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These are officially the best nipple covers, tried and tested by the Cosmo team
When strapless, backless and stick-on bras just won't cut it...
Amongst the growing list of demands we require from our lingerie drawer, nipple covers are the ultimate fall-back problem solvers.
Think about it: a halterneck top calls for a strapless bra, a backless bra was obviously made for open-back dresses, while stick-on bras solve the problem when you need to go shoulder and back strap-free. But what about those occasions you can't or don't want to wear a bra at all? We’re calling upon the best nipple covers – a small yet mighty staple every wardrobe should have.
Our top nipple cover picks:
Sure, freeing the nip is always an option. However, there is also an endless list of reasons why you might prefer to wear nipple pasties instead, from concealing your nipples in a sheer top, to reducing irritation from your clothes when you go braless.
So, do nipple covers actually work? The Cosmo team tried and tested some of the best styles available to buy right now. Find our editor's reviews of the 6 best nipple covers below...
The best stick-on nipple covers to shop in 2026
Intimissimi Silicone pasties
Pros
- They last all day without peeling – even in sweaty situations
- They’re affordable
- They’re re-useable
Cons
- They can show under silky or lightweight clothes
- Only available in one shade
Application & removal: Make sure your skin is clean, dry and free of any lotions or oils, and the nipple covers will stick on super easily. When it’s time to remove, simply peel them off with zero tugging or pain. Best part is they are washable and reusable – just keep the plastic protective film for storage.
Staying power: I wore them in 29°C weather, and despite my beads of sweat, they stayed put all day long and didn't even feel like I was wearing anything.
Visibility under clothes: I often go braless (even at work), but I get self-conscious when my nipples are visible. Sadly, the covers show under my silky clothes and look like I have big, puffy nipples. I’d opt for Intimissimi's nipple cover cups instead. Sure, they're a tad more expensive at £24 (double the price of these), but worth it for the matt finish, IMO.
Overall: 3/5
Tested by Kara, Ecommerce Editor
Key Specifications:
| Materials: | 100% silicone |
|---|---|
| Skin tones: | One |
| Re-useable? | Yes |
Lounge Nipple covers
Pros
- Available in a range of skin tones
- They sit seamlessly under clothes
- They last well without peeling
Cons
- Without the discount, they’re a little expensive
Application & removal: Lounge's nipple covers are adhesive-based and come in a great range of seven (!!) different skin-tone colours. They are very easy to apply, simply peel and stick with the removal process fairly comfortable, too.
Staying power: Staying power was great – they stayed on for a full day out in the sun (read: a sweaty situation). No accidental slips here.
Visibility under clothes: For my slightly bigger chest, these were perfect! Because they are slightly larger and thinner than the typical pair I've previously tried, they seamlessly sit under shirts. I couldn’t read where the edges were, making them discreet. They did their job well!
Overall: 5/5
Tested by Angel, Fashion Assistant
Key Specifications:
| Materials: | 18% spandex, 82% chinlon |
|---|---|
| Skin tone: | Seven skin tones available – the highest number in this edit |
| Re-useable? | Yes |
Boux Avenue Silicone nipple covers
Boux Avenue Silicone nipple covers
Pros
- The adhesive-free design means they’re a good option for sensitive skin
- They last an entire day
- They’re affordable
Cons
- Only available in two shades
Application & removal: These nipple covers miraculously secure to your skin using your own body heat – no stickiness involved! It’s so easy you’d be forgiven for feeling dubious that it’ll actually work, but the heat-activating adhesion really does deliver. It’s a simple peel-and-place job. Removing them at the end of the day is slightly reminiscent of taking off a plaster, but if you can get past that image, you’re golden.
Staying power: I tested them out for a full day at the office during a summer heatwave, wearing a vintage cotton anglaise top. The delicate cotton and thin spaghetti straps don’t accommodate a standard bra, and without one my top is definitely NSFW. The nipple covers endured a sweaty commute and many meetings, by the time I got home, I forgot I was even wearing them.
Visibility under clothes: Coming in two colours, they were invisible beneath the semi-sheer white cotton and felt much more subtle on the skin than a bulky stick-on bra.
Overall: 5/5
Tested by Sophie, Bookings Director
Key Specifications:
| Materials: | 100% silicone |
|---|---|
| Skin tones: | Two – Deep and Fair |
| Re-useable? | Yes |
Brushworks Silicone nipple covers
Brushworks Silicone nipple covers
Pros
- Available in six shades
- They’re affordable
- They sit seamlessly under clothes
Cons
- They don’t stick as well compared to others in this edit
Application & removal: These nipple pasties stick on with adhesive silicone. I’d recommend holding them in place for 10 seconds to ensure maximum stick! They come with a clear sticky back film so you can store them between each use.
Staying power: The staying power is good if you’re spending the day in a cool environment, but it might not be the best fit if you tend to get sweaty throughout the day – even though they are waterproof. I did find that the covers started to peel at the edges after a full day of wear.
Visibility under clothes: The best thing about these covers was that they were practically invisible under the V-neck black top I wore them with. However, as the top was made from thick material, thinner tops might make the outline of the covers more prominent.
Overall: 3/5
Tested by Shadé, Senior Fashion and Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer
Key Specifications:
| Materials: | Silicone |
|---|---|
| Skin tone: | Six |
| Re-useable? | Yes |
H&M 2 pairs nipple covers
Pros
- They’re budget friendly
- They’re re-useable
- They last the entire day without slipping or peeling
Cons
- They’re not as discreet as others
Application & removal: This is what I picture when I hear ‘stick-on nipple covers’. They have a stick-on adhesive, so you just peel off the plastic film and go! They are reusable, so you just need to wash after use and air-dry, then you’re good to go again. Depending on how long you use them, I find the removal experience varies. If you veer towards the max use time of 6 hours, you will be left with a sticky residue on your skin.
Staying power: These stay on quite well! I didn’t have any issues with them coming off before I was ready for them to.
Visibility under clothes: I found that regardless of the top I wore, you could see the nipple covers through my shirt. It was like a halo around my nipple, which I wasn’t the biggest fan of. If you’re a smaller-chested gal (I'm a 34D), these may be a better shout for you. I do like the fact there are three colour options – beige, brown and dark brown.
Overall: 3/5
Tested by Angel, Fashion Assistant
Key Specifications:
| Materials: | Silicone and polyurethane |
|---|---|
| Skin tones: | Two |
| Re-useable? | Yes |
Perky Pear Lift & Shape Boob Tape and Nipple Covers
Perky Pear Lift & Shape Boob Tape and Nipple Covers
Pros
- They’re very discreet under clothing
- They’re easy to apply and peel off
- They lasted an entire (and sweaty) party without sliding
Cons
- They’re only available in one shade
- They aren’t re-useable
Application & removal: The Perky Pear Boob Tape pads are my favourite for adding a natural lift and hold to my B-size boobs. But if you’re interested in the nipple covers, these single-use pads literally apply like a sticker: you peel off the backing and stick it over your nipple. The adhesive only surrounds the outside of the cover, with the inner ring coated in a soft material, so it doesn’t tug at your nipples when you remove.
Staying power: Considering how lightweight these pads are, I was impressed at how well they lasted. I wore them to a 60th birthday party where they lasted the entire evening, no matter how sweaty I got from bustin’ a move on the dance floor.
Visibility under clothes: The real USP of these nipple pads is that they’re very discreet. I’ve tried a few silicone pasties before and have found the bulkiness of the pad means you can see a ring around my boobs that bologna barb would be proud of (if you know, you know). But these thin covers sit flush against my nipples without showing. I just wish they were available in a wider range of skin tone options.
Overall: 4/5
Tested by Clare, Senior Fashion & Beauty Ecommerce Writer
Key Specifications:
| Materials: | Not specified – advised to avoid if allergic to plasters |
|---|---|
| Skin tones: | One |
| Re-useable? | No |
What are the best nipple covers?
Nipples are unique to every person, so finding the best nipple covers for you is completely subjective. Some may prefer silicone pasties – they’re often re-useable and designed to create a smooth, seamless look underneath clothing.
On the other hand, sticker nipple covers almost behave like a plaster. Simply peel off the sticker and apply it over your nipple. They’re lightweight and often very discreet, although most are single-use so they’re a good option for festivals and travel.
Can you wear nipple covers instead of a bra?
Absolutely – and, in fact, that’s kinda the whole point. Nipple covers are a great option when you want to go braless, but require something to prevent your nips from peeping through your top. No, they don’t provide the same support or lift like a bra, but they sit flat against your skin to ensure a seamless finish. Whether you’re wearing a backless top or a strapless dress, nipple covers can always come in handy.
How do we test the best nipple covers?
To find the very best nipple covers, we enlisted five Cosmo writers to put the top brands to the test. We trialled leading names like Lounge and Intimissimi, though ensured we had a few selects from Amazon too – as you never know when a last-minute nipple cover order is needed. Each set of covers was tested throughout an entire day.
Most were worn to work, while others we worn to parties and occasions. During each testing process, our Cosmo team analysed the application and removal process, how well they lasted and how visible they were under clothing. Many sets were tested, but only these top six made it to our final edit.
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