Our Top Picks for Backless Bras

Top Choice

The Gatherall Bra scored exceptionally high in all categories, including support and comfort. Crafted from adhesive silicone, it adheres firmly to your body for long-lasting wear, while being easy to wash and reuse without compromising its adhesive properties or shape. In our tests, the adhesive proved strong enough for all-day wear, yet it left no sticky residue on the skin after removal.

We were equally impressed by the comfortable fit of the bra, which felt soft, secure, and light. The bra’s edges are contoured, ensuring no visible lines under clothing. Although the adhesive doesn’t leave residue on the skin, we did notice some clothing fibers clinging to the outside of the bra after use. 

During our tests, we observed that the silicone material doesn’t offer as much breathability on warmer days, causing a slight accumulation of moisture. Despite these small drawbacks, it's nearly a perfect bra that offers ample comfort and support for most cup sizes and clothing styles.

Size Range: A-DD | Material: Silicone | Colors: 4

Top Budget Pick

The Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra delivers a secure fit without the hefty price tag. With no underwire, its adhesive material and sturdy cups offer ample strapless support and coverage. The soft, flexible fabric, coupled with the adhesive’s strategic gaps around the areolas, ensures comfort for extended wear without irritation.

After several uses during testing, we found the bra’s material remained comfortable and resilient, keeping its shape without sagging. However, the slightly cushioned material isn’t the most moisture-wicking, so some sweat build-up was noticed during wear. The highlight of this bra is undoubtedly its lace-up front design.

While the adjustable lacing allows for some customization in cleavage, it doesn’t provide the dramatic push-up effect one might expect. Additionally, the laces and grommets can be visible through thinner or tighter clothing, particularly in lighter colors. Nonetheless, it’s a dependable option at an affordable price point.

Available Sizes: A-D | Fabric: Polyamide, elastane, polyurethane | Color Options: 2

Top Pick

For a truly personalized fit, the Misses Kisses Build-A-Bra Kit allows you to design your own custom backless bra. The kit includes a variety of pads and a connecting rod—five pad sizes and three rod lengths to adjust to your size and desired plunge level. Additionally, the company provides helpful video tutorials to guide you through the unique setup and fitting process.

With its high-quality silicone adhesives, we found this bra stayed securely in place during testing, especially for smaller to medium sizes. However, larger sizes may struggle with maintaining the bra’s position without feeling discomfort from the rod pressing in. The medical-grade silicone adhesive, though, proves reliable for long-term wear and doesn’t leave any sticky residue on the skin.

Throughout testing, we didn’t experience significant moisture buildup or irritation, and the bra remained easy to clean without showing signs of wear or losing its shape. While it doesn’t offer the best nipple coverage, its low-plunge design makes it a fantastic choice for preventing bra visibility when wearing low-neckline or backless outfits.

Available Sizes: S-XXL pads; rods provide plunge depths of 2, 4, or 6 inches | Fabric: Polyester and foam pads; silicone adhesives; stainless steel rods | Color Options: 3

Top Choice for Single-Use

For those rare moments when backless bras are needed, the Brassybra 3-Pack Adhesive Bra is a solid choice. While not the most affordable option, it includes three adhesive bra sets that stick to the skin using silicone adhesive and are meant for one-time use. With various nipple coverage options and customizable trimming, it provides a tailored fit.

During testing, we observed that the edges of the pads sometimes showed under certain clothing, as they were difficult to mold smoothly to the body. The adhesive was one of the more uncomfortable options we tested, and removing it took a bit of time, leaving some irritation.

Given that it's essentially a set of enhanced stickers, this 'bra' is probably more suitable for smaller breasts. Those needing additional support will likely find it lacking, as it provides little more than nipple coverage. However, for those avoiding the cost of multiple backless bras or who have smaller busts, it may be worth considering.

Size Range: A/B-DD/DDDD | Material: Cotton, polyurethane | Colors: 5

Best Suited for Larger Busts

For those with larger busts, finding a reliable backless bra can be tricky, but the Niidor Adhesive Bra offers a strong solution. This classic stick-on backless bra proved to be durable during testing, with its silicone adhesive lasting through 10-hour days filled with movement. While it can feel a bit like it's about to slip, it’s surprisingly breathable, supportive, and comfortable, with a touch of padding for smoothness and plenty of stickiness.

Over time, the bra kept its stickiness and shape, although the edges of the adhesive began to pill after multiple wears and washes. We also felt that the application instructions could have been clearer, as it took a few attempts to figure out the best placement for optimal coverage, comfort, and support.

While the coverage and shape work well for larger busts, it’s less suitable for smaller busts. However, the Niidor Adhesive Bra is an excellent choice for those with larger busts who want to wear backless outfits. It also comes with nipple petals for additional coverage if desired.

Size Range: A-G | Material: Silicone | Colors: 5

Best Suited for Smaller Busts

The Victoria's Secret Bare Backless Bra provides a secure yet comfortable adhesive and a no-slip fit, making it a top choice for those with smaller busts. During our test, we found the bra easy to wear and adjust, and the adhesive held up well, preventing slippage throughout the day. It’s tight enough to stay in place but not too tight to cause discomfort or excess sweating.

Even after washing, the stickiness remained intact, and the bra retained its overall quality, with no stretching or pilling of the fabric. The comfort level is notable, with soft, lightly padded cups that feel almost weightless. On smaller busts, the edges blend effortlessly with the skin, though we noticed more visible lines when tested on larger busts.

The removal process was just as effortless as the application, leaving no sticky residue or skin irritation behind. It’s a dependable and comfy option for those with smaller busts. However, for individuals with larger busts, it lacks the required support to maintain comfort over extended periods of wear.

Size Options: AA/A-D/DD | Material: Silicone | Colors Available: 3

Most Supportive

Although the VBT Breast Tape isn’t a typical bra, it provides ample support and coverage, perfect for backless outfits. The kit includes a range of silicone stickers and petals paired with 2-inch or 3-inch wide, single-use tape, allowing you to tailor the fit to your specific needs and size.

At first, wearing tape feels a bit strange, but once you adjust, it offers surprising support. During testing, it remained securely in place, even with movement and sweat, though it did crease slightly and show through clothing. However, this flexibility does come with a few drawbacks.

We encountered some difficulty when applying the tape during testing. It tends to cling to itself, and once placed incorrectly, it cannot be repositioned due to losing its adhesive properties after the first use. Additionally, positioning it with certain necklines is tricky, as it needs to sit higher on the bust to provide proper lift and support, rather than just basic coverage. The removal process was also a bit uncomfortable, akin to peeling off a large bandage, and may cause irritation on sensitive skin.

Size Range: N/A | Material: Cotton, spandex | Colors: 9

Best Lace-Up

Unlike most backless bras, which typically offer less adjustability than regular bras, the Sneaky Vaunt The Original Push-Up bra allows you to customize the fit more freely. We especially liked the option to attach each pad separately and adjust the laces to our desired tightness. This design provided a more tailored fit and gave us control over the cleavage, and once it was in place, it stayed put even after hours of wear and movement.

The soft 'jelly' adhesive, combined with the durable outer material, ensured the bra remained in place comfortably, almost like wearing a classic T-shirt bra. While it felt breathable and light during use, we did notice some sweat accumulation after removing it. Additionally, we found the laces to be a bit of a nuisance, as they tend to hang low and might show through certain clothing.

The cups fit smoothly against the skin without creating any visible bra lines, though it doesn’t offer much lift, especially for those with a larger bust. On the plus side, removing the bra was easy and comfortable, leaving no sticky residue behind. We were also pleased to find that even after multiple wears and washes, the bra maintained its shape and quality.

Size Range: A-DD | Material: Cotton fiber, spandex, polyurethane | Colors: 3

Final Thoughts

The Gatherall Bra is our top recommendation for a backless bra, offering excellent support, comfort, and adjustability, making it perfect for extended wear. For those on a budget, the The Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra provides great support and high-quality material at an affordable price.

How We Tested

In our search for the best backless bras, we researched a variety of options and wore them over several weeks in everyday situations. We followed the manufacturer’s instructions for application, noting how easy the bras were to apply, their fit, and adjustability. As we wore them to different events, we assessed their overall fit, support, shape, and how they performed under typical clothing.

Throughout the testing period, we closely examined the overall quality of the bras, washing them once or twice a week to assess their durability and material integrity. We also observed any signs of wear after usage and washing, considering essential factors like coverage, support, range of motion, breathability, and other everyday features.

Expert Guide to Shopping for Backless Bras

Design

When choosing a backless bra, it’s essential to consider the type of outfit you plan to wear, such as a strapless dress, halter top, or plunging gown. For instance, “sticky bras,” which are fully backless and stay in place with skin-safe adhesive, are ideal for halter tops or gowns with a completely exposed back.

On the other hand, plunging-back bras, which feature deep backs or straps that mimic a backless look, are perfect for outfits with plunging or draped backs. According to Irvine, “Most [backless bras] are ‘invisible,’ meaning they won’t show under form-fitting clothing. Some are made from seamless, bonded fabric, while others use lace.”

Stability

Backless bras can surprisingly offer a good amount of support, depending on their design. Irvine notes, “Sticky bras use adhesive that sticks to the skin without causing damage and can often be reused multiple times.” Other designs may rely on boning or medical-grade silicone around the cups and band to keep everything securely in place.

While not all backless bras are the same, adhesive-based options generally provide less support compared to silicone or boned varieties. Smaller busts tend to find sticky bras more comfortable, while larger busts may prefer the support of silicone or boned bras.

Sizing and Fit

As with any bra, finding the right size for a backless bra is a mix of science and personal preference. Some styles feature silicone bands under the cups to help keep them in place, while others rely entirely on adhesive cups. If possible, experiment with different styles to determine what works best for you. Irvine recommends, “Always refer to the size charts! Many brands have excellent measurement guides that allow you to measure yourself in various areas for the ideal fit.”

Discreetness

Although backless bras are designed to be discreet, there may still be some visibility, both in the front and back. Front visibility usually occurs if there are visible ridges where the cup edges meet the skin. Many backless bras use thin cup edges to blend seamlessly, but with tight clothing, they might still show.

In terms of back visibility, Irvine points out that some “backless” bras aren’t fully backless. These bras typically have a lower dip in the back, either around the waist or slightly below it. If you choose this type of bra, make sure the dip is low enough to remain hidden under your outfit.

Other Backless Bras Worth Considering

Braza Bra Deep Plunge Adhesive Bra: We liked the soft material of this bra and the strong silicone adhesive along the sides. However, the adhesive at the top of the cups didn’t provide enough stability or support. As we moved or sweated, the cups started to peel off and pop out, which caused discomfort and made the bra visible through clothing.

NuBra Seamless Adhesive Bra: This bra offered good coverage and generally stayed in place. We also liked the tagless design to prevent skin irritation. However, the design often resulted in a visible and uncomfortable gap at the top of the cups, and the flexible material lacked support for larger busts.

Commonly Asked Questions

Do backless bras offer support?

Backless bras can indeed provide ample support, says Irvine. While “stick-on” bras may offer slightly less support, relying mainly on adhesive and some padding, other styles achieve support through boning.

“Boning typically consists of various types of plastic, which can differ in flexibility, or even metal, placed vertically throughout the bra to shape and support it,” Irvine explains. Much like corsets, the boning in bras ensures that the bra stays secure and stable, with this design being more common in plunging-back styles.

How do backless bras stay in place?

The science behind backless bras varies based on their design and whether they are fully adhesive or include some form of boning support.

“Apart from sticky bras, some bras labeled as ‘backless’ actually do have a back component,” Irvine explains, adding that these styles simply hide the back beneath the clothing line. For these designs, Irvine recommends looking for boning in the corset area, which will help maintain stability.

Which backless bras offer the most comfort?

If comfort is your top priority, Irvine suggests opting for bras made from seamless or bonded materials and choosing styles with more flexible boning. If you’re considering a bra with primarily adhesive cups, it’s a good idea to test it at home before wearing it out to ensure the adhesive won’t irritate your skin or leave any residue.

What’s the best way to clean a backless bra?

When cleaning a backless bra, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions, especially for “sticky” backless bras. If none are provided, Irvine suggests a standard gentle wash. “For sticky bras, use warm water and mild soap, then allow them to dry with the adhesive side facing up,” she advises. “For other styles, you can hand wash them or use the delicate cycle on your machine. To extend their lifespan, hang dry them,” she adds.

Trust Us

This article was authored by Amanda Prahl, a fashion shopping writer for Mytour with more than five years of experience writing lifestyle content. To determine the best backless bras, we tested various options from leading brands, evaluating important aspects like support, fit, comfort, quality, and adjustability. Amanda also consulted with Megan Irvine, senior buyer at lingerie retailer Bare Necessities, for expert guidance on choosing backless bras.