The 11 Best Nipple Covers For Backless, Strapless, And Cutout Tops

Whether you want to go braless or wear an open-back or plunging top (or dress), having the best nipple covers on hand is a necessity.

Sure, you can always free the nip, but there are occasions where a little more coverage or support can go a long way. "There are two key reasons we might want a nipple cover," says Kate Nixon, founder of Kat the Label. First, "to camouflage the colour of the nipple so it's not evident in something sheer," and second, "to avoid showing the nipple shape through your outfit."

Jennifer Zuccarini of Fleur du Mal recommends adhesive nipple covers for "anything sheer" or prone to wardrobe malfunctions—like dresses, jackets or tops with a deep plunge. But a piece doesn't have to be overly revealing to benefit from wearing one of the best nipple covers underneath it. With strapless styles, or straps that don’t work with a bra, nipple covers are great," she says.

Daring silhouettes are even easier to wear with these no-show, undergarments on hand. We've rounded up the 11 best nipple covers to make strapless, backless, and plunging dressing a breeze. Your new best friends await.

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BEST BASIC NIPPLE COVERS

B-Six Nippies Skin Adhesive Covers

PROS

• Comes with a compact case for storage

CONS

• Edges can sometimes lift

For a high-quality, no-frills pair of nipple covers, turn to B-Six. The brand's washable and reusable covers are water-resistant and sweat-proof. They also are made from a hypoallergenic medical-grade adhesive for those with more sensitive skin types.

Material: Silicone

Sizes: 1, 2

What reviewers are saying: "These were amazing! I wore under a bridesmaid dress that had a deep neckline, and they couldn’t be seen, stayed in place all day, and were comfortable."

BEST DRUG STORE NIPPLE COVERS

Hollywood Fashion Secrets Silicone Nipple Coverups

PROS

• Comprised of hypoallergenic material

CONS

• Complaints of covers popping off

For red carpet coverage, try these silicone nipple covers. The tapered edge creates a smooth appearance, and they even come in a variety of colours and sizes.

Material: Silicone

Sizes: 1, 2

What reviewers are saying: "Absolutely love these! They don’t hurt or cause rash on me, I wear them with anything I can’t wear a bra with, I have a large chest 34DDD and don’t need my nipples out also if I’m wearing a bra, makes it smooth and seamless and feel less obscene I guess you could say. Would def recommend! This is the second one I purchased because eventually the sticky does wear down, but last a really long time!"

BEST TAPERED EDGE NIPPLE COVERS

Gatherall Nipple Covers

PROS

• Waterproof and sweatproof

CONS

• Only comes in one size

"I’d recommend a silicone product that is thinner around the edges and slightly thicker in the middle for a more seamless fit," Nixon says. This is that product. The tapered edge technology provides a seamless, comfortable fit.

Material: Silicone

Sizes: OS

What reviewers are saying: "I found Gatherall, and they changed my life. This is probably the 5th or 6th time I ordered, and each pair lasted me for at least 3 months on a regular basis use. If I take care of them correctly, they can go up to 6 months with no problem. I love every single product I order from Gatherall, and I’ll keep ordering."

BEST PETAL NIPPLE COVERS

Nood No-Show Nipple Covers

PROS

• Advertised as being reusable for 50-100 times with proper care

CONS

• Strong adhesive can be hard to take off

Nood's covers are a favourite among many. The petal design is crafted from a matte silicone for ultra smooth and seamless coverage. They are water and sweat proof as well.

Material: Silicone

Sizes: OS

What reviewers are saying: "I’ve tried several and these are the best. Perfect coverage and shape. They stay on all day and are easy off. My skin runs sensitive and I’ve had no issues. Just a quick rinse at night and they’re ready for the next day. I can even wear them under white!"

Related article: The 7 Best Backless Bras For Baring A Little Skin

BEST NIPPLE COVERS FOR ON-THE-GO

NuBra Pasties

PROS

• Easy to clean

CONS

• Can sometimes show through clothes

One of the go-to brands for sticky undergarments, NuBra delivers a set of pasties that gets the job done. The plastic cover makes them perfect for those who want to take them on their travels.

Material: Silicone, polyurethane

Sizes: OS

What reviewers are saying: "This is my gazillionth time purchasing these pasties and I've got no complaints! I must have worn them at least 20 times before purchasing new ones. I wash them with bodywash after each wear, and they still stay sticky like they're new. I'm sure there are better ways to maintain them, but this works for me."

BEST NON-ADHESIVE NIPPLE COVERS

Bare Babe Silicone Nipple Covers

PROS

• Comes in a wide range of sizes

CONS

• Harder to wear with loose tops

With the motto "grippy, not sticky," these covers aren't going to leave any residue that sticky bras might on your skin. They use your body heat to stay flush to your skin instead.

Material: Silicone

Sizes: Regular, Large

What reviewers are saying: "This is absolutely a game changer! I have struggled with finding the right solution for undergarments for hard-to-wear tops. I like wearing nipple covers, but they always show the lines around the edges of them, and the color does not blend in with light-coloured tops. With these silicone nipple covers, these issues are absolutely resolved."

BEST SINGLE SET OF NIPPLE COVERS

The Wink Nipple Covers

PROS

• Easy to clean

The body-safe adhesive on these nipple covers is good for up to 25 uses, lasting you through weeks (or months) of braless wear. The packaging also allows for easy transport and storage.

Material: Silicone

Sizes: OS

What reviewers are saying: "These are fantastic! Other nip covers are thick so it looks like you have a bubble on your breast, and with others you can see the outline through the shirt. These are flat, but they also conceal a big nipple! I am a size A/B cup but have bigger nips because I've breastfed two babies, but these things work great!"

BEST COVERAGE VARIETY

Epic Elements Boob Tape and Nipple Covers

PROS

• Good quantity for price

CONS

• Sometimes difficult to take off

Perhaps you aren't sure if nipple covers will give you enough support or lift. If that's the case, opt for this duo of tape and covers, just to be safe.

Material: Cotton, spandex (tape)

Sizes: OS

What reviewers are saying: "This product works amazing! I tend to have a bigger chest and this lasted all day and night. The tape is very supportive and stretchy so it goes along way. It does adhere to your skin very well so just make sure to use oil when removing it!"

Related article: The 16 Most Comfortable Bras For Everyday Wear

BEST SUPPORTIVE STYLE

Fashion Forms NuBra Silicone Cups

PROS

• Easy to clean

CONS

• Higher price point

For those who really want the extra support, these sticky cups are clasped together in the front to form a bra. They aim to give you more life and cleavage than a simple, stick-on cover.

Material: Silicone

Sizes: A, B, C, D

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT NIPPLE COVERS

Yoobtape Matte Reusable Nipple Covers

PROS

• Designed to be more gentle

This pair features a PDMS lining, an anti-foaming agent and skin protectant. Its gentle construction makes these nipple covers great for anyone testing the waters.

Material: Silicone

Sizes: OS

Related article:

BEST DISPOSABLE NIPPLE COVERS

QueenVibes Disposable Nipple Covers (40-Pack)

PROS

• Thin and lightweight

CONS

• Complaints of irritation after use

If you are in search of a "one and done" set of nipple covers, these disposable covers are an ideal option. The flower design also follows suit with Zuccarini's advice that nipple covers "should feel intentional and something to have fun with."

Material: Fabric

Sizes: Standard, large

What reviewers are saying: "They were so comfortable I forgot they were there, and they stayed on all night."

How do I find the right nipple cover?

The best nipple cover for your outfit will depend on a few factors, including the cut of your top or dress, the amount of coverage you're comfortable with, and the level of support you're hoping to find. Options range from small, smoothing adhesives to padded, backless bras.

Pay close attention to the shade range for a more natural look, expert Kate Nixon recommends. "If you’re looking to wear something a little sheer and reduce the visibility of the nipple, I’d recommend looking for covers in a shade similar to your skin tone."

This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.