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Of all the things you could possibly want (or need) these days, the best nipple covers might not rank high on your list. But sometimes our favorite ’fits don’t give us the option for a bra (hi, backless dress), and while going braless can be truly freeing, not everyone may feel comfortable with nipples peeking out—or a potential nip slip.
Thanks to the endless possibilities of the internet, we found a ton of smart, affordable solutions that make it possible to wear pretty much anything. So if you need some guidance, keep scrolling for a handy checklist of the best bra alternatives to stock up on. From adhesive bras to silicone nipple covers and reusable pasties, each one can solve a number of tricky top and dress situations—whether you’re going out for dinner or attending a wedding—and are all easy to put on and remove. Shop the 22 best nipple covers to wear with your trickiest and skin-baring outfits ahead.
The adhesive bra
What it’s good for: Backless or super-low-cut dresses and tops.
It’s easy to wear your comfiest bra (or nothing at all) when you’re at home lounging in sweat shorts, but those one-shoulder numbers and open-back dresses require a little extra forethought. Sometimes you can get away with just a strapless bra, but if you want shape and definition without a war against gravity, adhesive styles are the way to go.
Celebrity stylist Anita Patrickson told she prefers the NuBra (shown below) over a traditional strapless style since it’s so much better at staying hidden. (This invisible bra comes in sizes A to E, and has a wide range of nude colors, compared with some other brands on the market.) The proper way to put it on? “Bend over, stick one cup toward the outside of your breast, put the other one on your other breast, and clip them together,” Patrickson says. “It’ll help give you some cleavage and is the best way I’ve found to put it on.”
If you have a fuller bust, consider brands like Fashion Forms and Nordstrom Lingerie that make backless bras and adhesive bras up to G-cup sizes. The last two options in this section stick well to your side and provide lift underneath clothes with low necklines and open backs.
The silicone nipple covers
What they’re good for: Thin or semisheer fabrics, plunging necklines, and swimwear.
Self-adhesive nipple covers (or silicone pasties) are especially great to wear year-round because they’re lightweight and practically invisible. Breathable and sweatproof, these options are typically circular in shape, stretching beyond the nipple to cover the entire areola. (Some, like the ones from Fashion Forms, are scalloped to look like flowers.) Most brands offer nipple covers in a range of skin tones, and you can even get them in a waterproof style to wear underneath bikinis and one-piece swimsuits.
Because of their thickness and matte finish, nipple concealers tend to do a better job than mesh bralettes or sports bras at masking erect nipples. Plus, the majority of adhesive silicone covers are made from medical-grade silicone, so if you have sensitive skin or plan on adding them to your daily rotation, they should be kinder on your skin.
The pasties
What they’re good for: Sheer fabrics, V-necks, and loose-fitting tops and T-shirts.
Similar to reusable nipple covers, adhesive pasties offer subtle coverage when wearing sheer clothing, such as basic white tank tops. They function much like stickers and are usually flatter than reusable silicone nipple covers—but be aware: Even though they look ultra thin, they may pucker if not applied flush to your boobs.
Pasties are skin-friendly and often reusable, if not washable, and like the nipple covers above, most of the time you need only a touch of mild soap and warm water to reactivate the adhesive on the back.
Breast petals (pasties shaped like flowers) are a popular option, but ICYMI, pasties come in a kaleidoscope of playful designs (hearts, stars, or crosses) and fabrics (lace, satin, and sequins) that are great for everyday wear or special occasions. We know, we know—sequined nipple covers don’t exactly scream comfy (or safe for work), but most have latex-free or hypoallergenic silicone adhesive backings, meaning even the rhinestone ones aren’t meant to irritate or chafe after wearing them for hours on end. (PS: Some come with test patches too so you can spot-try the product on a less sensitive part of your skin beforehand.)
