We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
These are the ones that ACTUALLY work Front Clasp Bra
Real talk: no one really likes wearing a stick-on bra. But that doesn't change the fact that if you're partial to a backless dress or top, a stick-on bra becomes a wardrobe essential. The exposed thong trend may have had a fashion comeback (yep, we couldn't believe it either) but unsightly back and shoulder straps aren't – and likely never will be – the lewk.
So if you haven't come across an occasion where you need one yet, you're guaranteed to need one at some point in your life. And most likely this season thanks to the naked dress trend that has seen plenty of revealing and cut-out designs take over.
There's a reason we're not all wearing a stick-on bra every day, right? That's partly because we're all a little sceptical of just how, well, sticky they actually are and partly because nothing is as comfy as our favourite sports bra.
Seriously, though, do stick-on bras actually work? And, more importantly, are they gonna stay on all day? Especially during the summer months, when adhesive tape faces more of a challenge if you find yourself in a sweaty situation.
If you're in need of a stick-on bra for a special occasion like a wedding, you don't want to be let down come the big day. Imagine the horror of upstaging the bride with an accidental 'free the nip' moment as your so-called clever underwear ends up on the middle of the dance floor after slipping down inside your wedding guest dress. Or even worse, if you're the bride! We shudder just thinking about it.
Special occasion or not, everyone deserves to feel comfortably supported by their underwear without worry. So whether it's the low-back satin slip dress you've been coveting for your next big night out-out, or the semi-sheer top and suit combo that's just calling for an incognito underwear sitch – it's not just our bra you want to stay in place, it's our boobs too.
Thankfully, there are many different styles of stick-on bras out there, offering varying ranges of support and coverage. Welcome news, as our boobs are certainly not one size fits all and require different things.
The Cosmo fashion team decided to put the best stick-on bras to the test to help you figure out which would work best for you. From those that offer volume and cleavage to long-lasting stickiness, we tried and tested the best styles available to buy right now.
A heads up for big-busted gals out there, we discovered it becomes *much* harder to find stick-on bras above a D cup.
Scroll through to read our editor's reviews...
Tested by Natasha, Former Fashion Editor
Application & removal: This bra is simple and straightforward to use. I had to reposition the bra a couple of times to find the right place to secure the cups but once I did, it was great.
Volume & cleavage: The subtle padding in the base of the cups creates an added boost effect (something quite uncommon in stick-on bras). Because of the way the cups are separated, this bra is designed more for extra volume than cleavage.
Stickiness: This is very sticky. Despite the wings starting to come away at the back after a while, the cups didn’t lose stickiness at all.
Support: Once secured in place, the bra wouldn’t budge one bit, especially thanks to the sticky wings that wrapped part-way around my sides. This style felt very secure and, in some ways, more like a strapless design than a stick-on.
Tested by Lauren Nicole, Contributing Curve Editor
Application & removal: The application was effortless. Once the protective covering has been peeled off, all you have to do is stick it on and you're good to go.
Volume & cleavage: It definitely didn't boost or support my bust but rather worked as a larger-than-normal nipple cover.
Stickiness: I don't really deal with boob sweat, so I had no concerns about whether the stickiness would last all day. In fact, I was more concerned with if this bra would ever leave my body. It didn't move at all, so pretty good staying power.
Support: As someone with little perk and a lot of bust, this bra offered zero support.
While this bra is light, soft and very affordable, it didn't work for my busty boobs. I think it's fair to say I require a fair amount of scaffolding, and this wasn't up to the job. But, despite it not working for me, I think it would offer lasting support to someone with a smaller bust.
Tested by Natasha, Former Fashion Editor
Application & removal: This style was super easy to apply and remove – a great option if you’re looking for your first stick-on bra.
Volume & cleavage: I would recommend this stick-on design to anyone looking to create extra cleavage. The central clip allows you to fasten each cup together, effectively pulling your boobs towards each other and creating the appearance of more cleavage. If it's not quite enough or too much, simply adjust the cup positioning to your liking, with moulded foam cups creating a very natural-looking result.
Stickiness: The stickiness on this was great, and not ‘too much’. I particularly like how the cup leaves a sticky-free zone for the nipple to make removal easier (AKA less 'ouch!').
Support: With both cups secured together, I didn’t experience much movement at all in this bra although it’s possible that someone with a bigger bust would want something more supportive.
Tested by Sophie, Bookings Editor
Application & removal: Peel off the protective covering and bend forward to position your boobs fully into the cups. Secure the sticky side wings, which can be a little fiddly at first, and you can return to an upright standing position for any final adjustments. Once you’re in, you are good to go.
Volume & cleavage: There’s padding in the bottom of the cups to boost, and along with the clear side flaps it could almost get away with being a normal balcony bra. Saying that, without adjustable shoulder straps I found my chest was too small to fill out the cups and create any cleavage, so it was a bit too perky for me.
Stickiness: Very. The sticky patch in the cups is more subtle but peeling off the side straps was reminiscent of slowly ripping off two giant plasters. Safe to say, this bra didn’t move all day.
Support: Yes, plenty. Those side wings weren’t going anywhere.
Great for a larger bust looking for extra oomph and support.
Tested by Zuli, Former Fashion Intern
Application & Removal: I’ll be honest with you, I did have to do a quick Google search of ‘how to put a sticky bra on’. After that, it was actually very easy.
Volume & Cleavage: For a girl with a DD chest, it wasn’t giving me much volume or cleavage compared to what I would normally like. ‘My girls’ felt a little crushed down. I would have loved more va va voom, if you know what I mean.
Stickiness: It’s very sticky, which is exactly what you would hope for. I will say though that it became a bit of a struggle to free my fingers from all the stickiness.
Support: I'd say I didn’t feel I was secure enough to go about my everyday hustle in them. And depending on what top you were wearing, it wasn't the most flattering as it showed underneath my clothes.
One point for the effort. And a second point for being inclusive when it comes to different hues. Alas, my battle for the ‘perfect’ backless bra continues.
Tested by Sophie, Bookings Editor
Application & removal: This was super simple, place each cup where it feels comfortable on your chest and then fasten the clasp in the middle. Volume & cleavage: If you place the cups right, then the handy little clasp that joins them together creates some cleavage, although I’m not sure I’d trust it to hold a larger bust in place all day. This bra is more for coverage than volume. Stickiness: The squidgy adhesive covers the entire cup so you’re really secure and actually it's not horrendous to peel off afterwards either. A welcome surprise.
Support: I have quite a small perky bust, and this was perfect for coverage beneath a not-so-subtle silky dress, acting more like a larger nipple cover really. But I wouldn’t say it does much in the way of support, and being only available in a size S/M or M/L there's a lack of diverse sizing.
Tested by Zuli, Former Fashion Intern
Application & Removal: Easy enough to put on once you’ve put your clips in place and removed the protective covering. PSA: when removing, be careful not to take your boobs with you.
Volume & Cleavage: I'd say I got a bit of volume but not necessarily the kind of volume I was looking for as it was a little lopsided, which meant the cleavage didn’t really sit up right.
Stickiness: It had all the stickiness you’d need and then some, it really did keep them in place.
Support: My boobs felt really pushed down and not very well supported, which meant they looked awkward underneath my clothes. I feel like this would be great for someone with a smaller bust.
I need more structure to fully feel supported and like I can move around freely.
The best sports bras for people with big boobs
A backless bra is an underwear drawer essential
The best strapless bras, as told by online reviews
There are nine different types of boobs
Best push-up bras to shop
21 bras for bigger boobs that are actually sexy
This high street bra sells once every 20 minutes
This is the best bralette for a big bust: shop now
What happens if you sleep with your bra on?
What to know before dating a girl with small boobs
31 sexy lingerie sets you'll want for Christmas
This company makes bras for asymmetrical boobs
Cosmopolitan, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network
Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
Invisible Thong ©2023 Hearst UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ. Registered in England 112955. All Rights Reserved.