How to Use Boob Tape: A Step-by-Step Guide

Boob tape can be a lifesaver when you're wearing a backless dress, plunging neckline, strapless top or anything else that makes wearing a normal bra difficult.

Unlike a bra, boob tape lets you customise where your support sits to work with the shape of your outfit. The trick is knowing how to apply it properly.

Here's how to use boob tape for secure, comfortable support — without spending half an hour fighting with it before you go out.

Find our comprehensive Boob Kit Here including one roll of Boob Tape, 2 x Nip Covers and a tube of BodiBond Liquid Fashion tape for only $35.

What Is Boob Tape?

Boob tape is adhesive tape designed to temporarily lift, shape and support the bust. Rather than having fixed straps, cups or a back band, you cut individual strips and position them according to the neckline of your outfit.

Clear silicone boob tape is particularly useful underneath sheer, light-coloured or fitted clothing because it is designed to be much less noticeable than traditional fabric boob tape.

Before You Start

Good preparation makes a huge difference to how well boob tape stays on.

Your skin should be completely clean and dry before application. Avoid applying moisturiser, body oil, sunscreen or fake tan to the area beforehand, as these can interfere with the adhesive.

Always patch test the tape on a small area of skin before using it extensively.

You'll need:

• Boob tape
• Nipple covers
• Scissors
• Clean, dry skin
• Your outfit nearby so you can check where the tape needs to sit

Step 1: Put on Your Nipple Covers

Always protect the nipple area before applying boob tape.

Place your nipple covers in position first, making sure the entire nipple is covered. The boob tape can then be applied over and around them.

This creates a protective barrier and makes removal considerably easier.

Step 2: Put Your Outfit On First

Before you start taping, put your dress or top on and work out exactly which areas will be visible.

Pay attention to the neckline, sides, back and any cut-outs.

You can then remove or lower the garment while applying the tape, using those boundaries as your guide. There's nothing worse than creating the perfect tape job only to discover that half of it is visible above your dress.

Step 3: Decide Where You Want the Lift

Different outfits require different taping techniques.

For a strapless dress, tape can generally be positioned from underneath the bust upward to create lift.

For a plunging neckline, position strips so they provide support from the outside of the bust while keeping the centre chest clear.

For a backless dress, keep the tape towards the front and sides so nothing wraps around into the exposed back.

The aim isn't necessarily to recreate the exact shape of a bra. It's to create the shape and support that works best underneath your particular outfit.

Step 4: Cut Your Tape Into Strips

Cut your boob tape into manageable strips rather than trying to work directly from the roll.

The exact length will depend on your bust size, outfit and the amount of lift you're trying to achieve.

It's usually easier to start with fewer strips and gradually add more support where necessary.

Step 5: Anchor Before You Lift

Apply the first section of tape to your skin without pulling it at maximum tension.

Once you've created a secure anchor, gently lift your breast into the position you want and smooth the remainder of the tape into place.

Avoid aggressively stretching the tape or pulling your skin. You want supportive tension rather than maximum tension.

Smooth each strip down firmly so the adhesive has good contact with the skin.

Step 6: Build Your Support

One strip usually isn't going to do everything.

Add additional strips alongside or slightly overlapping the first, building the support gradually until you're happy with the shape.

Larger or heavier busts will generally require more tape than smaller busts.

Once you're finished, move around, lift your arms and bend slightly to make sure everything feels secure before getting dressed.

Step 7: Secure Your Outfit

Boob tape supports your bust, but it won't necessarily stop your actual dress from moving.

If you're wearing a plunging neckline, wrap dress, strapless style or another outfit prone to slipping or gaping, a body and garment adhesive such as Bodibond can be used separately to help secure the fabric against your skin.

The combination gives you control over both parts of the problem: boob tape supports the bust, while garment adhesive helps keep the outfit in position.

How to Remove Boob Tape

Don't rip boob tape straight off your skin.

Remove it slowly and gently, supporting the skin as you peel the tape back. Follow the removal instructions supplied with your particular tape, and stop if removal is painful or irritating your skin.

Taking an extra few minutes at the end of the night is much kinder to your skin than treating it like a giant Band-Aid.

Common Boob Tape Mistakes

Applying it over moisturiser or body oil: Adhesive needs clean, dry skin to work effectively.

Skipping nipple covers: Don't apply strong adhesive directly over sensitive nipple tissue.

Using too much tension: More pulling doesn't automatically mean more support and can make the tape uncomfortable.

Not checking your outfit first: Always work out your garment's visible areas before deciding where your tape should go.

Removing it too quickly: Slow removal helps reduce unnecessary pulling and irritation.

What Can You Wear With Boob Tape?

Boob tape is particularly useful with:

• Backless dresses
• Strapless dresses
• Plunging necklines
• Halter tops
• One-shoulder styles
• Cut-out dresses
• Sheer or lightweight fabrics
• Occasion and wedding guest dresses

Because you control where each strip goes, you can adapt the placement to the garment rather than trying to find a bra that happens to work underneath it.

The Easy Option: Get Everything Together

If you're preparing for a wedding, ball, birthday or night out, having everything ready before you start getting dressed makes the process much easier.

Our Boob Kit contains the three essentials for tricky outfits:

5m Clear Boob Tape + Clear Silicone Nipple Covers + Bodibond Body & Garment Adhesive

Use the nipple covers for protection and coverage, boob tape for lift and support, and Bodibond to help keep your outfit securely in place.

One kit, one less thing to worry about while you're getting ready.