Best Bra Cups for your Dance Costumes and Dance Outfits

Best Bra Pad Solutions for Every Kind of Hard-to-Wear Dance Costume.

Backless! Plunging! Strappy! You name it.


We have all been there..

You have your dance bag packed with your best dance bras, some generic bra inserts, sticky bras,and maybe even some pasties. You think you are as prepared as possible until you are given a thin, white, and backless dance costume with a halter strap to perform in.

Although we love a backless dance outfit, it has you wondering, “What types of bras do professional dancers wear under these types of see through outfits for dance performances?”

The answer is - Nude bra cups, bra inserts, and bra pads.

But it is important to know that not all bra inserts are created equally and when it comes to dance outfits, it is important to invest in the proper bra padding. Of course - you can get away with some generic Lululemon bra inserts for a few of your dance costumes, but I suggest investing in a high-quality and universal set of bra pads that work with a majority of your dance wear.

As professional dancers, it is important that we have high-quality, coverage, versatility, and support in our bra pad inserts. They also need to be nude to your skin tone and provide the proper amount of bra padding (we love a good push up).

We've got sticky bras for dance costumes, push up pads for that extra lift, some options of bras for larger busts, and even some non padded bra options for those that are looking for something lighter. For all those times when your strapless bra, favorite bras, and bralette won’t cut it, add these to your game day dance bag instead.

Best Bra Inserts for Dancers

Wearing “Double Scoop” Bra Inserts. (Our go-to and dance essentials)

We are giving you our insider secrets from professional dancers on the absolute best bra pad inserts for your dance costumes, dance uniforms, cheerleading uniforms, and dance outfits that you need to add to your dance essentials list ASAP.

The Top 3 Best Bra Cups


The Ultimate Push Up Bra Cups

Double Scoop, Push Up Bra Pads Inserts.

I am sure you have tried bra pad inserts before, but these are backed by thousands of stellar reviews on Amazon and provide a nice push up (for those looking for a little extra lift.) They come in multiple shades, chest sizes A-D, and different bra styles to fit every dance costume cut.

These do not provide an adhesive so if you hate the sticky pads, these are more breathable and a perfect fit for you.

Best Bra Pads for Dancers

Wearing “Double Scoop” Bra Inserts. (Our go-to and dance essentials)

These bra pads are not only amazing as bra padding for your dance costumes, but also provide a nice lift for our lower cut dance wear that some of us may want to fill out a bit more. (double scoop, to be exact!)

These can be sewn in if it is your own dance wear or dance audition wear but also safety pin friendly for those dance uniforms you may be using for the dance season. They are easy to safety pin and transition to multiple tops for game days, as well.

Because these are removable bra pads, you can wear them with any type of complicated dance costume, from strapless or low-cut, to backless tops.

  • Alongside these bra inserts being a staple in our own game day dance bag, A+ reviews on Amazon share women using these pads for their wedding dresses, swimsuits, and more.

Adhesive Silicone Bra Inserts

Sticky Bra, Silicone Bra Pads.

These bra pads are amazing for dance costumes as they come in a nude shade, offer supportive padding, and it is an adhesive sticky bra. Although these are push up padded bra pads, they do not provide as much oomph or dramatic lift as our “Double Scoop Pads” listed above. They have more of a subtle and natural lift when added into your dance top. This makes them a great bra choice for any sized bust, chest sizes A-D.

Note: These bra pads are slightly noticeable through thin dance costume material, but work wonderfully for dance uniform with thick lining.

These bra inserts come in two different cuts that work with multiple dance uniform styles. They are smaller in size than the Double Scoop push up pads mentioned above, which allows them to work with smaller dance tops.

The sticky adhesive on these bra pads are cleanable and do last a decent amount of time, especially in relation to the constant use through dance and cheerleding. Even after they lose their adhesive, they work great as non-stick pads.

These bra insert pads have been a staple in our own personal dance bag, providing more subtle of a push up and bra padding.

These are one of my favorite padded bra pads as you will get your money’s worth. They come in bra pad sets, provide subtle yet noticeable push up, and they are extremely affordable.

In comparison to the last two bra pads, we are considering this option the non padded bra cup option, as these have substantially less push up bra padding. If you are looking for less of a push up and more of a natural lift to fill out your dance top, this is the bra padding for you. These are the most expensive of the 3 recommended bra pads but guys.. they have (patent pending) padded hearts. #sold

The seamless edges blend in with any cheerleading top that you wear, provide a light foam texture, and come in multiple shades.

Best Ways to Keep our Pads Secure While we Perform?

Even if your dance costume is backless or has a thin halter strap, there are a few options for making sure that your bra pads are secure and non-movable during dance team or cheerleading performances. Here are a few options for keeping you bra inserts secure:

The best option in our opinion, for multiple reasons, is to safety pin your bra pads to your dance top.

  • Inserting bra pads into the thin pockets that some dance tops may provide.

  • Sewing bra cups into your dance costumes. (Only do this if it is your OWN dance wear/dance uniform)

  • Wearing sticky pads with a strong adhesive. (Though you will want to buy a few, as the adhesive wears out over time)

What to Wear If you are Uncomfortable with Bra Pads or Push Up Pads?

If you are not quite ready to sew a bra into your costume, buy bra adhesives, or add in the extra push up that they provide - there are simpler options that also work wonders to make our dance costumes appropriate.

Non Padded Bra Pads

These bra pads are extremely generic such as those you may receive in a Lululemon sports bra. They are soft, breathable, comfortable, and durable made from a foam material.

These will provide no push up, but a bra padding layer to insert into your dance or cheer uniform.

Adhesive Silicone Pasties

These natural skin toned pasties are the #1 best sellers on Amazon. If you are not looking for any kind of bra padding or bra insert but still want something to provide coverage, nipple pasties or boob pasties are the way to go!

These pasties are 100% silicone, reusable, and have an adhesive closure.

Is there a sticky bra, bra insert, or bra pads that are essential to your game day bag? Every dancer has their secrets and we would love to hear yours! Share your insider for dance costume support in the comment below!