Maidenform Breakthrough Backless Bra Review

Quick View: if you are wondering, "Does this woman have to have every new thing invented?", the answer would be yes. Well, almost. I'll bypass the power tools. This bra was created on the show American Inventor and I was interested in how it could possibly fit and not slide around. I have a wedding to go to and a a very low backed dress to wear. That was a great reason to buy this bra. It's not perfect but it works!

About the Maidenform Breakthrough Backless Bra

Up until now, all we had for backless bras were those ones with crazy straps that zigzagged around the lower back or ... nothing. Now we women have an alternative. This bra is completely backless. It looks just like a regular underwire bra in the front with foam cups and adjustable straps. But in the back, there is NOTHING. Weird, huh?

I bought the nude color in my normal size. When the bra came, I laughed at it because it seemed so silly. However, I slipped it on and it fit pretty well. Because there is no back strap and no back hooks, the cups are a little loose on me. If I could adjust the back, they would be prefect. I don't think I would go down a cup size though since they are only very slightly roomy but I did order size down around in black (I went with a 34 instead of a 36). The straps adjust and go around the arms and connect to the bra. The bra has boning on the sides for support and it has silicone all along the front to keep it from slipping when you move.

It's not uncomfortable at all. When I first tried it on, I was afraid to move thinking the bra would shift and cause troubles but it didn't as long as I didn't make any sweeping movements. Now, I couldn't go play volleyball in this thing but, for times when I need the backless look but don't want to go braless, this bra does the is an alternative to low backed bras.

It looks smooth under clothes and gives me lift that is natural looking. It will shift if you move around a lot so, if you're going to catch the bride's bouquet, prepare to adjust the braafter. As far as comfort, it's fine. It feels like a normal underwire bra in the front. I strongly suggest, however, using double backed clothing tape at the edges on the sides to keep the bra from jumping up and over your breasts. Because it will if you don't have a tight top or dress on to hold it in place

I have a backless halter and this bra won't work with it because the straps hook around my arms and show. But, other than that one shirt, this bra will work with any low back cut top or dress and will flatter the bust. Is it perfect? No. Does it do what it says it will without a ton of adjusting?  For the most part, yes. I do find that it shifts more than I would like when I don't use the tape. The tape makes all the difference.

I like the bra well enough to have ordered it in black. I don't wear a lot of backless things but I do wear low back tops and have to push my back bra strap way down and keep at that the whole time to hide the strap. Not any more! The Maidenform Breakthrough Backless Bra eliminates all that hassle.

Again, I have to say that it is not perfect. If you move a lot, especially if you lift your arms a lot, it will shift and you will have to adjust it. It could be that this bra is a tad big for me though so I have ordered a size 34C instead of 36C to see if that helps with the slippage I get when I lift my arms a lot. The clothing you wear makes a difference too. The tighter the top, the better this bra stays in place. It doesn't move an inch when I wear one of my tight tank tops - even if I do a lot of moving around. Looser fitting clothing will allow more slippage when moving.

I tried this bra under some tight regular high backed shirts and guess what? No back bulge! My back looked smooth and seamless and shirts just looked a LOT better without the back strap there to cut my back in half. I never thought I would wear a backless bra with a regular figure hugging top but it does work well to give me a smooth, sleek back silhouette.

My Viewpoint

This bra is so hard to rate! If you get the right size and you don't plan to play basketball or tennis in the thing, it will serve you pretty well. Maidenform says the bra will provide support for bigger busts and it comes in sizes up to 38DD but I don't know how it would wok for bustier women. I'm average sized. This bra really is the ONLY backless one out there since I can't possibly wear those silicone things that supposedly stick on and stay on (They don't!).. Since I have nothing to compare it to of similar make, I am going with 3 stars because it is innovative, fits decently, is VERY simple, gives me support and lift, and eliminates all back straps. It is far from perfect but it isn't a dud by either. I recommend you try it but buy from a store you can return it if you don't like the fit. If you're between cup or strap sizes, order one size down. Wedding, here I come with my backless bra on. Is it all me or is it Maidenform? They'll never know. ;)

The bra sells for $25.00 on the Maidenform website and it is sold on several other sites for higher. Kohl's has it on sale at the moment so catch a sale if you can. I think $25.00 is very reasonable for such an innovation but don't mind saving money if I find a sale either!

Edit: June 2009 - I still have the two bras and, while the smaller size fits better, they both slip quite a bit these days. I use tape to keep them in place and only wear them when I am wearing a tight top. They still do a decent job but I have found a few low backed bras that work better for me and don't show under even really plunging tops. I downrated from 4 stars to 3 and that's being a bit generous.