This article was co-authored by Dina Scherer. Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
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Going braless, whether for comfort or style, can be a liberating experience. But if you’re not ok with your nipples being on display, there are several ways to ensure they remain discreet while enjoying life without a bra.
Steps
Concealing Your Nipples
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1Use pasties for a disposable option. These one-time use, adhesive stickers cover only your nipple, which makes them ideal for lower cut shirts or thin fabrics. Pasties come in multiple shapes, sizes, and colors ensuring that they will match your skin tone and nipple size. Unless, of course, you opt for a more exciting design.[1]
- Keep in mind that pasties are thin, so not all designs will conceal your nipples when they are hard.
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2Invest in silicon covers for regular use.[2] If going braless is an everyday affair, consider investing in silicon covers. Much like pasties, these will cover your nipple and stay on with an adhesive. However, rather than tossing these in the trash when you’re done, you can wash and reuse them many times.
- Silicon covers are a little pricier than pasties, but some brands can be worn up to 100 times. [3]
- The thicker material of silicon will provide more thorough coverage, but also can be more noticeable under some clothing.
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3Try band-aids or tape for a quick fix. If you find yourself in a position where your nipples are showing while you’re out and about, some common items can save the day. Duct tape is just the right thickness to provide coverage. Take care when it’s time to remove it from such a sensitive area. Adhesive bandages are another alternative. If you place them with the non-sticky area centered over your nipple, removal will be less painful.
- Try making an X shape with the tape or Band-Aids to cover larger nipples.
- Take a shower to weaken the adhesive on tape or band-aids to make removing the tape less traumatic.
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4Place a cotton ball under the tape for additional coverage. Spread a cotton ball over your nipple and tape it into place.[4] If you don’t have a cotton ball handy, cut a panty liner into small circles and place those directly over your nipples.
- Ensure that you spread the cotton ball evenly so it doesn’t create a protrusion of its own.
Avoiding a Nip Slip
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1Use fashion tape to keep your clothing in place. This transparent, double-sided tape will adhere your clothing to your skin, ensuring that it stays in place even as you move around. Remove the backing paper and stick the tape directly onto your skin. You will use the other sticky side to attach to your clothes, and you won’t have to worry about any accidental slips.[5]
- Fashion tape is ideal for low cut dresses and tops as well as tank tops with roomy arm holes.
- Because fashion tape was made for use on the skin, it should be easier to remove than regular tape. It’s also unlikely to cause a skin reaction.
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2Try a bandeau for coverage and style. Bandeaus and bralettes are thinner, often lacy, bra alternatives. These pretty undergarments are meant to be seen and are often styled with off-the-shoulder or low-cut shirts. For clothing that has a wider potential for an accidental nipple sighting, a bandeau or bralette may be a perfect option for concealing, while adding a trendy appeal.
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3Don a tighter cami under your clothing to keep everything in place. Using a camisole or tighter fitting tank top under your shirt or blouse will ensure that your nipples stay out of sight.
- Pick a cami in the same shade as your top so it matches or blends with your outfit.
Using Clothing as Camouflage
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1Wear patterns or dark clothing to distract from your nipples. Busy designs, like stripes or polka dots, will divert any unwanted attention away from your nipples.[6] Dark clothing, like black, rich blues or even purple will also make it more difficult to see your nipples through your clothes.
- Avoid white and sheer materials when you’re going braless.
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2Try layering for additional coverage. Wearing multiple layers will make your nipples less prominent. Undershirts, tank tops, and camisoles will provide coverage without adding bulk. Try a longer tank top under a blouse using complimentary colors for a put together look.
- Thin camis with lace trim can be found everywhere and are excellent for stylish layering.
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3Opt for looser fits and thicker material.[7] It will be easier to conceal your nipples under thicker fabrics. The same can be said for baggier clothing as it won’t be pressed against your skin so firmly.
- Flowy, long tunics are an effortlessly chic option that won’t make you appear frumpy.
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4Add a blazer or jacket to conceal and flatter. The way most coats and blazers fall on your chest will cover your nipples entirely. Blazers come in many materials and styles, ensuring that they will complement an outfit during any season.
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5Throw on a scarf to cover your chest. Scarves aren’t only for winter. With lightweight options in addition to heavier weaves and a wide variety of patterns, adding a scarf will not only serve as an additional nipple cover, but also add a pop of color to your ensemble.
- Choose a longer scarf to ensure it covers your chest, even if you wrap it around your neck.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I keep my nipples from showing through my dress shirt?Dina SchererDina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Wardrobe StylistTry to pick out a patterned shirt—these designs do a really good job at camouflaging your nipples. -
QuestionI am 11 and wear a crop vest but you can still see my nipples. How can I prevent this?Community AnswerYou can sew padding into the top. Or you can just wear band aids, which might give you more coverage. A strapless bra might be another option.
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QuestionHow do you go braless without your nipples showing?Drew Hawkins1Community AnswerThe easiest solution is to use disposable pasties, which are adhesive stickers that cover only your nipple so they aren't visible through your shirt. Simply peel them off and paste them over your nipples. If you plan to go braless often, consider investing silicon covers, which can be washed and reused. They're more expensive, but they'll last up to 100 uses.
References
- ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/history-of-nipple-pasties
- ↑ Dina Scherer. Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/invisible-bras-nipple-covers
- ↑ https://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/ways-to-hide-your-protruded-nipples-that-work-d1117-530504/
- ↑ https://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/a19952737/going-braless/
- ↑ Dina Scherer. Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
- ↑ Dina Scherer. Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
About This Article
If you want to go braless but are uncomfortable having your nipples on display, there are several ways to cover them up. Use pasties for an easy, disposable option that works great with low cut shifts or thin fabrics. If you plan to go braless more often, invest in a pair of silicon covers, which will cover your nipples, stay on with an adhesive, and can be washed and reused many times. For a quick fix, grab an adhesive bandage or duct tape, but be careful when removing these covers as they could pull at your skin. You can also tape a cotton ball over your nipple for a simple and fast solution. To learn how to use your clothes to conceal your nipples, keep reading!