Every woman needs three under-appreciated items in her undergarments drawer: nipple covers, pasties, and a good strapless bra. While you probably won't wear them as often as a regular bra, they're incredibly helpful to have on hand for weddings, special occasions, and tricky tops and dresses.
So to help you look your best and feel more confident, we've rounded up the best nipple covers, pasties, and adhesive bras— along with some helpful tips on how to find the best nipple covers for every outfit.
Types of Nipple Covers
Thankfully, there are a number of options to choose from if you need to go braless— but not all nipple covers are created alike. Certain styles of nipple cover are better than others depending on your bust size, skin tone, and the fit and fabric of the clothes you're wearing. To ensure you find the right nipple covers for what you're wearing, let's break down the different types of nipple concealers and when you should use each style.
Pasties
When most people think of nipple covers, they probably think of good old pasties. Unlike the sequin and tassel pasties, you'd find at a lingerie shop or burlesque show, these small round or petal-shaped adhesive coverings are designed to be invisible under clothing. There are two styles to choose from single-use or reusable silicone pasties.
Adhesive Bra
Thanks to their versatility and easy application, adhesive bras are one of the most popular ways to cover your nipples. The stick-on cups provide more support and shaping than silicone and slightly less coverage than a strapless bra.
One reusable bra can last through multiple uses with proper care, and most products are relatively budget-friendly. You'll want to hand wash the invisible bra with mild soap and cold water immediately after each use and hang it to air dry. To extend the life of your reusable nipple covers, be sure to be gentle with the adhesive and always store the bra in its protective packaging between wears.
While they're great for backless dresses and sheer clothing, they aren't suitable for layering under swimwear or unlined bras. Additionally, these products tend to come unstuck and slip if you start to sweat in hot weather conditions and on sweaty dance floors.
Breast Tape
Breast tape or booby tape is exactly what it sounds like: a roll of skin-colored adhesive tape that can be used to cover your nipples and lift your breasts in tricky garments. The strips can be cut and placed to your liking, meaning coverage and support is completely customizable.
Plus, breast tape is one of the best nipple concealing solutions for busty women. While no bra alternative can provide the support of a real bra, breast tape can help to lift and shape larger breasts. There are countless YouTube tutorials offering step-by-step instructions for application, including special tutorials for supporting larger cup sizes.
What Can I Use Instead Of Nipple Covers?
In a bind, you can use a few strips of tape, preferably something gentle like surgical tape, sports tape, or masking tape. While many celebrities swear by plain old duct tape, it can be irritating to sensitive skin and is typically quite painful to remove. Classic bandaids are another popular alternative to silicone pasties that work great in a pinch.
The Best Nipple Covers, Pasties, and Adhesive Bras
01
Out of 5
Bristol 6 Nippies Skin Reusable Nipple Covers
These Reusable Nipple Covers from Nippies Skin provide the convenience and confidence you need to go braless. They're designed with durable silicone adhesive, a flash-proof matte finish, and ultra-thin edges that blend seamlessly under clothing. While they're ideal for low-back dresses and tricky necklines, they can also be used under sports bras, unlined bralettes, and swimwear. The hypoallergenic, medical-grade silicone is easy to wash and won't irritate sensitive skin.
Plus, the self-adhesive nipple covers come in two sizes and three skin tones to fit every woman's needs. The discreet storage case keeps your reusable pasties clean and protected in your suitcase, purse, or underwear drawer between uses. And if you need a little lift, a lifting option is available!
Material
100% silicone
Care
Hand wash, dry flat
02
Out of 5
Bristol 6 Nippies Basic Cross Disposable Pasties
If caring for your pasties sounds like a hassle, stick to single-use pasties like these Nippies Basic Cross Disposable Pasties from Bristol 6. Unlike round or petal-shaped pasties, their cross shape won't cause unsightly bumps and wrinkles.
To apply, simply peel off the backing and smooth the pasties over your nipples, starting from the center. Gently peel them off and toss them in the trash when you're done— no washing or special care required.
The convenient nipple covers come in both lace and satin designs in two sizes and three color options.
Material
Nylon, Lycra® spandex
Care
n/a
03
Out of 5
Aerie Real Magic Backless Lightly-Lined Bare Bra
This Aerie Real Magic Backless Lightly-Lined Bare Bra offers a versatile solution for special occasions, sheer clothing, and backless dresses. The stick-on bra is lightly-lined to both conceal your nipples and the reusable nipple covers themselves. A skin-friendly silicone adhesive and convenient center clasp make it easy to adjust the cups to find the right placement and support. The invisible bra comes in a single dark nude color and is available in cup sizes A through DD.
Material
40% Silicone, 30% Polyester, 30% Polyurethane
Care
Use a mild detergent and cool water, or hand wash for extra care. Always air dry.
04
Out of 5
Nubra Seamless Adhesive Bra
The Seamless Adhesive Bra from Nubra was designed with weddings, special occasions, and girls' nights out in mind. The lightweight cups are made from a soft polyester with a strong adhesive backing. Its small middle clasp helps to keep your breasts in place and creates a bit of cleavage with low necklines. And if you need a little push up, be sure to check out the new seamless push up design.
Material
Light weight silicone
Care
no
05
Out of 5
Booby Tape The Original Breast Tape
While most nipple covers don't provide much support, Booby Tape's Original Breast Tape allows you to customize your coverage and support level. Plus, the 5-meter roll contains enough tape for multiple uses, making it an absolute must-have for wedding season.
The latex-free tape is hypoallergenic and moisture-resistant, so it won't irritate your skin or come off when you start to sweat. Simply cut the tape to the length of your choice, peel back the lining on the stretchy tape to reveal the strong 100% acrylic adhesive, and place it exactly where you need coverage and support.
Material
cotton, spandex, adhesive, acrylic
Care
n/a
How to Wash Reusable Nipple Covers
Properly washing and caring for your reusable nipple covers, silicone pasties, or stick-on bra between uses will help to keep the adhesive as sticky as possible for as long as possible. Not only will this extend the life of the product, but it'll also ensure your nipple covers don't come unstuck and cause a disastrous wardrobe malfunction.
Here's How To Properly Wash Your Pasties To Keep Them Sticky:
Wet the adhesive with warm water and a drop or two of laundry soap or face wash.
Use your fingers to gently rub the adhesive side of the silicone, removing any oils, dust, hair, or small particles that may have gotten stuck during the previous wear.
Rinse using warm water until no soap residue remains.
Lay to dry adhesive side up in a clean, dust-free location.
Once fully dry, reapply the plastic backings and place the nipple covers in a safe storage space like a plastic bag or the original packaging.