My locker room story is the constant conflict between the clothes I like to wear and my 36DD size breasts. Here’s the thing – I love having a lot of flair, but I also love experimenting with on-trend silhouettes.
Shopping for a busty backless dress can be difficult, especially when going braless doesn't feel like an option. Will you be backless or busty? As a self-proclaimed breast expert, I'm happy to report that you can, in fact, have both.
Over the years, I've tested nearly every breast support device on the market—from bra straps to built-in cups—and determined the best solution. Gone are the days of sticky boobs sliding down the dance floor and painful halter necklines—thankfully, bra innovation has come a long way.
When determining the best option for keeping a girl in place, always prioritize comfort. If you feel great without a bra, then this is the perfect choice for you! If you feel more confident with extra support, you might want to try stylish exposed straps.
Without a bra, you can't really get the support you need, says Jiayi Lyu, founder and CEO of bra company Understance. "If you take away straps, bands, or cups, it's impossible to get full support because fuller breasts require more structure to lift and hold in place," she tells Bustle.
That being said, there are plenty of alternatives that follow. From bralettes to bodysuits, read on for the tried-and-true best ways to wear backless dresses—even with big busts.
low back shapewear
I usually wear some kind of shapewear under my skirts, especially in the summer when the heat can cause unnecessary chafing. In my search for the best style, I recently discovered low-back bodysuits—the once-and-for-all solution to all my wardrobe woes.
Shaping bodysuits tend to be comfortable, smooth, and unnoticeable under skirts. This simple style from Amazon gets rave reviews and costs under $25.
Please allow me to introduce: Bubu Glue
When I first discovered Bosom Couture Bra Gel, I thought the product seemed too good to be true. This roll-on adhesive proves to be the ultimate trick for holding everything in place because it sticks directly to the fabric without damaging it.
If you want to keep a plunging neckline or halter top in place, this is the product for you. If you have a larger cup size, this product won't give you much of a lift, but it will effectively keep your breasts secure.
Dozens of five-star reviews on Amazon praise this as a "game changer" when it comes to going braless. The strength of the adhesive allows for the best bonding of lighter fabrics, making it a great choice for hot summer months. It washes off the skin easily with soap and water and leaves no residue on clothes.
Try a backless bra
This may seem obvious, but sometimes all a backless dress needs is a backless bra (yes, they exist). Backless bras are just what the name suggests, with padded bra cups and silicone adhesive that sticks to the sides of the body for support. It's like a sticky boobs/underwire hybrid.
Most backless bras are strapless, but I love this sleek form because it comes with removable halter straps for added lift and a deep V neckline to accommodate the lowest necklines.
tape them up
When SKIMS launched in 2019, body tape was one of the first products they sold. Kim Kardashian swears by peel-off tape as the secret to her bra-less look. I was a curious consumer and purchased the product immediately. Of course, Kim Kardashian is right.
Skims no longer sells duct tape, but luckily duct tape is now a common product on the market. I love Nippies Breast Enlargement Tape, which comes in five different colors. Simply cut the required amount of tape, peel off the backing, and stick it where you want. It provides a comfortable lift and can be customized to fit any outfit.
take it to the tailor
To be honest, I 've avoided getting tailoring for questionable garments for years. This seems like an inconvenient and unnecessary expense. Eventually, I realized that I was neglecting pieces in my closet because they didn't fit, and having them tailored would actually increase the return on my initial investment (fashion girl math).
A professional tailor can sew underwire, boning or cups, add fabric to fit your regular bra, or adjust the dress so you don't need to wear it at all. This is a long-lasting solution, and since it doesn't require you to buy a new product, it's one of the greenest options on this list. It's money well spent.
Pies, all the way
Nipple tape is one of the easiest ways to get extra coverage when you don't want to wear a bra. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors—the colorful ones can even be worn as clothing accessories under a mesh or crochet top (or nothing at all).
If your goal is a smoother look under a top or dress, I recommend sticking with a classic skin-toned pie. Most pies can only be used once, which is why I like to buy the larger packs from Amazon—this option includes 40 pairs for $13 and has over 1,000 five-star reviews.
Sicko — AKA: Chicken Steak
Sticky boobs, sometimes nicknamed "chicken fried steak," are arguably one of the best fashion innovations of our time—they're relatively supportive, comfortable, and sculpting.
Most are affordable, some are reusable, and if you invest in a good pair, they'll last through even the sweatiest of dance nights. Since there are so many different styles and brands out there, it's important to find a reliable option to avoid leaving an event with sticky boobs in your wallet (been there, done that).
I’ve found the most success with styles that come in cup sizes, like this pair, which have great reviews on Amazon. One customer said, "I've been wearing this since 7 a.m. with a satin slip dress and it lasts all day long!" Generally speaking, I recommend sizing up when possible for more coverage because In my experience, most sticky boobs are smaller.
show your straps
This may be a controversial point, but I think showing bra straps can actually enhance an outfit if done correctly. For example, at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, this look was all the rage. Celebrities such as Sydney Sweeney and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have proven that going braless can be a glamorous option.
The key to achieving this look is texture and fit. Choose lace or silk styles to add dimension to your outfit, or choose platform styles for a romantic, vintage feel.
Don’t sleep in a low-back bra
I can’t believe I didn’t buy a low back bra sooner. This style will provide the support of traditional underwire while appearing completely backless. Low-back bras typically have a long strap that extends down to the front of your ribcage, and a thin strap that connects and extends around your back.
From push-ups to seamless, low-back bras come in many styles, making it easy to choose based on your outfit and comfort level. If this is your first time trying a low back bra, I recommend getting one with convertible straps so you can get the full benefit.
Embrace no bra
Sometimes, the best way to wear a backless dress is to go bra-less to match that pizzazz. If the dress has a thicker fabric or a fitted silhouette, you're already setting yourself up for braless success. These styles essentially provide more structure to help keep your breasts in place when you're not wearing a bra.
If you want to go braless, I recommend choosing a patterned dress (a floral dress will do!). Patterns can create a visual illusion of lift, making the breasts less defined. The whole point of going braless is to make you feel more comfortable—it doesn't have to feel too revealing.
