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The no-show solution to all of your strapless or backless tops and dresses.

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.

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.

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 covers

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.

• Tape size: 16.6' L • Color options: Beige • Accessories included: One pair of reusable nipple covers

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 covers

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 covers

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/A

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 covers

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' L • Color options: Champagne, Mocha, Midnight • Accessories included: Nine pairs of disposable nipple covers, two rolls of tape, six sets of tape cups

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab experts test all varieties of bras, including bralettes, wireless bras and bras for small busts. We wash the bras in Lab, analyzing them post wash for changes in appearance or shrinkage and test stretch recovery to ensure proper performance with use. Plus, we work with real consumer testers who try out the bras, sharing their thoughts on characteristics like appearance, fit, comfortability and support. Through our recent Lab and consumer tests, we've amassed over 3,000 data points, providing us with insight into the best performing bras.

Although we haven't tested out these boob tape picks in Lab, we used our expertise when making our selections. Our top picks include products from popular brands and rave reviews from real users. We also worked with a medical professional for input about the safety of adhesives.

According to most of the boob tape brands featured in this article, boob tape isn't safe for everyone. These brands claim that boob tape is not meant for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding because of increased sensitivity in the breasts, or those with diabetes and people with thin and/or sensitive skin. Along with these pre-existing conditions, the brands suggest you shouldn't use boob tape if you plan to be in the sun for a long period of time.

Eisenberg suggests testing out any tape before use by "doing a patch test application by cutting a 2-3 cm square of the tape [and] placing it on the chest for at least 24 hours." Once you've waited the proper time, you can remove the test patch and check to ensure that you haven't experienced a reaction.

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.

Boob tape removal can be painful or damage the skin if done improperly, so it's important to remove the tape with care. Each brand offers its own instructions, so be sure to read over them before removing the tape. Some recommendations include:

✔️ Saturate the tape: Many brands suggest saturating the boob tape in a skin safe oil like coconut or baby oil. The oil helps to loosen the adhesive backing that is stuck to your skin and makes the removal process easier.

✔️ Steam in the shower: Some brands also suggest removing the product in a hot, steamy shower for the same reason that they recommend saturating the tape — it helps to lift the adhesive, allowing for easier removal.

✔️ Remove slowly: Eisenberg recommends "gently removing the tape by starting in one corner and carefully peeling it off very slowly."

✔️ Protect the skin: Once the tape has been fully removed, Eisenberg also recommends applying a petroleum-based product (like Good Housekeeping Seal holder Aquaphor) to the skin for hydration, adding that this extra step can help "protect the superficial layer of skin if any abrasions have occurred."

Amanda Constantine, GH's home & apparel reviews analyst, wrote this article, sourcing the picks from GH staffers and using her categorical knowledge gained from testing a variety of apparel products, including bras for large busts and swimwear. She has a Master of Science in Consumer Sciences from The Ohio State University, along with undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and marketing communications. For this article, she worked with Allison Eisenberg, PAC at Mandel Dermatology for input about the proper use of boob tape, including safety and removal.