Backless tops and strappy dresses aren’t just for special occasions – they’re winter staples too. So the need for a stick-on bra is essential. Let’s be real, no one actually loves wearing one, but if you don’t want your bra straps to ruin your fit, it quickly becomes a must-have in any capsule wardrobe.
Our top picks for stick-on bras:
Ann Summers Stick On Backless And Strapless Bra
Read review
Sure, you could try going totally braless – we're all for a free the nip moment. For some, though, be it down to feeling comfortable, personal preference, or requiring some form of support no matter how subtle (blessed big bust gals, we're looking at you), that's not always an option.
So, if you haven’t yet come across an occasion that calls for a stick-on bra, you’re guaranteed to need one at some point in your life. And most likely soon, thanks to the number of backless and cut-out dresses around this season. Blame it on the naked dress trend that has well and truly taken over!
The Cosmo 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...
Best stick-on bras, tried and tested
1) Ann Summers Stick on backless and strapless bra, sizes 1–7
Tested by Courtney, former Fashion Assistant
Application & removal: This stick-on bra from Ann Summers was pretty easy to apply. After peeling off the protective covering, I just had to align my nipple with the small non-adhesive area, cup my boob and stick. A quick repeat on the other side, and I was all set to clip ‘em together. Unlike others I’ve tried, it didn’t feel like my skin was being removed when it came time to take it off, either, which was a plus.
Volume & cleavage: If you’re after cleavage, this one’s for you. While the pre-set positioning of the non-stick nipple pads was a blessing for removal, it meant I had no choice but to embrace the significant lift. I probably wouldn’t wear mine with a low neckline, but I thought it worked perfectly under an asymmetric backless number I’d struggled to find a bra for.
Stickiness: Initially, I was satisfied with the level of stickiness, but…I’ve yet to meet a stick-on I don’t sweat off, and sadly, this was no exception. I will say that it lasted a good few hours before my boobs decided to go it alone, and up until then, I found it comfy enough to forget it was even there–a real achievement for someone who is sans bra more often than not.
Support: Before my cups jumped ship, I was really happy with the support. Having a B cup at best, though, I don’t tend to need much.
Overall: 3/5
2) Boux Avenue stick and clip bra, sizes A–D cups
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.
Overall: 4/5
3) H&M self-adhesive push-up bra, sizes A-C cups
Tested by Angel, Fashion Assistant
Application & removal: This style is extremely easy to apply. I followed the directions on the back of the box with no issues! It was painless on removal, too.
Volume & cleavage: To my surprise, it was really giving ‘boob-job.’ I’m quite a novice when it comes to stick-on bras, but I think I’ve found the perfect one to start my collection. With the cups being separate and latched together once in place, you’re able to adjust to your preference. This style is a push-up, so expect a bit more cleavage than the typical stick-on.
Stickiness: It had just enough to get the job done without feeling like my entire chest was covered in any weird residue.
Support: Once I was fully in the bra, I didn’t have to adjust or restick it throughout the day – I felt firmly supported without feeling super restricted.
Overall: 4/5
4) Intimissimi Strapless bra with transparent back, sizes small-large
Tested by Sophie, Bookings Director
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.
Overall: 3/5
Great for a larger bust looking for extra oomph and support.
5) H&M self-adhesive bra
Tested by Izzy, Deputy Social Manager
Application & Removal: Applying this stick-on bra is super easy – just peel off the protective film from the adhesive on each side of the cups (right where your bra straps would normally sit), then position the cups and press firmly to secure. The built-in wiring keeps the shape intact and helps the cups line up perfectly.
Removal is also simple, though the strong adhesive can tug slightly on the skin, which might be uncomfortable for those with very sensitive skin. My only concern is how well the stickiness will hold up over time when the bra isn’t in use, as you’re not provided with anything to protect the adhesives.
Volume & cleavage: The wiring provides excellent shaping and lift, but the cups are a bit bulky, making them less ideal for wearing under thin or clingy tops.
Stickiness: Fab! Wore it from morning to night without any shifting at all.
Support: For my smaller bust, the structure felt slightly bulky (likely because I’m not used to wired bras). However, if you have a fuller bust and want solid support without ditching those low-back or halter-neck tops and dresses, this could be a great choice.
Overall: 3/5
6) NOOD shape up adhesive bra, sizes A–D cups
Tested by Charlotte, former Senior Beauty Writer
Application & removal: Upon first glance, these looked like old-school chicken fillet bra inserts that used to be everywhere in the ‘00s. However, NOOD use plastic-free matte silicone which is not only silky-soft but also makes it seamless to reposition if you mess it up the first time around (hello, me). It was the most pain-free removal experience I’d ever encountered – I’ve been literally scarred from using tit tape, so that’s no mean feat.
Volume & cleavage: As someone with a large bust, cleavage isn’t hard to come by, but I was really impressed with how well this stick-on managed to pull everything together to give me a bit of a boost. It wasn’t as lifting as my regular wired bra, however.
Stickiness: This can be reused up to 50 times (seriously impressive), but when first applied I thought, ‘is that it?’. I wasn’t sure my boobs would stay put but it seemed to be just sticky enough to keep everything in place, without me having to take a calming breath before taking off. No matter how many times I rejigged, this bra didn’t falter.
Support: I’m a 32F and this only goes up to a size D, so I was really pushing the limits here. As such, I have no doubt that this would have been more supportive if there was slightly more surface area to play with (I’ll admit there was some underboob going on). Factoring in all that, I was shocked when I ran to catch a train from one side of the station to the other and didn’t find the need to hold my chest at all (usually, I can’t even make it down the stairs without a bra on without needing some extra support), so I was seriously impressed.
Overall: 4/5
7) Tezenis Stay-up self-adhesive cups, sizes small-large
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.
Overall: 4/5
8) Invisibra Backless stick-on lace bra, sizes A–D cups
Tested by Jennifer, Features Editor
Application & Removal: Simply peel off the plastic sheet, align the cups and press. Voilà! It was all pretty simple, but it did take me a few tries as the cups weren’t lining up equally… leaving me with one boob higher than the other. Luckily, the stickiness wasn’t impacted by me removing the cups and re-trying. I’ve tried other stick-on bras before that were quite ouchy to peel off after wearing, but that wasn’t the case here.
Volume & Cleavage: The bra definitely made my bust appear fuller and if you’re after a cleavage boost, that can be achieved by placing the cups further out on your chest to squish your breasts together in the middle. This is a bit fiddly though; initially when I tried, the alignment wasn’t quite aligning and it left me with a bit of a quad-boob situation. I worried the lace design might be bulky/visible underneath clothing, but I can confirm that wasn’t an issue.
Stickiness: This bra stayed put the entire day. At one point, I had to lean over to pick a parcel up from my doorstep, so the delivery driver could take a picture of me holding it, and I had a sudden panic that the bra was going to flop off and awkwardly land at our feet. Luckily, no such thing happened. By the end of the day, it had only peeled a tiny bit around the edges.
Support: No complaints from me on that front, although I must admit as a C-cup on the smaller side, I often go totally braless – so this isn’t a major concern.
Overall: 4/5
9) Bralux Eva luxury black push-up drawstring stick-on bra, sizes A-J cups
Tested by Lauren Nicole, Curve Contributor
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.
Overall: 3/5.
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.
10) Invisibra Boomba invisible sticky bra, sizes A-D cups
Tested by Jess, former Social Media Manager
Application & Removal: Application was easy for this bra, simply the girls into place, fasten at the front and you’re good to go. This stick-on bra was definitely on the stickier side, with no non-stick section for the nipples. Yep, you’ve been warned. While it wasn’t uncomfortable to pull off, it’s definitely got more pull than other stick-on bras, so definitely bear that in mind. Probably not one to wear on a date…
Volume & Cleavage: The cups definitely don’t provide much cleavage or hold, instead keeping them in place more than anything. The cups themselves are soft, but due to their lack of hold, I wouldn’t wear this for long periods of time or without an outfit that provided some extra support. Basically, if you’re thinking about sweating it out on the dance floor, this one’s not for you.
Stickiness: I had high hopes for the level of stickiness when I first felt the bra, but due to the fact you have to re-stick a couple of times for the right fit, it wears off pretty quickly, so probably better for a more experienced stick-on bra user.
Support: Compared to my everyday bra, there wasn’t much to offer in terms of hold. I’m not a fan of underwire or cleavage-enhancing bras anyway, but this bra offered more in coverage, rather than support.
Overall: 2/5
I think this type of bra is best suited to smaller cups who are looking for nipple coverage, rather than lift and support. Back to the stick-on-bra drawing board we go!
11) InvisiBra Breathable seamless adhesive backless bra, sizes B-F cups
Tested by Zoe, Site Director
Application & removal: The bra is super (super) sticky, so there’s no danger of it sliding about – or off – but it does mean you ideally want to get the placement right the first time. Once you peel off the protective layer, there’s a non-sticky patch where your nipples go and I managed to position them pretty much perfectly on the first attempt by tipping forward slightly to get the correct alignment.
Volume & cleavage: There’s no underwire and the fabric is super lightweight, so there’s not much to hold everything in if you’ve got a medium to bigger bust like me. The clear straps the bra comes with are the key to volume – I wore it in a halter neck style and it really boosted my cleavage.
Stickiness: I’d rate this bra 20/10 (yes!) for stickiness. It truly didn’t budge. And they weren’t painful to peel off after wearing them for some time. But be warned though, make sure you don’t accidentally let anything but skin get stuck to them as it’s a battle to get it off. It also ended up leaving quite a sticky residue on my brand new gels!
Support: I’m a size D, and sadly the bra didn’t really do much in the way of support without using the clear straps, so this probably isn’t the bra for you if you’ve got a bigger bust and are looking for decent support. However, it would serve as a *fantastic* boob cover if you were wearing a backless dress or a slip dress.
Overall: 3/5
12) InvisiBra U-plunge breathable backless bra
Tested by Kara, Ecommerce Editor
Application & removal: I'm happy to report this bra worked really well for me. Pro-tip, it’s very sticky so lean forward and secure the band first, then lift each breast and stick the bra cups starting from the outer corners for a lifted look. Removal was easy, it is very sticky so it pulls on the skin slightly which could be a bit uncomfortable for women with very sensitive skin. It would be great if it came with a storage solution or something to protect the adhesives when not in use to preserve the stickiness for as long as possible.
Volume & cleavage: This bra gives fantastic lift and was true to size for me (I’m a 32B). Ideal for plunging necklines, open back and strapless dresses, it’s a must-have for your styling arsenal. My only note is that I’m so used to wearing bralettes, or ultra-thin lace and mesh bras that a wired push-up felt a bit bulky, but it didn’t look it and layered seamlessly under my strapless dress.
Stickiness: It was exceptionally secure – I did 25 jumping jacks, wore it for 24 hours and it didn’t budge!
Support: For me, found it a bit bulky since I’m not used to padded push up styles. But I’ll definitely be using it for my bridal outfits as the lift made my breasts look fuller and perkier, while still feeling very comfortable and secure.
Overall: 4/5
Do stick-on bras work?
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?
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.
What is the best stick-on bra?
The best kind of stick-on bra is sticky (obviously), but not sooo sticky that it rips off skin or leaves a red mark afterwards. All of the bras we’ve picked in this edit stay in place but won’t tug on your skin when it’s time to whip it off.
It should also keep the girls lifted and supported in the comfiest way possible, and there are even some that give push-up bra levels of oompf. This all being said, and considering price and comfort, H&M’s self-adhesive push-up bra is described by our Fashion Assistant, Angel Todd, as “really giving ‘boob-job.” Yeah, we’re sold.
The Ann Summers Stick on backless strapless bra is also a Cosmo girl fave. Former Fashion Assistant, Courtney Smith, credits this stick-on bra for its ability to give the girls a serious push. In her very own words: "If you’re after cleavage, this one’s for you." Noted.
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.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Cosmo's team of fashion and lifestyle experts have decades of combined experience in the industry. We conduct research across retailers of all kinds – testing many brands IRL – to bring you the best clothing, accessory, home goods and gadget picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
How we test stick on bras:
For this specific story, Cosmo editors wear-tested and tried stick-on bras over a period of time, judging the fit, performance, comfort, and durability of each. Special attention was paid to the support offered, as well as the volume and cleavage the bras created, if any. The team also trialled the application and removal process to get a real feel for the bra, as well as looking at the overall stickiness.
