Including boob tape and sticky, silicone covers.
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I can't remember if I bought my first set of nipple covers because my prom dress was a halter-style without padding or if a backless top previously shoved to the back of my drawer needed time to shine. Either way, I quickly became obsessed as I could now wear shirts and dresses that looked way better without a bra. While the best strapless or backless bras can often do the trick, reusable nipple covers mean you don't have to rely on a bra at all. Simply press the adhesive side onto your chest and go!
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, experts in the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab test everything from the best boob tapes to the best bras you can buy. To find the best nipple covers, I tested three styles and crowdsourced favorites among GH staffers. When wearing the nipple covers, I noted the ease of application, amount of coverage, type of material and more. Continue reading to learn our top-performing picks, whether you want to wear the nipple covers under a wedding dress or a tight shirt.
Nippies were my first reusable nipple covers, and I have since bought a second pair after accidentally stepping on the adhesive side of my first. (Whoops!) I am a big fan, and so is reviews analyst Olivia Lipski. "I just used these for a wedding and was obsessed," she said. "It was my first time ever using covers and honestly was shocked at how easy they were to put on." These will stay in place day or night, and in all my years of wearing them, I am pretty sure they have only fallen down once on a particularly hot, sweaty day. The brand claims they are proven to stay on for up to 12 hours.
The reusable covers are made of soft silicone and are available in six colors and two sizes (small or large), and you can also opt for Nippies with Lift which have a pull tab that sticks higher on your chest for some added perkiness. I find them painless to remove and super easy to maintain. Simply wash with water and mild soap, air dry and place them back on the backing sheets so they don't stick to each other. The included travel box makes storage easy.
What shoppers are saying: "Oh, sweet adhesive nipple covers, where have you been all my life? These magical circles of wonder have transformed my wardrobe game and saved me from countless wardrobe malfunctions. Move over, regular bras — sticky nipple covers are here to steal the show!"
Material: Silicone | Colors: Caramel, coco, crème, espresso, hazelnut | Reusable: Yes
Nipple covers can get expensive, even reaching the same price as certain bras, which is why we love these Hollywood Fashion Secrets silicone covers that are just over $11. They are designed to be worn up to 25 times, upping the overall value even more. The coverups are hypoallergenic, per the brand, and are made of super smooth silicone with a matte finish for a flawless coverup. Tapered edges help the nipple covers blend with your skin so it looks like you aren't wearing anything at all.
Hollywood Fashion Secrets also claims you can wear these covers during workouts or while swimming. One tester said she grabbed these in a rush to find something for an event and called them amazing, adding, "They stay on and do not crease or show under your shirt." A 4.5-star rating across over 5,600 Amazon customer reviews may be enough to convince you to add these nipple covers to your shopping cart.
What shoppers are saying: "I'm an A cup. I wore these with cocktail dresses, t-shirts [and] form-fitting tank tops. Never showed outlines of pasties. Never showed when I was cold."
Material: Silicone | Colors: Light, medium, dark, deep | Reusable: Yes
Multiple online shopper reviews say that the Gatherall nipple covers can withstand high temps, lots of sweat and even humidity. Available in four colors, the nipple covers are designed to be super thin with a tapered edge to stick flush to your skin and look seamless beneath your clothing. Gatherall says you can wear the covers up to 30 times and that they are washable for easy upkeep. Satisfied shoppers praise the product's great quality and confirm that they are unnoticeable under clothes.
One five-star reviewer wrote, "[I] wore these under a formal dress to a wedding and was super impressed with how well they stayed adhered." While these covers are one of the pricier options on our list, the investment may be worth it if you plan to wear them in the summer and you want a nipple cover that will conceal all and stay on despite hours on the dance floor.
What shoppers are saying: "I love these! This is my third set, and I wear them almost more often than a conventional bra. So comfy I forget I’m wearing them!"
Material: Silicone | Colors: Cream, latte, mocha, noir | Reusable: Yes
These versatile nipple covers can be worn under a shirt, dress, sports bra or bathing suit, according to the brand, and they can be worn for up to 8 hours more than 10 times. While we wish these covers lasted a bit longer (compared to other styles that can be worn 20 or 30 times), we do like that they are made of medical-grade, hypoallergenic silicone for sensitive skin. They are designed to be flexible and not feel bulky under clothing, plus Perkies also claims that the covers can reflect light or a camera flash to better blend in with your skin. This makes them another great option for formal events where photographs may be taken. Perkies donates 5% of its proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
What shoppers are saying: "A must-have! [I] wore these with a sheer-ish formal dress and they were absolutely perfect. I felt confident and covered all night. I will 100% be bringing them with me on every trip... clean, supportive and comes with a travel case! As essential as sunscreen!"
Material: Silicone | Colors: Light nude, medium nude, dark nude | Reusable: Yes
Say goodbye to nip slips thanks to Nue's Under Covers. I love how soft they feel and find the tapered edges and matte finish help them disappear. I wore these on a chilly, spring day underneath my favorite white t-shirt and found that you couldn't see anything unless I stretched the fabric tight against my chest.
The covers come with mesh inserts if you have more sensitive skin, plus clear backing to maintain the adhesive side while in storage. I like the included zippered pouch as well, which I think will be easier to pack than a box. These are easy to clean with water and gentle soap. The second time I wore my Under Covers I didn't sweat as much and decided to forgo soap and just rinse them which didn't seem to affect the adhesive.
What testers are saying: "I have been wearing them non-stop — giving my pair of Nippies a needed rest and letting my bras take a back seat in my drawer for now."
Material: Silicone | Colors: Light, light-medium, medium, dark | Reusable: Yes
Our pros like that these nipple covers come in three colors and three sizes for a better fit. Designed for wearing under tight shirts like your favorite tube top or snug, knit midi dress, CAKES are unique in that they do not have an adhesive backing. Instead, they gently grip your skin using your body's natural heat. CAKES states that they use medical-grade silicone and go through safety and toxicity testing.
Similar to other nipple covers, the brand recommends you wash them in warm water with gentle soap and then pat dry. But for a deeper clean, you can let them soak in water. I appreciate this optional step for summer months when you return from a picnic under the sun or a night out dancing with friends. The Nipple Covers have a 4.5-star rating on the brand's site across more than 12,800 customer reviews and one five-star reviewer wrote that they "wear them all the time with tight-fitting clothing." CAKES may not be the most affordable pick on our list, but they aren't the most expensive either.
What shoppers are saying: "I needed something to wear with my athletic bras. I hate those inserts that come with them and always remove them but then [I'm] left with no coverage. These work great!"
Material: Silicone | Colors: Honey, caramel, cocoa | Reusable: Yes
Pretty shadowing makes these nipple covers look like roses — at a quick glance, I thought they were 3D flowers! But fear not, they will provide smooth coverage and look way cuter than other styles. They come in neutral nudes, and the asymmetrical, flower shape helps it blend into your skin even more. If you really want to make a statement, opt for the pink, red or purple ones under a sheer top. They are made from high-quality silicone and have tapered edges. Wash these covers in warm water with mild soap and let air dry before re-wearing. Five-star reviews note how pretty and sexy these nipple covers are, and multiple shoppers have purchased more than one pair.
What shoppers are saying: "These are so cute, gentle and very effective. I brought these on a girl's trip in Scottsdale, AZ in June. Unless I was at the pool or hiking, I wore these instead of having to wear a bra. They kept their 'stick' despite the 106° weather."
Material: Silicone | Colors: Light nude, medium nude, tan nude, dark nude, pink rose, red poppy, purple pansy, wildflower bundle | Reusable: Yes
These are the most expensive nipple covers on our list, but Commando claims you can use them dozens of times. Made from medical-grade silicone, these nipple covers are designed to be hypoallergenic and "ouchless," per the brand's description. We also love the adorable pink and white-striped box the covers come in, which will look nice on your dresser. To clean Commando's Top Hats, wash them in water with mild soap and make sure to air dry completely so the adhesive property activates.
One five-star reviewer said that they "stick all day and cover exactly what needs to be covered" and that "Top Hats ensure modesty while adding no bulk." Some shoppers do note that the nipple covers can lose adhesiveness in high temperatures or after cleaning them.
What shoppers are saying: "I wore these to dinner and changed into a suit after. I swam in the pool and then showered in my suit. [I] didn’t even notice I was still wearing them. They were still perfectly sticky and I’m still using them many uses later."
Material: Silicone | Colors: Nude, mocha, caramel | Reusable: Yes
One complaint I often hear about nipple covers among my friends is the lack of support or lift. But that is no issue with the Game Changer bra by Nood which is designed to lift, shape and support. While one pack is almost $50, and these nipple covers are not reusable, each pack comes with four pairs, working out to $12.50 each. (Not bad!) Use the sizing guide online to find which of the four sizes is best for your cup and band size. You can also watch video tutorials to learn how to apply and remove them safely.
The Life & Shape Bra has a 4.8-star rating on Nood's site with five-star reviews calling it a "literal game changer" and "just what I needed." We appreciate that it's made from a hemp fabric that is designed to be sweat- and water-resistant.
What shoppers are saying: "I wore them to a wedding under a silky one-shoulder dress that had very little structure. The application was rather easy, although I did have to re-enforce the sides a bit with additional tape. It was easy to trim after application so that it wouldn't show. [They] stayed on all night, through very rainy and windy weather, and lots of dancing on a humid, sweaty dance floor!"
Material: Hemp | Colors: 5 | Reusable: No
This best-seller on Amazon is popular among shoppers for a reason. For $15, you get a roll of boob tape and a pair of silicone nipple covers. That's a deal if we've ever seen one! VBT claims its tape is medical-grade and designed to be breathable, sweat-resistant and anti-tearing. Similar to the Nood Game Changer nipple cover, you can apply VBT boob tape to create a lifting effect. We like that it has a gird on the back so you can easily trim and cut the tape to your perfect size.
The tape is designed to look invisible underneath work blouses, spaghetti tops, halter tops, swimsuits, sports bras and even a wedding dress. VBT says it can fit bra sizes A–G. Over 3,000 ratings are five-stars with satisfied shoppers saying it "holds the girls nicely" and, "I'm a boob tape believer now." Although pricier, you can also try out Nue's Tape ($25), which I found easy to layer for a little extra "padding" around the nips, and it wasn't too painful to remove.
What shoppers are saying: "It’s comfortable. I forget sometimes I have it on! It doesn’t peel off until I want it to and it has instructions on different ways to apply it! The roll I got lasted me 6–7 wears. It’s now my go-to when I wear halter necks, strapless, open backs and deep V’s."
Material: Cotton, spandex | Colors: Beige, caramel, cappuccino, dark black, dark chocolate, espresso, long black, nude and black, nude and chocolate | Reusable: No
When researching best-selling nipple covers and boob tape options, I considered personal, staff and customer favorites that stay on (duh!), provide good coverage and, where applicable, a lifting effect. To narrow down the list, I also looked at the skin tone range offered, how often the covers can be reused (or not) and the price. I have been wearing nipple covers for over three years, but for additional input, I spoke with our Textiles Lab team, who cover everything from the best nursing bras and the best bralettes to the best bras for large busts and small busts. Our pros lent insight on the best styles as well as shopping advice.
✔️ Color: Most brands offer several shades of "nude" so you can find a color that blends with your skin tone. Some nipple covers come in fun colors like red or purple. If you are wearing a sheer or light-colored top, you can opt for a nipple cover that is close to your skin tone to create a seamless look.
✔️ Shape and size: The majority of our picks have a perfect circular outline with a tapered edge to help conceal the nipple cover under your clothing. But a few have wavy or curved edges that Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine says "can actually help to hide the cover because the wavy edges look less pronounced under your clothing and are less attention-grabbing." Some brands offer more than one size for better coverage and a more comfortable fit.
✔️ Reusability: Almost all of our picks are made of adhesive silicone so you can reuse the nipple covers anywhere from 20 to 30 times. "Reusable covers are more environment-friendly but should be washed after each use to prevent microbial contamination," says board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., FAAD. Constantine adds that given the nature of the adhesive, lint, hair and dirt can stick to the backside. Simply wash them in warm water with gentle soap or follow the brand's care instructions to help remove any debris and maintain your nipple covers. Reusable nipple covers don't last forever, so you'll want to read the product's description to see how many times you can wear them.
Certain covers, as well as boob tape, are single-use. "One-time-use disposable nipple covers offer hygiene advantages, but they may be less durable," says Murphy-Rose. Ultimately, the type of coverage you prefer will come down to personal preferences.
For most consumers, nipple covers are safe to wear, says Murphy-Rose. "Allergies to adhesives are fairly common, however, so a hypersensitivity reaction at this delicate skin site is possible," she explains. That is why it is important to apply your nipple covers to clean skin and avoid over-use. "Give your skin breaks between uses" and clean after each use, recommends Murphy-Rose.
You can wear nipple covers for as long as needed, but Murphy-Rose recommends consumers avoid wearing them for more than 12 hours at a given time. "Always remove nipple covers before bedtime [and] avoid use overnight," she says.
Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates with product analysts across Labs to ensure our round-ups are up to par when it comes to pricing, product information and more. She has covered a variety of style categories from the best women's suits to bra reviews. Elizabeth has been a fan of nipple covers for over three years now and often packs her Nippies when traveling. She may or may not be known to wear nipple covers back-to-back when laundry is piling up and her nude or strapless bras are nowhere to be found.
To write this product guide, Elizabeth personally tested three of the picks as well as crowd-sourced GH staffers for personal favorites. She spoke with Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine, as well as cosmetic, medical and surgical board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., FAAD to gain more insight into answers to your FAQs.
Constantine has led testing for categorical bra testing at the GH Institute, combining her background in product development with apparel merchandising. Murphy-Rose is the founder of Skincare Junkie and specializes in facial rejuvenation at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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