5 Ways to Make a Backless Bra Without Cutting

Most backless dresses require special bras which won’t show at the back. But these bras may be inconvenient or out of reach to some. How can you make your own backless bra without cutting your ordinary bra?

The obvious situation is to buy a backless bra when buying an open back dress. But some women don’t like custom backless bras. Some of their disadvantages are highlighted below:

• Most backless bras don’t give enough support
• They feel strange on the body
• They are expensive
• Using glue or tape on the body sounds ridiculous

Another alternative is to look for a way to convert your ordinary bra. But if you cut it, that means you can’t use it for normal daily wear anymore. The only option is to convert your regular bra without cutting it. Below are some of the strategies you can use.

Low back bra converter

1. Bra Converter

A bra converter is a cloth strip with hooks on one side and eyes on the other. You hook it onto the back clasp of your bra and it comes around your tummy.

When using a bra converter, the bra clasp is pushed downwards in order to not show under low back dresses. A dress which is too low at the back will still reveal the hooks.

You can wear your ordinary bra without ruining it when using a bra converter. When you are not wearing a backless dress, you will still be able to use your regular bra without any issues.

2. Invisible Bra Straps

Invisible bra straps

If you have a convertible bra, you can easily remove the straps and replace them with invisible bra straps. Clear bra straps are well acceptable with backless outfits because they are almost invisible. They become noticeable only from a short distance.

Wearing a regular bra with clear straps is a good way of ensuring maximum support without any embarrassment. Although backless bras do the work of staying hidden, they often come with their own challenges. If you want to avoid adhesives and tapes, opt for these straps.

In case you don’t have a bra with detachable straps, you can buy a cheap one online or in lingerie stores.

3. Use Elastic

Instead of buying a bra converter, you can use a piece of elastic to act as a converter. But you’ll still need a bra clasp from a worn or ill-fitting bra. Follow these steps:

1. Look for a piece of elastic the thickness of a bra clasp
2. Measure and cut a piece of elastic that sits snugly around your belly area
3. Cut off the hook side and the eye side from the old bra
4. Use a thread and needle to temporarily fix the hooks and eyes onto both sides of the elastic
5. Test the elastic on the real bra
6. If need be, reduce the size of the elastic until it fits
7. Secure the hooks and eyes

Using this hack saves you the cost of buying a bra converter. It’s a good way of wearing a low back dress with a normal bra.

4. Find a Matching Bra for Your Dress Style

Halter dress

Some backless dresses will go well with bras which are not specifically backless. For instance, you can wear a low back halter-neck dress with an ordinary strapless or halter bra.

A halter bra is perfect for ladies who want to look sexy but still have enough support. It also enables you to avoid the hassle of glues and tapes.

Go for a halter bra if you think it can match with some of your backless outfits. It’s a good investment because you can wear it under other clothes as well.

5. Bra Strap Clip

Bra clip

A racerback bra clip transforms a normal bra into racerback style. It acts simply by bringing the bra straps together at the back.

You can use a bra clip to hide your straps if your dress or top is racerback. Bra clips also prevent the bra straps from falling no matter what activities you are involved in.

One disadvantage of a bra clip is that it is difficult to secure it in place unless you have someone helping you. If no one is around, attach the clip first and then put on the bra like a pullover before clasping. Else, bring your bra around your torso with the hooks at the front and attach the clip before positioning and then hooking.

Cheap adhesive bra

These are just some ways of wearing a backless dress without cutting your lovely bra. If none of them works for you, try looking for a cheap backless bra. There isn’t a single strategy that works best for everyone. Experiment and pick your best option.

17 Best Bras for Backless Dresses in 2019

What Bra to Wear With a Backless Dress

Choosing a good backless dress is one thing. But finding the perfect bra for your backless gown is a different matter altogether. This is because there isn’t a single bra that is perfect for all open back dresses, for all occasions and all breast sizes. The ideal bra solution depends on the style you want and the choice of your backless dress.

With about 50 types of bras in the market today, shopping for the best bra for your low back dresses can be a nightmare. The worst thing about backless outfits is that they are not made for just any type of bra. Scroll through the list and get a clear picture of what solution is best for your particular needs.

1. Clear Back Bra

Bras with a Clear Back give you the support of a normal bra without the inconvenience of adhesives, or the risk of wardrobe mishaps. The straps and band are translucent with a nude color that matches most skin tones. Only those who are close can notice that you are wearing a bra.

Clear back bra

2. Backless Bustier

A Backless Bustier gives you the push-up effect without showing anything at the back. They work with most low back dresses. But, gowns which are super low-back would still expose parts of the bustier. These may therefore not be compatible. Some come with detachable straps.

3. Backless Longline Bra

Backless Long-line Bras are plunge back bras that support your boobs by the natural waist rather than the bra band area. They therefore have a lower back as compared to back closure bras. They may have the straps of an ordinary bra, be strapless or have detachable straps.

Backless longline bra

4. Criss-Cross Back Bra

Criss Cross Bras do not have a low back or backless profile. They have straps which cross at the back rather than run parallel in a vertical manner. With a backless dress, these bras are for showing off. You can match to your dress, or create a contrast. Some styles come with clear straps.

Criss-cross bra for a backless dress

5. Nipple Covers, Petals, and Pasties

If you don’t need the support, Nipple Covers will obscure the outline of your nipples so that no one can guess their location, even in the cold. However, they only cover but do not give any lift. If you have a dress that offers enough support but is too thin that your nipples are literally showing, these are perfect for you.

6. Breast Lift Tape

Breast Lift Tape is ideal for backless dresses, bikini tops or other outfits which offer little or no lift. They support your breasts in a nice shape and are hardly noticeable. Unless you have really small nipples, you will require nip covers. Some breast lift tapes are sold together with nipple covers, while others require that you order the latter separately.

Breast lift tape

7. Diy Backless Bra

If you are not willing to buy a backless bra, you can turn your old regular bra into a backless or low back style. You can do it yourself or ask a tailor to do it. Get more details on How to Make a Backless Bra.

8. Adhesive Bras

Most Adhesive Bras are strapless with no band. They are normally made of silicone. But in modern days, manufacturers are replacing silicone with other light-weight materials to avoid the extra weight on breasts.

If you have bigger breasts, choose a sticky bra with adhesive wings and cups. They offer better support. Sticky bras with detachable clear straps are also available.

See also How to Tape Breasts for a Backless Dress.

Adhesive bra with straps

9. Sew-in cups

You can buy custom made Sew-In Bra Cups or get them from an old bra. If you wish to use a back closure bra, remove the band and straps and leave the cups intact. Custom sew in cups are more popular because they are seamless, and sometimes re-sizable.

10 Backless Bodysuit

Backless bodysuits are made to be extra low back so that you can wear them with most backless dresses. When ordering, make sure the built-in support is good for your shape and bust size. Because of their strappy design, they can not go well with strapless and halter gowns.

Backless bodysuit

11. Strappy Bras

Bras with a Fancy Back are the perfect match for backless dresses. You can choose from a wide range of intricate styles to show off. Consider different colors to see which ones fit your dress better.

Strappy Bra

12. Dainty bralettes

These are cute bras for showing off. They come in all shapes and styles. Though some have adjustable straps, others are just like sports bras or bralettes. They are ideal for racerback and adds flavor to backless outfits. Check them out at Amazon

13. Backless Torsolette/Corselette

They are a cross between a corset and a bandeau. But for low back dresses, Backless Torsolettes are made to have a low back. They still offer sufficient support because they hold the boobs by the waist. Some come with straps. They are perfect for busty women.

14. Convertible Bra

Convertible Bras can be worn halter, criss-cross, strapless, or conventionally like a normal bra. There is no direct way of pairing with a backless dress. It all depends on the dress and the look you prefer.

Plunge convertible Bra with clear straps

15. Built-In Bras

Buying a Backless Dresses with Built-In Bra is probably the most convenient way to backless fashion. Users say that these dresses offer better lift as compared to most sticky bras. Apparently, halter dresses are magical to women with big breasts.

16. Bra Converter

To instantly transform your regular bra into a low back bra, go for a Backless Bra Converter. It hooks to the band of your bra and closes at the navel area. This makes the bra not visible with low back dresses.

See more details on How to Wear a Backless Dress with a Normal Bra

Backless bra converter

17. Side-Closure/Front Closure Bras

Side Hook Bras are not much different from a normal bra. But you can wear them with an open back dress simply because they do not have a back closure. A band with no hooks at the back does not mean you are unfashionable. It rather shows that you mean to make a fashion statement.

Side closure bra for a backless dress

Wearing any of the above bras with your backless dress should give you the support and coverage you want, with a fabulous outcome. But the type you choose will rely on your individual need. Because a bra is not necessarily inevitable, what looks and feels good to you is your best answer. Most importantly, use a big mirror before venturing out to be sure that your backless bra looks best with the outfit.

How to Tape Breasts for a Backless Dress

How to Use Boob Tape

Using breast tape is the best method of supporting a woman’s boobs when wearing a backless dress. It is the only technique that has sufficient strength to support, create cleavage and stay on for a long time. Regardless of bust size or shape, breast tape will give a superb outcome.

Taping your breasts for the first time can be very difficult. Making corrections is always terrible. In order to get excellent results, you need to do a lot of rehearsing. Here are some points to ponder before using boob tape:

• Use nipple covers, padding, or cloth on the nipples – never tape directly on nipples
• If you have bruising or injury anywhere where tape will stick, first cover it with a piece of cloth
• Do not use lotions or powders on areas you think will require sticking tape
• If you are sweaty, or aren’t sure the skin is clean and dry, use alcohol to clean
• Opt for a wider tape to avoid bumps between strips of tape
• If you find it too difficult to tape on your bust, use an old bra. Cut away the wings and straps, then tape it on. You can also craft a makeshift bra using tape and then stick it on
• Cut a little piece of the tape and stick it to near the inside of your elbow to check for any allergic reaction. Leave it on for several hours. If you get too a great deal of irritation, try another type or brand.

Why Diy Breast Lift Tape

What are the advantages of tape over other backless solutions? The main reason is that boob tape works better for some ladies. Below are more reasons;

• Offers lift unlike other backless bras
• Diy breast tape reduces movement e.g. like when dancing
• Taping horizontally has a minimizing effect
• You can create the cleavage you want with boob tape
• Some women with big breast say that no backless solution offers them enough support
• When using a bra is not practical

Tapes to Use

• Athletic Tape
• Gaffer Tape
• Medical Tape
• Duct Tape – it belongs to your garage but busty women swear by it

Tapes to Avoid

• Masking tape – it is very weak
• Insulating tape
• Sellotape

Sellotape and electrical tapes are not breathable and are almost impossible to remove unless you can find an appropriate solvent.

Taping Breasts Vertically

Using boob tape vertically offers better support especially for women with large breasts. It’s also the better option for gowns with a deep front plunge or wide arms. This is the procedure:

1. Cut a piece of tape at about 1ft long and fasten to the outer side of your breast. Lift your boob accordingly and let it run from the bottom of your bust to your shoulder. The spot where you stick it will depend on the style of your dress. Should the gown have little shoulder coverage, the tape should reach to somewhere on the collar bone
2. Stick a second piece of tape on the inner side
3. Repeat over the middle, first covering the nipple
4. Do the same on the other breast
5. If you need additional support or shaping, use another piece of tape across the bottom of your bust

Taping Breasts Horizontally

Applying breast tape across your chest has the advantages of: ease of use and the minimizing effect. Use these steps;

1. Cut at least 3 pieces of tape (about 1ft long) to with the length to run from under the armpit, over your breast to the other side.
2. Use band aid or nipple covers to obscure your nipples against glue
3. Strap one end of tape under your left armpit. With the tape on your right hand, bend slightly to support both your boobs with your left hand.
4. Run the tape over the lower part of your breasts to stick it to under the right armpit
5. Massage gently to ensure fit
6. Take another strip of tape and fastening it over the nipple area. If you are using non-sticky nipple covers, secure them with this piece. Use this strip to space the boobs to your liking
7. Strap another strip to above the second one and rub accordingly. If your dress has a plunging neckline, you may omit this piece, or use it between the first 2, or on top of the first
8. If there are bulges between the strips, bridge them with smaller pieces of tape

Note:

Don’t stick too close to the armpits as the skin might be too sensitive

At the armpit area, avoid sticking tape on tape to avoid the pieces coming off

Ask for help from a friend if need be.

How to Create Cleavage with Duct Tape

The secret to creating an awesome cleavage lies in pushing your boobs higher and closer. Either of the 2 methods discussed above can make a cleavage. But you must have a cleavage in mind before you start taping.

In order to ease and aid lifting, tape while leaning forward. If you want a super-push, use 2 pieces of tape with one on top of the other. Strap them on the lower side of your breasts and on to the armpits.

Removing Breast Tape

It doesn’t make much sense to let boob tape stay on when your get home. The easiest way to remove it is in the shower or bath tub. Alternatively, you can wet the strapping in warm water or Olive Oil and then peel gently.

If there is any glue residue, use Baby Oil and cotton wool to wipe it away. Though a bit of redness is common after using duct tape, you should not experience a lot of irritation. If this occurs, consider changing the tape.

Conclusion

Remember that only you should be aware that your breasts are taped. You should therefore feel confident rather than self-conscious. The attitude you show matters more than the bra hack you used for your backless gown. So, go ahead and put a smile on your face, and enjoy the event.

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9 Ways to Wear a Backless Dress With Large Breasts

Wearing a Backless Dress With a Big Bust

Wearing a backless dress can be bothersome if you have a large bust. Most low back solutions that work for ladies with small chests may not be appropriate for you. But despite this, there are still many possibilities that you can explore and see which one works for you.

First, you should not worry too much about what people think about your backless style. For instance, do not mind if a little bit of your cute bra is showing. Second, don’t get embarrassed if you think the backless bra solution you are using is somewhat crazy. Try any one (or combine 2) of the following methods:

1. Sticky Bras That Work

If you want to create the illusion of not wearing a bra, you can use an adhesive bra. Unfortunately, these do not always work for busty women. Below is a collection of sticky bras that have been seen to provide enough support:

1. Braza Backless Freedom Bustier
2. Braza Women's Magic Bra Cups
3. NuBra Seamless Push Up AdhesiveBra
4. Hollywood Curves Women's Magic Boob Job
5. Fashion Forms Women'sBackless Strapless U Plunge Bra
6. NuBra Women's Basic FeatherLite Bra

2. Pullover Sports Bra

A sports bra looks better with a backless dress because it can be used as outerwear. Pullover Sports Bras are predominantly more popular because they do not have the annoying back closure. The most admirable ones are those with a fancy back.

Although strappy varieties of workout bras are the most well-liked, some ladies still opt for racerback styles. You can choose any style of bra that looks good, but avoid those with too much back coverage. If you need a bra with adjustable straps, go for straps that adjust at the front.

3. Breast Lift Tape

Breast Lift Tape is specifically designed to raise the boobs from above rather than supporting from below. Some women with bigger breast sizes might not get enough support and/or comfort when using these. Most brands of breast lift tapes do not cover the nipples and require using in conjunction with nipple covers.

4. Clear Strap Bra

Bras with Clear Straps and/or band are made for backless and strapless dresses, or dresses with little shoulder coverage. The straps and band are usually transparent in a color that matches most skin tones. If the band has an adjustment or clasp, is in normally at the side and not the back. Mostly, these bras are only noticeable when one is really close.

5. Bra Strap Converter

A Bra Strap Converter is attached to the closure of an ordinary bra to make it drop lower. This allows for wearing your regular bra with a good number of low back dresses. Bra converters might not be compatible with some dresses that are form-fitting at the front belly area.

6. Front Closure Bra

According to the fashion police, it is not okay to show bra hooks with a backless dress. But, it is okay to show a bra band if the bra is purposely designed for a backless gown. That is why bra makers came up with Front Closure Bras with a neat back that is well-suited for low back fashion. You can choose a bra color that blends or compliments your dress.

7. Sewn-In Bra Cups

You can buy a backless dress and attach bra cups from an unused bra. Though letting a tailor do the work is the simpler option, you can still do it yourself. For better results, choose a dress with wider straps or halter neck.

In case you don’t have an old bra, take your dress to a seamstress who is experienced in wedding gowns. They can design and attach a bra that will fit and support you perfectly. Alternatively, you can buy Sew in Bra Cups.

8. Built-In Support

Backless dress with built-in bra

Backless Dresses with Attached Bras are widely available. The in-built support can be in the form of bra cups or the front side of a crop top. Some backless dresses are also designed to incorporate lining and shaping that offers enough coverage and support for girls with small busts. Whichever type of dress you choose, make sure that the integrated support is sufficient for your breast size.

9. Diy Breast Tape

The types of tape that you can use on your bust include Sports Strapping Tape and Surgical Tape. Some women even use duct tape. Whichever one you choose, make sure it is flexible and not noisy. Breathable cloth tapes are better because they hold for longer and wick away moisture, keeping you cool.

Before applying breast tape, you should use nipple cover, piece of cloth, padding or a reversed tape. It is important to protect your nipples from sticky tape because they are more sensitive than other skin.

Sports Tape

Using tape vertically seems to offer more support in most women. The most common way to tape is to stick the tape to around the collar bone area. If your boobs are particularly large and heavy, consider attaching the tape to your shoulders. You can drop it to below the nipples, or under the bust.

Another way of taping breasts is fastening the horizontally. This method is more appropriate for ladies who want a minimizing effect.

Note 1: when taping boobs, use the mirror to ensure symmetrical shape, size and lift.

Note 2: Do not use sellotape or electrical tape. These are not breathable and can also be excruciatingly painful to remove. They often require solvents like petrol when removing.

Whichever method of wearing a backless dress with large breasts you choose, do not worry that it looks or sounds ridiculous. The final outcome is what matters the most. If nothing seems to work for you, consult a reputable wedding gown expert. Should you opt for no-support coverage, first check in the mirror to ensure the style is okay for you.

Tips on How to Wear a Backless Dress

Styling a Backless Dress

In recent years many women have come to adore backless dresses. They display a confident and daring attitude. But how do you style a backless the correct way? Although backless and low back dresses make a perfect fashion statement, there are many issues to solve in order to style them the correct way.

The biggest challenge with backless fashion lies in breast support and coverage. It seems almost impossible to have adequate support without any part of a bra sticking into view especially for women with big chests. The secret to this challenge in my own opinion lies in using the mirror to configure what looks best on you.

You can try any of the following:

• Adhesive Bra
• Invisible Band Bra
• Bras with Sticky Wings
• Dresses With Built-In Support – eliminates the hassle of sticky bras

If none of the above options seems to work for you, try bras which are Pullover, Front-Closing or Side Closing. In order to work best with backless clothing, such bras should preferably have a fancy back. Bras with a thin band and no visible closure will also work fine with open back and low back dresses.

Low Plunge Backless Seamless Molded Longline Bra

Though you cannot wear a normal bra with a backless dress, showing part of your bra is not bad if it is intentional rather than accidental. See also: How to Wear a Backless Dress with a Normal Bra. If the outline of your nipples is showing, make sure it’s by the right audience, in the right venue.

What to Wear Under a Backless Dress

What you wear underneath your backless dress is determined to a great extent by the style of your gown. Most backless dresses, including bridal gowns, are made to be figure-hugging. Choosing the correct undergarments can be very tricky.

The best choice of inner-wear for a backless dress is probably a Backless Body Shaper that reaches to below or above the breasts and goes down to the thighs. Backless shaping briefs guarantee that no seams will be visible. If the material of the dress is very thin, you must choose the right color Spanx to avoid color-bleeding. Toned/nude underwear is a good choice.

When wearing panties with a backless dress, your correct size is vital. If the panties are too small, they’ll show bulges. If they are too big, they won’t hold up, and there is also the risk of creases showing. A better choice is:

• Invisible Hipster Briefs
• Low Waist Seamless Panties
• High Waist Seamless Control Panties – great for holding the tummy if they are compatible with your dress

What Jewelry to Wear With a Backless Dress

The choice of jewelry for your backless dress depends on whether the gown is for bridal, prom, party or you are wearing for a night out. Despite this, an open back dress requires little jewelry for a fabulous look. You should let the focus to stay on the dress.

Earrings are a good match for an open back dress. Other accessories that go well with this style are wrist and upper-arm accessories. By day, use neutral colors that don’t clash with the dress. At night, you can use sparkly jewelry. You can also wear a thin belt if the style of your dress allows.

Backdrop Necklace

A Backdrop Necklace is perhaps the most popular accessory for backless clothing. Though you should keep neckwear to a minimum with backless clothes, a back chain seems to break the monotony of the bareback. Most Front to Back Necklaces are thick at the neck with a long thin back chain. Other neckwear accessories that you can wear are:

• Choker Necklace
• Backdrop Head Chain
• Bra Strap Halter Necklace – ideal for strapless bridal gowns
• Shoulder Necklace – offers too much shoulder coverage and hence popular with brides

Hairstyles for a Backless Dresses

A backless dress is a statement in itself. It doesn’t require a sophisticated hairdo. For a good outcome, opt for a simple hairstyle. If you have a short hair, try wearing it straight rather than curly.

It is ironic to wear a backless dress with hair that covers the whole of your back. To avoid such an irony, use a hair accessory to hike up your hair. If you must wear your hair down, it is better if it is in strands rather than hanging loose. The fewer the strands, the better will be the look.

Some ladies opt for a hairstyle that seems to obscure their open back but reveals the back as they turn. This creates a peek-a-boo effect. Though this may be a good fashion style, you should take care to ensure that at least a small part of your back is showing when you look to the side. Otherwise, the style may look awkward.

How to Cover a Backless Dress

If you have a backless dress but intend to wear it in a non-backless style, try a cardigan or blazer over it. For hot weather, cover your dress under a Mesh Cardigan, white shirt, or Lace Top. In the climate is cold, you can layer under or over the dress. When wearing your gown in this fashion, you can use any type of bra as it will not be visible.

If you love sweaters, it is okay to use a sweater to cover your backless dress. But you should be aware that a sweater might create the impression that you are wearing a skirt rather than a dress. So, you must be comfortable with that.

Permanently altering a backless dress to a non-backless gown is not easy. You require the services of a well-experienced seamstress. Nevertheless, finding a piece of cloth that is a perfect match for your dress is almost impossible. Some tailors use a contrasting piece or opaque lace.

If you opt to wear a backless dress, you must show confidence and contentment. Otherwise, it may seem as if you wore it by force, or regret wearing it. If you think you will feel embarrassed in the dress, don’t wear it.

Despite what many conservative stylists may believe, backless dresses are stylish rather than vulgar. They are sexy and make a fashion statement without being too offensive to anyone. I hope these tips will help you in wearing your backless dress. In case you have anything to add, use the comment section.

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9 Ways to Wear a Backless Dress Without a Bra

If you have a flawless back, backless fashion is the perfect style for you. Although backless dresses will make you look sexy and bold, they are not outright vulgar. Unfortunately, sticky bras are not always a good option for all ladies. This post will guide you on how you can wear a backless dress without a bra.

The whole point of finding a backless bra alternative is to support your bust and hide the nipples. If you are really busty and need extra support, you can employ 2 methods simultaneously.

1. Choose a Dress With Built-In Support

Most backless dresses will be lined on the bust area. But not all will give you sufficient support. However, you can find open back dresses with enough support from online outlets. Most women with big breasts will find that halter-neck dresses work best.

Backless Dress with Built-in Bra

2. Have a Tailor Attach Extra Lining to the Dress

A tailor who has experience in the wedding industry can fasten a garment that looks like the front part of a crop top to your dress to offer support and/or coverage. The cloth is sewn onto the dress around the collarbone area. The bottom side consists of elastic which is fastened onto the side of the gown. After putting on the dress, you pull the elastic down to below your bust and you are done.

3. Sew Bra Cups into a Backless Dress

Sewing in bra cups into a dress or top can be pretty challenging. Sometimes, it’s easier to look for a seamstress who is experienced in the field. However, you can still try it if you have the will.

For a backless dress to hold your bust properly with sewn-in cups, it needs to be form-fitting. For better results, choose a dress with a lined bodice, and shaped to accommodate the bust. There are three ways of sewing on bra cups:

• Inserting the cups between the lining and outer fabric
• Sewing the cups onto the lining and cutting off the material inside the cup to eliminate creasing
• For unlined dresses, you can put the cups onto the

Procedure:

1. Put on the dress to see where your breasts are positioned in relation to the gown. You may use any marker if you like
2. Place the cups onto your bust to estimate the best angle
3. With the dress on a table, inside-out, position the cups and pin them in place. Leave about 1 inch between the cups
4. Try on the dress and make any adjustments if need be
5. Sew on, using long stitches just in case the positioning is not perfect. If the fit is superb, secure the cups using a more stable stitch

Note:

a) If the dress is curved around the bust to cater for the bust, sew the cups around the edges

b) For unfitted clothes, use only a few stitches to avoid wrinkling the gown

c) If you sew the cups onto the lining, it might be a better option to cut off the material covering the inside of the cup to enhance the overall appearance

d) While sewing the cups onto the outer material, use inseams so that no stitches are visible on the outside

e) If it seems impossible for your dress to accommodate cups, use the front part of a tank crop top.  Attach the cups to the top and then fasten it to the side seam of the dress.  Cut off the straps where it seems best and sew on

4. Sew a Bra into a Backless Dress

Sewing an unused or old bra into a backless dress may be simpler than using cups. Virtually anyone can do it with trial and error with no need of a sewing machine. For busty ladies, a push-up bra works better. It won’t necessarily have the pushed up effect once you sew it on, but it is bound to have improved support.

For a bra to have the perfect outcome, the cups need to be well fitting. Remove the band and straps. You can separate the cups or use them as they are. You may prefer to leave the cups adjoined for easier positioning.

There is no universal formula for putting a bra inside a dress. It mostly depends on the style of dress and the type of bra you choose. The best thing to do is to avoid unnecessary stitching to prevent the dress from gathering and losing shape. Also try sewing onto the seams to avoid stitches poking out. Again, if the dress is not fitted at the bodice, this method might not offer you the support you want.

5. Taping Your Breasts

There are many different types of tape that can be used to tape breasts. They include Medical Tape and sports strapping tape. Some ladies also use duct tape as it is cheaper and stronger. But it can be painful to remove.

For best results, choose a tape:

• That is strong enough – weak ones like masking tape might come off in the middle of your outing
• With sufficient width – if a tape is too thin, it may reveal the padding on the nipples
• That is breathable – well-aerated tapes are less likely to make you hot and soggy. They also ensure the adhesive will stay on longer
• That is soft – rigid tapes are noisy and may raise eyebrows as you hug your colleagues

Don’t use any tape directly on your breasts as the nipples are very sensitive. If you don’t have padding, use cotton wool or a piece of soft, thin material. A simpler method is to tape on an old bra. Use a pair of scissors to remove the band and straps. You can tape the cups as they are, or you can detach them and tape separately depending on the situation. See also How to Tape Breasts for a Backless Dress.

6. Use Breast Lift Tape

Breast lift tapes are specially designed to lift the breasts from above rather than from underneath. Some of them have un-glued nipple areas, while others leave the nipples bare. If you use the latter, you have to apply nipple covers if the nipples can show through your clothing.

Reusable Silicone Nipple Covers with Breast lift tape

7. Adhesive Bandages or Pads / Band-Aids

Adhesive Bandages are preferred by many ladies over tapes as they are cheap. They are also appropriate as they are designed for use on the skin. The padding is gentle on the nipples. The only disadvantage is that they won’t lift the bust.

Use two pieces on each nipple in a criss-cross manner. To avoid too much protrusion, remove the padding on the top one. If any glue residue is left on the skin after removing them, use baby oil on a cloth or cotton wool to remove it.

8. Breast Covers for Backless Dresses

If you need coverage and don’t care about the bounce, you can make use of Nipple Covers, otherwise called breast petals. They conceal the outline of the nipples to give a smooth look. You can use them under a bra or even in the absence of a bra.

Nipple Covers

Nipple covers come in 2 varieties, reusable and disposable. They should be applied on clean dry skin, free of injuries. You can clean the area with alcohol to be sure. Some cheap imitations might come off with excessive perspiration. Make sure you buy only from reputable manufacturers.

9. Backless Body Shapers

Backless Body Shaper

A Backless Body Shaper looks like a bodysuit, but with the back cut off. They feature a snap closure at the bottom for ease of use. Some come with detachable straps which you can cross at the back, wear halter or attach them in a cami style.

The bust area of backless body shapers has re-usable adhesive. This is of great help if you cannot use the straps with your dress. One disadvantage is that the bonding agent will lose its strength with repeated use.

What do you think? Do you know another way of wearing a backless dress without a bra? Let us know in the comments.

Bras for Backless Dresses

What bra do you wear with backless and other open-back dresses? Read on to discover all the options available to you and pick your best backless solution