This summer and fall, we’re seeing a huge rise in “complicated” clothing that requires a bra situation that’s also more complicated than your average. Between cool cutouts, backless dresses, and the latest “napkin top” craze hitting the fashion world, I wouldn’t be surprised if you found yourself searching for strapless bra alternatives more than usual lately. At least, I definitely am.
The problem I have with traditional strapless bras is that they’re not always completely invisible and even the most supportive ones tend to slide down eventually. So I set out to find the best alternatives that still do the job and landed on the below 18 items I’m sharing here. From adhesive bras and pasties to Kim Kardashian-approved boob tape, these have me ready to ditch my strapless bra.
If you, too, want to forgo strapless bras without totally abandoning the support and shape they offer, keep scrolling to find some excellent alternatives that have earned tons of glowing customer reviews.
4/5 stars, 5878 reviews. Standout review: “I love this thing — it doesn’t last forever but if you wash with soap and water and let dry, it can stand many many wearings. I am a smallish B cup and often go bra-less — this is perfect when that’s not appropriate. It also is the only stick-on I’ve tried that masks my nipples and gives me a natural lift plus a little extra. Stays on even while exercising.” — Omi
4.6/5 stars, 89 reviews. Standout review: “This strapless and backless bra is everything that I was wishing for. It provides a good amount of support for the chest and it also doesn’t slide down after a few minutes of wearing. The corset part is such a nice touch, it looks cute and is a great way to adjust the bra. I like that the package came with very clear instructions on how to wear it, store it and clean it. I’m considering getting the black version of this. The product also shipped really fast!” — Shiona
4.7/5 stars, 28 reviews. Standout review: “I can’t believe these bras fit so well at this price point! They are very lightweight and super comfortable even in the humid summer heat. Highly recommended!” — Vi Ferris
2.9/5 stars, 60 reviews. Standout review: “I purchased this to wear with a formal dress that has a deep “v” in the front and back. I am a 34D and while this doesn’t provide a ton of support it works perfectly with my dress. I am extremely happy with my purchase!” — KfromKansas
5.6/5 stars, 10 reviews. Standout review: “This bra is super comfortable and a great alternative to having bra straps going around your back. It is nice to where when having a backless outfit on. If you are between sizes, you should order the size up. For instance, if you are DD, you should order the next size up, E. It sticks well and is awesome.” — Amazon customer
4/5 stars, 679 reviews. Standout review: “To my surprise, I really enjoyed wearing this bra. I have worn silicone bras in the past but the tabs that lift the breasts and help hold it in place were the best. For us aged women with less than perky breast, this bra is a must! The lifting tabs make this deal. I would recommend this bra to anyone. The extra nipple covers are a plus and the protective carrying case is the cutest. I wore the bra for several events, including a wedding where I needed a strapless bra and I felt extremely confident! On a side note, the bra was just a sticky as it was the first time I tried it on.” — Abigail
3.9/5 stars, 77 reviews. Standout review: “I was skeptical about these adhesive silicone bras but they do really work and stayed in place all day long! They are not only doing a good job of providing support but also reusable. They are seamless and easy to clean and work great with my strapless dress. I should have bought them sooner!” — K. R. Jinq
3.9/5 stars, 200 reviews. Standout review: “I tried all types of bras for my backless wedding dress, and nothing worked. I gave up on the idea of feeling supported and thought I’d just have to use one of those roll-inducing x strap plunge bras, so I could have something. I can’t believe my google searches didn’t bring this product up, my mom (Kardashian fan) told me about it! My dress is also strapless, but I can still use this bra tape. I do three strips across my chest, from just under each armpit, shaped like a half-circle, hope that makes sense. And then two small vertical strips for lift, and none of it shows. I love it! I’m 5’10 38DD 170 pounds and it gives me lift and cleavage (more or less cleavage, you can completely control it). 10/10 recommend!” — Bethany W.
This tape is a godsend. If you apply it the right way, it will lift everything and stay put forever. I was particularly impressed with all the ways you can use it. Since you just cut it off the role with a pair of scissors you can basically create a makeshift bra for any top or dress situation you have (check out this handy outfit calculator from the brand). I tested it out wearing a sheer tank top, but am already thinking about all the strappy dresses in my closet it would be perfect for, too.
4.7/5 stars, 789 reviews. Standout review: “Wow! Okay, ladies, let’s be real. Boobs don’t need bras, boobs need nippies by Bristol 6. Bras cause premature atrophy- nippies cause comfort. I’m 5′ 4″ B cup and just bought these. I’ve been anti bra for years but I work in a professional setting. Nipples are just not part of that haha. So I would layer endlessly. Not anymore. I bought the medium color and honestly unless you are very fair white, the medium is the way to go. They matched my skin almost perfectly, AND they passed the paper-thin white tank test. If you’ve ever thought about getting them do it because you’ll be satisfied like me.” — Michele
3.8/5 stars, 119 reviews. Standout review: “I’ve worn these in 90 degree days and they stay and they are not uncomfortable. They don’t leave any residue on your skin and just make wearing strapless things or anything with a different neckline so easy. Love them.” — Heather S.
3.9/5 stars, 67 reviews. Standout review: “This adhesive bra was the perfect answer to providing some ‘moveable’ cleavage to my sheer back wedding dress as an alternative to sewing padded cups directly into the dress. I used this for many tanks and dresses on the honeymoon over the past month, as an alternative to my uncomfortably banded strapless bras. I wash it with warm soapy water and air dry – and it retains its stick and shape. I’d replace this every summer if needed.” — Amazon customer
4.8/5 stars, 69 reviews. Standout review: “It’s not often that I am not wearing a bra but when you have those specific types of tops or dresses where you absolutely cannot wear a bra or it will look funny, these are a fantastic go-to. They cover what needs to be covered so it doesn’t show through the clothing. They can be cleaned and reused for quite a while before needing a replacement. Love these.” — Erin Mick
4.5/5 stars, 164 reviews. Standout review: “These are the absolute best! I was skeptical to see if they would last for all-day wear and they do. I used to use Band-Aid’s which really hurt to take off, and would sometimes pinch my skin while wearing. When I’m wearing these Braza petal tops I don’t even notice them, my nipples are fairly strong and can still be seen through padded bras and I have yet to see them through these. The best part is they don’t hurt at all to take off. ” — Leslie Gilbeaux
4.5/5 stars, 363 reviews. Standout review: “I bought a dress here on Amazon that had eyelets on the breasts. I couldn’t find dark colors in stock. I used 4 of these on each breast. Held up in the Texas heat and sweat. We’ll order these again when I run out.” — V Williams
4.7/5 stars, 58 reviews. Standout review: “I think I’ve tried nearly all the pasties available (Thin paper like clover-shaped, think silicone-like, painful sticky’s with frayed edges, etc. etc. )and this one is by far the best! These are completely reusable, totally invisible, and provide phenomenal coverage. I’m a 34G and my nipples remain on high alert almost always. These covers do the job like no other. They are comfortable and smooth, no bumps or lumps anywhere…at all. I’m an African American woman so the color is an added plus and actually how I found these…looking for an alternative to match my skin tone. I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend these to ANY woman who has a similar issue. The very best coverage EVER.” — Shante Avery
4.9/5 stars, 18 reviews. Standout review: “I couldn’t even tell they were there—super comfortable and worked great.” — Amazon customer
3.9/5 stars, 14 reviews. Standout review: “Love these! They are perfect for shirts and dresses where a strapless bra just doesn’t work. I also hate strapless bras so love being able to use these as an alternative. I wore mine on a very hot day and they stayed in place all day. Easy to apply and easy to remove. They did not leave any marks at all.” — Amazon customer
