When it comes to the best backless bras, it feels like determining those that are better than others rests on just one thing—whether or not the bra will stay on. You see, this bra style is quite a controversial subject.
Those with smaller busts may feel like a backless bra will rarely offer any support, making it easier to simply go braless. If you have a larger chest size and require a lift, wearing something that's stuck on can sometimes feel futile. As someone who personally wears a cup size bigger than a DD, there have been many times that I've been caught out having to wear a blazer or chic coat over my low-slung, scoop and cowl back wardrobe staples simply because I couldn't find the best backless bra to complement the spine-revealing silhouette.
A backless dress is one of Hailey Bieber's signature looks, proving how backless bras will help you unlock a multitude of outfit options.
The point is that backless bras are a tricky lingerie item to pin down and feel content with. In saying that, finding a backless bra that actually adheres to your body and suits a wide range of breast sizes shouldn't be a difficult task in itself. After making it a self-imposed mission to find suitable styles I can wear, trust and recommend, I discovered that there's an array of eligible backless bras available at leading bra brands, like Skims and M&S.
Without further ado, I bring you a comprehensive edit of the best backless bras to add to your underwear collection. Ahead, you'll find styles that are surprisingly multi-use, will suit an array of outfits and won't remind you of the gaudy "chicken fillet" styles we left behind in the early 2000s. Plus, I've also consulted the experts to answer every burning question you have about the best backless bras, so you'll never have to ask yourself how to wear one again. A world of open back looks, await...
The 16 Best Backless Bras of 2025
- Best Overall Backless Bra: Skims Multi-Way Bra, £62
- Best Backless Bra on the High-Street: M&S Wired Stick-on Strapless Winged Bra, £24
- Best Backless Bra for Bigger Breasts: Simone Perele Eden Lace-Trimmed Stretch-Woven Plunge Bra, £85
- Best Backless Bra for Smaller Breasts: H&M Self-Adhesive Bra, £13
- Best Stick-On Backless Bra: Intimissimi Strapless Bra With Transparent Back, £39
Style Notes: Kim Kardashian's intimates and shapewear brand, Skims, is pioneering for so many ways; a bra with built-in nipples, sculpting garments that won't make you feel like you're being constricted, bras that you can wear all day without feeling uncomfortable. The multi-way bra is another feather in the reality star's hat. With adjustable straps, the lightly-lined underwire bra can be worn up to 30 different ways. As the brand explains, it's technically advanced thanks to the "plunge neckline, interior silicone technology for max grip, and side boning for added support", but when it comes to styling, it can suit "every neckline and for any occasion".
Cup Sizes: A - G
Band Sizes: 32 - 44
Colours: Four; sand, clay, sienna, onyx.
Style Notes: Designed in Italy, this backless bra is strapless, seamless and softly graduated with plush padding to give the look of a fuller appearance. The backless bra is made possible by two transparent stick-on bands that gives the bra a second-skin feeling, as the brand boasts.
Cup Sizes: A downside to the bra is that the cup size remains the same, irrespective of the band size you choose.
Band Sizes: The band size is quite a limited selection, too, as it's only offered from a size 34 - 38.
Colours: Two; black and soft honey beige.
Style Notes: We've made no secret of the fact that we love Marks and Spencer lingerie, so where better to find a decent strapless bra than the high-street store? For this bra, the wingless design allows you to wear it with so many styles, and the wiring will provide the support you would usually get from bras that have straps.
Sizes: This bra is offered in size 1 through 6, but there is a nifty style guide to help you find which size is best for you based on your regular cup and band size.
Colours: Two; black and opaline.
Style Notes: With delicate lace bands and a softly scooped cup design, this backless bra from Simone Pérèle is a stretch-woven plunge style that bridges French lingerie with function. The style is unique because of the wrap-around strap that hooks at your waist for a true backless finish.
Sizes: Offered in four sizes (1 - 4), so you'll need to refer to the size guide to ensure you find your perfect fit.
Colours: Three; black, white and 'peau rosée' (or pinkish skin).
Style Notes: Channel your inner A-lister with this Hollywood-adjacent backless bra. With a fully adhesive U-plunge shape that contours to your front, you don't have to worry about the bra peeling off halfway through the night, thanks to a sturdy and sheer band that fixes around your back.
Cup Sizes: A - E
Band Sizes: Only offered in one band size: 32.
Colours: The caramel style pictured is the only colour this backless bra is offered in.
Style Notes: Those with smaller chest sizes will benefit from the smoothing and lifted effect this self-adhesive bra from H&M offers. The backless bra comes in three shades to suit your skin tone and can be washed and reused.
Cup Sizes: A - D.
Band Sizes: This style is designed without a band.
Colours: Three; black, dark beige and light beige.
Style Notes: Boux Avenue is always a trusted and reliable staple for underwear solutions. This backless bra is a strapless style and is finished with a clear silicone adhesive band to hold it in place.
Cup Sizes: A - D
Band Sizes: 32 - 38
Colours: Offered in a sand and a black.
Style Notes: If wearing a look with a slight back reveal, this durable and dependable Victoria's Secret bra is for you. The deep scoop back sits just below the shoulder blades, meaning anything from halterneck tops to dresses with keyhole button-ups will fit this style.
Cup Sizes: A - DDD
Band Sizes: 32 - 38
Colours: Two; black and sweet praline nude.
Style Notes: If you read any bra buying guide here on Who What Wear UK, you'll always find a Wonderbra mention. This comes down to several factors, but mainly it earns the adoration of our editorial team for its comfort, ability to last and larger size range. These three qualities all make an appearance in this backless bra. The brand recently updated the design to feature improved support and reveal the entire back, making it one of the more versatile and well-structured backless bras.
Cup Sizes: A - DD.
Band Sizes: 32 - 38
Colours: Black and beige.
Style Notes: This Next style is a hardworking backless bra that won't cost you a fortune. It also has one of the bigger size ranges on the market, this backless bra is offered up to a size 40 DDD, and with a lifting underwire, it will work with a wide variety of body shapes.
Cup Sizes: A - E
Band Sizes: 32 - 40
Colours: White, praline nude and back.
Style Notes: For just enough coverage without a full bra style, these adhesive silicone patches do just the trick. Made with a matte finish to go undetected under lights or camera flashes on evenings out. Plus, this style comes in two sizes and three tones for the perfect match for you.
Size: As will covers just your nipple and areola, it's only sold in two sizes.
Colours: Available in three shades of nude.
Style Notes: New Look is not a store that immediately springs to mind when it comes to servicing my underwear needs, but after reviewing this stick-on bra, I've become a convert. For quite an inexpensive style, the grip and cup shape are actually quite effective at holding and lifting.
Cup Sizes: A - DD
Band Sizes: This is a stick-on style, so it doesn't come with a band.
Colours: Black and white.
Style Notes: This clever adhesive bra can be trimmed into a shape that fits your bust perfectly. Made from sustainable and hypoallergenic material (see: hemp), this sensitive-skin approved bra will provide maximum support without irritating.
Sizes: Comes in four different sizes, so you'll have to refer to the size guide to find the number that serves you best, but it caters from a 28A through a 42B.
Colours: Available in three different tones.
Style Notes: Complementing styles with an ultra-plunging open back, this stick-on bra is both backless and strapless, meaning your chest can stay lifted and supported, even in the most body-conscious of fits.
Cup Sizes: A - D.
Colours: Ganache Nude
Style Notes: A hybrid between a stick-on style and fabric tape, these intelligently designed cups are made with a slight stretch to ensure the cups will stay in place while still keeping your chest appearing taut and lifted.
Sizes: S/M, M/L
Colours: Honey soft beige.
Style Notes: Don't worry about compromising on coverage with this backless style. The style is accented with a front closure to enhance the appearance of cleavage.
Cup Sizes: A - D
Colours: Latte
Style Notes: This stick-on, U-plunge bra features push-up padding and under-wiring to provide all-day support.
Cup Sizes: A - E
Colours: Black and Pastel Rose Nude.
What Should I Look for in a Backless Bra?
"I believe that a great outfit always starts with great underwear; it’s the foundation to every wardrobe," explains Soozie Jenkinson, the Head of Lingerie Design at M&S.With a storied career that dates back decades—including launching the the category at the expensive-looking high street retailer—Jenkinson's advice and authority on the topic has guided hundreds of thousands of British women to finding the bra that suits them, so it was only fitting that we turned to her when seeking out an answer to this question.
"A multiway or backless bra is a must-have, hardworking, versatile style," she adds. "It's a go-to for occasion wear, allowing you to wear a low back, backless, strapless or one-shoulder outfit while feeling fully confident, supported and comfortable."
Most importantly, Jenkinson advises that top qualities to consider when buying a best backless bra are options that are "designed to look effortless whilst being lightweight, discreet, supporting and shaping".
How Do Backless Bras Stay On?
No—it's not some fashion magic that helps backless bras stay on. It's an understandable thought process, as some of the best backless bras don't include a band or even straps to help keep the cups in place. Ultimately, Jenkinson tells me that it comes down to adhesive.
"M&S's backless bras have been carefully tested to ensure that they stay in place from day through to evening. The discreet side wings help the bra remain in place, and the lightly padded cups give a smooth silhouette under clothing with a subtle lift," she adds.
How to Measure the Size of a Backless Bra?
Given that many of the best backless bras just come with stick-on cups, it's important to know how to measure your size correctly so you can shop the style that fits you best, especially when ordering online.
Jenkinson tells me that when choosing a backless bra, "you should opt for your usual cup size, but that sometimes these styles may be sized as numbers, rather than the traditional band and cup combination. "This is due to these bras not having a traditional underband, so the fit of the cup becomes even more important," she notes.
If you're between cup and band sizes, organising a bra fitting will be paramount. Jenkinson also recommends that if you're buying a backless bra to wear to a specific occasion, like a black-tie soirée, trying the bra on with your dress will ensure you won't have any surprises on the day.
What are the Differences Between Stick-On Bras and Multi-Way Bras?
"Bras with sticky technology are designed to adhere directly to the skin. They are brilliant for backless dresses or sheer panels where a traditional bra with a back fastening would be visible – think open backs, low sides, and delicate décolletage," Jenkinson advises.
On the other hand, backless bras with transparent bands and multiway bras "offer more structured support and are ideal when you want to go strap-free but still need a secure band around the body," she explains.
How Long Should Sticky Bras Last?
If you choose to purchase a stick-on bra, one of the most important concerns of wearing it is the upkeep. Unlike regular bras, you'll need to pay extra special care to maintain the shape, quality and ensure longevity. "With the right care, a sticky bra should last 15-20 washes," Jenkinson says.
"It’s important to clean the bra gently after each use. I’d advise hand-washing them gently with a mild soap and letting them air dry before re-covering the adhesive and carefully storing," she adds. "My top tip is to keep the original film the bra comes with and press it back over the adhesive when you’re not wearing it, as it helps protect and preserve the stickiness for longer.”
Why Trust Us?
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
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