We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Style Lingerie & Hosiery The 8 Best Backless Bras, Tested and Reviewed Visible bra straps and bands are a thing of the past with these inconspicuous undergarments. By Taylor Rock Taylor Rock Taylor is the senior commerce editor for Real Simple. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Elizabeth Loomis Elizabeth Loomis Elizabeth Loomis is a writer who has covered a number of lifestyle topics, including interior design, fashion, and lifestyle for publications including The Zoe Report, Well + Good, InStyle, and The Spruce. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on February 14, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / David Hattan The backless bra has become a staple in the modern wardrobe thanks to the ingenious solution it offers for backless, off-the-shoulder, and intricately cut dresses and tops. It provides the necessary support and coverage without the presence of a traditional bra’s band and straps, making it ideal for outfits that show off all or part of the back. Designs range from adhesive cups that stick directly on the skin to more structured versions with clear straps, crafted to offer a seamless look and keep your outfit uncompromised by visible lingerie. Finding the perfect backless bra—one that’s supportive, comfortable, and looks good—can be a challenge, so we tested 22 top options, incorporating them into our everyday routines. We considered factors such as comfort, support, invisibility under clothing, durability, and overall value for money before crowning eight winners. Whether you're seeking a bra for a special occasion gown or a casual backless top, our comprehensive guide aims to help you navigate this tricky lingerie terrain with confidence and ease. Our Top Picks Best Overall Backless Bra: Gatherall Bra at Jcrew.com Jump to Review Best Budget Backless Bra: Bare Necessities The Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra at Barenecessities.com Jump to Review Best Single-Use Backless Bra: Brassybra 3 Sets Adhesive Bra at Amazon $38 Jump to Review Best Lace-Up Backless Bra: Sneaky Vaunt The Original Push-Up at Sneakyvaunt.com Jump to Review Best Backless Bra for Large Busts: SALE Niidor Adhesive Bra at Amazon $32 $24 Jump to Review Best Backless Bra for Small Busts: Victoria's Secret Bare Backless Strapless Bra at Victoriassecret.com Jump to Review Most Supportive Backless Bra: VBT Breast Tape at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best Splurge Backless Bra: Misses Kisses Build-A-Bra Kit at Misseskisses.com Jump to Review Best Overall Backless Bra Gatherall Bra PHOTO: J. Crew View on Jcrew.com View on Wegatherall.com $68 at Macy's Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Quality 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Adjustability 4.5/5 What Stands Out The adhesive remains strong despite sweat and repeated use. What Could Be Improved Enhanced moisture and fiber resistance. Gatherall’s Bra emerged as our top-performing backless bra, earning a near-perfect score. We wore this on five different occasions for up to 12 hours at a time, and it offered ample coverage while remaining virtually weightless. It looked great under backless tops and dresses; from the front, it looked just like a regular or strapless bra. While we thought it had proper areola coverage, it did also come with nipple covers, allowing for flexibility based on the outfit. The adhesive quality of this bra was particularly noteworthy. Its sticky inner surface stayed secure throughout the day, even when we were sweaty, and maintained its effectiveness after multiple wears and washes. The sticky layer, though strong, was easy and painless to take on and off, and it didn’t leave residue upon removal. When we were ready to store it, it was easy to put the wrap back on and roll it up in the small canister it came in. There’s no extra padding in the cups, but the silicone was thick enough to provide support (and thin enough to remain comfortable). Despite slight moisture buildup on warmer days and some fibers from a denim dress sticking to the adhesive, these issues were minimal compared to the overall performance. At the end of the test, the Gatherall Bra barely showed any signs of use and retained its shape and size. Its reusability, ease of washing and wearing, and comfort even in warmer climates set it apart from its competitors. Size Range: A-DD | Material: Silicone Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Real Simple / Rachel Marek Best Budget Backless Bra Bare Necessities The Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra PHOTO: Bare Necessities View on Barenecessities.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Quality 5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 5/5 What Stands Out It’s inexpensive, comfortable, and secure. What Could Be Improved Making the front laces more subtle and shortening the lower half of the cups. At under $30, The Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra is our favorite budget-friendly backless bra. Beyond the attractive price point, we found it to be comfortable and secure. The adjustable lace-up feature at the front allowed for cleavage enhancement, and despite initial concerns about the lack of underwire, we were pleased with the bra's secure fit and full coverage. We felt snug and secure, with no noticeable slippage during wear. The bra's reusability is a significant advantage, especially for those on a budget. After two wear tests, the bra remained in excellent condition, maintaining its shape and adhesive quality. This aspect, combined with the bra's soft, slightly padded material, contributed to its overall comfort. The adhesive was effective yet gentle, and removal was as easy without causing irritation. We wish the laces at the front were a little more subtle, as they showed through tighter fabrics, so this may be a better pick for looser tops. The lower half of the cups were also just a tad too long, which made us nervous that they might fall off, even though they didn’t. And while this bra does highlight cleavage, it does not give a push-up effect. That said, the overall experience with The Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra was positive, making it a recommendable choice for occasional use in backless or low-cut outfits. Size Range: A-D | Material: 88% polyamide, 12% elastane; trim: 100% polyurethane Best Single-Use Backless Bra Brassybra 3 Sets Adhesive Bra PHOTO: Nordstrom $38 at Amazon $38 at Nordstrom $26 at Walmart Our Ratings Fit 4.4/5 Support 5/5 Quality 5/5 Comfort 3.4/5 Adjustability 4.3/5 What Stands Out It offers excellent coverage with a customizable fit and stays put even with sweat. What Could Be Improved This doesn’t provide the proper support for heavier breasts. If you just need a backless bra for one event, Brassybra takes the cake. In testing, this bra stood out for its excellent coverage, featuring both nipple petals and teardrop-shaped medical adhesives for the breast. We were able to trim them for a custom fit, too. We wore this for a 10-hour day and found it provided ample support, though there is no padding, silicone band, or extra features—just fashion tape, really—and for that, this might not be the best pick for those with heavier breasts who need extra security. For those with smaller breasts, the comfort level was high, and once it was on, we forgot it was there. However, we could see bumps through our shirt due to uneven application. This may have gotten better with practice, but it was difficult to lay the product flat around the curves of the breast. It stayed put with sweat, though. (The manufacturer says you can wear this while swimming, but we didn’t try that.) When it came time for removal, we found this to be a bit painful, and it left red spots and irritation. You’re supposed to soak the bra in oil to remove it; we found it best to be patient while peeling it off in the shower. Additionally, the fact that it only comes with three single-use bras for just under $40 might not make it the most economical choice for frequent use. Size Range: A-G | Material: 97% cotton, 3% spandex Real Simple / Abigail Wetzler Real Simple / Abigail Wetzler Real Simple / Abigail Wetzler Best Lace-Up Backless Bra Sneaky Vaunt The Original Push-Up PHOTO: Sneaky Vaunt View on Sneakyvaunt.com Our Ratings Fit 4.8/5 Support 4.7/5 Quality 4.5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 5/5 What Stands Out The bra’s adjustability allows for no cleavage or a lot of cleavage. What Could Be Improved It does not provide lift. Sneaky Vaunt’s Original Push-Up Bra survived an all-day affair—a wedding where we tore up the dance floor—and it didn’t budge from the heat or sweat. We especially loved the easy application and adjustability: Each cup is tied together but you stick them on individually, which allows you to place them where you want depending on the support you need. When we wanted a more casual look, we applied them at the center of the breast, and when we wanted more cleavage, we placed them farther to the sides (closer to the armpit) and tightened the laces. Note that since the laces hang, we did feel them brush against our skin, and they tended to show under tighter tops. The workaround was to tuck them into the cups, where we didn’t notice them at all. As far as padding goes, we would equate this to a comfortable T-shirt bra, and once it was on, it felt fairly weightless. It helps that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all bra and can be ordered to your specific cup size. It provided good coverage for both smaller and larger breasts (though we wished it had just a little more surface area in the larger sizes). This bra is truly backless, and we couldn’t even see it under clothing, thanks to its seamless design. We found it doesn’t exactly lift the breasts, though, so if you’re looking for a push-up backless bra, this may not be the one for you. The one thing we will mention is that even though we didn’t feel hot while wearing the bra—we actually found it quite breathable—when we took it off, the cups were pooled with sweat. That said, it did not soak through the bra or our clothing. Taking it off was very easy, and the jelly-like interior didn’t leave behind any residue. It retained its ultra-stickiness after washing, retained its shape and quality throughout the entire testing period (and even felt a little softer with continued wear), and was easy to store in the egg-shaped travel case it came with. Size Range: A-DD | Material: Not listed Real Simple / Sheila Tong Real Simple / Sheila Tong Best Backless Bra for Large Busts Niidor Adhesive Bra PHOTO: Amazon $24 at Amazon $39 at Walmart View on Niidor.com Our Ratings Fit 4.4/5 Support 4.1/5 Quality 3.5/5 Comfort 3/5 Adjustability 4.3/5 What Stands Out It provides substantial coverage and lift for larger busts. What Could Be Improved Including more detailed instructions for application. Niidor’s Silicone Adhesive Bra is an exceptional option for larger busts. It offered substantial coverage and lift for a size 32G, and it wasn't noticeable under clothing. During multiple wear tests, including a stretch of 10 hours, the bra proved its mettle by staying secure and comfortable. The silicone cups provided not just the right amount of padding but also maintained their stickiness, even when we ran for the subway train. In that moment, we were nervous it might fall out of our loose shirt and onto the floor, but we were surprised to see that it stayed put with very minor slipping. Comfort was a significant highlight in our experience. After adjusting to how the sticky bra felt on our skin, we found it to be as comfortable as a regular bra, providing enough support to make us forget we were wearing a backless bra in the first place. Despite a little bit of residue and some wear on the adhesive edges over time, the bra retained its shape and functionality. We also really appreciated the inclusion of nipple petals for areola coverage and protection, which we were thankful for when peeling it off. After removal, we did notice the inside of the cups were sometimes wet with sweat, but that had no impact on the overall stickiness. We also couldn't even feel ourselves sweating, which is another testament to this bra's comfort and breathability. We do wish there were more detailed instructions included for optimal placement and support, as mastering the correct application took a bit of practice. After we applied it multiple times, we got the hang of it, though. That said, those of us with smaller breasts found the coverage to be almost too substantial; it felt flattened out, as if the cup size wasn’t a good fit. This indicated that the bra was a better fit for those with larger breasts, who felt this had opened a door for a whole new world of tops and dresses for them to wear. Size Range: A-G | Material: Silicone Real Simple / Jenna Fortino Real Simple / Jenna Fortino Best Backless Bra for Small Busts Victoria's Secret Bare Backless Strapless Bra PHOTO: Victoria's Secret View on Victoriassecret.com Our Ratings Fit 4.7/5 Support 4.5/5 Quality 5/5 Comfort 4.7/5 Adjustability 4.8/5 What Stands Out It’s comfortable, supportive, and discreet under clothing, and it maintains its adhesive over time. What Could Be Improved It’s not supportive enough for larger breasts. The Victoria's Secret Bare Backless Strapless Bra shines as an excellent choice for small busts, blending comfort, support, and discreet wearability (it wasn't detectable under clothes for those of us with small breasts, though you could see the outline a bit on larger breasts). We were really impressed with the adhesive quality, and we loved how it didn’t slip or move when we wore it. This combined with the soft, padded material, contributed to the bra's overall comfort. We found that the bra felt natural and unobtrusive with room to breathe, as if we weren't wearing anything, though it was still tight enough to hold everything in place. Once we put it on, we found it was not sticky or itchy, and it stayed put even when we were dancing and sweating. Application and removal were easy with no irritation, and it left no residue behind after we took it off. After the testing period, the bra looked brand new, with no signs of wear, and it retained its shape and stickiness, even after gentle hand washing. Just keep in mind that those of us with larger busts in the DD range found the bra to not provide enough support on its own. Size Range: AA-DD | Material: Silicone Real Simple / Michal Hanover Real Simple / Tori Worley Most Supportive Backless Bra VBT Breast Tape PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon View on Vbtlift.com What Stands Out It offers excellent support across a wide range of sizes. What Could Be Improved Removing it is uncomfortable. We found the VBT Breast Tape to be the most supportive option, across a range of sizes from A to G. Those of us with smaller breasts found the tape stayed in place throughout the day, offering ample support without the need for additional padding or support structures. Even those of us with large breasts gave the bra high marks: After a pilates workout and lots of jumping and dancing at a wedding, the bra stayed on and we felt sweat-free in the chest area. It lasted more than 12 hours without budging and kept a size DDD comfortably lifted all day. We liked the kit's inclusion of both breast petals and silicone covers, which was appreciated given the application in sensitive areas, although the petals fit more seamlessly for larger sizes. The tape itself wasn't completely hidden under clothing: It was slightly noticeable in areas where we were unable to apply it flat or it overlapped. Taking the extra time to apply it smoothly without creases made a big difference, doubly so because readjusting after the first application diminished its stickiness. Taking it off was uncomfortable, like peeling back a large bandage. Despite these drawbacks, this single-use tape's effectiveness in providing long-lasting support and its adaptability to various outfits make it a solid choice for those seeking a backless, supportive solution, especially for large breasts. Just keep in mind that this option may not be best for low-cut tops, because in order for the tape to give a proper lift, you have to apply it higher up on your chest where it may be visible. Size Range: 2 to 3 inches | Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex Real Simple / Michelle Garza Real Simple / Michelle Garza Best Splurge Backless Bra Misses Kisses Build-A-Bra Kit PHOTO: Miss Kisses View on Misseskisses.com Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 3.9/5 Quality 4.9/5 Comfort 3.8/5 Adjustability 4.3/5 What Stands Out The unique design provides support and enhances cleavage. What Could Be Improved The focus on cleavage enhancement without full nipple coverage may limit its suitability for all users. Misses Kisses’ Build-A-Bra Kit is our premium choice in the backless bra market, offering exceptional adjustability, support, and quality. The kit's unique design focuses on enhancing cleavage without fully covering the nipples, delivering a flattering look under clothing. For help fully understanding how to put it on correctly, the Misses Kisses team offers video tutorials and virtual fitting sessions, ensuring users get the right fit and appearance for their specific needs. We would suggest taking advantage of the virtual try-on, as our bra looked better under clothing after utilizing their tips. Another element that sets this bra apart is its innovative adherence mechanism, utilizing 3M medical-grade anti-slip silicone stickers. This feature not only guarantees a secure fit but also contributes to the bra's longevity, as the silicone maintains its stickiness over time. We found that the bra had great stability—we were able to walk, jump, and dance and still feel supported—and we appreciated the lack of additional padding and overall comfort it provided. The bra's adjustability allowed for a custom fit, and the removal process was straightforward and pain-free. Durability is another key strength of the Misses Kisses bra, showing minimal wear and tear even after repeated use and cleaning (only slight stretching of the slit, but this didn't effect its performance). The comprehensive customer support, including the range of specialized kits like the waterproof version, a bride set with a white bar, and a breast cancer awareness kit, underscores the company's commitment to customer satisfaction. Overall, the Misses Kisses Build-A-Bra Kit stands out as a top-tier choice for those seeking a high-quality, supportive, and adjustable backless bra, offering a blend of functionality, comfort, and long-lasting wear. Size Range: S-XXL, with a plunge depth of 2, 4, or 6 inches | Material: Polyester and foam Real Simple / Tatiana Kennedy Real Simple / Tatiana Kennedy Real Simple / Tatiana Kennedy Final Verdict The Gatherall Bra stands out for its extreme comfort and exceptional support, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants a backless bra for multiple occasions that they can wear for long stretches of time. For those looking for a budget option, we love the Natural Lace-Up Adhesive Bra for its combination of lift and affordability. Our Testing Process To find the best backless bras, we acquired dozens of products and tested them on different breast sizes over several weeks in real-world conditions. We wore them to multiple events in different types of weather. After our initial assessment, we wore them again. We went about our daily lives, running errands, walking, traveling, and dancing. While wearing the bras, we noted their fit, comfort, support, and durability. We took extensive notes on quality, recommending what kind of busts and situations the bras were suitable for and what kind of clothing they work best with. We also paid attention to our range of motion and any signs of wear after wearing and washing. Real Simple / Jenna Fortino How to Shop for Backless Bras Like a Pro Size and Fit When selecting the right size and fit for a backless bra, it's crucial to begin with accurate measurements, as the absence of traditional support structures like back bands and straps means a precise fit is key to comfort and effectiveness. “At least 80% of women wear the wrong bra size, according to a now-famous 2008 study,” says stylist Janelle Tan. “Make sure you're wearing the right size before investing in any of your bras.” Look for options that provide adjustable features, such as straps or side wings, to fine-tune the fit according to your body shape. The cups should fit snugly against your chest without any gapping or spilling, ensuring a seamless look under clothing. For those with a larger bust, seeking bras with additional support features, like underwire or broader underbands, can provide the necessary lift and security. The adhesive part of the bra, crucial for maintaining its position, should be skin-friendly and robust enough to last through the wear, yet gentle enough for pain-free removal. Test the adhesive on a small patch of skin beforehand to avoid potential irritation. Finally, consider the overall comfort of the bra, as it should feel like a second skin without causing any chafing or discomfort, allowing you to move freely and confidently in your outfit. Support Shopping for a backless bra with optimal support requires a discerning eye, particularly because traditional support structures like back bands and straps are not present. Begin by focusing on the type of adhesive used: It should be strong enough to provide secure support throughout the day but gentle enough to prevent skin irritation. For those with a fuller bust, look for bras with built-in underwires or contoured cups that offer additional lift and shaping. Silicone cups are often a popular choice as they mimic the natural shape of the bust and provide a seamless, supportive fit. “For greater support, you might choose a bra with a little bit of a band, whether that's ‘wings’ that wrap around your sides or an under-band,” Tan says. “These will be more supportive than purely adhesive styles. Be sure to pick something with strong, sticky adhesive. You want the bra to stay put!” Some backless bras come with optional clear straps or halter neck ties that can be added for extra lift when needed. Remember, the key to finding a supportive backless bra lies in trying different styles and brands to see what works best for your body type and the specific requirements of your outfit. A well-supported backless bra not only enhances your silhouette but also boosts your confidence, allowing you to wear backless designs with ease and comfort. Real Simple / Mia Ingui More Backless Bras to Consider Braza Bra Reveal Adhesive Bra 5-Pack: This bra serves as a practical option for those needing a backless bra for special occasions. It is specifically designed for deep and strapless fashion and provides a nearly undetectable look, under even very sheer dresses or tops. We found the side adhesives effective in keeping the bra in place, but the lack of sufficient adhesive on the cups led to occasional movement and discomfort. NuBra Seamless Adhesive Bra: We found this bra performed well in terms of coverage and adherence, though it occasionally created a noticeable gap at the top, especially under looser clothing. Those with larger busts might find it lacking in support and lift. Questions You Might Ask Are backless bras supportive? Backless bras can be supportive, but their level of support varies depending on the design, size, and material. They are engineered differently from traditional bras, often using adhesives and strategic structuring to provide support without a back band or shoulder straps. For smaller busts, these bras often offer sufficient support with adhesive cups alone. However, for larger busts, finding a supportive backless bra requires looking for features like underwires, broader underbands, or silicone cups that provide more structure and lift. “60% of a bra's support comes from its band,” Tan says. “A lot of backless bras use adhesive, which means the bra itself has little structure apart from the cups. The straps and cups both play a role, but backless bras don't have straps or the wide under-band that provide support.” The quality of the adhesive is crucial; it must be strong enough to hold the bra in place securely while being skin-friendly. Some backless bras also incorporate clear straps or side wings for added support. While they may not offer the same level of support as conventional bras, especially for fuller busts, advancements in design and materials have significantly improved their functionality. Thus, while backless bras may not be the go-to for high-impact activities, they can certainly provide adequate support for many body types and are an excellent solution for backless or low-back outfits. What is the most comfortable type of backless bra? The most comfortable type of backless bra often depends on individual preferences and body types, but generally, those made with lightweight, skin-friendly materials rank high in comfort. Adhesive silicone bras are particularly popular for their natural feel and ability to conform to the body's shape, providing a seamless and supportive fit without the bulk of straps or bands. They are also favored for their breathability and gentle adhesive, which adheres securely to the skin without causing irritation. “I'd go for something with ‘wings’ that extend part-way around your sides,” Tan says. “This helps the bra feel more secure and thus more comfortable! You also want something with high-quality sticky pads, something that's extremely sticky. This helps the bra feel more secure and more comfortable. The last thing you want is your bra to be around your waist midway through the day!” For those who prioritize support along with comfort, bras with additional features like underwires or contoured cups can offer both without compromising on comfort. Fabric-based adhesive bras are another comfortable option; they are less rigid than silicone and can feel more like a natural part of your outfit. Bras with hypoallergenic adhesives are a must for sensitive skin, ensuring comfort throughout wear. The key to comfort in a backless bra lies in its ability to stay in place while being barely noticeable, allowing you to move freely and confidently without constant readjustment. Testing different styles and materials is the best way to determine which backless bra feels most comfortable for your unique needs, especially when wearing them for extended periods. What are some alternatives to a backless bra? For those seeking alternatives to backless bras, there are several options to consider. Adhesive silicone pasties or nipple covers provide minimal coverage and are ideal for outfits with which even the smallest bra might show. They adhere directly to the skin, offering a smooth look under sheer or tight-fitting clothes. Another choice is the body tape, which can be strategically placed for custom support and shaping, allowing for more versatility with different clothing styles. For a more traditional approach, a plunge bra or a low-back bra with a transparent back strap offers more support while remaining discreet under low-back outfits. Convertible bras with adjustable straps that can be reconfigured to crisscross or go halter style are also practical solutions. Lastly, for those who prefer not to wear a bra but still seek coverage, choosing garments with built-in support, like dresses with padded cups or structured bodices, can provide both comfort and style without the need for additional undergarments. Each of these alternatives offers its own set of benefits, making it possible to achieve the desired look and feel for various backless or low-back outfits. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Real Simple senior shopping editor Taylor Rock and Elizabeth Loomis, a seasoned writer who has spent years covering lifestyle topics that have given her a discerning eye for what makes a gift both delightful and memorable. From her time reporting on the latest trends in interior design for The Zoe Report to her work exploring the dynamic world of beauty for InStyle, she's developed an understanding of how aesthetics and functionality can merge to create standout products. Her expansive coverage of lifestyle topics for Well + Good, The Spruce, and other lifestyle publications has further enhanced her sense of the beautiful, the functional, and the unique. To compile this list, she spoke with stylist Janelle Tan and combed through countless products to bring you the best of the best.