Using boob tape is one of the best things you can do to improve your appearance. However, applying it can be quite tricky, especially the first few times. But once you learn to use it, boob tape is a real game-changer.
In this article, we dive deep into how to use boob tape, with in detail step-by-step instructions. We’ll look into the many different methods of applying boob tape, whether you’re using it with backless, strapless, or deep v dresses.
Let’s dive in!
How To Use Boob Tape: Different Ways To Tape Your Boobs
There are actually countless different ways to use boob tape. Which way you should go with will mainly depend on your outfit, and what you’re trying to accomplish. Therefore, the first step before applying boob tape is deciding what you’ll wear.
Once you have chosen an outfit, you can look at the different ways to tape your boobs and see which one is the best for you. That means finding a method to tape your breasts so that the boob tape is not visible, but provides support and lift.
Below, we discuss the best and most useful ways to apply boob tape for backless dresses, strapless dresses, deep v dresses, and one shoulder dresses.
Keep in mind that it’s okay if you’re not satisfied with how you applied the boob tape the first time. Getting it right might take a little bit of getting used to it and a few tries. However, once you learn how to use it right, boob tape will significantly improve your look.
Practice makes perfect. After you apply boob tape 1-2 times, you’ll learn exactly how to get most out of your boob tape. You’ll also learn how much tape is enough so that it’s neither too tight nor too loose.
Regardless of the way you’ll use boob tape, you must ensure that your skin is clean and dry. The skin shouldn’t have oils, lotions and moisturizers on it, and it shouldn’t be irritated or sunburned. Oils and lotions can make the adhesive strip not stick as well.
In addition, if for some reason you fear that your skin is extremely thin and sensitive, you can first test it. By doing so you ensure that you don’t have allergies to the tape and that your skin isn’t extremely sensitive.
You can test the skin by applying a very small patch of boob tape (1 inch by 1 inch is enough) on your breasts (or on your arm even) and keep it for 24 hours (or as long as you expect to wear the boob tape for). If there’s no reaction when you remove the patch, you can feel safe using more boob tape on your breasts.
On the other hand, if the skin is irritated or red, it’s probably best not to use that particular brand of boob tape. In that case, it’s probably best to look for a hypoallergenic and latex-free boob tape.
And if you want to learn more about what boob tape is, what it does, who it’s for, and everything else related to boob tape, you can check our ultimate guide to boob tape.
Vertical Strips Style: How To Tape Your Boobs for a Backless or Low Cut Dress
Can be used with: backless dresses, low cut dresses, in some variations with strapless dresses
With the vertical strips method, you vertically apply 2-4 strips on each breast, lifting them upwards and inwards. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Regardless of the method you’re using to tape your breasts, the first step is the same. It involves applying nipple covers or pasties on your nipples, which are the most sensitive part of your breasts.
While this step is not mandatory, it’s definitely highly recommended. Not only does it protect the sensitive nipples, but more importantly, it makes removing the boob tape a painless experience.
Extra tip: If you don’t have nipple covers or pasties handy, even cotton pads will do fine – it’s definitely better than nothing.
Step 2: Cut out 2-4 strips of boob tape (decide on the length after you finish reading step 3 of this method) for each breast.
Step 3: Take the first strip of boob tape. Peel off the strip from one side and tape that side underneath your breast, right at its base in the middle.
With one hand hold the breast and lift it up where you want it to stay. Slowly peel off the tape across the breast upwards, taping over the nipple and above. Repeat the same process with the other breast.
The end of the strip can be wherever you want, depending on how high your outfit allows. It can end right above the breast, or it can go beyond your shoulders.
Keep in mind that the higher the strip ends, the more support it provides to your boobs. This is especially important for boobs that are on the bigger side.
Cut your vertical strips in step 2 according to how high you want to tape them.
You can use the vertical strips method even with strapless tops, if the strips end right above the breast.
Depending on your outfit, you can choose to tape the breast not straight above (across the nipple), but vertically on the side of the boob. This will allow you to wear really low cut dresses.
Step 4: Take the second strip and do essentially the same thing as in step 3, but next to the first strip. The second strip should go right next to the first one. You can choose to tape it diagonally, if that works better with your outfit. That way, the strips start next to each other, but end on the exact same spot above the nipple. Repeat the same process with the other breast.
Step 5: Take the third strip and tape it in the same way as in step 4. This time, tape the strip next to the first strip on the other side. It can end at the same spot as the first two strips. In that way, the tape forms a triangle shape covering and lifting your whole breast. Repeat the same process with the other breast.
That should be it! You can cut the strips shorter or longer, depending on how high you want to tape them. You can also add a fourth or fifth strip for additional support, or you can go with only 2 strips.
(Optional) Step 6: Depending on how low cut the outfit is, you can choose to add a horizontal strip at the end. To do this, cut a 12 inch (30 cm) boob tape strip.
Take the strip of boob tape. Lean forward slightly. Peel off the strip from one side and tape that side at the base of your breast (near your armpit), while you’re leaning forward. Slowly peel off the tape across the breasts to the other armpit, squeezing the boobs together as you go.
Don’t go straight across the boobs. Instead, go in a U-shape underneath your breasts, in order to push them upwards.
In this way, this strip of boob tape will push the boobs both inwards and upwards, making them perkier.
However, keep in mind that this optional step can only work if the outfit is not too deep. If it is, the horizontal strip will be visible, defeating its purpose.
A variation of the Vertical Strip Style for Criss Cross Halter Tops
If you wanna rock a Criss Cross Halter Top, it’s easy to do so with a slight variation of the vertical strips method. The main thing to keep in mind is to use shorter strips of boob tape, so that they’re not visible above the top.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Regardless of the method you’re using to tape your breasts, the first step is the same. It involves applying nipple covers or pasties on your nipples, which are the most sensitive part of your breasts.
While this step is not mandatory, it’s definitely highly recommended. Not only does it protect the sensitive nipples, but more importantly, it makes removing the boob tape a painless experience.
Extra tip: If you don’t have nipple covers or pasties handy, even cotton pads will do fine – it’s definitely better than nothing.
Step 2: Cut out 1-2 short strips of boob tape for each breast, and one longer strip.
Step 3: Take the first strip of boob tape. Peel off the strip from one side and tape that side underneath your breast, right at its base in the middle.
With one hand hold the breast and lift it up where you want it to stay. Slowly peel off the tape across the breast upwards, taping over the nipple and above.
Depending on your outfit, maybe you can’t tape straight across the breast. With criss cross halter tops, it might be better to tape diagonally and inwards, towards your neck.
You can optionally use a second strip of tape next to the first one.
Repeat the same process with the other breast.
The strips can be as high as your halter top allows. Keep in mind that the higher the strip ends, the more support it provides to your boobs. This is especially important for boobs that are on the bigger side.
Optional Step 4: Depending on your halter top, you can choose to add a horizontal strip at the end. To do this, cut a 12 inch (30 cm) boob tape strip.
Take the strip of boob tape. Lean forward slightly. Peel off the strip from one side and tape that side at the base of your breast, while you’re leaning forward. Slowly peel off the tape across the breasts to the other side, squeezing the boobs together as you go.
In this way, this strip of boob tape will push the boobs both inwards and upwards, making them perkier.
Horizontal Strips Style: Tape Your Boobs for a Strapless or a Backless Dress
Can be used with: strapless dresses, backless dresses, halter tops, one shoulder dresses, tube tops
With the horizontal strips method, you apply 3 long strips of boob tape horizontally, from one side of the breasts to the other (from one armpit to the other one).
These strips will give your boobs lift and give you cleavage.
Here’s how to rock boob tape with this method.
Step 1: Regardless of the method you’re using to tape your breasts, the first step is the same. It involves applying nipple covers or pasties on your nipples, which are the most sensitive part of your breasts.
While this step is not mandatory, it’s definitely highly recommended. Not only does it protect the sensitive nipples, but more importantly, it makes removing the boob tape a painless experience.
Extra tip: If you don’t have nipple covers or pasties handy, even cotton pads will do fine – it’s definitely better than nothing.
Step 2: Cut out 2-4 strips of boob tape, each of them 12 inches (30 cm) long. Once you do this method a few times, you can cut the strips shorter or longer, if that’s what works for you. You can also choose the optimal number of boob tape strips.
Step 3: Take the first strip of boob tape. Lean forward slightly. Peel off the strip from one side and tape that side at the base of your breast (near your armpit), while you’re leaning forward. Slowly peel off the tape across the breasts to the other armpit, squeezing the boobs together as you go.
Don’t go straight across the boobs. Instead, go in a U-shape underneath your breasts, in order to push them upwards.
In this way, this first strip of boob tape will push the boobs both inwards and upwards.
Extra tip: If you feel more comfortable, you can do this method lying down.
Step 4: Take the second strip of boob tape and essentially do the same thing, but higher on the breasts. The second strip should go just above the first one. It should also go from one armpit to the other. This second strip will give your boobs additional lift.
Step 5: Take the third strip of boob tape. This strip should also be taped the same way, but even higher. The third strip should be at the nipple level.
That should be it! You can cut the strips shorter or longer, whatever works for you. You can also add a fourth or fifth strip for additional support, or you can go with only 2 strips.
Now your boobs have lift and support, and the boob tape isn’t visible in a strapless or a backless outfit. This method won’t work for a low cut dress, unfortunately.
A Variation of the Horizontal Strips Style for Low Cut Dresses
Can be used with: strapless and backless dresses, some low-cut dresses
If you like the horizontal strips method and would like to rock it with a low cut top, you can try a variation of it.
In this variation, the first 4 steps are the same. Essentially, you tape the first two horizontal strips just as you did in the previously explained method. But, in this variation you don’t place a third strip at the nipples length.
Since there’s not a horizontal strip this high, you can wear this style with some low cut tops, without the tape being visible.
Another Variation of the Horizontal Strips Method: Tape Each Breast Individually
If you’re wearing a strapless top with a low cut, there’s another variation you can try. In this variation, you apply shorter horizontal strips to each boob individually.
Unlike before, you don’t start by cutting 12 inches strips of boob tape. Instead, you cut much shorter pieces of tape.
Then, you start to tape the short strip on the same place as you did in the main style. However, instead of taping across the breasts to the other armpit, you tape only one breast.
You proceed by taping 1-2 more short strips on the breast, each one higher. Repeat the same process for the other breast.
Crossover Style: When a Dress Is Both Low Cut and Strapless
Can be used with: strapless and low cut dresses, backless dresses, halter tops, one shoulder dresses
We already saw that the horizontal strips style can be used with strapless dresses, but not for really low cut ones. And we saw that vertical strips style can be used for deep v dresses, but not so easy for strapless ones (unless the strips are very short).
So, what if you wanna rock a low cut, strapless dress? There’s a simple solution for that too, and it’s the crossover style.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Regardless of the method you’re using to tape your breasts, the first step is the same. It involves applying nipple covers or pasties on your nipples, which are the most sensitive part of your breasts.
While this step is not mandatory, it’s definitely highly recommended. Not only does it protect the sensitive nipples, but more importantly, it makes removing the boob tape a painless experience.
Extra tip: If you don’t have nipple covers or pasties handy, even cotton pads will do fine – it’s definitely better than nothing.
Step 2: Cut out 2 strips of boob tape, each 12 inches (30 cm) long. Once you do this method a few times, you can cut the strips shorter or longer, if that’s what works for you. You can also choose the optimal number of boob tape strips.
Step 3: Take the first strip of boob tape. Peel off the strip from one side and tape that side at the base of your breast (near your armpit). Slowly peel off the strip and tape it across your body, ending up a few inches below the armpit.
Unlike with the horizontal strips style, don’t go across the breasts to the other armpit. Instead, the tape should start at the base of the breast and end up a few inches lower on the other side, basically low on the ribcage.
Repeat the same process on the other side. Start from the base of your other breast, and tape the strip across the other side, ending up at the opposite ribcage.
With the crossover style, you can wear a strapless top, since there’s no boob tape above your breasts. There’s no boob tape between your breasts either, so you can wear a low cut top.
The end result is something that will support and lift your boobs, and won’t be visible in a strapless and low cut dress.
Other Variations
Applying boob tape strips vertically or horizontally is a common way to tape your breasts. However, there are countless different variations which you can apply.
Depending on your outfit, maybe none of the discussed styles will work for you. If that’s the case, feel free to get creative with how you tape your boobs.
After all, one of the best things about boob tape is that it can be used in a variety of different ways, and with any kind of outfit.
This is one of the huge advantages breast tape has over bras.
You have a deep v, backless, spaghetti strip top? You can still find a way to use boob tape.
Just take a few short strips of boob tape and apply them vertically at the side of your breasts. Here’s an example:
Regardless of your outfit, you can always find a way to use boob tape so that it provides support and lift without being visible. Here’s a bunch of creative ideas on how to use boob tape:
How To Use Boob Tape for Big Boobs
Boob tape is a great choice for women with boobs on the larger side.
The methods and styles explained above can be used regardless of the breast size. The vertical strips style is especially popular with large-chested women.
The main difference in using boob tape for women with big boobs is the amount of boob tape used. Large breasts need more tape compared to smaller boobs.
Experiment with how much boob tape is enough to support your breasts.
Another difference when using the vertical strips style is that large-chested women will need longer strips of tape. These strips will usually go from the base of the breast to the shoulders.
On the other hand, women with smaller boobs may opt to go with shorter strips, which can end right above the breasts.
Keep in mind that boob tapes are manufactured in different sizes. Therefore, there are boob tapes that are double the size of regular boob tape. For women with bigger boobs, these boob tapes might be a better choice than a regular one.
Useful Tips for Using Boob Tape
- Don’t peel off the whole strip before taping. Instead, peel off just the tip, tape it to the skin where you want the boob tape to start, and then peel off the strip as you apply the tape.
- Another thing you can do is round the corners of the boob tape strips. That way, the sharp corners of the boob tape won’t catch on your clothes. Also, the boob tape strip definitely won’t peel off.
- If after putting on your outfit you notice that some boob tape is visible, you can carefully cut out the extra tape. Another thing you can do before using boob tape is to use nude eyeliner to draw the outline of your outfit on your skin. That way, you’ll know exactly where to put boob tape without it being visible.
- Use your hands to smooth wrinkles and keep the tape wrinkle-free. Don’t overthink it – small wrinkles won’t be visible through your clothes. However, try to avoid bigger wrinkles that can show through your clothes.
- Try to avoid using boob tape for a prolonged period of time (more than 8-10 hours). Using the boob tape for longer than that could potentially make removing it more difficult. If you end up using boob tape for more than 8-10 hours, try to remove the boob tape as soon as you can.
- Try to avoid stretching the boob tape too much. Although good boob tapes are very elastic, they work best with smaller amount of stretch. This is more important for the ends of the tape strips, which shouldn’t be overly stretched.
- Feel free to be creative when following these instructions. If some step doesn’t work with your outfit, be sure to change the step in a way that works for you. For example, if you have a really deep v dress, you can place the vertical strips more towards the outside of the breast, instead of above it.
How to remove boob tape
Removing the boob tape is generally the only part of the whole process which can cause discomfort. However, if you do it right, it should be straightforward and painless. After all, boob tape is specifically designed to be used on your breasts.
To remove boob tape more easily, it’s recommended to use baby oil to dissolve the adhesive. Soak the boob tape and wait for around 15 minutes. The baby oil will dissolve the adhesive, which should make removing the boob tape easy and painless.
Extra tip: Although we say baby oil, any kind of oil will do the trick. Whether it’s baby, coconut, or olive oil, all that matters is that the adhesive is dissolved.
Another option to remove the boob tape more easily is to do it while taking a hot bath or a hot shower.
Extra tip: Keep in mind that the longer you have boob tape on, the more it will stick to your skin. So, if you’ve had boob tape on for something like 8-10 hours, you may need to use more oil than you would otherwise.
Remove the boob tape slowly and gently. Use one hand to hold the skin behind the tape, and the other to carefully peel the tape off.
Don’t ever just rip it off like a band-aid. If you feel like the tape is not loose enough, apply more oil until it is.
Extra tip: The process of removing the boob tape can get quite messy, since it involves soaking the tape with oil. Therefore, it’s probably best to do it in the shower, or any place where making a mess isn’t a huge issue.
After the boob tape is removed, you can use a cotton pad to remove any remaining adhesive from the skin.
An optional step once you remove the boob tape is to moisturize the breasts. That way, the skin will recover more quickly.
Try to avoid using boob tape more than two days in a row.
Conclusion
Boob tape is the option to go with for a wide variety of outfits. You can rock it with a backless, strapless, or low cut dress. But, applying boob tape takes some time to get used to. In this article, we dove deeply into the question of how to use boob tape.
We also touched upon the many different ways of taping your boobs, removing boob tape, and what boob tape even is.
The founder, editor, and writer of most articles on Ultimate Bra Guide. An experienced bra fitting specialist turned blogger. My website Ultimate Bra Guide has been featured in relevant publications such as Glamour, Bustle, Elite Daily, Alldaychic, Everyday Feminism, and so on. Get to know me better at our about page.