How to find the right bra for your summer dresses

Bra solutions for summer dresses: the ultimate guide

Summer means floaty hemlines, backless dresses and strappy necklines. With airy and low-plunging silhouettes, your bra needs to offer the right support, without being noticeable. Whether it’s a backless maxi, strappy mini, or plunging slip dress, this guide covers the best bra options for your favorite summer styles.

Best bra solutions by dress type

• One-shoulder dress: Strapless, one-shoulder, convertible

• Low-cut dress: Plunge, U-plunge, adhesive

• Low-back dress: Low-back, convertible, stick-on cups

• Halter dress: Halter bras, bralettes, multiway

• Backless gown: Adhesive bras, body tape, stick-on bras

• Sundress with built-in bra: Shelf bra, double-layered, dresses with sewn-in support

• Strapless dress: Strapless underwire, longline, bustier

Bras for one-shoulder dresses

There’s nothing more elegant than a one-shoulder dress, but it limits traditional bra options, particularly if you like to feel supported. This is where clever bra solutions come in. Strapless, convertible, and multiway bras that can be adjusted to mirror your dress shape are essential when it comes to one-shoulder styles. Crafted with supportive under bands, wires and padded cups, you can attach and adjust the straps to make sure they’re undetectable under any outfit. For ultra-minimal or backless dresses, adhesive bras offer discreet lift without straps or bands. Look for grippy lining, side support, and contoured cups. These extras make all the difference in keeping you secure and leaving your outfit looking seamless.

Recommended bra types:

• Convertible bras: These let you adjust the strap configuration to suit a one-shoulder cut

Best for: Dresses with unique shoulder designs

• Strapless bras: Provide support without visible straps. Great with dress fabrics that hold their shape well

Best for: Dresses with tighter bodices

• Adhesive bras: Ideal for minimal coverage and backless one-shoulder styles.

Best for: Backless one-shoulder dresses

Best features to look for:

• Grip lining to prevent slipping

• Side support for lift

• Contoured cups to enhance shape

Pro tip: Choose a style with a wide band or boning for additional support without the need for straps.

Bras to wear with low-cut dresses

A low-cut dress brings the drama, but your bra shouldn’t steal the spotlight. The solution? A bra that stays hidden while giving you shape where it counts. Enter the plunge bra. Plunge styles dip low in the centre without compromising on support, even for those with larger busts. Going even lower? A U-plunge or stick-on style will be your go-to. Look for seamless finishes and light padding for a smooth, sleek shape.

Best options:

• Plunge bras: Designed with a deep V neckline for invisible support

• U-plunge bras: Designed with an even deeper cut, great for dramatic low necklines

• Stick-on bras: Mould to your shape without any back or shoulder straps

What to look for:

• Underwire for lift

• Light padding to shape the bust

• Seamless cups to avoid lines showing

Bras for low-back dresses

Business in the front, party in the back? We love a low-back dress moment (hello Andie Anderson!) If you're browsing for bras for low-back dresses, then clever convertibles, stick-on bras, and low-back bra styles are the behind-the-scenes support you need. They stay hidden, support your breast tissue, all while letting your look take center stage.

• Adhesive cups: No back band and stick directly onto the skin

Best for: Completely backless or sheer-back dresses

• Backless bodysuits: Seamless shaping with hidden support

Best for: Scoop styles, backless or sheer-back dresses

For dresses that dip slightly below the shoulder blades, bras with a low back are perfect. Look for:

• Clear strap bras: Not invisible, but less distracting

• Longline bras: Extend below the bust to anchor support lower

• Bustier bras: Structured for strapless and low-back styles

These options provide the support of a full bra without compromising on aesthetics.

Bras to wear with halter dresses

If your go-to party outfit is a halter-neck top or dress, you can still expose those shoulders and upper back with a bra that blends seamlessly with your look. Halter bras are your obvious go-to. But if you’re all about options, a multiway bra can adapt to suit your neckline. Featuring padded cups and detachable straps, you can turn this style into a strapless bra, halter, or even one-shoulder. Introducing: versatility at its finest. Think of bralettes as your style wing woman — quietly supportive and always there when you need them. If your halter dress has a tricky cut or tie-back detail, pick a bra in a matching color so it blends easily.

• Halter bras: Designed to match the neckline and strap placement

• Multiway bras: Adjust into a halter style

• Bralettes: Soft and comfortable, especially with racerback or tie-back halter necks

Style tip: Match the bra’s strap color to your dress for a cleaner look.

Bras for backless gowns

Ready to make a dramatic exit? A backless gown deserves a bra that works just as hard behind the scenes. This is where stick-on styles and body tape come into their own. Whether you're going for a Hollywood-glam vibe or channeling your inner red-carpet rebel, adhesive bras and boob tape are here to lift, shape, and stay out of sight. Need something ultra-smooth? Try a backless bodysuit for seamless support that keeps everything in place. Because just like your gown, your bra should leave a lasting impression.

• Adhesive bras: Invisible, reusable silicone or fabric stick-on cups

• Body tape: Custom fit and lift

• Built-in bras: Often sewn into gowns or added by a tailor

Bras to wear with strapless dresses

Time to give your shoulders and decolletage their moment with a strapless dress, and strapless bras are the obvious pairing when styling these shoulder-baring silhouettes. Whether you're heading to a garden party, picnicking with the girls, or dancing at your next music show, a strapless underwire bra or longline bustier is your best bet for keeping your neckline clean and your bust firmly supported. Look for silicone grips and snug ribcage bands to avoid any wardrobe mishaps mid-summer soirée. Want extra support? A corseted style doubles up as shapewear and a secret confidence booster.

• Strapless underwire bras: Firm support with a snug band

• Longline strapless bras: Extra coverage around the ribs

• Bustiers or corsets: Sculpt and hold shape

• Silicone-lined cups: Prevent slipping

Pro tips:

• Choose a bra size that fits firmly around the ribcage

• Avoid bras with worn-out elastic

• Try it on with your dress before the event

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to bras for summer dresses. It depends on your cut, fabric, style and support needs. Whether you’re wearing a mini babydoll, backless ballgown, or off-the-shoulder dress, Primark has the right bra for every occasion. For sizing help, check our bra size chart to find your perfect fit or learn how to measure your bra size at home with our helpful guide.