How to Make Breasts Look Firm Under Clothes Without a Bra

Co-authored by Sahra Brandt

Last Updated: December 12, 2023 References

Wearing a bra is not an option with some clothing. Backless dresses, halter-tops, sundresses, and thin-strapped camisoles are particularly unfriendly to them. Yet, we want to look our best in them, even if our breasts have started their inevitable journey south.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Element of Illusion

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Good posture lifts your chest, elongating your body and pushing your shoulders back. Don't just assume you've got your posture right: practice in front of a mirror. This will help you spot errors in how you hold yourself.
2
Use breast lift tape.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect

Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.} You can find breast lift tape in most specialty lingerie and bra stores.Take a strip of tape and attach one end underneath one breast. Then tape the other end higher on your chest to lift the breast up. Do the same for the other side. You can also add a strip of tape across the bottom of your breasts and secure each end to your ribs.
- This will only work for smaller chested girls.
- Leaning forward while taping can make this easier.
- You can do the same thing with duct tape in an emergency. However, it will be extremely painful to remove.
This works for when you're wearing a low-cut top. Apply a small amount of bronzer to your cleavage in a "Y" shape. Blend it in well so that it is not obvious. Top it off with some luminizing powder dabbed on your upper breasts. This contours the breasts and makes them appear to sit higher on your chest.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Exercise

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1
Do the T-Plank.^{[2]
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Research source} Grip a pair of five to 10 pound weights in each hand and get into the push-up position, holding your body up on the weights. Make sure that your legs are positioned wider than your hips to give you better purchase. Raise your right arm and hold up the weight, opening up to form a "T" with your body. Repeat this move on your left side. This combination constitutes one repetition. You'll need to do between 10 and 20 repetitions.
- For beginners, just raise your arm as high as you can. As you get stronger, you can increase the range of your lifting.
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Research source} Lie down with your abdominal muscles tucked and your spine firmly pressed to the floor. Hold two five to 10 pound weights in each hand and raise your arms up. Keep your palms turned down and hold your elbows firmly against your body. Now, take a breath and lower the weights to about one inch from your chest, breathe out, and raise them again. Repeat the procedure up to forty times.
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Research source} Lie down facing up and hold two weights above your head with your palms turned up. Draw a "C" with each arm, bringing your arms toward your hips. Return your arms to their original positions, and then repeat the process up to 20 times.
4
Do push-ups.^{[5]
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Research source} For this type of push-up, you'll be balancing your arms on weights instead of flat on the floor. Get down on your hands and knees, and with your hands on the weights placed just a little wider than your shoulders, lift your body up so that you're balanced on your toes. Carefully lower your chest toward the floor while stabilizing yourself with your core muscles. Then raise yourself back into your original position. Repeat this up to 15 times.
- If this is too difficult, balance on your knees instead of your toes.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Surgery

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1
Get a traditional breast lift. This operation is called mastopexy.^{[6]
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Research source} Under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes excess skin, lifts your breasts, and cuts away the nipples to position them higher on your chest. Because it involves cutting around the nipple tissue, you will risk losing sensation there. As with any surgery, other risks are infection and blood loss. You can minimize the risk of blood loss by telling your doctor if you are on any medication to thin your blood, and by refraining from drinking alcohol and taking aspirin prior to the procedure.
- The recovery time is about three to five days for normal daily activities and four to six weeks to resume your exercise program.
2
Opt for a laser breast lift. In this new procedure, the surgeon uses the laser to cut away just the outer layer of the skin so that the tissue just beneath can be cut away. He or she then attaches this tissue under the breasts to form an internal bra. This process is called "pedicle de-epithelialization."^{[7]
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Research source} Many surgeons prefer this technique as it reduces blood loss and tissue damage while also improving the skin's firmness.
- Like traditional breast lifts, it is done under general anesthesia.
- The recovery time is the same as with a traditional breast lift.
- Since the nipple is not removed, you won't experience any loss of sensation.
- Some plastic surgeons claim that the results are longer lasting that a typical breast lift because of the internal support.
- The risks are the same as with any other surgery.
3
Get an internal bra. This procedure involves the surgeon placing a cup made of hard silicone inside and under the breasts.^{[8]
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Research source} The surgeon then secures the cups with silk straps screwed to the ribs. This forms an invisible bra that holds the breasts in a perkier position. Three women in the United Kingdom have had this done so far.
- This procedure is still experimental, and it may be a while before it becomes available to everyone.
- No one knows how effective it will be in the long-term, as well as what the long-term risks are.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What kind of tape can I use?

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Sahra Brandt is an Image Architect and the Founder of Shop the City, a company dedicated to helping others attain their style goals. With over ten years of fashion industry experience, Sahra specializes in wardrobe audits, personal shopping, and remote styling. She also runs Que Sera Sahra, a lifestyle blog. Sahra holds a BBA in Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising from LIM College.

Sahra Brandt

Image Architect

Expert Answer

Try looking for a large tape that's specific for nipples, so it doesn't hurt you when removing. Just add it to your breasts and pull up, adhering it below your collarbone or on the top of your shoulders, depending on where the dress is going to hit.

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Question

How do I make my breasts look smaller?

Community Answer

Wear larger tops and compacted sports bras. You also could wear clothing that brings the eye's focus elsewhere if you don't want attention in that area, such as a simple shirt with more detailed pants or shoes.

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Question

Will this work for me if I am a young teen?

Community Answer

I definitely wouldn't advise surgery, but you can try the other two methods. However, if you are young you need to remember that you are still growing and you need to be patient with your body.

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