Backless and bodycon dresses can look incredible—but they can also create one big question before you leave the house:

What am I supposed to wear underneath this?

A regular bra may show. Traditional underwear can create visible lines. And if the dress is fitted, even small bumps, seams or edges can become noticeable.

The good news? You have several options depending on the dress, the amount of support you need and how much coverage you want.

From shapewear for bodycon dresses to body tape for bigger busts and silicone pasties for backless outfits, here’s how to choose what to wear underneath.

What Should You Wear Under a Backless Dress?

The right solution depends on the construction of your dress.

For a completely backless dress, your options may include:

• Silicone pasties
• Body tape
• Boob tape
• Adhesive breast support
• Low-back or backless bras
• Seamless shapewear that doesn’t extend into the exposed back area

If your dress is also fitted around the waist and hips, you may want to combine breast support with shapewear.

For example:

Silicone pasties + high-waisted shapewear

can give you coverage and tummy control without creating visible bra straps or underwear lines.

What to Wear Under a Bodycon Dress?

Bodycon dresses are designed to follow your body’s shape, which means underwear and shapewear can sometimes become very visible.

For a smooth look, consider:

1. Seamless Shapewear

If you want tummy, waist or thigh control, seamless shapewear can create a smoother base underneath a fitted dress.

Look for:

• Seamless construction
• Smooth edges
• High-waisted coverage
• Comfortable compression
• Anti-roll waistband

The goal is to smooth the silhouette—not create another visible line underneath the dress.

Explore the Butt-Chique Seamless Collection for smooth, low-profile options.

2. Shapewear Shorts

If your bodycon dress is short or fitted around the thighs, shaping shorts can help smooth the tummy, hips and thighs.

They’re particularly useful if you want more coverage than traditional underwear.

The Butt-Chique Shorty is designed to provide tummy and thigh shaping while creating a smooth foundation under fitted outfits.

3. High-Waisted Tummy Control Shapewear

If your main concern is your tummy or waist, a high-waisted piece can help create a more streamlined silhouette underneath a fitted dress.

For tummy-focused shaping, explore the Tummy & Waist Collection.

What to Wear Under a Completely Backless Dress?

This is where traditional bras become difficult.

A regular bra usually has:

• Back straps
• A visible band
• Shoulder straps

All three can ruin the clean look of a backless dress.

Instead, consider silicone pasties or body tape, depending on how much support you need.

Silicone Pasties

Silicone pasties are designed to cover the nipples without the need for a traditional bra.

They’re useful for:

• Backless dresses
• Strapless dresses
• Deep-back outfits
• Sheer clothing
• Outfits where you don’t want visible bra lines

They’re especially convenient when you mainly need coverage rather than lift.

For a reusable option, Butt-Chique Silicone Pasties feature a skin-like finish and adhesive designed to stay in place.

Are Silicone Pasties Reusable?

Many reusable silicone pasties can be used multiple times when properly cared for.

The adhesive surface should be kept clean and protected between uses according to the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Avoid applying them over irritated, broken or damaged skin.

What About Body Tape for a Big Bust?

This is one of the most common questions when wearing backless or strapless dresses:

“Will body tape work for a bigger bust?”

It can, but the application technique and the tape you use matter.

Body tape can be used to:

• Lift the breasts
• Create additional support
• Keep a neckline in place
• Prevent wardrobe malfunctions
• Create different levels of lift depending on application

For a larger bust, you generally need more support and better positioning than someone who only needs nipple coverage.

However, body tape isn’t a replacement for a properly fitted supportive bra in every situation.

If you’re using body tape for a special occasion, test the product and application technique beforehand rather than trying it for the first time just before an event.

For a ready-to-use option, explore Butt-Chique Body Tape, designed to provide breathable, stretchable and sweat-proof support.

Body Tape vs Silicone Pasties: Which One Should You Choose?

The easiest way to decide is to ask yourself:

Do I need coverage or support?

Your Requirement	Better Option
Nipple coverage	Silicone pasties
No visible bra	Silicone pasties
Backless dress	Pasties or body tape
Breast lift	Body tape
More support	Body tape
Deep neckline	Body tape
Strapless outfit	Pasties or body tape
Larger bust	Body tape may provide more support
Tummy control	Shapewear
Thigh shaping	Shapewear shorts
Full silhouette smoothing	All-over shapewear

You can also combine products when necessary.

For example:

Body tape + tummy-control shapewear + bodycon dress

can address three different needs without requiring a traditional bra.

How to Choose Shapewear for a Bodycon Dress

Not all shapewear works well under a fitted dress.

Here are the features to prioritise.

Seamless Design

This is one of the most important features.

If the shapewear has thick seams or bulky edges, those lines can become visible underneath a bodycon dress.

The Butt-Chique Seamless Collection is designed for smoother layering under fitted clothing.

High-Waisted Construction

If your concern is your stomach or waist, high-waisted shapewear can provide more coverage.

Smooth Leg Openings

If you’re wearing a short or fitted bodycon dress, make sure the leg openings don’t create visible lines around your thighs.

A shaping short such as the Butt-Chique Shorty can help smooth the tummy and thighs under fitted silhouettes.

Anti-Roll Waistband

There’s nothing worse than spending an evening pulling your shapewear back into place.

An anti-roll waistband can help keep the garment where it’s supposed to be.

Breathable Fabric

Bodycon dresses are often worn at parties, dinners, weddings and events where you may be wearing the outfit for several hours.

Breathable fabric can make shapewear much more comfortable.

What If You Have a Bigger Bust?

If you have a larger bust, your requirements can be slightly different.

You may need:

Coverage + lift + support

rather than simply nipple coverage.

For a backless or bodycon dress, body tape can be useful because it allows you to customise the amount and direction of lift.

If you’re using tape:

1. Make sure your skin is clean and dry.
2. Avoid applying tape to irritated or damaged skin.
3. Test a small area first if you’ve never used the product.
4. Avoid pulling the tape excessively tight.
5. Apply carefully according to the product’s instructions.
6. Remove it gently rather than pulling it off quickly.

If you experience significant irritation, burning or pain, remove the tape.

For pre-cut convenience, you can also explore Butt-Chique Pre-Cut Body Tape Strips.

Can You Wear Shapewear With Body Tape?

Yes.

These products solve different problems.

Body tape helps with breast support, lift or keeping an outfit in position.

Shapewear helps smooth areas such as the tummy, waist, hips and thighs.

So if you’re wearing a fitted backless dress, you could potentially use:

• Body tape → for bust support
• Silicone pasties → for nipple coverage, when support isn’t required
• Shapewear → for tummy, waist and thigh smoothing

You don’t necessarily need all three. Choose based on the dress and the support you actually need.

For all-over smoothing, the Butt-Chique Full Bodysuit combines tummy, thigh, butt and back shaping in one seamless piece.

What Should You Wear Under a Tight Dress Without Visible Lines?

If your biggest concern is visible underwear lines, focus on seamless construction.

Choose:

• Seamless underwear
• Seamless shapewear
• Smooth fabrics
• Minimal seams
• Proper sizing

A seamless underwear option such as the Butt-Chique Cotton Hipster can also work as an everyday foundation under your outfits.

Avoid wearing shapewear that’s too small.

A smaller size doesn’t automatically create a smoother appearance. It can instead cause digging, rolling and more visible edges.

How to Wear Silicone Pasties Correctly

For the best results, start with clean, dry skin.

Avoid applying body oils, moisturisers or heavy lotions immediately before application because they can interfere with adhesion.

Position the pasties carefully before pressing them into place.

After use, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and storage instructions to help maintain the adhesive surface.

And remember: silicone pasties provide coverage, but they aren’t necessarily designed to provide the same support as a bra.

Can You Wear Body Tape All Day?

The answer depends on the specific tape, your skin and how it is applied.

If you’re wearing body tape for a wedding, party or long event, test it beforehand.

Don’t wait until the event itself to find out whether your skin reacts to the adhesive.

Also, don’t use tape on broken, irritated or sensitive skin.

If your skin starts feeling painful or significantly irritated, remove the tape.

The Best Combination for Different Dresses

Backless Bodycon Dress

Silicone pasties + seamless shapewear

Ideal when you mainly need nipple coverage and tummy/waist smoothing.

Backless Dress With a Larger Bust

Body tape + seamless shapewear

Useful when you need more lift and support than pasties can provide.

Strapless Bodycon Dress

Body tape or silicone pasties + high-waisted shapewear

Choose based on whether you need lift or simply coverage.

Deep-Neck Dress

Body tape + tummy-control shapewear

Body tape can help position the bust while shapewear smooths the lower silhouette.

Fitted Party Dress

Seamless shapewear + silicone pasties

A simple option when the dress doesn’t require significant breast lift.

Quick Guide: What Should You Wear?

If you’re still confused, use this simple rule:

• Need nipple coverage? → Silicone pasties
• Need breast lift or support? → Body tape
• Need tummy control? → Tummy-control shapewear
• Need tummy + thigh shaping? → Shapewear shorts
• Need overall smoothing? → All-over shapewear
• Need multiple solutions? → Combine products based on the dress

The best solution is the one that lets you wear your outfit confidently without constantly worrying about your underwear showing, your dress moving or your shapewear becoming uncomfortable.

Final Thoughts

Backless and bodycon dresses don’t have to mean choosing between looking great and feeling supported.

The key is to match your undergarments to your outfit.

For backless dresses, silicone pasties or body tape can help you avoid visible bra straps and bands.

For bodycon dresses, seamless shapewear can smooth the tummy, waist, hips and thighs while creating a cleaner foundation underneath the dress.

And if you have a larger bust, body tape may give you more flexibility when traditional bras simply aren’t an option.

At Butt-Chique, the idea isn’t to hide your body—it’s to give you the tools to wear the clothes you love with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear under a backless dress?

Depending on your needs, you can wear silicone pasties, body tape or another backless support solution. If you also want tummy or thigh control, pair it with seamless shapewear.

Explore Pasties and Body Tape to find the right option for your outfit.

What is the best shapewear for a bodycon dress?

Look for seamless, high-waisted shapewear with smooth edges and comfortable compression. The right piece depends on whether you want tummy, waist, hip or thigh control.

The Butt-Chique Shapewear Collection includes options for different levels of coverage and shaping.

Can silicone pasties be reused?

Many silicone pasties are reusable when cared for correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and storage instructions to maintain the adhesive surface.

Does body tape work for big busts?

Body tape can provide lift and support, including for larger busts, but the amount of support depends on the tape, application method and individual body shape. Always test the product before wearing it for an important event.

Can I wear shapewear under a backless dress?

Yes, provided the shapewear doesn’t interfere with the exposed-back design. High-waisted or low-back-friendly options can work particularly well.

What is better: body tape or silicone pasties?

It depends on what you need. Silicone pasties are primarily for nipple coverage, while body tape can be used when you need lift, positioning or additional support.

Can I use body tape on sensitive skin?

Adhesive products can cause irritation, particularly on sensitive skin. Test a small area first, follow the product instructions and avoid applying tape to broken or irritated skin.