How To Attach Silicone Breast Forms

Welcome to the complete guide to silicone breast form attachment. As a leading manufacturer with 15+ years of direct experience in prosthetic design and materials science, we understand that a natural look and secure feel are everything. Whether you're trans, a crossdresser, a cosplayer, or using forms post mastectomy, the right attachment method is the key to confidence.

Most how-to articles just mention some names of adhesives. This how-to article is comprehensive. We'll address the biggest pain points-slipping due to sweating, skin irritation, creating a natural shape, and cleansing-to give you solutions that work in the real world. We'll contrast methods, reveal insider tips, and provide you with the know-how to wear your breast forms with complete confidence.

Why Trust This Guide

Experience: Our recommendations are the result of decades of product development, materials testing, and direct input from thousands of consumers. We know what works because we've developed the solutions.

Expertise: We're polymer scientists and medical-grade materials experts. We'll tell you why, not how, from skin pH to adhesive chemistry.

Authoritativeness: We are a primary source-a factory that is at the leading edge of breast form manufacturing.

Trustworthiness: Your comfort and safety are our top priority. We recommend only skin-safe, tested-and-proven methods and products. We'll provide statistics when it's suitable and give you a clear rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of every method.

Table of Contents

This tutorial will discuss:

Part 1: The Foundation - Selecting Your Forms & Determining Attachment Styles

Part 2: The Golden Rule - Impeccable Skin Preparation for Optimum Adhesion

Part 3: The Essential Techniques - An In-Depth Look at Attaching Your Breast Forms

Method A: Medical-Grade Body Adhesives

Method B: Self-Adhesive Breast Forms

Method C: Pocket Bras & Specialized Clothing

Part 4: Data-Driven Comparison - Which Method is Right for You?

Part 5: Pro-Level Troubleshooting - Fixing Common Issues

Part 6: The Definitive FAQ Guide

Part 1: The Foundation - Selecting Your Forms & Identifying Attachment Styles

Before you can be taught how to attach silicone breast forms, you need to know what type you possess. The design of the form directly impacts the optimal attachment method.

Types of Breast Forms

Non-Adhesive (Standard) Forms: Most common type. They have a smooth or slightly concave back and require an external method-a body adhesive or a special bra-to hold them in place. They are durable and versatile.

Self-Adhesive (Adhesive-back) Forms: Forms with a pre-applied sticky adhesive layer on the reverse. They are made for direct skin contact with no glue required. Convenient, but the adhesive will have a limited shelf life and need special care in handling.

The choice between them depends on your lifestyle, security level needed, and skin sensitivity.

Part 2: The Golden Rule - Ideal Skin Preparation for Optimum Adhesion

This is the most important and most commonly neglected step. Regardless of how excellent your adhesive or self-adhesive forms are, they will not function if applied to unprepared skin. Oils, perspiration, dead skin cells, and soap or lotion residue form a barrier that will keep the bond from being solid.

Essential Preparation Steps

Follow these steps religiously for a lasting bond:

Clean the Area: Bathe your chest with oil-free, residue-free soap (such as Neutrogena or a simple glycerin soap). Do not use body washes that contain moisturizers. Dry the skin thoroughly with a clean, lint-free towel.

Exfoliate (1-2 Times a Week): Exfoliate your chest gently. This will remove dead skin cells that will make the adhesive lift off too early. Never exfoliate immediately before applying adhesive, as this will irritate; do it a day in advance.

Remove Oils using Isopropyl Alcohol: This is the secret weapon. Wipe the entire application area with a cotton pad and 70% isopropyl alcohol. This removes any residual oils and dehydrates the skin surface temporarily, creating the ultimate canvas for adhesion. Let it air dry completely for a minute or two.

Apply a Skin Barrier Product (Optional but Strongly Suggested): On sensitive skin or for a very strong sweat-resistant bond, apply a skin-prep barrier such as 3M Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film or Mehron Barrier Spray. It forms a thin protective film on the skin, shielding it from irritation and enhancing adhesive tackiness.

Part 3: The Fundamentals of the Core Techniques - A Thorough Insight into Attaching Your Breast Forms

Here we discuss the three main ways of wearing your breast forms.

Method A: Medical-Grade Body Adhesives (The Gold Standard of Security)

For longest wear times, active use, and most realistic movement, a body adhesive is unparalleled. This method attaches a standard, non-stick type directly to your skin.

Recommended Adhesives:

Silicone-Based Medical Adhesives (e.g., Secure Medical Adhesive, Hollister Medical Adhesive): These are the highest rated. They are prosthetic-approved, biocompatible, flexible, and have a strong, long-lasting grip. They are also fairly easy to clean.

Spirit Gum (e.g., Mehron Spirit Gum): Old-fashioned theatre adhesive. Decent strength but dries more and is more difficult to remove than medical adhesives. Good, readily available shorter-term wear option. Always remove with a spirit gum remover.

Step-by-Step Application Guide:

Prepare Your Skin: Complete all instructions in Part 2.

Prepare Your Breast Form: Wipe the back of the silicone form and make sure that it is free from dust and oil. Wipe it with isopropyl alcohol and allow it to dry.

Apply the Adhesive evenly: Spread a thin, even layer of your preferred adhesive to the rear of the breast form. Some can apply it directly to the skin, but putting it on the form keeps you from getting the glue on your fingers accidentally. Don't overdo it-a thin layer is clean and stronger.

Wait for it to Get Tacky: This is important. Don't press the form onto your chest right away. Depending on the adhesive and the humidity, wait 30 seconds to a few minutes until the glue is tacky, not wet. It should be sticky like tape.

Position and Press: Stand in front of a mirror. Begin by placing the lower edge of the form where you wish it to sit, then gradually roll the remainder of the form up onto your chest, smoothing it from the center outwards. This forces the air bubbles out.

Hold and Secure: Press firmly and hold the shape in place for 1-3 minutes. Pressure and body heat will make the bond cure. Avoid moving around excessively for the first 15-20 minutes to give the bond time to set completely.

Removal and Cleaning:

Use only the remover that is intended for your adhesive. Apply remover to the edges of the form, allowing it to seep underneath and loosen the adhesive. Never attempt to pull or tear the form off your skin. Gently peel it off as the adhesive loosens. Remove the residue from your skin and the form using the remover, then wash both with soap and water.

Method B: Self-Adhesive Breast Forms (The Height of Convenience)

Self-adhering breast forms are ideal for daily wear and quick change. The adhesive layer built into the form ensures easy application.

Handling and Caring for Self-Adhesive Forms:

Prepare Your Skin: Skin preparation (Part 2) is still necessary! While these are simple, they will not stick to oily or dirty skin.

Application: Remove protective film (save it!). Place form on your chest, the same as in Method A, and press firmly for 60-90 seconds.

After Wear: The moment you remove it, wash the adhesive side. Using lukewarm water and a small amount of mild, oil-free soap, clean with your fingertips. Gently lather the adhesive side to remove skin oils and impurities.

Rinse and Dry: Rinse thoroughly under a slow running stream of water. Gently shake off excess water and allow them to air dry, adhesive-side up, in a dust-free environment. Do not towel-dry the adhesive.

Restore and Store: Allow to dry completely. The tackiness will resume. Reapply the original protective film and place them in their cradle or box to maintain their shape.

The glue on these products is non-permanent. If taken care of properly, you can achieve 40 to 100 wears.

Method C: Pocket Bras & Specialized Clothing (The Skin-Safe, No-Fuss Solution)

For individuals with very sensitive skin, those who prefer not to wear adhesives, or for daily wear, a pocket bra is ideal. They are special bras designed just for this purpose; they are not standard bras.

Types of Pocket Bras:

Mastectomy Bras: This is the most widely used type. They have a special pocket in the cups that is meant to hold a breast form or prosthesis securely in place. They are made for comfort and security.

Crossdressing/Transgender Pocket Bras: Pocket bras from different companies are available that are designed keeping in mind different body frames, offering support and shaping while maintaining the forms.

DIY Pocket Bra: You can create a pocket in a supportive full-coverage bra by sewing in a soft, stretchy fabric.

Why wear a Pocket Bra?

Zero Skin Irritation: No chemicals on your skin.

Ease of Use: Just slide the forms in and out.

Security: A properly fitted pocket bra keeps shapes from shifting or falling.

Extends Form Life: Shields the silicone from coming in direct contact with skin oils and sweat.

Part 4: Data-Driven Comparison - Which Method is Right for You?

To help you decide, we've created this comparison table based on key performance indicators from our internal testing and user feedback data.

Industry Insight: As a manufacturer, we've seen an intriguing trend. Adhesive sales continue to be robust for performance-driven applications (cosplay, drag, etc.), but high-end pocket bra demand has risen by more than 30% over the course of two years. This indicates that users increasingly want a comfortable, dependable solution for daily wear. This two-pronged strategy-adhesives for special applications and pocket bras for everyday wear-is emerging as the norm for most veteran users.

Part 5: Pro-Level Troubleshooting - Resolving Common Issues

Pain Point 1: "My forms peel or fall off when I perspire."

Cause: Sweat is degrading the adhesive bond and introducing moisture.

Solution 1 (Prep): Apply an antiperspirant (not deodorant) to your chest the night before you need to wear your forms. Allow it to dry. This cuts down on sweating a lot.

Solution 2 (Barrier): Your best protection is a skin barrier film (e.g., 3M Cavilon). It forms a waterproof film between your skin and the adhesive.

Solution 3 (Adhesive Selection): Use a superior sweat-resistant silicone medical adhesive. They are designed to withstand moisture better than spirit gum.

Pain Point 2: "My skin becomes red and inflamed."

Cause: Sensitivity to the adhesive, or friction.

Solution 1 (Patch Test): Always, always perform a patch test with any new adhesive on a small area of skin (such as the inside of your arm) for 24 hours before applying it fully.

Solution 2 (Use Remover): Never rip forms off. Use the correct remover to dissolve the bond gently.

Solution 3 (Barrier): There will be a barrier of skin between your skin and the glue.

Solution 4 (Switch Methods): If irritation continues, alternate with a pocket bra for everyday wear to allow your skin to take a break.

Pain Point 3: "I can't get the posing to look natural."

Cause: Improper positioning or mismatch between form shape and body frame.

Solution 1 (The Lean Forward Trick): Lean forward at the waist so that your chest is parallel to the floor. Let your natural breast tissue fall forward. Insert the forms in this position. When you stand up, they will settle into a more natural position.

Solution 2 (Check Your Center): Do not place the forms too close to each other or too far. There should be a one-to-two-finger gap between them in the middle of your chest.

Solution 3 (Shape Matters): The teardrop shapes give a more natural slope and are often more flattering on narrow frames, and the round shapes give more upper-fullness. Make sure you have the right shape for the look you want.

Pain Point 4: "There's a sticky residue left on my skin/forms."

Cause: Adhesive was not completely dissolved.

Solution: Put more remover on a cotton pad and rub the area in circles. For dried-on residue on the forms, allow the remover to stand for a few minutes before wiping. Once all residue is wiped off, wash the area (and the form) with soap and water to eliminate the greasy remover itself.

Part 6: The Complete FAQ Guide

We trust that this in-depth guide has been able to provide you with the information and confidence you need to wear your silicone breast forms safely and comfortably. By prioritizing proper skin preparation and choosing the method that best works for you, you can have a flawless and empowering look every time. Still have questions? Browse our complete line of silicone breast prostheses and skin-safe adhesives, or talk to our experienced support team today!