12 Ways To Keep Strapless Bras In Place

Certain fashion struggles can be so real — like which undies are most comfy under a tight pair of jeans, or how exactly to wear a blanket scarf (still working on that one). Perhaps the most elusive of all tricks, however, is finding ways to keep strapless bras in place. Thankfully, certain hacks exist to keep you supported and comfortable, even when wearing a strapless bra for several hours.

The Expert

Carly Landig is a fashion stylist and creative consultant, and her expanding portfolio consists of clients from New York to Los Angeles. For a decade, she was the director of brand marketing at Who What Wear and oversaw creative and styling at Nordstrom. Now, Landig offers fashion styling, creative direction, and brand development and strategy.

What To Look For In The Best Strapless Bras

“I do not envy strapless bras — there are so many demands on them!” Landig wrote in an e-mail to Bustle. They’re expected to “shape up, stay up, be invisible, [and] be comfortable,” so in order to find a style that checks all of the boxes, Landig advises her clients to “invest in quality” and look for the following features:

“Good, medical-grade silicone at the cup’s edge and around the back is of utmost importance for non-slippage,” Landig wrote. “Secondly, ensure proper fit. My advice: look for brands that offer half-cup sizing and as the saying goes, measure twice, buy once.” Finally, “boning on the side straps provides extra support, but can quickly become uncomfortable. Make sure they are encased in quality padding for lasting wear.”

How To Keep A Strapless Bra In Place

Find creative ways to secure it: Even when your strapless bra is well-designed, you may want to get ahead of gravity with some creative hacks. Double-sided fashion tape, gripper fabric, and clear straps all help to keep your bra in place all night.

Keep it in good shape: Structure is important when it comes to strapless bras. For that reason, you’ll want to care for them properly while both washing and storing them.

Try an adhesive option: If all else fails, swap the standard strapless bra for something stickier. Adhesive bras, body tapes, and nipple covers all provide coverage and support using skin-safe adhesives, most of which are reusable and resistant to sweat. As a result, your “bra” isn’t going anywhere, granted it’s stuck to your skin.

With all of that in mind, here are some tips, hacks, and tools you can use to keep your strapless bras working as intended for hours on end.

1. Choose A Strapless Bra That Actually Stays Put

• Also available on Nordstrom, $76

“The Wacoal Red Carpet strapless bra is the highest-rated strapless bra on the market and has changed the fashion lives of my larger-chested clients. If you need support, it’s a no-regret purchase,” Landig wrote. Full-coverage foam cups, comfortable underwire, non-slip silicone strips, side boning, and a thick band keep it in place long-term — even if you have a larger bust. It comes in plenty of inclusive sizes and it’s technically a convertible bra, meaning you can add straps if you want.

One reviewer wrote: “Best strapless bra out there for larger chests. Wore this with my bridesmaid dress at a wedding and barely had to readjust. Worth every penny!”

Available sizes: 30D — 44G | Available color options: 5

2. Opt For Stretchy Materials That Move With You

If you find the structure of a strapless bra uncomfortable (especially under your everyday casual outfits), you may want to opt for something softer and stretchier. This strapless bandeau bra gets its security from its extra-wide band and premium nylon-spandex material, not to mention its non-slip silicone strips on the hem of the cups. It’s wireless, but has removable pads for comfort and support, plus it comes with clear straps that you can attach for extra security.

One reviewer wrote: “I got this because I hate underwire bras and the way they dig in to my sides under my armpits but I need a strapless bra for strapless sun dresses this summer. This one is great! It’s so comfortable but also holds my breasts in place and doesn’t slip.”

Available sizes: Small — X-Large | Available color options: 4

3. Or Pick A Longline Bra For More Support

• Also available on Bare Necessities, $62

Those with bigger busts may find that strapless bras constantly slip down, but this Parfait Elissa full figure bra is designed to stay put thanks to its longline silhouette. Ample size options and multiple hook-and-eye closures help you find a secure but comfortable fit. The bustier also has boning, grippy fabric, and silicone strips, plus its smooth fabric (in four color options) remains invisible underneath gowns and T-shirts alike.

One reviewer wrote: “So glad I found this strapless bra! I am a 38 DD and have been searching for years to find a bra that will stay put and will support my generous bust.”

Available sizes: 32C — 42G | Available color options: 4

4. Secure It With Double-Sided Body Tape

No matter what you’re wearing, double-sided clothing tape will add additional security and help to keep it in place. This is safe for both skin and clothing. It’s also totally transparent and designed to stand up to moisture, movement, and time, all without leaving a residue on your clothes. Use it to secure your bra to your skin and your top to your bra.

One reviewer wrote: “Used this to tape my clothes to my strapless ‘floating’ bra and it didn't budge. Ran around all day long and it lasted all day! Really works great.”

5. Or Add Your Own Gripper Bands

If you’re handy with a needle, a sewing machine, or fabric glue, you can add your own silicone gripper strips to your strapless bras. This elastic band aims to create additional grip with its silicone wave design. It’s easy to sew (or glue) onto any material of your choice, and each roll comes with 12 yards of tape.

One reviewer wrote: “I am pleased with this stuff. Grippers on this elastic once I sewed it to the broad, but slippery straps on a bra that always had the straps falling off, provided the added grip of extra holding power to keep the straps in place without any discomfort.”

6. Try Invisible Straps With Convertible Bras

Convertible strapless bras have tabs that you can use to attach straps when needed — but when you add these clear bra straps, you get support and subtlety at the same time. They come in your choice of several widths, but all of them are adjustable and completely transparent.

One reviewer wrote: “These worked great. [...] Bought a dress for my son's wedding. It had sheer fabric all across the shoulders. Didn't want to call attention to my bra straps, and also didn't want to struggle with a strapless bra all day long.”

Available sizes: 8mm — 18mm | Available color options: N/A

7. Wash Your Strapless Bras With Care

• Also available on Walmart, $10

Some experts recommend only hand-washing your bras, but if you don’t have time for that, there are ways to protect your lingerie in the washing machine. These bra wash bags keep your bras separate and protected to minimize snags, damage, and stretching. They come in a pack of three and are made from double-layered mesh and rust-resistant zippers.

One reviewer wrote: “What a difference! No tangles, no snags, no mess - but fresh and clean results. After years of fighting with how to wash bras these bags are a clear winner.”

Available sizes: Medium — X-Large | Available color options: N/A

8. Store Them Properly To Prevent Damage

• Also available on Sears, $21

In order to keep any bras in great shape (but especially strapless bras), you should avoid simply stuffing them in drawers. These hanging bra organizers offer a space-savvy but effective solution. Each one holds up to five bras, storing them in tiered pockets that protect the structure of the cups. Since they hang in your closet, you’ll be able to see your collection at a glance and save space simultaneously.

One reviewer wrote: “I really needed a way to store my bras without smooshing them in a drawer. This works perfect for this. I’m very happy with my purchase. I would definitely recommend.”

Available sizes: N/A | Available color options: 2

9. Try An Adhesive Bra

When a strapless bra simply won’t work, an adhesive solution is definitely worth a shot. This adhesive sticky bra is a number-one best-seller that’s racked up over 20,000 reviews. The cups are coated in a reusable silicone gel that withstands sweat and movement, so you get support and coverage without any straps or bands whatsoever. It comes in several colors and sizes up to a G cup.

One reviewer wrote: “My sister in law had one of these and let me borrow it in an emergency when I had a strapless dress but no strapless bra for family pictures. After wearing it, I had to get one of my own. The adhesion holds up all day, even in 100°, high humidity heat like we have in Louisiana. I wore mine all day today for the first time, and I never worried that it was about to fall off.”

Available sizes: A — G | Available color options: 8

10. Or Nipple Covers For Minimal Coverage

• Also available on Nordstrom, $27

If you love the feeling of going braless, but still want some nipple coverage, these Nippies reusable nipple covers have been called “magic,” by reviewers. The sticky adhesive stays put while the tapered silicone (in your choice of five tones) completely blends into your skin. They’re also washable, reusable, comfortable, and safe for sensitive skin.

One reviewer wrote: “I've only had these a week and I've worn them 3x. I live in a hot humid climate and these not only stayed put but also didn't leave a residue or break me out in any rash.”

Available sizes: Small — Large | Available color options: 5

11. Create Your Own Bra With Boob Tape

You can also create your own bra with boob tape. These rolls of skin-friendly adhesive bands allow you to make your own strapless bra or create slings that offer invisible support for plunge tops and backless dresses. Available in several different colors and widths, the fabric is lightweight, breathable, and tear-resistant, plus you can cut it to the exact size you need.

One reviewer wrote: “This boob tape is absolutely fantastic! It provides incredible support, molding perfectly to my body for the lift I need. It works seamlessly with different styles and necklines, thanks to its discreet adhesive and breathable material. The durability is impressive, staying securely in place without any slippage. This tape is a game-changer, giving me the confidence and support I’ve been looking for.”

Available sizes: 2-inch — 3-inch | Available color options: 4

12. Or Try These Budget-Friendly, Expert-Recommended Pasties

For those who need a little bit of coverage and support, Landig recommends these Goldfarm pasties. “ I never leave for a styling job without a box of these in my kit,” Landig wrote. “I prefer the cloth pasties over the silicone as they create a more seamless look no matter how slinky the fabric.” They come in your choice of beige or black, and since each order costs under $10, but includes 20 nipple covers, they’re the most budget-friendly option on this list.

One reviewer wrote: “These are perfect. I have large boobs so I usually do wear a bra but I have a few dresses and shirts I recently got where I don’t need one and these worked perfectly for them. They’re much better then I expected. They’re so comfortably that you can’t even notice you’re wearing them. I highly recommend.”