The 7 Best Backless Bras For Baring A Little Skin
Stealth support for the cutout and plunging silhouettes you love.
Going braless doesn't suit everyone. If you're looking for extra support when wearing certain skin-baring pieces, the best backless bras are essential. While the best strapless bras, sticky bras, and boob tape work their magic with many outfits, backless bras deliver a specified fit you can feel confident in when opting for an open-back top or dress that offers a peek or a full-on plunge.
So what separates this form of shapewear from all the others? "Backless bras are typically less structured and supportive, and include an adhesive element," Jessica Pfister, vice president of Le Mystere, tells BAZAAR.com. "These garments offer a wide range of support for outfits that prevent you from wearing a traditional bra due to neckline, back, or straps."
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And as Y2K and 2000s fashion trends continue to dominate, the need for a backless bra increases. Luckily, these invisible support products have become abundant and easier to shop than ever, Pfister explains. "Technological advancements have allowed manufacturers to create more flexible, comfortable options that are less cumbersome and less damaging to skin," she says. "Ann Deal of Fashion Forms is credited with being the original solution superstar. She started her company back in '93 after being inspired by celebrities walking the red carpet. She started with one backless bra and now has dozens of trend-right solutions that can accommodate any need."
Pfister says level-setting expectations of the amount of lift and support is the first step when shopping for the best backless bra for you. "If you find a low-back bra, bustier, or actual bra, it's possible you'll get the lift and support you crave," she says. "However, if you're using adhesives, have natural and un-enhanced breast tissue, are over a C cup, or have very full or pendulous breasts, you need to go into this understanding that, at best, you will get a natural support level akin to a bralette type of bra."
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Super low-back bras are often the most supportive and comfortable, Pfister says. But sometimes, they don't dip down low enough, which is where stick-on cups come into play. These adhesive silhouettes should cover most of your breast tissue and hold to your chest wall instead of on your breast tissue for the best lift and support. "If the adhesive only covers the front of your breast, the tissue will be free to move about, and you will not feel secure," the Le Mystere VP explains, noting that an improper fit increases the chances of having an adhesive fall off. For extra security, she suggests layering a nipple cover for protection against particularly sticky tape.
"For ladies with an ample bosom, I highly recommend a more structured garment like the low-back bustier or low-back bra," Pfister adds. "This not only lifts you, but will give you support and confidence to enjoy your event." Another hot tip: Read the reviews! Especially if you're shopping online. "Try to find feedback and images, if possible, from someone with a similar size," Pfister says. "Real-world feedback is priceless."
Without further ado, shop seven of the best backless bras ahead—glowing shopper reviews included.
BEST CONVERTIBLE BACKLESS BRA: Le Mystere Dos Nu II Convertible Underwire Bra
"I recommend a product like this for a C-cup-plus who wants security and excellent lift to fill the dress or top and create cleavage," Pfister says. "You get the bare back you need for your garment with the support that keeps your breast tissue lifted, supported, and front and forward."
With fully adjustable straps and a waistband to keep you anchored, this one feels like a regular bra without worrying about bounce or movement. "Thanks to its smooth, seamless, and silky microfiber cups, this style is almost invisible under even the tightest dress," Pfister adds.
What Reviewers Are Saying: "I bought this for an open-back dress. When you tighten the front strap (the one that wraps around your belly), it really does pull down the back of the bra so it doesn't show."
Size Range: 32B–38D
Colors: Natural
Material: Nylon/Spandex
BEST PLUNGE BACKLESS BRA: Victoria's Secret Bare Invisible Solutions Plunge Low Back Bra
Choose this bra for your backless and plunging attire. Though it's not entirely backless, it works well with back cutouts or styles that dip down to mid-back. Additional features include light push-up padding, hidden underwire support for a natural lift, and smoothing material that is nearly invisible under clothes.
What Reviewers Are Saying: "A great addition to my bra wardrobe. It fits true to size. The wide wings offer the support you need. The plunge design is functional for a variety of clothes. I'm glad VS brought back the additional lower-back strap."
Size Range: 32–38 Band, B–F Cup
Colors: Truffle, Toasted Sugar, Black
Material: Body: 83% Polyamide, 17% Elastane; Wing: 40% Polyamide, 60% Elastane; Cup Lining: 100% Recycled Polyester
BEST BACKLESS BUSTIER BRA: b.tempt'd by Wacoal Future Foundation Backless Strapless Bra
Pfister says a low-back bustier bra is her top backless bra pick for ladies with super-full, heavy, or dense breasts. "You are going to get incredible support, shaping, and lift," she tells BAZAAR. "However, this can only be used if the back is low but not nonexistent. This can also not be used under a super-thin material as the boning will show through."
What Reviewers Are Saying: "I didn't think a backless strapless bra existed! I love wearing this with my low-back halter tops! It is so incredibly soft and shapes me perfectly. This bra gives me the perfect lift, and unlike other strapless bras, it stays in place and doesn't slip down. I mean, where have you been all my life?! The back band is sheer, making it super breathable. I would recommend sizing up on band size. Highly recommend this bra, I wish I found this sooner!"
Size Range: 32B–38D
Colors: Au Natural, Night
Material: Back: 71% Nylon, 29% Spandex; Cup Lining: 100% Polyester; Front: 77% Nylon, 23% Spandex; Lining: 100% Nylon
Pfister says a backless sticky bra works best on those up to a C cup. "They provide a completely nude back, modesty from nipple show through, and, depending on the style, can create significant cleavage," she says. Wear them with caution, however. "They can unstick if you use body lotion or are a heavy sweater," she warns.
What Reviewers Are Saying: "Easy to apply and stayed in place. Just enough lift. I'm a DD and felt comfortable all evening."
Size Range: A–DD
Colors: Nude
Material: 40% Silicone, 30% Polyester, 30% Polyurethane
For all-over smoothing, a backless bodysuit is the move. It guarantees support and is a five-way convertible design for various silhouettes, including crisscross, halter, narrow back, and racer-back.
What Reviewers Are Saying: "It lifts where I need a lift and smooths where I need it smooth. The plunges in the front and back make it very versatile. I can wear it with lots of different outfits."
Size Range: XS–XL
Colors: Very Black, Champagne Beige
Material: Body: 51% Elastane, 49% Nylon; Gusset: 80% Nylon, 20% Elastane
Bralettes and wireless designs are no doubt the most comfortable bras. So lean into comfort while getting your backless thrills in this ribbed low-back silhouette. Sure, it's not for layering beneath a barely-there gown, but it works great under a sweater, button-down, or jacket with a low-back or cutout design element.
What Reviewers Are Saying: "I'm a new mom and also happen to be in a wedding this year. My bridesmaid dress had an open back, which would normally work except for the fact that I am nursing and can't wear a backless bra. I searched everywhere for a low-back bra with thin straps but good support so I could feel comfortable and still be able to feed my baby. This bra is exactly what I was looking for and is so comfortable!"
Size Range: XS/S, M/L
Colors: Vavavoom, Chocolate Merlot, Cranberry, Wisteria, Green Balsam, Tiger Lily, Green Light, White, Tahitian Bay, Queens Violet, Ivory, Deep Olive, Sand, Black, Chocolate, Terracotta, Charcoal, Ballet
Material: 92% Nylon, 87% Spandex
Nipple covers are the perfect backless bra solution for A to firm-C or enhanced breasts that just need modesty, Pfister explains. "These covers do not offer any support or shaping, but prevent unwanted nipple show through," she says. "Silicone versions of these covers offer a small amount of breast roundness for more conical breast shapes, as the padding from the gel rounds your areola a bit."
Pro fit tip: "Nipple covers are typically only available in one size," Pfister says. "Make sure to line up your nipple to land in the middle of the cover to allow full coverage of your areola. This will offer the smoothest look."
What Reviewers Are Saying: "This solved all of my problems. I wear them often, sometimes with my little bralettes to keep the girls from poking out. Other times, to hide the color from showing through a white shirt. And, more often than not, I wear them with no bra for a backless or deep-plunge dress. They are great, I have very sensitive skin, and I have no issues taking them off or wearing them for long periods of time."
Size Range: Small (A–C cups) and Large (D+ cups)
Colors: Caramel, Coco, Crème, Espresso, Hazelnut
Material: Silicone
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This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.