What to wear under… backless, strapless, sheer and every other outfit that won't take a bra

For almost every outfit that rules out a bra, the answer is an Adhesive Nipple Cover, because it holds to your skin rather than to the fabric. The exceptions are worth knowing: a fitted top can use a Non-Adhesive cover, a low neckline wants a Triangle, and any outfit where you want lift or cleavage as well as coverage is a boob tape job. Here's the whole list.

By Stephanie, founder of Bare Babe · Updated

Backless dress or top

The problem: nothing to hold a bra band, and often a low back that shows anything with a strap.

Wear: Adhesive Nipple Covers for coverage. If you want lift or shape too, Boob Tape run from under the breast up toward the shoulder, kept inside the line of the dress, with a satin pasty or cover under it.

Don't wear: Non-Adhesive covers (nothing presses them on), lifting covers if the back or neckline is low enough to show the tabs.

Strapless dress or top

The problem: a straight neckline that can show the top edge of a round cover, and no straps to help hold anything.

Wear: Triangle Adhesive covers with the point turned down, or Adhesive covers if the neckline sits high enough. For lift, Boob Tape anchored low at the side and run up toward the center. For cleavage on a small to medium bust, the Silicone Sticky Bra.

Don't wear: push-up inserts unless the dress has a built-in structured cup; lifting covers.

Sheer, lace or white

The problem: the fabric shows color and outline.

Wear: Adhesive or Non-Adhesive covers in the shade closest to your chest, one shade lighter for white (see the shade guide). Matte silicone with thin edges is the whole trick. For lace, a round cover reads as skin where a bra reads as a bra.

Don't wear: satin pasties under very sheer fabric (the fabric edge can show); any cover a full shade darker than your skin.

Deep V, plunge or square neckline

The problem: a round cover peeks out.

Wear: Triangle Adhesive covers, rotated to match the cut. Sensitive Triangles if adhesive on the nipple bothers you. For a plunge with lift, Boob Tape in a V, anchored at the sides and run up toward the center.

Don't wear: round covers larger than Small; lifting covers; the sticky bra if the neckline is lower than its center clasp.

Halter, crew or high neck

The problem: none, really. This is where you have the most choice.

Wear: Lifting Nipple Covers, because a high neckline hides the tabs and this is the one outfit family where they shine. Otherwise Adhesive or Non-Adhesive covers depending on how fitted the top is.

Don't wear: nothing is off-limits here.

Off-shoulder or one-shoulder

The problem: straps are out, and the neckline is often wide.

Wear: Adhesive covers, Triangles if the neckline dips. For a one-shoulder dress that wants lift, Boob Tape can run up toward the covered shoulder.

Don't wear: lifting covers on a wide neckline; non-adhesive covers under a loose off-shoulder top.

Swimwear and bikinis

The problem: water, sun and thin, light fabric.

Wear: Adhesive covers are waterproof and hold in the water; press the edges again when you get out. Under a fitted one-piece or a structured bikini top, Non-Adhesive covers work too. For a tiny triangle bikini, Triangle covers. Push-up inserts sit inside a structured bikini top.

Don't wear: satin pasties for a long swim; boob tape for a long swim (it's fine for a dip).

Sports bras and the gym

The problem: show-through in a thin sports bra, and chafing on long runs.

Wear: Non-Adhesive covers. The sports bra presses them on, they last 100+ wears, and there's no adhesive to sweat against. Adhesive covers if the bra is loose.

Don't wear: boob tape under a sports bra (the bra is already doing that job).

T-shirts and everyday

The problem: a loose t-shirt gives a non-adhesive cover nothing to hold onto; a fitted one shows a bra.

Wear: Adhesive covers under anything loose; Non-Adhesive under a fitted tee or a bodysuit. Match the shade to your chest for light colors.

Don't wear: lifting covers under a thin tee if you don't want the tab outline.

What we'd pick

FAQ

What do I wear under a backless wedding guest dress?

Adhesive covers for coverage, boob tape if you want lift, with the Remover Oil packed for later.

What about a corset or bustier top?

It's structured, so push-up inserts if you want more, or covers if you just want coverage.

What do I wear under a bodysuit?

Non-Adhesive covers. Bodysuits are fitted and hold them perfectly.

What do I wear under a slip dress?

Adhesive covers, and a shade that matches if the fabric is light.

Can I wear a sticky bra under a backless dress?

Yes, if the back of the dress sits above the cups. For a very low back, covers or tape.