7 best backless bras for summer, whatever your bust size

“A backless bra is just as it sounds — it’s any bra with a back that dips very low to accommodate backless tops and dresses,” says Jené Luciani Sena. In some cases, these bras take the form of adhesive cups with no backs at all, breast tape, or bustiers that structure the waist while leaving the back bare.

Headed for an event where you’ll be wearing an open-back dress or top and don’t want your straps or cups to show? Backless bras shape, cover, and remain invisible — although experts do note that this bra type is often easier for people with smaller busts to wear. “So much of a bra’s support comes from the band, so when you’re missing this, you’re missing a lot of the support,” adds Jené.

“Yes, it is possible to wear backless bras if you have a larger bust size,” says Zoe Price-Smith, Boux Avenue's Chief Design and Product Officer. "I would recommend going with an underwired style with extended side wings (the side wings are adhesive), as this will offer a better lift and support than silicone gel adhesive cup styles.

“It is important to remember, though, that a sticky bra will not offer the same amount of support as a balconette, or multi-way bra due to the lack of an underband. So, if you would prefer more support, another great option would be a low back converter — this can be attached to the hook and eye of your bra, and then the strap of the converter is placed around your waist, fastened at the front. This will allow you to wear a bra with straps for extra support, whilst turning the underband into a lower back style.”

“Yes!' states Zoe. ”Backless bras do actually stay on thanks to the silicone adhesive used to stick to the skin and stay in place. For the best results, you will want to start with clean, dry skin — avoid moisturisers, oils, or fake tan as sticky bras/backless bras and slippery skin don’t mix. Therefore, in really hot weather, you may find the bra starts to slip."

She adds: “It is also important to note that if you have sensitive skin, this may not be the correct product for you. You can always do a patch test, but if you are allergic to any adhesives or similar products such as plasters, I would advise not to wear one.

“As a backless bra usually stays in place by silicone adhesive, to avoid any irritation to the skin, I recommend not wearing one for more than 4 to 6 hours and allow your skin to breathe for a minimum of 72 hours between each wear.”

First, figure out what outfits you’re wearing with the bra. How deep is the back, and how plunging is the neckline? This will help you know just how much coverage and support you’ll need. Backless bras come in many styles, which mainly fall into the categories of: sticky bras, backless bustiers, backless bodysuits, nipple covers (some of which simultaneously lift the breast), and breast tape.

If you have bigger boobs, take a look at snug-fitting backless bustiers, bras that have convertible straps that go around the waist, bras with underwire, and adhesive bras with side wings. For those with smaller breasts, I recommend nipple covers, sticky bras, and breast tape.

It really is as simple as wearing a bra multiple times during a month — and at various points in my cycle, considering that often sways my size — to see how it fares. This includes wearing each backless bra for a few hours, under various items of clothing, to see if it stays put and provides suitable support.

For context, each backless bra was scored against the following criteria:

Unsurprisingly, only the bras that impressed made it into this edit. However, I also tried the following, which sadly didn't meet my standards:

• Bye Bra matte Silicone Pull Up Reusable Adhesive Nipple Covers, £25 — Not as supportive or shaping as some other options. Plus, I found this began to slip as I got sweaty.

In terms of what I'm currently testing, stay tuned for these reviews:

• SKIMS Seamless Sculpt Low Back Thong Bodysuit, £74
• Shewant Low Back Bra, £18.99

I've been reviewing underwear, shapewear, activewear, and wellness products, including cotton underwear, sports bras, and period pants, for almost three years — that's one year at Women's Health and 17 months at Glamour. During that time, I've seen countless trends and advancements, as well as a boom in our options.

To ensure I am an authority on functional fashion, I regularly attend press launches and interview clothing designers and brand founders, asking for their insight and shopping tips.

I also personally review as many new releases as possible. Ahead of my summer holidays, I've been reviewing backless bras from the likes of Boux Avenue, Lounge, H&M and Marks & Spencer to see which supports my 34DD chest best — and have even worn them to weddings, praying and hoping hold up for hours spent toasting and dancing. As such, you could say I'm more clued up on the best backless bras than your average online shopper.