A bra might be the most supportive garment you own, but sometimes the straps get in the way. When it comes to plunging necklines, strapless silhouettes and backless styles, a sticky bra is your discreet savior. More invisible than strapless bras and offering more coverage and support than going braless, adhesive bras can help you feel confident in even the most daring silhouettes.
“There are so many styles of sticky bras these days that you can get away with just about any neckline,” Hollywood stylist Tracy Shapoff says. “V-neck, scoop neck, plunge and sweetheart are all fully capable of being worn, as there are great sticky options for all of these styles.” The material of the garment you’re wearing is also a factor when choosing a sticky bra. “I think sticky bras work best for backless/low-back pieces and are great for lightweight fabrics like silks where you want a very smooth finish but also need a little added lift or shaping,” shares editorial stylist Daniel Gaines.
Plus, sticky bras come in a variety of shades and sizes, so plenty of people can wear them. “There have been so many advancements in boob innovation and there is truly something for everyone, regardless of your bust size or skin tone,” explains professional stylist Ariel Tunnell. “It’s incredible and so exciting for anyone who has ever said ‘I can’t wear that because my boobs are too big!’”
While wearing stick-on undergarments might sound risky, especially if you’re in a situation where sweat is a factor, you’d be surprised at how well the best sticky bras stay put — but the pros have some tips to ensure all-day wear, too. All the stylists we consulted said that applying adhesive bras to clean dry skin is key. “Avoid using body oil or moisturizer before applying or otherwise they won’t stick or stay in place,” Tunnel advises. She and Gaines recommend cleaning the bust area with rubbing alcohol, letting it dry and then applying the adhesive cups. And for placement, Shapoff says, “Always make sure to match both sides identically so that they are even underneath clothing.”
Ahead, the stylists and Underscored editors share their favorite sticky bras and nipple covers for when you need truly invisible undergarments, and how to properly clean them for the most wears.
Sticky push-up bras
$47 at Shopbop or from $45 at Amazon
From $14 at Amazon
$30 $24 at Amazon
From $19 at Amazon
Backless sticky bras
$65 at Amazon and Revolve
From $30 at Amazon or $38 at Shopbop and Revolve
From $36 at Amazon or $40 at Shopbop
From $14 at Amazon
$25 at Target or $31 at Walmart
$29 at Intimissimi
Sticky nipple covers
$13 at Amazon or $15 at Ulta
From $26 at Amazon, Bloomingdales and Shopbop
$33 at Amazon and Shopbop
$46 at Amazon and Shopbop
$2 at Temu
How to wash sticky bras
Like other undergarments, you’ll want to be delicate when caring for your sticky bras. “The best way to wash a sticky bra is to create a soapy solution using a very mild fabric detergent or specialty bra soap and give it a careful [hand] wash and rinse,” says Tunnell. “Leave it out to dry and it will be newly sticky and ready for another wear!”
And in between wears, Shapoff recommends keeping the cups in their original packaging. “I like to also stick the plastic [film] back to each cup as an extra layer of protection,” the stylist says. “Always keep your sticky bras in a secured container when not wearing them.”
$20 at Amazon
$9 at Nubra
