Ditch Your Bra for This Tape Alternative
- 1/9
Ditch Your Bra for This Tape Alternative
Sometimes, bras just get in the way — it's frustrating when your bra sticks out of your clothes, but going without one isn't always an option. If you still want some support and lift but can't or don't want to wear a bra, you may find a friend in boob tape. Boob tape is a fabric strip with a strong adhesive back that is strategically applied to the breasts for coverage and support. It's easily concealed under all types of garments, making it perfect to wear under everything from wedding dresses to low-cut or backless tops and even swimsuits. Plus, you apply the tape directly to your body, so you won't have to worry about it fitting poorly or falling off if you're moving around a lot. And most boob tapes claim to be waterproof, so you can wear them even if you plan on working up a sweat or swimming.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test out all sorts of bras, including sports bras, strapless bras and bras for large busts for factors including support, comfort and durability. We used this expertise, plus our many years of testing textiles, to select boob tapes we believe will perform best. For additional insight, we worked with Allison Eisenberg, PAC at Mandel Dermatology who shared tips about patch testing and how to safely remove the tape.
Our top picks:
Keep reading to find our favorite boob tape picks, along with useful advice from Eisenberg about boob tape removal and safety. Looking for a strapless, backless option but aren't sure about boob tape? Check out the best backless bras that stay undetectable beneath clothing.
theboobtape - 2/9
1) Boob Tape
Risque
amazon.com
$19.96
Risque's boob tape kit is a best seller on Amazon with over 7,000 five-star ratings, and it's less than $20. Our Lab pros appreciate the cotton blend fabric front — cotton is a breathable fiber, so it's got a more comfortable feel. And we love the grid lines on the removable tape backing that make cutting the strips to your desired length and shape a breeze. Plus, the brand says the tape can even be used to prevent blisters caused by uncomfortable shoes! This pick is only available in two colors, so the tape may be more difficult to conceal under your clothing if the colors don't match your skin tone.
• Tape size: N/A
• Color options: Beige and Black
• Accessories included: One pair of reusable nipple coversRisque - 3/9
2) Boobytape
Flancci
amazon.com
$7.99
If you're shopping for boob tape on a budget, Flancci's boob tape is available for under $10 and comes with a pair of reusable silicone nipple covers. Reviewers say the cotton spandex blend fabric front is easy to stretch for application and is super breathable once applied. The brand claims that the tape is waterproof, so the adhesive will stay in place if you work up a sweat, and it's meant to last all night long. With 16.6 feet of tape to work with, it can be used multiple times on chests of all shapes and sizes.
• Tape size: 16.6 L'
• Color options: Beige
• Accessories included: One pair of reusable nipple coversFlancci - 4/9
3) The Boob Tape and Nipple Covers Combo
The Boob Tape
theboobtape.com
$24.99
A great option for boob tape beginners, this combination pack from The Boob Tape comes with a roll of tape, a pair of nipple covers and a how-to booklet with instructions for application. We appreciate the imagery that showcases a variety of ways to apply the tape, making it simple to achieve your desired results. Although we haven't tried this tape out in Lab, reviewers say it has a strong hold and that it stays place all night long, comparing its lift and support to that of a push-up bra. You can choose between black, chocolate and nude colors to match different skin tones, too.
• Tape size: 16' L
• Color options: Nude, Black, Chocolate
• Accessories included: One pair of disposable nipple coversThe Boob Tape - 5/9
4) Brassybra Cocoa
Brassybra
brassybra.com
$38.00
Brassybra's boob tape cups make boob tape application simple. These teardrop-shaped pieces of boob tape cover more surface area than standard boob tape and don't need to be cut or layered like most boob tape on rolls. To use, you just lift your breast, apply the tape cup and smooth it into place. Because the tape is designed to fit the chest more like a traditional bra cup, you can choose between three sizes: A-B, C-D and DD-DDDD. And there are no extra pieces of tape to extend up your shoulders or along your sides and back, making it perfect to wear under backless dresses or tops.
• Tape size: N/A
• Color options: Vanilla, Caramel, Chocolate, Cocoa, Licorice
• Accessories included: Three sets of nipple coversBrassy Bra - 6/9
5) Breast Tape
B-Six
nordstrom.com
$22.50
Nippies is a popular boob tape brand that comes in an inclusive assortment of colors to match your skin tone — white, creme, caramel, cocoa and black. (Nordstrom only carries cocoa and black, but you're able to purchase all of the color offerings on the B-Six website.) Our Textiles Lab pros love the smooth nylon stretch fabric front, which should be easy to conceal for a seamless look. One analyst who has tried this boob tape shared that it lasts all night long. Unfortunately, you have to purchase Nippies nipple covers separately, but we think they're worth the extra buy. They're our pick for best adhesive pasties and are a favorite of Associate Products & Reviews Editor Jacqueline Saguin who loves how well they match her darker features.
• Tape size: 16.4' L
• Color options: White, Creme, Caramel, Cocoa, Black
• Accessories included: N/AB-Six - 7/9
6) 4-inch Boob Tape
HighOh
amazon.com
$43.99
If you have a larger chest or are just looking for more coverage, HighOh offers boob tape that is double the size of boob tape from other popular brands at a whopping four inches wide. We haven't tested this pick in Lab, but we appreciate that it's made with a 100% cotton fabric front for a more comfortable feel. One reviewer with a G cup says that it provides great lift and support but mentioned it does take some practice to perfect application. For maximum coverage, you can wear it as is, but you can also easily customize the size and shape of the tape to fit you perfectly by trimming it into thinner pieces.
• Tape size: 16.5' L
• Color options: Nude
• Accessories included: Five pairs of nipple coversHighOh - 8/9
7) Party Pack Boob Tape Kit
Good Lines
goodlines.com
$59.95
Not sure which style of boob tape will work best for you? How about trying them all! Good Lines' boob tape kit includes all varieties of boob tape on the market in one convenient bundle. With this kit, you'll receive an impressive assortment of nipple covers, boob tape and boob tape cups. You can choose between three colors and three bra sizes: A-B, C-D and D-E. Even better — if the original "strong" adhesive doesn't provide enough support, or you just want a stronger hold, the brand offers an "extreme" adhesive level. That way, the waterproof tape is bound to stay in place during a night of dancing (and inevitable sweating).
• Tape size: 16.4'
• Color options: Champagne, Mocha, Midnight
• Accessories included: Nine pairs of disposable nipple covers, two rolls of tape, six sets of tape cupsGood Lines - 9/9
10) How to apply boob tape
Each brand offers its own instructions for proper and safe boob tape application, so be sure to follow the instructions for the specific product you choose. Some brands offer how-to visuals including sketches, videos and pictures of appropriate boob tape placement for different styles of tops and for different desired end results (like the one pictured here).
Generally, here's what brands suggest:
✔️ Cover your nipples: Use the nipple covers provided by the brand or a product you may have at home like a cotton round or gauze pad before applying the boob tape to protect the extra sensitive area.
✔️ Cut long strips: It's important to cut your boob tape strips to be long enough to fit your breasts comfortably. If you cut the strips too short, it can create unnecessary tugging or pulling on your skin, which can lead to irritation and discomfort.
✔️ Apply tape to clean, dry skin: If your skin is oily during application, the boob tape may not stick well or last as long as it's intended.
Laura Formisano, Good Housekeeping