Bra solutions for backless tops and dresses

There’s no greater bra challenge than a backless dress. If you’re someone who needs bust support but wants to wear trendy backless dress styles, do not fear — there are many innovative solutions you can try. Here are some of our favorite backless dress hacks and backless bra solutions.

Low-back strapless bra

If your dress features a low back that isn’t completely open, you can still wear a strapless bra. Look for one that has a corset anchor or bustier construction. This type of bra features a long, anchoring piece of fabric that wraps around the midsection and connects in the back. This feature provides a heavy amount of support to offset the bra’s low back construction. This option is great for those with a larger chest size that need heavy support.

The drawbacks to this style typically have to do with comfort, as the heavy support around the midsection can feel cumbersome to some. There’s also potential for this bra to show through thin fabrics.

Boob tape

Boob tape is an adhesive fabric tape that can be placed on the body to support your breasts. The best part about boob tape is that you get a ton of flexibility in terms of placement, shape, and level of support. The most common method for wearing boob tape is to place the tape slightly below the breast as an anchor. Then, lift the breast to its desired position, and drape the tape on top of the breast, securing it at the top near your collarbone. Make sure the tape is fairly taut for optimal support.

As far as downsides go, the adhesive is generally quite sticky and can be irritating for those with sensitive skin. Also, if you have low density breast tissue or relaxed breasts, it can be difficult to tape your chest without getting a bit of folding.

Adhesive bra

Self-adhesive bras, also known as stick on bras or sticky bras, are made with a tacky material that adheres to your breasts. These bras typically feature two sticky panels that cover each breast. Once they’re placed where you want them, you’ll hook them in the middle to activate supportive tension. Adhesive bras can be used multiple times, but typically lose their effectiveness after about ten wears.

This method is great for those with medium to small breasts, or larger chests that don’t need quite as much support. Relaxed breasts or very heavy breasts may not find this method to be supportive enough for their needs.

Elastic extensions

Elastic extensions are a great option if you want to adjust a bra you already own so it has a lower back. They’re simply pieces of elastic that have a hook and eye on either side to hook onto your bra and extend the length of your straps. 

Of course, if you have a dress or top that is very low or entirely open in the back, this may not be a perfect option. However, if you have a larger chest and need more support, this can be a great way to make the bras you already have and love work with your low back outfit. 

Nipple covers

Nipple covers, also known as pasties, are adhesive patches that cover your nipple for modesty. Most nipple covers are either made out of an adhesive fabric or a flexible, silicone material that adheres to the skin. 

While nipple covers are excellent for concealing nipples, they do not offer any support or lift. This is a great option for someone with a smaller chest, or for someone wearing a fitted dress that has some built-in support but won’t conceal nipples.

DIY it

You can also take removable cookies, or pads, from your favorite bras and sew them into the liner of your dress. This option will offer slightly more support and coverage than a nipple cover, especially if your dress is tight.

Let your bra show

If none of these options appeal to you, you can always opt to let your bra show. There are so many cute and dainty bra options made with fashionable materials like lace or mesh. After all, Carrie Bradshaw was known for wearing lacy balconette bras underneath skimpy tank tops. Pick something that’s beautiful and in a similar style to your dress and make it a style statement.

Try a bodysuit

Honeylove's Low-Back Bodysuit is a great option for low-back dresses and tops. It has a built-in bra and a low-back construction so you can enjoy your favorite styles without sacrificing lift. Plus, you'll get an extra boost from the bodysuit's built-in compression.