Adhesive Bras & Lingerie Accessories

What is an adhesive bra?

It is a bra that stays in place because it sticks to the skin. It usually has no straps or back fastening, although some styles come with a clear strap. It can be a pair of silicone or fabric cups with adhesive on the inside, lifts that raise the bust, or body tape that you cut to size. They are worn with strapless dresses, open backs, deep necklines and outfits where a regular bra would show. Many can be reused several times if looked after properly, and the product page says whether a style is single-use or reusable.

Types of adhesive bras and accessories

More than three out of four products are from Bye Bra, a Dutch specialist in reusable silicone lifts, adhesive cups and body tape. Its adhesive bras and cups (Miracle Bra, Barely There, Plunge Support, Diva Bra and Silicone Cups) range from cup A to D, and the U style, strapless and made for deep necklines, goes up to E; the Sculpting Lifts range from C to F; the silicone lifts with a clear strap go up to G, and the horseshoe-shaped lifting sheets are sold for cups D to F and F to H. Bye Bra also makes padded inserts with a push-up effect, which go inside the bra. The sexy tops are by Music Legs, in mesh or lace, and the bras made to be seen are by Insinuate and Exposed. Among the invisible adhesive styles are the Diva Bra, with clear wings and up to 25 uses, and the Barely There, in silicone and up to 50.

• Adhesive cups: two silicone or fabric cups that stick to each breast; in many styles they join at the front. They give shape and a little lift without straps.
• Lifts: adhesive pieces that stick to the breast and pull it upwards to raise it and define cleavage; some styles have a cup and others only lift.
• Body tape and double-sided tape: body tape is cut to size to support the bust under any neckline; double-sided tape fixes the fabric of the dress to the skin so it does not gape or shift.
• Replacement straps: clear or non-slip straps so the bra does not show or slip off the shoulder.
• Sexy bras and tops: lace, mesh or open-cup styles made to be seen; for other pieces, see lingerie or sets.

Sexy bras: designed to be seen

Sexy bras go beyond support. There are open-cup (peek-a-boo) styles, shelf bras that lift the bust without covering it, quarter-cup styles that show the nipple, sheer lace and harness-style strap designs. They are made to tease rather than to support: the idea is that they are seen. If you are looking for something to dress the nipple, there are also nipple covers, and if you need larger sizes, plus size.

Care and skin

Stick it on clean, dry skin, with no cream, oil or deodorant in the area, and never on irritated or broken skin. Before wearing it all day, test it on a small area of skin, especially if your skin is sensitive; if it itches or turns red, take it off. To remove it, peel slowly from one edge, without tugging. If the style is reusable, hand wash it in lukewarm water with a mild soap, without harsh chemicals, and leave it to air dry away from direct sunlight so the adhesive is not damaged. Single-use tape and lifts are not washed: throw them away after use.

How to choose

• Cup size: the product page says up to which cup each style supports; if you have a fuller bust, look for one that reaches your size or use body tape.
• Outfit: for an open back, go for adhesive cups or lifts; for a deep neckline, body tape or a narrow-cup style.
• Reusable: the product page says whether it is single-use or how many times it can be stuck on again.
• Material: silicone for volume and shape; fabric or tape for something thinner that does not show.
• Colour and finish: skin tone or clear if you do not want it to show, lace or mesh if it is a sexy bra made to be seen.

Frequently asked questions

Does an open-cup bra support the bust?

It depends on the style. Shelf bras and quarter-cup styles do lift and frame, like a balcony that presents the bust without covering it; cupless styles are purely decorative. If you have a fuller bust and want real support, choose an underwired style with a partial cup rather than a cupless one.

Which type of adhesive bra is best for me?

The one that suits the outfit and your size. For a strapless dress, adhesive cups work well; for a low-cut blouse, a style that gives shape and support, always in the size that fits you.

Are adhesive bras safe for the skin?

Generally yes: most adhesive bras are made from hypoallergenic materials and are safe for most skin types. Even so, test it first on a small area, and if your skin is sensitive, look for styles designed for sensitive skin.

How do I clean an adhesive bra?

By hand, in lukewarm water with a mild soap, without harsh products. Leave it to air dry out of direct sunlight so the adhesive is not damaged: that way it lasts for more uses.

Can you use an adhesive bra with a partner?

Yes. It gives a sensual look with no straps in the way; just make sure it is stuck on well before you start and that you are both comfortable with it.

Is it a good option if you have never worn one?

Yes, because there are no straps or fastenings to adjust. Choose a style that gives you the support you need and follow the instructions for putting it on and taking it off properly.

Is it true that they do not support and are hard to remove?

Not necessarily. Many modern styles are designed to give adequate support, and if you follow the instructions they come off easily and without discomfort when you peel them slowly from one edge. The key is to choose the right style for your size and outfit.

What does «bra» mean on a bra?

Bra is short for brassiere, the English word for the garment itself. You will see it in brand and style names, such as Bye Bra, shelf bra or push-up bra, but it always refers to the same thing.

Browse by brand

• BYE BRA
• Music Legs