We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?
1
2
Best Front-Closure Back Smoothing Bra
Glamorise Front-Closure Smoothing WonderWire Bra
Read more
3
Best T-Shirt Back Smoothing Bra
Le Mystere Second Skin Back Smoothing T-Shirt Bra
Read more
4
Best Wireless Back Smoothing Bra
Warner’s Cloud 9 Wireless T-Shirt Bra
Read more
5
Best Back Smoothing Bra for Large Busts
Lane Bryant Invisible Backsmoother Lightly Lined Full Coverage Bra
Read more
6
7
Best Back Smoothing Bra With Underwire
Wacoal Back Appeal Underwire Bra
Read more
Nothing takes the fun out of getting dressed quite like spotting bulky bra straps, seams, or ridges under your outfit. That’s where smoothing bras can save the day: yes, they’re a thing (and yes, they’re magical). The best back-smoothing bras work in a few ways. First, they’re made of thin fabric and minimal hardware, which makes them invisible under clothes, and they have extra wide bands that can help shape your mid-back and ribcage. Many also have wide straps that, unlike super thin ones, won’t dig painfully into your shoulders, so you can get the support you need without any of the lumps or bumps that some bras cause.
Meet the Experts: Chellie Carlson, a wardrobe stylist who spent 20 years in the intimate apparel industry; and Maeve Gesualdi, a bra specialist at Glamorise.
From the front, back-smoothing bras can look like regular bras, so how do you know you’re getting one that works? To make sure you’re shopping in the right places, we went ahead and gathered the internet’s best styles—from smoothing bras for large busts to the most comfortable—so you can get a hold of one that’s perfect for you A.S.A.P.. Below, experts weigh in with advice on where to find these revolutionary undergarments, their favorite picks, and the best-selling bras of the moment.
Pros
- Great under formalwear
- Won’t roll down thanks to boning
- Under $50
Cons
- Sizing could be more expansive
This bra features soft built-in boning to ensure your bra never slips out of place. It also has an extra longline underbust and thick back wings with double-layered fabric for maximum coverage that helps reinforce shaping. The cups are great, too, with a deep cut that makes the bra wearable with many garments and underwire that keeps the bust perky and in place.
What Reviewers Say: “I’m an older female so to get ‘everything’ under control is huge! Well...this delivered! The fabric under the arms is high enough to control any bulges and the bra itself is supportive and pretty. I was worried with this bra being significantly more expensive than any other bra I’ve purchased, but I’m glad I did.”
Closure | Hook-and-eye |
---|---|
Material | Polyamide, elastane |
Sizes | 34B-40D |
Pros
- Padded, poke-free underwire
- Smoothing high back
- Secure straps
Cons
- Some say the cup seams wrinkle
Glamorise has a few well-designed back-smoothing bras—some with back closures, underwire, and no underwire—but this one stands out for its racerback and easy-to-fasten front closure. “This underwire bra is made of buttery soft fabrics and has an extra-wide, smoothing racerback,” says Maeve Gesualdi, a bra specialist with the brand.
What Reviewers Say: “I have been purchasing these for several years and love them. Love the front closure and the back holds the straps on my shoulders very well. Highly recommend!”
Closure | Front hook |
---|---|
Material | Polyamide, polyester, elastane |
Sizes | 34C-48H |
Pros
- Lightweight and low-profile
- Features mesh panels for ventilation
- Attractive rose gold hardware
Cons
- Pricey
There is nothing more annoying than putting together a casual T-shirt-based outfit only to have to change bras because every lump, bump, and strap is visible. This bra is made to keep that from happening. Plus, its high-back wing panels help smooth out any bulges without feeling too tight or suffocating.
Chellie Carlson, a wardrobe stylist who worked in the intimate apparel industry for 20 years, says it’s a go-to for her. “I love it for my clients because it provides so much comfort and support in addition to the back-smoothing quality,” she says. “It’s my favorite back-smoothing bra on the market!”
Closure | Hook-and-eye |
---|---|
Material | Nylon, spandex |
Sizes | 34B-40F |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Machine washable
- Affordable
- Stretchy and breathable
Cons
- Lacks support for medium- to high-impact activities
If you’re looking for something that doesn’t have underwire and functions more as a bralette, this one is a great pick. The straps are flat and hardware-free so it appears smooth under clothing, and the stretchy material in wing-back form covers any extra skin under the shoulder blades without restricting them. It truly lives up to its “Cloud 9” name.
What Reviewers Say: “I tried many styles and brands...this Warner bra offered me the best fit, comfort, and smoothness I have been looking for! It does not pinch, the material is soft, no wires dig into my skin, and the fit is just perfect for me!”
Closure | Hook-and-eye |
---|---|
Material | Nylon, elastane |
Sizes | S-3XL |
5
Best Back Smoothing Bra for Large Busts
Lane Bryant Invisible Backsmoother Lightly Lined Full Coverage Bra
Pros
- 6 shades, including two fun patterns
- Silky soft
- Support helps straps stay in place
Cons
- Hand wash recommended
This full-coverage bra promises to leave no bumps or lines under whatever you’re wearing. It’s lightly lined and has dig-free back-smoothing wings, hidden underwire, and molded cups that provide sneaky support. Plus, its silky material only adds to its smoothing capabilities.
What Reviewers Say: “This bra is super duper comfortable and soft. The support is amazing, especially on the sides. I’ve been looking all over for a bra that prevents side spillage. I’m also in love with the material.”
Closure | Hook-and-eye |
---|---|
Material | Nylon, spandex |
Sizes | 36C-50H |
Pros
- Available in 12 colors
- Push-up works comfortably
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers complain it rides up
If you’re looking for some lift in the front and snatch in the back, this bra has you covered—literally. Think of it as like shapewear for the chest and torso. Wide straps prevent uncomfortable shoulder digging, and the hook-eye closure features eight hooks that put in the work of lifting and smoothing. It’s kind of like a corset, but more comfortable.
What Reviewers Say: “Great fitting bra, very supportive on the sides while keeping the girls separated in the front.”
Closure | Hook-and-eye |
---|---|
Material | Nylon, spandex |
Sizes | 34A-50DDD |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Cute colors and patterns
- Rave reviews
- Great for everyday wear
Cons
- Hand wash only
This bra is designed with micro adjustments from a traditional underwire bra that prevent it from looking and feeling like a back brace—while still smoothing your back and sides. Those special features include full-coverage cups and a wider band for extra coverage. But its best feature is the band’s fabric, which shapes and smooths with ease.
What Reviewers Say: “I am a curvy woman with larger breasts. Being deep chested as well, these bras lift the girls and are deep enough to fit in the void! It takes care of the back fat rolls and doesn’t create such a valley in your shoulders. Hallelujah!”
Closure | Hook-and-eye |
---|---|
Material | Nylon, spandex |
Sizes | 36C-42H |
What is a back-smoothing bra?
It may sound like a scam, but back-smoothing bras are definitely a thing—and they’re “fabulous,” says Carlson. Gesualdi adds that they have a wider band than traditional bras that smooths out underarm and back bulges. “Some women opt for back-smoothing bras to create a smoother look under clothes,” she says.
How to choose the best back-smoothing bra
Choose your function. Back-smoothing bras usually have extra fabric that has a smoothing effect, but some also have posture-supportive boning and straps. “Many back-smoothing bras also have front-closures,” says Gesualdi. “This eliminates extra bulk that can come from having hook-and-eye closures on the back of your bra.” Make sure you’re looking for a bra that suits your particular needs.
Prioritize comfort. Not all, but some back-smoothing bras function more like shapewear, which can be uncomfortable and restrictive. “Comfort always comes first,” says Gesualdi.
Look for a wide band. “The biggest and most important characteristic they should have is a wide, firm back band that provides the smoothing effect,” says Carlson.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
How we chose the best back-smoothing bras
We spoke to Chellie Carlson, a wardrobe stylist who spent 20 years in the intimate apparel industry and Maeve Gesualdi, a bra specialist at Glamorise for their expert opinions on back-smoothing bras. We also consulted customer reviews to narrow down the best picks.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Kayla Blanton
Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer-editor who covers health, nutrition, and lifestyle topics for various publications including Prevention, Everyday Health, SELF, People, and more. She’s always open to conversations about fueling up with flavorful dishes, busting beauty standards, and finding new, gentle ways to care for our bodies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University with specializations in women, gender, and sexuality studies and public health, and is a born-and-raised midwesterner living in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and two spoiled kitties.