where she primarily covers film, television and books. She was previously an associate editor at ELLE.