I Tried a Bunch of Nipple Covers Because I Want a Braless, Carefree Life

Regardless of the fact that everyone on the planet has them, women—for some illogical reason—have to worry about our nipples making an unexpected appearance on a daily basis. For anyone who wants to conceal their nips (who doesn’t love a little mystery?), it can be quite the hassle figuring out when displaying certain features of our god-given body is appropriate for the setting. We’re 100% #freethenipple, but there are certain situations (e.g. in the office, at a christening, or in wedding photos) when the goal isn’t to draw attention to yourself and your tatas.

Those of us on the more ample-bosomed end of the spectrum have fewer options when it comes to attractive undergarments that also support and conceal. With this quandary in mind, I set out on a noble quest: to find a pair of perfect pasties. I tested a handful and consulted with a few knowledgeable friends, including a professional stylist and some pals that go to more than three weddings a month.

The top contenders hold up in high temps, feel comfortable, and are easy to remove, and the one thing they all have in common is that they transform you into an anatomically ambiguous Barbie, taking areolas completely out of the equation. These are some of my absolute favorites for styling under bare-shoulder outfits and even white T-shirts.

best nipple covers

• The best nipple covers for extra shape – B-Six Nippies Covers
• The nipple covers that don’t feel like anything – Gatherall Nipple Covers
• The best cheap nipple covers – Bonamona Reusable Silicone Nipple Covers
• The best drugstore nipple covers – Hollywood Fashion Secrets Silicone CoverUps
• The best everyday boob tape – B-Six Nippies Tape
• This Amazon favorite – Go Nipless Nipple Covers
• The best boob tape for travel – The Weekender
• The best nipple covers to make a fashion statement – Lollipetals Silicone Nipple Pasties
• The best adhesive bra – NOOD Push Up Adhesive Bra
• These are the best fabric nipple covers – Intimissimi Fabric Nipple Guards
• The best nipple covers for travel – Silicone Nipple Covers

The best nipple covers for extra shape – B-Six Nippies Covers

“The price point for these is really high, so I only buy them for celebrity clients and myself,” jokes fashion stylist Ali Kornhauser. “They are thin but firm, which gives your boobs a really nice shape. They also get thinner towards the edges, so you never see the line through clothes.” Even though they’re on the more expensive end, Kornhauser says you will get a lot more use out of the Nippies than cheaper brands—plus, they offer the widest variety of shades.

The nipple covers that don’t feel like anything – Gatherall Nipple Covers

I was personally amazed at how well these thin little patches held up. I wore them while hiking to a swimming hole in Vermont, and needless to say, after a few hours I had sweat and swam quite a bit—and the Gatherall’s were still intact.

The best thing about this particular option was that they are barely noticeable. Out of all the options I tried, I quickly forgot I was wearing these and went about my day as a comfortable, confident, braless person. I even submitted these to one of the toughest tests: nipping out in the frozen food aisle while deciding what kind of fruit to buy for this week’s smoothies. My arms were covered in goosebumps, but under my white tank, I was still completely incognito.

The best cheap nipple covers – Bonamona Reusable Silicone Nipple Covers

Kornhauser uses these affordable silicone pasties for everyday wear and always has a pack in her kit. They get the job done (zero show-through), are reusable, and come in a pack of three, so you definitely get a bang for your buck. Plus, they come with nipple pads to protect extra-sensitive people from any rubbing or discomfort.

The best drugstore nipple covers – Hollywood Fashion Secrets Silicone Coverups

If you’re in a pinch, or looking for a cheap silicone pasty in a variety of colors, Hollywood Fashion Secrets is Kornhauser’s honorable mention. If you don’t care about them lasting a long time, but want something affordable and effective, these “work surprisingly well for a drugstore brand,” says Ali.

The best EVERYDAY boob tape – B-Six Nippies tape

All my big-busted besties know that a little silicone hat for your headlights is doing next to nothing for the girls—so if you like a little extra lift (or a whole lot of support) while concealing your nips, Nippies makes super-stretchy tape, made from premium nylon and medical-grade adhesive, which is gentle on even the most sensitive skin types. It’s also hypoallergenic and water-resistant, which make it great for extremely humid weather and wearing under swimsuits.

This Amazon favorite – Go Nipless Nipple Covers

With a 4.5-star rating on Amazon and nearly 9,000 reviews, these Go Nipless sticky nipple covers have earned their keep. Reviewer Melissa B. dubbed them a “total game changer” and uses them on the regular. She writes, “I wear them on most days with so many different outfits. They remain effective and comfortable over time.” She’s not the only one who has found these nip covers are in it for the long haul, either. Another Amazon reviewer wrote that she’s had them for over a year “and they last all day every time.”

The best boob tape for travel – The Weekender

Boob tape is the secret weapon you need when you’re traveling and treating your vacay like your own personal fashion show. However, nobody needs to be packing scissors with them in the name of fashion. TSA will not understand your plight.

That’s why these pre-cut boob tape swaths from NOOD are so smart. The Weekender bundle includes a set of 4 x 12-inch strips and 6 x 6-inch strips. In both cases, the tape is 3 inches wide. NOOD says it works for all bust sizes, and judging by the diverse customer reviews, they’re right.

The best nipple covers to make a fashion statement – Lollipetals Silicone Nipple Pasties

The best nipple covers don’t have to be discrete. In fact, you can make a statement with them, pairing them with a sheer-ish formal dress or sheer, tight-fitting top. If that’s your mission, then Lollipetals Silicone Nipple Pasties are the best reusable nipple covers for the job. Each pastie has a pretty floral design, and while you can get them in a range of nude hues, you can opt for bright pinks, reds, and purples to achieve that bold look you’re going for.

The best adhesive bra – NOOD Push Up Adhesive Bra

Maybe you want a little more support than even the best lifting pasties can offer. If that’s the case, you’ll want to opt for a sticky strapless bra. This padded adhesive bra from NOOD does the most: not only does its medical-grade adhesive design cover your nips for a smooth look, but it also gives your girls some extra shape – adding an extra cup size. It comes in cup sizes A through D, and can be worn 50+ times if you take care of it right.

These are the best fabric nipple covers – Intimissimi Fabric Nipple Guards

Unlike silicone nipple covers, the fabric variety are not reusable. However, they’re still great to have on hand, and offer a helpful alternative if you don’t like the texture or feel of silicone. These dainty star and flower-shaped nipple covers from Intimissimi are perfect for deep necklines and sheer outfits. Plus, at $9 for a set of three, that’s a damn good deal.

The best nipple covers for travel – Silicone Nipple Covers

Obviously, nipple covers are not taking up that much space in your carry-on, no matter which ones you go with. However, you do want them to stay safe and clean while you travel, so you can get the most wear out of them (and be hygienic). These reusable sticky nipple covers are a cheap buy on Amazon, and a go-to for travel because they come with a helpful little travel case.

Go forth, braless babes and titillating tata-tamers, and relish in the freedom of no nip-slips!

Updated 9/13/2024.

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