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Just 21 Things That’ll Help You Wear That Outfit When A “Normal Bra” Won’t Work
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. Perhaps you're looking sideways at that halter top and trying to figure out what to do to make it happen. How many times have you defaulted to something from your closet with a "regular" neckline because you don't want to deal with the tricky bra situation? Or perhaps you've been on the prowl for a plus-size bra in a strapless silhouette that actually stays where you want it. Welp, we've got some solutions for you. Yep, we found that strapless bra. We also found a minimizer bra made to decrease your bust projection by up to 3 inches, so you can comfortably fit into that dress you haven't worn in a few years. And if you've got a "I can't wear ANY bra with this" kinda outfit, we've got you (and your boobs) covered with a couple of options. Promising review: "So I decided to put these to the ultimate test for 4th of July underneath my white, semi-sheer swimsuit. I wore them out in the Florida heat in the ocean all day, and they did not budge or peel off. I thought for sure these would take skin off by the time I got home because I just couldn't believe they stayed on the entire day (humidity is real). I was able to remove them with ease. I washed them with warm water and soap and let them dry, and the next day, they were super sticky, like they were brand new out of the package again. Buying these forever." —Marisa Get it from Amazon for $28.50 (available in three sizes, four colors, and two styles). BuzzFeed editor Natalie Brown swears by these pasties! Check out her Nippies review to learn more. Bare Babe is a small biz specializing in bra alternatives and body tape. Promising review (for the pic on the right): "I wear a 34C bra and got the Reusable Silicone Nipple Covers in size Large (color Caramel), and they are hands down the best I’ve tried. They’re nearly undetectable under clothing — the edges lay super flat, and they cover my entire breast area without creating any weird bulges like some others do. They stay in place, even with strapless or tight-fitting dresses, and they’re waterproof too." —Layla Perdomo Get them from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three sizes and five skin tones). Psst, the brand also makes some sticky nipple covers. Busties is a small biz. It even includes a test patch, so you can make sure the tape doesn't irritate your skin before wearing it. The tape is designed with a strong hold, so removal will absolutely require saturating the tape in oil before slowly and gently peeling it off! Promising review: "This stuff is amazing. I bought this gorgeous backless wedding dress with a plunging neckline and didn't think about how to make sure my boobs were covered and secure. The fabric was also pretty sheer. I took the dress to a seamstress who sewed pads in and did an awful job. The pads looked lumpy, they were too far down, and one was an inch lower than the other. In a panic with only a week before the wedding, I took to Amazon and landed on this tape. Y'all... This stuff is awesome. I applied it with no practice literally five minutes before my ceremony. Even with no idea of how to apply or what I was doing, I managed to secure my boobs AND they looked amazing. I'm a D cup and didn't expect much lift, but there was lift, coverage, and just enough cleavage. It stayed on during 90 degree weather and was easily removed after a quick soak in the bathtub and a little coconut oil. I will definitely use this stuff again. I feel like this tape has opened up new wardrobe possibilities for me. If you're on the fence, just get it. Saved my wedding." —MelBee Promising review (for the left pic): "I got Bondie for my Miami trip and it saved every outfit!! I used it on my bikinis to tan by the pool and on some dresses for dinners and the club. I have a larger chest so strapless dresses are constantly sliding down on me but Bondie kept everything in place and it didnt move at all. I was surprised how well it held up in the Miami heat too. Def recommend!! 🩵" —Amazon Customer promising review (for the right pic): "The yitties didn't move an inch! WOW!! Just wow. I’m amazed by the quality of this product and the overall effectiveness of holding my dress top on my tiddies. This product is for the girlies 100%! 🩵" —Gabriela Psst, this bra also comes with nipple covers. Promising review: "Seriously, having large (DDD) boobs can really put a damper on trying to wear cute shirts in the summer. Some shirts you can’t wear a bra with, and going braless is 100% not an option, so I heavily rely on sticky bras. I definitely prefer the silicone ones over the cloth ones, and this bra just reinforces that opinion. It sticks so well and is completely invisible, even under the clingiest shirts I own. Another huge bonus is the nipple covers! I have used many different types over the years and have found that the silicone ones can sometimes look puffy under certain shirts, but these covers are thin and (again) cannot be seen under clingy clothes at all. They come in handy if you know you will be outside and run the risk of sweating off your bra since the nipple covers do not have that issue." —Sarah F. Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes A–G cup and 11 colors). Promising review: "Ok, so first off, I'm not going to post a picture of me using the product because it's completely see-through, but that's what's so cool about it. It's reusable, doesn't hurt to peel off, yet is very sticky! It definitely lifts, I'm just not sure for how long. I will use these in the future. I like that it's almost invisible but works like a bra. Definitely good for low-back dresses." —Deanna S. Get it from Cakes for $48 (available in three skin tones). Promising review: "I cannot even tell you how many strapless bras I have tried on over the years. I am a 40DD and needed something for a bridesmaid's dress — and this was it! It's comfortable (almost like you're not wearing it!), stays in place, and was even relatively cool despite my sweating a lot. High recommend!" —akwhaley90 Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in sizes 34B–44DDD and three colors, as well as multipack options). It has five-way convertible straps (classic, halter, crossback, one-strap, or strapless), a flat band, and a flexible, poke-free underwire. Promising review (for cup size A 1/2): "I love the plunge and bustier style of this bra. It made me feel secretly sexy. It worked perfectly with the dress I wore. The fit was nice, and I didn’t have to keep yanking it up all evening." —Melissa S. promising review (for cup size ): "Best strapless bra. I have always struggled with finding a good strapless bra for a larger chest and flared ribs. This bra is the absolute best! Great support, so comfortable, and it doesn’t dig into my ribs. I wish it came in more color options because it is my go-to! Can’t recommend this bra enough!" —Meagan Get it from Third Love for $68 (available in band sizes 30–38 and cup sizes A–DDD, and also in black). Promising review: "Wow!!!!! I have been looking for something like this forever. First, it’s very comfortable. Most times when wearing other shapers, I end up having to take them off!!!! Not this one. Buy it, you won’t regret it." —Butterfly Beauty Get it from Amazon for $38.99 (available in sizes XXS/XS–4XL and two colors). Promising review (from a nursing reviewer): "Most comfortable nursing bra I have, hands down, and looks cute as well." —Chelsea Promising review (from a pregnant reviewer): "Worth the money 100% and if you get it on sale, even better!! I love the Momcozy brand. Their quality is always amazing. I have this now in three colors, and they are all beautiful. They are comfortable like a sports bra while also keeping my girls stable. I may have to size up after milk comes in, but I will wear these for a lifetime!" —Lindsay Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and six colors). Some reviewers like it for workouts, breast augmentation, breast reduction, shoulder surgery, and other procedures. Promising review: "My sister recommended this, she used it after heart surgery. I needed it for mastectomy surgery, and it is a wonderful bra. I like this brand far better than the ones the hospital put me in." —P. Priddy Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in sizes XS–3XL and six colors). Get it from Lane Bryant for $56.95 (available in band sizes 36–54 and cup sizes B–H, and three colors). Promising review: "I was surprised, I give them a 10/10. I needed something comfortable and discreet to wear with low‑cut tops, and they work even better than I expected. They come with extra accessories, stick on super well, and give a very natural lift. They’re skin‑friendly, didn’t irritate me at all, and they saved several of my outfits. What I love most is that they’re reusable.” 💖🫶🏻" —Dayanara Promising review: "This is a firm shaper without being too tight and uncomfortable. It's breathable and not too hot to wear during the summer months." —Ke-Ke Dalton Get it from Lane Bryant for $74.95 (available in sizes 14–36 and two colors). Promising review: "This shapewear slip fits well and provides great support. The stretch is amazing and helps create curves where necessary. It flattens the tummy, but does not inhibit breathing. The seams are strong and durable. The overall quality is fantastic! I wore mine all day, and it was very comfortable and did not roll up at the bottom. Make sure to review the sizing chart and order accordingly. I will be ordering more in other colors." —Dawn T Conway Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in S–4XL and four colors; also available in two other styles). Note: Reviewers say this shapewear is *very* snug, so if you want something a bit more breathable, consider sizing up. Promising reviews: "I really like this piece because I can wear it in so many ways. One day I threw on a sheer dress over this black slip and it looked great. Another day I threw on a sheer shirt over this slip dress, which made it look like I was wearing a skirt. I do wear it as a slip under my dresses. This piece is definitely worth the price." —Shannakulei "So I read the reviews and went up a size because I don’t like [when the fit is] too tight where you can’t breathe. I regularly wear a 2X, I got the 3X and it fits perfectly! I’m an hourglass shape and this is actually very very very comfortable! I wanted it for some of my more sheer dresses to use as a slip and it works perfectly!" —SMM76 Get it from Torrid for $22.45 (originally $44.90; available in sizes L–6X). Promising review: "Absolutely love this bra, perfect coverage, great support, super cute. At 36H, it's tough to find it all, but this bra has it. Also love the dark cherry color. Top notch!" —Laura M Get it from Knix for $68 (available in sizes 0–8++, which fits band sizes 28–48 and cup sizes A–G, and seven colors). I have the brand's power briefs and BOY do they really hold you in and stay put. Promising reviews: "I have worn this every day since it arrived — obsessed!!! I feel really smoothed out and it’s so so so comfortable. I’ve worn this as an undergarment to smooth me out under clothes and as a layering tank under sweaters and jackets." —Serena M. "I LOVE the adjustable straps on this. I’ve been wearing them crossed in the back for extra support! I’m a 38DD so the extra lift is muchhh appreciated." —Mimi T. Get it from Honeylove for $99+ (originally $99; available in regular and petite sizes XS–4X, five colors, and four styles). Promising review: "I wore this for my wedding, and it was amazing! I have pretty big breasts and have never found a strapless bra that can actually hold them up. This piece did an amazing job, I was so impressed. Highly recommend for plus-size/big-boobed people!!" —Marcelina Get it from Her Room for $68 (available in cup sizes B–FF, band sizes 34–50, and two colors). Promising review: "I have a 36G chest and find every other bra to have too much padding and structure to fit comfortably. I found Nuudii about a year ago, and every style is comfortable and gives just enough support. It really feels like I’m not wearing a bra! It takes a few wears to stretch to your perfect shape and size, but it’s easy to adjust as needed." —Emily P. "Love the lightweight material and versatility. If I could get away with not wearing bras ever, I would. This product makes wearing one comfortable." —Jessie D. Get it from Nuudii System for $52 (available in sizes S/S–XL/XL and seven colors). Check out more of the brand's "boobwear" for different needs. Promising review: "I'm in love with this bra. I love how it minimizes but lifts at the same time. The fact that my posture has improved dramatically due to the support is amazing. I love how I look and feel in this bra. It’s pure perfection! Thank you, Soma!" —VitaminSea Get it from Soma for $65 (available in cup sizes D–G, band sizes 34–44, and three colors). BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Elizabeth Lilly is a deputy editorial director with more than a decade of lifestyle journalism spanning a range of subjects under her (tool) belt that includes four and a half years at a home improvement magazine. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.