How to Use Fashion Tape on Skin and Fabric

Knowing how to use fashion tape can save an outfit in seconds. Done well, a strip stays hidden and holds from morning to night. Done poorly, it peels, bunches, or shows. These steps keep it simple.

How to use fashion tape, step by step

Fashion strips are ultra-thin, double-sided, and pre-cut. Each strip is half an inch wide and three inches long. That size suits most jobs, from a gaping button to a slipping neckline.

1. Start with clean, dry skin. Lotion and oil weaken the bond, so skip them in that spot.
2. Peel the backing and press the strip onto the fabric first.
3. Position the garment where you want it to sit.
4. Press the fabric onto your skin and hold for a few seconds.
5. Smooth the edges flat, then move around to check the hold.

Put the strip on a flat, inside surface of the garment. The tape should never peek out from the edge. If it does, trim it with scissors before you stick it down.

Where fashion tape works best

Fashion tape shines in a handful of familiar spots. A button gap on a fitted shirt is the classic one. A plunging neckline, a wrap top, and a slit skirt also benefit from a small strip or two. Hems and bra straps are other common trouble spots.

Use short pieces and place them where the fabric naturally rests. A few small strips usually hold better than one long strip. In addition, give the tape a minute to settle before you head out. That short pause helps the bond take hold.

Which strength should you choose?

We make two types, and each suits a different job. Durable Strength strips are built for heavier fabrics, active wear, and high-movement events. They give the longest hold, so they suit dancing, weddings, and long days on your feet.

Soft Hold strips are gentler. They are made for fine fabrics such as silk, chiffon, and lace, where a strong adhesive could snag or pull. When you are unsure, start with the softer option. You can always step up to the stronger one.

Mistakes to avoid

A few habits cause most failures. First, people apply tape over lotion, sunscreen, or body oil. Second, they skip the press-and-hold step, so the bond never sets. Third, they pick a strip that is too strong for a delicate fabric, which can pull at the threads.

Also, avoid stretching the garment while the tape sets. If the fabric is under tension, it will pull the strip loose. Let the garment rest naturally for a moment, then move.

Taking care of your skin

Fashion tape is designed to be used on clothing and, in many cases, on skin. Even so, every person reacts differently to adhesives. Before you wear it all day, test a single strip on a small spot first. Dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology suggest testing a new product on a small area of skin before regular use. Stop using it if you notice redness, itching, or discomfort.

Avoid placing tape on broken, sunburned, or irritated skin. Likewise, keep it away from sensitive areas and from the face.

Removing tape the gentle way

Removal matters as much as application. Peel slowly, and hold your skin down with your other hand as you go. If the tape resists, warm water or a little baby oil will loosen the grip. Never rip it off in a hurry.

For the garment, peel from the fabric edge in a low, even motion. Properly removed, the strips work without damaging most materials. Wash delicate pieces according to the care label afterward.

Put simply, how to use fashion tape comes down to clean skin, a firm press, and gentle removal.

Need more ideas?

Once you know how to use fashion tape, the possibilities grow. Our list of 10 wardrobe malfunctions fashion tape fixes fast shows where it helps most. Ready to stock up? Browse our fashion strips, including Soft Hold for Fine Fabric. They are 30% off while stock lasts.