Whether you’re dressing up in a backless dress, a barely-there tank top, or love living the braless life (hi, same), a roll of boob tape can be your BFF. This sticky tape lifts, sculpts, supports, shapes, and covers up nipples when a bra just won’t cut it. Best of all, its flexible design make it easy to customize to your breast size, style of clothing, and level of support you desire.
There is one caveat: People with sensitive skin may experience some itchiness or irritation from wearing boob tape (especially when taking it off), but there are things you can do to prevent that from happening. Like anything else you put on your skin, it’s important to know what’s in a boob tape before you buy. From there, proper application, removal, and boob care can stop irritation in its tracks. More on all that below.
The 7 best boob tapes, at a glance:
What to look for in a good boob tape
Board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, recommends opting for boob tapes that are hypoallergenic, latex-free, and made with paper or cloth. “Start with a minimum strength hold and work up to a stronger hold option as needed, as they tend to be more irritating,” she says. Additionally, consider your specific needs. For example, if you have larger or heavier breasts, she recommends boob tape with a wider band. Or, if you tend to perspire a lot, look for sweat- or water-resistant boob tape.
Wardrobe stylist Tracy Shapoff adds that the key to finding a good boob tape is finding one in a shade that matches your skin tone. “Picking the right shade for you will make all the difference in your look,” she says. “It ensures a seamless, invisible finish.”
How to use boob tape
Boob tape is certainly not the only option available if you want to nix the traditional bra, as sticky bras (aka, chicken cutlets) and pasties can work in some scenarios, too. This begs the question: When should you use boob tape instead of pasties? The short answer: It depends on the final look you want to achieve.
“Pasties are used for coverage, whereas breast tape is used for lift and support,” Shapoff says. In other words, if you want to cover up the nipple and areola under sheer clothing, pasties will do the trick. Depending on the design and style, some adhesive bras can provide lift, too, however if you want optimum lift and support, opt for boob tape.
As for how to apply it, most boob tapes come with a manual with ideas and instructions on the different ways to use it. If you’re wearing a plunging neckline, Shapoff recommends applying the tape straight up towards the shoulders to give support and fullness. For a strapless look, “creating a bandeau with strips running horizontally will give you plenty of cleavage and support,” she adds. Or for a flatter look, she suggests binding your chest with the boob tape.
The 7 best boob tapes
Best overall
Nue Boob-Job-In-A-Box — $25.00
Nue’s Boob-Job-In-A-Box is hypoallergenic, latex-free, and the fabric has a stretch that moves with you while providing support. Shapoff also loves that this boob tape is waterproof and sweatproof, which means it’s a great option for hot days and for wearing under bathing suits. It comes with plenty of tape to last you awhile (16.5 feet per roll to be exact). Another win: It comes in four shades: light, medium, light-medium, and dark. And, there’s also a travel-friendly version with pre-cut strips that’s only $15.
Best for large busts
HighOh, Boob Tape Kit — $43.00
“This tape is very soft and secure with a large, 4-inch width that’s helpful for those with larger or heavier breasts,” Dr. Shirazi says. It also gets her stamp of approval because it’s made from natural cotton medical fabric, which is hypoallergenic and less likely to irritate the skin. Bonus points: She also likes that this boob tape is recyclable and long-lasting. It’s designed to stay on for more than 12 hours.
It is a little pricier, but it comes with two rolls of boob tape (each features 16.5 feet of tape) and five pairs of nipple covers. Note that some people may have an allergic reaction to the tape, so it’s recommended to wear it for less than two hours on your first wear and slowly build up.
Best boob tape on Amazon
Risque, Body Tape — $17.00
With nearly 10,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, The Risque Body Tape is another good boob tape option that Shapoff recommends. It’s made of cotton and is waterproof and sweatproof. “I love that this comes in a full kit with the silicone nipple covers as well,” she says. “The kit makes it super easy to grab and go without having to buy multiple different pieces.” Another pro: The tape is also multi-use. You can also add it to heels or other shoes to prevent rubbing.
Best budget
Hollywood Fashion Secrets, Body Contour Tape — $13.00
If you need boob tape on a budget, Amazon has your back (er, boobs) covered with Hollywood Fashion Secrets’ Body Contour Tape. “I love this tape,” Shapoff says. “It comes in a range of four inclusive shades as well as a pair of no-show concealers for extra coverage.” Other pros: It’s affordable, hypoallergenic, waterproof, and made of soft and stretchy material.
Best boob tape kit
Good Lines, Party Pack Boob Tape Kit — $60.00
Hypoallergenic? Check. Waterproof? Check. Even better: This boob tape comes with all the boob essentials you need, making it great for boob tape beginners. “Good Lines has an entire Party Pack, including pre-cut shapes, tape roll, [and] nipple covers, and you can choose your adhesive level,” Shapoff says. “This pack cuts down on a lot of time and effort, especially for someone who isn’t as well versed with how to cut and place the big rolls of tape on their own already.” In other words, with this kit, you’re all set.
Best for sensitive skin
Booby Tape — $16.00
Dr. Shirazi recommends Booby Tape because it ticks all the must-have boxes: It’s hypoallergenic, latex-free, moisture-resistant, and is reasonably priced. The one con is that it only comes in three shades: beige, brown, and black. One reviewer writes that it “really works!” “I was skeptical but used it for a bridesmaids dress (all day event!) and everything stayed in place,” they say.
Another shopper who was trying the tape for the first time writes that they’re impressed: “Good quality and easy to remove off skin too. Does the job it’s supposed to do especially for some who is very small chested and need that extra lift!”
Best shade range
B-Six, Nippies Tape — $19.00
Shapoff also recommends B-Six’s Nippies tape for a few reasons. It offers a (slightly) wider variety of shades compared to other boob tapes. It comes in white, black, creme, caramel, and coco, so you have more variety when camouflaging under your clothes. Shapoff also loves that it’s soft and gentle on the skin since it’s made from nylon and medical-grade adhesive that is hypoallergenic and waterproof. There’s also a subscription option you can sign up for to get the tape at a discounted price.
Boob tape Q&A
How do I avoid skin and nipple irritation?
If the skin on your boobs and/or your nips are irritated after wearing boob tape, Dr. Shirazi says it’s usually due to the adhesive. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to prevent irritation. For starters, she advises not exfoliating or using toners on the skin before applying the tape. This can strip the skin, making irritation more likely; Applying it to clean skin is best.
To protect the nipples and areolas (which have thinner skin and are more susceptible to irritation), she suggests applying a barrier cream, ointment, or a non-stick pad before applying the boob tape. And if you have really sensitive skin, Dr. Shirazi advises limiting the amount of area you cover with the boob tape and how long and frequently you wear it. “Avoid using it daily as the more exposure, the more likely for the skin to become sensitized and reactive,” she says, adding that ideally each use should be limited to no more than 4-6 hours.
What’s the best way to remove boob tape?
How you remove the tape can also lead to irritation, which is why Dr. Shirazi emphasizes the importance of removing it gently. “Don’t rip it off like a bandage, as it can damage the skin and really hurt,” she says. “It’s best to rub a little body oil or Vaseline on the end to loosen the adhesive and gently work it off the skin. You may also use gentle cleansers and warm water in the shower.”
Help! My skin is irritated. What should I do?
If you take all the precautions and still develop irritation from wearing boob tape, Dr. Shirazi advises removing the tape ASAP, especially if there’s itching, burning, or pain. Once the tape is off, she recommends rinsing the area with water and applying a medicated cream 2-3 times a day for five days to calm the inflammation. She adds that you can also apply a barrier cream or Vaseline to protect and hydrate the skin.
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