We’ve all been there: excited about a brand-new outfit, but finding that a regular bra is just too visible underneath. Thankfully, the best nipple covers come in handy for sheer tops, backless dresses, and the like. Adhesive covers and sticky bras offer coverage and light support under clingy or semi-sheer fabrics, while boob tape takes it even further, providing lift, shape, and support for plunging necklines and unconventional cuts.
Tape is usually a disposable one-and-done, offering a customizable fit and shape for specific uses, with no cleaning or upkeep afterwards. Silicone nipple covers, however, carry the major perk of reusability. In fact, some can last up to 50 wears (with proper care, of course). To find out which nipple covers really deliver, we asked Glamour editors with a range of breast sizes and shapes to test them across various outfits and scenarios. These are the top-ranking selects.
These sand, dollar-size nipple covers are tapered with a thick center that hugs your nipples, then gradually thins out to lie flush against your skin—so they stay smooth and invisible under clothes. Made of medical-grade adhesive silicone, they’re completely opaque, waterproof, and reusable for over 50 wears.
“They blend into my skin, tuck in my nipples, are painless to apply and remove, and are easy to rinse and store,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “I’ve used them dozens of times, in the hottest, sweatiest parts of summer, with all matter of light, tight clothes, and they still hold up.”
This kit includes both breast tape and reusable nipple covers. “For the price, I feel like I’ve totally gotten my money’s worth,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “I’m constantly grabbing the stickies from this kit. I’ve worn them no less than 40 times, and they’re just starting to look a little worse for the wear but they still stick. I’ve even sweated and exercised in them! There’s no real lift, but they do a great job hiding nipples, and they’re rarely detectable under garments of all kinds—even white tanks.”
Glamour tester Mia Nunez is a fan of the ultra-thin tape, which you can cut and layer to customize coverage under tricky necklines (and as added support for larger busts). “It’s very wide but easy enough to cut into your preferred shape or size,” she says. Paired with the nipple covers, she says the tape-and-pastie combo is her go-to secret in the summer. The set comes in a ton of skin tones—more than any other option we tested—and is waterproof, so you can wear them for a swim or on the sweatiest days.
Type: Breast tape and nipple covers | Material: Cotton, spandex (tape); silicone (nipple covers) | Colors: 6 | Sizes: Varies based on how much tape is used | Waterproof: Yes (tape) | Reusable: No (tape); yes (nipple covers)
Pros & Cons
Pros
Customization is ideal for tricky necklines
Tape is waterproof for swimming or sweating
Long-lasting for value
Cons
Tape is tricky to make lay flat
Best for Sheer Clothing: Commando Nipple Concealer Adhesives
Similar to reusable nipple covers, adhesive pasties offer subtle coverage when wearing sheer clothing. Silicone covers are often a bit thicker and might show through thin garments, but that’s not the case with thin, throwaway pasties like these X-shaped Commando stickers, which are amazingly durable and sticky.
“Though I love my reusable silicone nipple covers, they’re not always the most seamless option,” says Griggs. “I bought these to go under a sheer white dress that was tight in the chest. They created a smooth silhouette without showing through the material. They were a pain to take off (pro tip: don’t just rip them right off) compared to my reusable ones, but stayed in place all day—and, importantly—invisible.”
Type: Pasties | Material: Latex-free, medical-grade adhesive | Colors: 4 | Size: 1 | Waterproof: No | Reusable: No
Pros & Cons
Pros
Light, breathable
More seamless under thin fabric than silicone covers
More seamless under thin fabric than silicone covers
Cons
One size only so may not provide enough coverage
Tough to take off
Single use only
Best for Large Breasts: NuBra 3D Silicone Adhesive Bra
Not everyone has the ability to go completely braless. For larger-chested women or those looking for a little bit more coverage than a nipple cover, a backless bra will be your new go-to. Whether you’re looking for a backless bra for stronger support, more coverage, or a combination of the two, the NuBra comes in four different sizes, making it a game-changer for both customizable fit and comfortable wear.
The best part about this particular backless bra, though, is that you apply each cup separately before hooking them together, ensuring the perfect fit every time. Pro tip: angle the connection points downward at close to a 45-degree angle; when you clip the two sides together, the bra creates a little bit of lift as well as coverage and extra support.
Two of our editors say these Bristols 6s are the best nipple covers they’ve ever tried because they come in a range of skin tones and truly stay put. “They’ve yet to slip off in the heat when I'm on a red carpet,” says Glamour senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff. Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro calls the Nippies the most “seamless” that she owns. “I don’t have to worry about seeing the circular shape underneath my clothes, even when I’m wearing formfitting bodysuits or tees,” she says. “The glue isn’t irritating and they don’t stick to my skin so hard that it hurts to remove them. As for cleaning, I find that these get the least amount of lint on them to begin with (versus other nipple covers I’ve used), so a light rinse of water does just the trick.”
Type: Nipple covers | Material: 100% silicone | Colors: 5 | Sizes: 3 sizes (fits up to DD+ cups) | Waterproof: No; water-resistant | Reusable: Up to 30 times
Pros & Cons
Pros
Super durable—one tester says she’s worn them well over their guaranteed 30 times.
Include DD+ cup sizing
Truly seamless
Come in a wide range of skin tones
Cons
Covers curl inward when they're not on, so you'll have to force their stuck-together sides apart each time you use them
Best for Plunging Necklines: Cakes Grippy Triangles
Courtesy of brand
Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Cakes nipple covers
Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Cakes nipple covers
Unlike traditional round covers, these triangle-shaped nipple covers from viral brand Cakes are designed with plunge and V-neck styles in mind. Made of medical-grade silicone, they’re waterproof, reusable, and ultra-sticky—so they stay in place no matter what you’re wearing (or doing).
“I’ve tried both the triangular and circular Cakes, but I really like the triangular ones for V-necks and even bathing suits,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “They’re super sticky and stay in place, whether you’re dancing at a wedding or swimming at a pool party. You can even give yourself a tiny little lift by pulling up just a little bit before sticking the top part to your skin.”
There’s a reason these Muqu nipple covers are a consistent bestseller: They’re ultra affordable, come in five skin tone shades, and arrive in a compact zip-up case that keeps them clean and easy to stash in a bag. The set includes two styles—round silicone covers and petal-shaped pasties—so you can try both and see which works best with different outfits. They’re reusable, grippy even in warm weather, and a solid pick if you’re new to nipple covers or just want a dependable budget option. Just note that the edges aren’t quite as seamless under fitted tops as some higher-end versions.
Although nipple covers are designed with adhesive that’s meant not to irritate skin, those with sensitive skin might feel differently. It’s difficult to find a nonadhesive cover that stands up against the rest—until now. Nood’s nonadhesive nipple covers not only stay on, but also mold so perfectly to your body that they disappear under the sheerest shirts and the tightest tanks, says Glamour contributor Avery Matera.
They’re totally reusable and easy to clean, and the best part about the adhesive-free design is that you don’t have to worry about the sticky party wearing out after too many uses. As long as you properly clean and dry them, they’re totally good as new for your next skin-baring look. They are designed with an opaque center and semi-transparent edges, which blend perfectly with your skin to ensure that tonal outlines aren’t visible.
Type: Nipple covers and petals | Material: 100% silicone | Colors: 3 | Sizing: 2 (3 and 4 in. diameter) | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes
Why not have a little bit of fun with your nipple covers? Titas were designed to hide or be seen—choose your own adventure. These stars are made of ultra-thin silicone, so for those opting for nude styles, they offer seamless coverage that hides in plain sight. However, for those looking for a nipple cover to show off, the brand crafts those same comfortable styles in a variety of colors and shapes.
Under a sheer top, you might choose a purple butterfly or black star. In fact, even if you want to have some fun with their variety of shapes, you can still opt for a discreet nude tone; it might very well be a confidence builder just knowing you’re having a little bit more fun under your clothing.
Just because you don’t want your nipples showing through a shirt doesn’t mean that you don’t want any nipples to create a bit of buzz. Enter: Perkies. These nipple enhancers offer both coverage of your own chest as well as a “consistent perky look,” according to the brand’s website.
While Perkies can be used by anyone, the brand began to aid women who have lost their nipples due to breast cancer and mastectomies. (According to the brand’s website, they were “designed to restore a vital part of a woman’s identity.” As such, Perkies donates 5% of all website sales to breast cancer research.) While our personal faves are the natural nips, the brand also offers smooth nipple covers. Meanwhile, those looking for an even more daring look can opt for a pierced style. That’s range.
Five Glamour editors with different boob sizes tested a range of nipple covers—both reusable and disposable—as well as various boob tapes. We wore them under everything from backless dresses to bikinis to see which were easiest to use, stayed in place for hours, and delivered on promises like invisibility, lift, and comfort. If they were reusable, we also judged them based on how many wears we were able to get out of them.
What are the different types of nipple covers?
Silicone nipple covers: These lightweight, medical-grade silicone covers are reusable, easy to clean, sweat-resistant, and available in multiple skin tones and sizes. They’re ideal under thin or tight clothing, plunging necklines, swimwear, and even wedding guest dresses. Some waterproof options can prevent chafing under sports bras or swimsuits. Just note: The adhesive can lose its grip over time, and they may show through certain fabrics.
Pasties: Flatter and thinner than silicone options, pasties work well under sheer fabrics, V-necks, or loose T-shirts. They’re helpful in a pinch and offer discreet coverage without bulk. While usually affordable, they’re single-use only and may tug a bit during removal. Be sure to smooth them down completely to avoid puckering.
Boob tape (a.k.a. nipple tape or breast tape): This stretchy, adhesive tape can be cut to lift, shape, and support your breasts, making it a go-to for larger busts and low-cut outfits. The tape is highly customizable, but it’s not reusable and can be tricky to apply and take off.
Adhesive strapless bras (a.k.a. stick-on bras or sticky bras): These stick-on backless bras offer more structure than pasties or tape, giving you shape, support, and coverage under strapless or one-shoulder styles. They’re reusable and easy to clean, but in hot or humid weather, the adhesive may not hold up as well.
How to shop for nipple covers
Factors to consider when figuring out what nipple cover is best for you:
Reusability: If you plan to wear nipple covers often, opt for reusable ones—they’re more cost-effective and versatile. “They’re easy to clean, easy to wear, and work with a range of outfit options—even under bras or bralettes for a smooth, no-show look,” says Jen Summers, bra-fit expert and co-owner of lingerie shop Story Essentials. Disposable pasties are fine for one-off use.
Size and color: “You don’t want a cover so large it changes the shape of your breast, or so small it doesn’t offer full coverage,” Summers says. Measure the diameter of your nipple, including the areola. Most covers range from two to four inches wide; choosing one slightly larger than your nipple helps press it down and create a smooth, seamless finish under clothes. Choose a color that blends with the skin around your areola to avoid visible contrast under clothes.
Your outfit and overall look: Some styles are more seamless and better for thinner fabrics. Others offer a bit of lift or shaping if that’s the look you’re after. (We’ve outlined which types work best for different outfits in the section above.)
How to use nipple covers
To apply: Peel off the backing and press the cover firmly over clean, dry skin. Avoid lotions or oils—they’ll weaken the adhesive.
To remove: Don’t yank them off! For reusable covers, gently peel the covers away. If they’re clingy, use a warm, damp cloth or a little coconut or baby oil to loosen the grip. For adhesive pasties or boob tape, a quick oil soak can make removal easier and gentler on skin. When in doubt, follow the brand’s removal directions.
How to wash nipple covers
Most reusable nipple covers just need a rinse with water (and sometimes mild soap), time to fully air-dry, and then proper storage to reactivate the adhesion on the back. So don’t throw away the box they came in.
Do nipple covers work for large breasts?
Nipple covers and pasties alone aren’t a great solution for bigger boobs because they don’t usually provide much support. “You can use a flesh-toned breast tape for lift and add a nipple cover on top for modesty,” says Jené Luciani Sena, bra expert and author of The Bra Book and Get It!, who points to Hollywood Fashion Secrets Silicone Coverups Set, which includes both. The tape is more customizable—layer it in strips over each shoulder to pull up your bust and relieve strain on your back.
Ashley Full, personal stylist and cofounder of Amour781, a size-inclusive online shopping platform
Erika Cartledge, a personal stylist and image architect with 10 years of industry experience
Malia Griggs is the commerce editor at Glamour, where she writes about gifting, fashion, beauty, and sales. She joined the Glamour team in 2023 with more than five years of experience covering Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other major shopping events. She has worked in media for over 15 years, ... Read More
Born and bred in New York City, Avery is a fashion journalist and owner of antique and estate jewelry company, Palley & Co. She has a passion for jewelry, can’t live without daily yoga, and—of course—a deep-seated love of her puppy, Emma. With 15 years in the industry, she began ... Read More