What Bra to Wear With a Backless Dress

An open back rules out a regular bra band. The right option depends on how low the back goes, how much support you want, and the neckline in front. Here are the choices, from least to most coverage.

Stick-on adhesive bras

Adhesive bras have no straps and no back band. Each cup sticks to the side of your breast, and many styles have a front clasp or drawstring you pull together for lift. They work with the lowest backs and with most strapless and halter necklines.

• Apply to clean, dry skin with no lotion, oil or perfume, or they won't hold.
• Position the cups slightly higher and angled out, then connect the center for lift.
• Reusable silicone styles can be rinsed with water and air-dried to restore the grip.
• They give shape and lift but less support than a banded bra, so they suit smaller to medium busts best.

Strapless bras with a low back

If the back of your dress dips but doesn't go all the way to the waist, a strapless or bandeau bra with a narrow band can work. Look for silicone grip strips along the top edge and a firm band that sits below the dress line.

Convertible bras

Bras with removable straps can be worn strapless, halter or crisscross. A halter setup works under halter-neck dresses that are open at the back but closed at the neck.

Quick guide

Dress back	Try
Open to the waist	Stick-on adhesive bra
Low back, strapless front	Adhesive bra or strapless bra with a narrow band
Open back, halter neck	Convertible bra worn as a halter, or adhesive bra
Bandeau or off-shoulder top	Bandeau or strapless bra

Shop strapless and adhesive bras

See our strapless & adhesive bras, including reusable stick-on push-ups and convertible bandeau bras. Not sure of your size? Use our bra size chart.