Top Stylists Reveal the Secret to Perky Boobs Without a Bra — No Matter How Old You Are

Slipping into a strapless top or a backless dress and you don’t want your bra straps or band to show? Or donning a swimsuit that just doesn’t give “the girls” proper support? Time was you had to suffer with a strapless bra that just would not stay up, shell out for a bra with uncomfortable clear plastic straps or worse, wear a bra under your swimsuit to combat the sag. But, these days, all you need to fix any of these issues, without the discomfort: lifting breast tape!

What is lifting breast tape?

Called boob tape, lingerie tape, lifting breast tape, this tape of many names does one very important thing: it lifts your boobs comfortably when a bra just won’t fit your look.

The idea for the tape came from the duct tape hack that fashion stylists used for decades to add lift under red carpet dresses on celebrities and models. Ouch! Thankfully, this tape innovation is a skin-friendly adhesive-backed fabric that comes in either a roll that you cut into strips (some come and pre-cut strips) and place on your boobs to help lift and hold them in place. It comes in all shapes and colors, but the result is the same: “Lifting breast tape is a wonderful solution to lift and shape your breasts,” says Holly Katz, personal stylist and host of Fashion Crimes Podcast. “You’ll instantly get the illusion of higher, rounder looking breasts.” 

“This tape is also great for providing proper support without the confinement of a bra or the extra fabric in the summer that can make you sweaty — the last thing you want during a heat wave is extra fabric to make you hotter,” says fashion stylist Anna Katsanis, who has worked with Jessica Chastain and Zoe Saldana. Here, the expert picks — one is right for you!

Best overall: Hollywood Breast Lift Tape

Best waterproof lifting breast tape: Booby Tape

Best tape for sensitive skin: Nood Shape Tape

Best for bigger cups sizes: Threads Lifting Breast Tape

No time for cutting? Best pre-cut tape

All stylists agree no matter which tape you choose, do a patch test before wearing to ensure you have no sensitivities or allergies. To do: Simply apply a small piece of tape to the breast area and leave on for 12 to 24 hours. “At the end of that time if your skin isn’t irritated, itchy or red, you are ready to apply,” says Katz.

How to apply lifting breast tape

Though it might seem intimidating, applying lifting breast tape is actually super easy. 

1. Start with clean skin that is and free of moisturizers and oils. “Skin must be completely dry,” says Katsanis. “I’ve used powder or just the smallest amount of deodorant spray or even a panty liner to soak up any extra moisture, especially during summer months to ensure tape really sticks.”
2. Stand in front of a mirror so you can ensure the tape is applied symmetrically on both breasts for a balanced lift, advises Sarah Whitwalker, founder of Bra Size Calculator. “It’s a smart idea to use nipple covers first to provide added comfort and painless removal.” One we like: Muqu Silicone Pasties (Buy from Amazon, $6). 
3. Use one hand to place your breast in the desired elevated position, and use the other hand to attach the bottom end of the tape to the base of your breast, starting at the side. One caveat: Don’t stretch the tape too tightly when pulling up, since it makes the adhesive weaker, and tape won’t last as long, warns Whitwalker. “Layer the strips on side-by-side, most breasts need three to four strips slightly overlapping, until you get to the breast bone,” says Katz. 

The tutorial below from YouTuber Idara Stephanie shows how to apply lifting breast tape for different shirt and dress necklines.

How to safely remove lifting breast tape

When it’s time to remove the tape your main goal is to soften the adhesive for a painless peel-off. “Apply a small amount of baby oil, coconut oil or adhesive remover to the edges of the tape, and let it sit for 15 minutes. This will help loosen the adhesive,” says George Wooming, M.D. head dermatologist at The Med Spa of North Texas.

Or run a washcloth under hot water, wring it out and apply to tape for 2 minutes. “This will soften the adhesive and make it easier to peel off,” says Dr. Wooming.

Tip: Be sure to use one hand to hold your skin taut while using the other hand to slowly pull the tape in the opposite direction. Finish up by applying a hydrating moisturizer to keep skin calm and avoid any potential irritation.

Want to learn about more ways to flatter your breasts? Check out these stories:

These New Bras Solve Every Booby Bother, From Back Bulge to Cup Gaps

These Beauty Products Make Summer More Comfortable By Nixing Chafing and Boob Sweat

9 Best Breast-Firming Creams for a Perkier-Looking Bosom

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