What Are Nipple Covers?

Nipple covers are small, disc-shaped pieces worn directly over the nipple and areola to conceal them under clothing. They sit flat against the skin, creating a smooth appearance without the structure or underwire of a traditional bra. They're also commonly called nipple pasties, breast petals, or boob stickers depending on the brand and the country you're shopping in.

The category has expanded dramatically in recent years. Today you'll find everything from ultra-thin silicone discs to fabric-backed adhesive versions, from single-use foam styles to reusable options designed to last hundreds of wears. Knowing the difference between these types is the key to getting the look and the comfort you're after.

If you want to explore the full range of styles available, our dedicated nipple covers page is the best place to start.

Why People Wear Nipple Covers

There is no single reason people reach for nipple covers, which is part of what makes them such a versatile product. Here are the most common situations where they come into their own:

• Going braless: When you want freedom from underwire but still want a smooth, covered look under a fitted top or dress.
• Backless or strapless outfits: Traditional bras are often impossible to hide in these styles. Nipple covers offer coverage without visible straps or backs.
• Sheer or lightweight fabrics: Linen, silk, chiffon, and jersey can all show nipple definition. A thin silicone cover resolves this instantly.
• Exercise: Nipple chafing during running, cycling, or high-impact workouts is a genuine and painful problem. Covers act as a barrier between skin and fabric.
• Post-surgery comfort: Many people recovering from breast surgery, including lumpectomy or mastectomy, find nipple covers helpful for comfort and confidence during recovery.
• Sensitivity: Some people find the sensation of fabric directly on their nipples uncomfortable. Covers create a soft barrier throughout the day.
• Postpartum: During and after breastfeeding, nipples can be particularly sensitive. Covers designed without adhesive directly on the nipple are especially popular during this period.

The Main Types of Nipple Covers

Understanding the different constructions will help you choose the right cover for each occasion.

Adhesive Silicone Nipple Covers

These are the most widely used type. Made from medical-grade silicone, they adhere directly to the skin and are thin enough to disappear under most fabrics. The best versions are reusable and can be washed and reapplied multiple times. The key question with any adhesive cover is where the glue sits: some apply adhesive across the entire back surface, which can be uncomfortable and potentially irritating for sensitive nipples. Better-designed versions use a ring of adhesive around the outer edge only, leaving the nipple area itself completely free from glue.

Adhesive-Free Silicone Covers

Rather than relying on glue, these covers use the natural grip of silicone against skin to stay in place. They work best in fitted clothing where the fabric itself helps hold the cover against the body. Because there is no adhesive involved, they are genuinely infinitely reusable and are a great option for people with sensitive skin, those who are breastfeeding, or anyone who simply prefers to avoid adhesives.

Fabric or Foam Covers

Often single-use, these tend to be thicker and more visible under fine fabrics. They suit looser or textured clothing better than the silicone alternatives and are generally less expensive as a result.

Disposable Nipple Covers

Made from thin foam or non-woven fabric, disposables are lightweight and easy to pack for travel. They are not reusable and can add up in cost over time, but are useful as a backup option.

Introducing the Breasties Range: Grippies and Stickies

At Breasties, we've designed two distinct styles of nipple covers to suit different needs, occasions, and preferences. Both styles have earned a 4.8 star average from 2,140+ reviews, which tells you a lot about how they perform in real life.

Grippies: Adhesive-Free and Infinitely Reusable

Grippies are our adhesive-free nipple covers. They hold in place using the natural grip of silicone against skin, with no glue, no residue, and no irritation. Because there is nothing to wear out adhesively, they are infinitely reusable. Wash them, let them air dry, and they're ready to go again. This makes them the most economical option over time and the gentlest choice for sensitive or post-surgery skin.

Grippies work best under fitted clothing where the fabric provides a little additional hold. They're particularly popular for everyday wear, for people with sensitive skin, and for those who are nursing or postpartum.

Stickies: Secure Hold with Smart Adhesive Design

Stickies use what we call the Inner Circle ring adhesive: a ring of adhesive around the outer edge of the cover that bonds to the skin around the areola. Critically, there is no glue on the nipple itself. This design keeps the cover firmly in place while protecting the most sensitive area from any adhesive contact.

Stickies last 15 to 20+ wears with proper care. After each use, rinse them under warm water, allow them to air dry, and store them in their original case. Avoid applying body lotion or oil to the area before use, as this will reduce adhesion.

Stickies are the better choice when you need a strong, reliable hold: think backless dresses, high-impact activities, or any occasion where you really cannot be thinking about your cover shifting.

Available Sizes

Both Grippies and Stickies come in three sizes to ensure a proper fit across a wide range of bodies:

• 8cm Chic Cherries - suited to AA-A cup sizes
• 10cm Peach Perfect - suited to B-DD cup sizes
• 13cm Full Bloom - suited to DDD+ cup sizes

Choosing the right size matters both for comfort and for achieving a truly smooth appearance. A cover that doesn't fully extend beyond the areola will leave edges visible. When in doubt, size up.

Available Shades

Nipple covers only work well when they match your skin tone. We offer five shades designed to work across a wide range of complexions:

• Ivory
• Latte
• Honey
• Toffee
• Espresso

Our shade guide on the product pages is the most accurate reference, but if you're ever unsure, our customer team is always happy to help you choose.

How to Apply Nipple Covers Correctly

Application might seem straightforward, but a few simple steps make the difference between covers that stay all day and ones that shift at the worst possible moment.

1. Cleanse the skin: Wash the area with a gentle, fragrance-free soap and pat completely dry. Any moisture, oil, or lotion on the skin will reduce how well the cover adheres.
2. Avoid body products: Do not apply deodorant, body lotion, body oil, or fake tan to the breast area before applying covers. Apply these products after, if needed.
3. Find the centre: Centre the cover directly over the nipple before pressing down. Take your time here as repositioning repeatedly will reduce the stickiness of adhesive covers.
4. Press and hold: Press the cover gently but firmly from the centre outwards, smoothing out any air bubbles. Hold for a few seconds to allow the adhesive to bond fully.
5. Check the edges: Make sure the edges are flat against the skin before you get dressed, particularly if you're wearing a lightweight or fitted fabric.

How to Remove Nipple Covers Without Discomfort

Removal is where people most commonly go wrong. Pulling a cover off quickly may work for a plaster on your finger, but for something adhered to delicate breast skin, a slow and gentle approach is essential.

1. Take your time: Peel the cover back slowly from one edge, keeping the motion low and parallel to the skin rather than pulling upwards.
2. Use warm water: If you're finding a cover difficult to remove, step into the shower or hold a warm damp cloth over the area for a minute or two. The warmth loosens the adhesive and makes removal much more comfortable.
3. Never yank: Pulling sharply can irritate the skin and will damage the cover itself, reducing its lifespan.
4. Support the skin: Use one hand to gently hold the skin taut while the other hand peels the cover back. This prevents the skin from being pulled along with the cover.

How to Care for Reusable Nipple Covers

Proper care directly affects how long your covers last and how well they perform each time. The routine is simple:

• Rinse after every wear: Hold the covers under lukewarm running water and gently rub away any skin oils, sweat, or residue with your fingertips. Do not use soap with moisturising agents as these can coat the silicone and affect adhesion.
• Air dry completely: Place the covers adhesive-side up on a clean, lint-free surface and allow them to dry fully before storing. Do not use a towel to pat dry as this leaves fibres on the surface.
• Store in the original case: Storing your covers in the case they came in protects the adhesive surface from dust, lint, and debris, all of which reduce tackiness over time.
• Avoid heat: Keep covers away from direct sunlight, radiators, and tumble dryers. Heat degrades silicone and will shorten the life of your covers.
• Do not use alcohol-based products: Cleaning with alcohol, acetone, or harsh solvents will damage the silicone surface.

Nipple Covers for Different Outfit Types

Not every cover works equally well under every type of clothing. Here's a practical guide to matching your cover to your outfit:

Under Fitted Jersey or T-Shirt Fabric

Jersey is unforgiving and will show any edge or seam. Choose the thinnest silicone option you have in the closest shade to your skin tone. Grippies work excellently here because the fabric helps hold them in place and there are no edges raised by adhesive.

Under Sheer or Lightweight Fabric

Silicone covers are your best option as they're thin enough to disappear under sheer layers. Match your shade carefully as the cover itself may be slightly visible through very sheer fabric. A skin-matched cover will look far more natural than a beige or neutral one if it doesn't closely match your complexion.

Under Backless Dresses and Tops

This is where Stickies come into their own. Without the assistance of a bra band or fabric holding things in place, you need the reliable hold of an adhesive cover. Apply to clean, dry skin and consider using a little body tape around the edges for extra security if you're planning a long or active evening.

For Exercise and Sport

Both covers work well for exercise, but sweat can affect adhesion over time. For high-intensity or long-duration activity, Stickies provide better staying power. Applying them to freshly cleansed, completely dry skin before you begin is the most important preparation step.

Under Structured or Padded Garments

If your garment has built-in padding or cups, you may not need a cover for concealment. In this case, covers are more likely being used for comfort or chafing prevention, in which case Grippies are a comfortable, adhesive-free choice.

Nipple Covers and Skin Sensitivity

Skin around the nipple and areola is thinner and more sensitive than most areas of the body. This means that not all nipple covers are suitable for all people, and it's worth understanding what to look for if you have sensitive skin.

The most important factor is the adhesive. Full-coverage adhesive on the back of a nipple cover means glue sits directly on the nipple, which can cause irritation, redness, or discomfort, particularly for people with eczema-prone skin, those who are breastfeeding, or anyone who has had breast surgery. The Inner Circle ring adhesive used in our Stickies was designed specifically to avoid this: the glue bonds to the skin around the areola rather than on the nipple itself.

For the most sensitive skin of all, Grippies are the recommendation. No adhesive means no risk of adhesive-related irritation. If you're ever unsure whether a cover is right for your skin, do a small patch test on the inside of your arm before wearing on the breast.

Nipple Covers During and After Breastfeeding

Many parents find nipple covers useful both during and after the breastfeeding period. During this time, nipples can be particularly tender and sensitive to fabric friction. The adhesive-free design of Grippies makes them a comfortable choice because there is nothing to remove from the nipple before feeding and no adhesive residue to worry about.

It's worth noting that nipple covers are different from nipple shields, which are breastfeeding aids designed to help with latching difficulties. Nipple covers are purely for coverage and comfort outside of feeding sessions. Always consult a healthcare provider or lactation consultant if you have specific breastfeeding questions.

Common Questions About Nipple Covers

Will nipple covers show under tight clothing?

With the right size and shade, high-quality silicone covers should be virtually invisible. Choosing a shade that matches your skin tone is more important than most people realise. Under very tight or very thin fabric, positioning the cover carefully to avoid any air bubbles and ensuring the edges are completely flat will give the smoothest result.

Can I wear nipple covers in water?

Adhesive covers are not designed for swimming or submersion. Water will loosen the adhesive and the cover will not hold. If you need coverage at the beach or in a pool, look for swimwear with built-in lining, or use Grippies under a snug-fitting swimsuit where the fabric helps hold them in place.

How long can I wear them in one go?

Most silicone nipple covers are safe to wear for up to 8 to 10 hours at a stretch. Extended wear beyond this can cause skin irritation, particularly in warm weather or during physical activity. Give your skin a break between uses and always allow it to breathe properly after removal.

Are nipple covers safe after breast surgery?

Many people use nipple covers after breast surgery for both comfort and confidence. However, you should always follow the advice of your surgical team and wait until incisions have fully healed before applying anything to the skin. Adhesive-free options like Grippies are generally the most appropriate post-surgery choice. When in doubt, ask your surgeon or breast care nurse.

What's the difference between nipple covers and nipple pasties?

The terms are largely interchangeable. "Pasties" is more commonly used in American English and can refer to decorative styles used in performance contexts as well as everyday wear. "Nipple covers" is the broader term and typically implies a functional, wearable-under-clothing design. Both refer to the same basic product.

Do nipple covers work on larger cup sizes?

Yes, provided you choose the correct size. The 13cm Full Bloom size is designed specifically for DDD+ cup sizes. Using too small a cover on a larger areola will leave the edges of the areola visible and the cover will not sit as smoothly. Always size up if you're between sizes.

How to Choose the Right Nipple Cover for You

With so many options available, the decision doesn't need to be complicated. Use this simple framework:

• Sensitive skin or breastfeeding? Choose Grippies (adhesive-free).
• Need a strong, all-day hold for a backless outfit or active day? Choose Stickies with Inner Circle adhesive.
• Wearing under fitted or sheer fabric? Choose the thinnest silicone option in the closest shade to your skin.
• Concerned about cost over time? Grippies (infinitely reusable) or Stickies (15 to 20+ wears) both offer excellent value versus disposables.
• Unsure of size? Refer to the size guide and, when in doubt, size up.

You can browse the full range and compare both styles on our nipple covers page, where you'll also find our shade matching guide and detailed sizing information.

What Our Customers Say

With a 4.8 star average across 2,140+ reviews, the feedback from real wearers is consistently clear on a few points: the covers are thinner and more comfortable than expected, the shade range is genuinely inclusive, and the reusability holds up well with proper care. Customers frequently mention wearing them under wedding guest dresses, for long-haul travel, during postpartum recovery, and for daily comfort under work clothing.

The most common piece of advice from existing customers is to trust the size guide and match your shade carefully. These two steps account for almost all of the positive differences people notice between a cover that works perfectly and one that disappoints.

Final Thoughts

Nipple covers are a genuinely practical wardrobe tool that solves a wide range of everyday dressing challenges. Whether you're going braless for the first time, preparing for a backless wedding outfit, managing nipple sensitivity, or simply looking for more comfort during your daily routine, the right cover makes a real difference.

The key is knowing what type suits your needs, choosing the correct size and shade, applying and removing carefully, and caring for your covers so they last. Do all of that and nipple covers will quickly become one of the most useful things in your drawer.

Explore our full range of nipple covers to find the right style, size, and shade for you.