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!’”
In fact, there are few disadvantages to sticky bras. Those with sensitive skin may want to be cautious about the adhesive, as it can sometimes cause irritation, rashes or an allergy, but they are generally safe.
If you’re worried about sticky bras losing their stickiness, the experts have some tips for extending how long a sticky bra will last. 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 says. 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, plus how to properly clean them for the most wears.
Sticky push-up bras
All the stylists we spoke to said Nubra is the best. Tunnell calls it the “gold standard of sticky bras.” She and Shapoff chose the Seamless Push-Up as their favorite but mentioned that the brand makes several styles that are all excellent.
A favorite of Underscored’s social lead Stephanie Griffin and TikTok strategist Hannah Lauson, this sticky bra is both push-up and backless. “I’ve used it around eight times now, and it’s still really sticky and lasts all night,” Lauson says.
Backless sticky bras
“Nubra is still the leader in my opinion,” Gaines says. “I like the silicone ones for volume.” The backless style hooks in the middle to enhance cleavage too.
Shapoff says Fashion Forms has great backless sticky bras, like this seamless sculpted style. The stylist notes the brand has a broad size range from B to H cups but could have more shade options.
This style is a favorite of Grumet. The lace-up front allows you to control the push-up effect. Plus, it’s fully backless.
This one-piece backless bra is made from smooth silicone that provides flexible coverage. Depending on the placement, it can give a bit of a push-up effect. It is not designed to cover or cup the underboob, so it's best for smoothing and a light lift rather than full support.
Sticky nipple covers
Tunnell says these are “truly the best in the game. They come in two sizes and four colors that disappear under clothing more seamlessly than other brands.” A clear favorite among stylists, Shapoff agrees these are among the best: “Hollywood Fashion Secrets is one of the most used brands in my styling kit.”
Gaines notes that finding great nipple covers can be tricky, but his go-to are these silicone adhesives (which Shapoff also likes for their convenient case). “My most-used ones are the round silicone ones,” he says. “They can add a little extra roundness, but if the fabric is too thin, you will see the outline of the full cover which essentially makes the visibility more prominent.”
These nipple covers are invisible under clothing, plus they come with a pouch for storage and invisible tape strips that you can use to secure necklines or other parts of clothes to the body to avoid any nip slips.
Another option is to use disposable flat petal nipple covers, but again, Gaines says you’ll want to be cautious of wearing thin garments on top or else the shape might show. He recommends these lightweight fabric stickers that you can buy in bulk. In a pinch, the stylist says even a Band-Aid can work, “but make sure to pull taut when applying.”
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,” Tunnell says. “Leave it out to dry and it will be newly sticky and ready for another wear!”
And 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.”
Stylist favorite Nubra makes a cleanser specifically for its adhesive bras, so you know you can get the most out of their sticking power.
