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7 Best Nipple Covers to Wear With Backless Dresses

Perfect for backless dresses, halter tops, and plunging necklines, these give you coverage without compromising your look.

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best nipple covers

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I never understood what bra to wear with backless dresses until I discovered nipple covers. After buying my first pair, I was hooked: I could finally wear wedding-guest dresses with low backs, halter tops, and shirts with funky necklines without a bra peeking through. The catch? Not all nipple covers stay put. The good ones are comfortable, invisible under clothing, and can last through hours of wear—even on hot days or sweaty dance floors. That's why I rounded up the best nipple covers for every cup size, skin tone, and budget, including our top pick, Nippies Nipple Covers, which impressed me with their strong hold, reusable design, and all-day comfort.

Our top picks:

To find the winners, I personally tested six nipple covers over the past few years and consulted our style experts and fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. They have experience with the best bra brands, so they were just the right people to talk to about nipple covers. We evaluated the materials, size and shade ranges, ease of application, coverage, and overall performance.

Nippies Nipple Cover with black box
nippies nipple cover
Nippies Nipple Cover with black box
nippies nipple cover

Pros

  • Adheres to skin for hours even when sweaty and remains sticky after many uses
  • Three sizes from A to DD+ cups
  • Comfortable and non-irritating
  • Easy to clean and store

Cons

  • Can see the edges under tight shirts if you pick too small a size

WHY WE LOVE IT: Nippies earned our top spot because they stay put all day and hold up well after repeated wears. The soft silicone covers come in six shades and three sizes, and the brand says they're proven to stay on for up to 12 hours. You can also opt for Nippies with Lift, which feature a pull tab for added support and a perkier look.

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 OUR EDITORS SAID: When looking for my first pair of reusable nipple covers, I tried Nippies due to all the praise my fellow editors gave the brand. I've worn them to weddings, nights out in sweaty bars, under loose dresses, under tight tops—no matter the weather, activity, or outfit, these nipple covers stayed on securely and comfortably. I've tried a few pairs since, and they're still my favorite. One GH editor said, "I just used these for a wedding and was obsessed. It was my first time ever using covers, and I was honestly shocked at how easy they were to put on."

I didn't keep track of how many times I wore them before they became loose and stopped sticking well, but they lasted for almost a year, and never irritated or itched my skin. I also love that these come in three sizes, so the nipple covers felt like they fully covered my nipple, so they looked undetectable under clothing. My first pair was a bit too small, so I would see the coverups under tight shirts sometimes, but once I sized up, I no longer had that issue.

Colors5 options
SizesSize 1 (A–C cups), Size 2 (D+ cups), Size 3 (DD+ cups)
ReusableYes
On Sale
size one and two of the Hollywood Fashion Secrets Silicone CoverUps
hollywood fashion secrets silicone coverups
size one and two of the Hollywood Fashion Secrets Silicone CoverUps
hollywood fashion secrets silicone coverups

Pros

  • Can wear while swimming, per the brand
  • Can be found online and in drugstores

Cons

  • A bit thicker than other options

WHY WE LOVE IT: 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 under $15. They are designed to be worn up to 25 times, and are made of hypoallergenic silicone, per the brand. Hollywood Fashion Secrets also claims you can wear these during workouts or while swimming.

We also love that you can find them online at Amazon and in person at many drug stores, like Walgreens, which comes in handy when you're having a fashion emergency (there have been plenty of times I realized I forgot my nipple covers for a wedding and needed to go find one at a local store!).

WHAT OUR EXPERTS SAID: One GH editor said she grabbed these in a rush for an event and called them "amazing," adding, "They stay on and do not crease or show under your shirt." Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine said, "The adhesive sticks to my chest well, and I’ve been able to wear them more than a dozen times before they start to lose their tackiness." She noted that they're thicker than other coverups she has tried, so they can be a little more noticeable under thin, tight tops, but they're great, affordable buy when you're in a pinch.

Colors4 options
SizesSize 1 (A–D cups) and Size 2 (DD+ cups)
ReusableYes
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3
Best for Weddings

Gatherall Nipple Covers

Nipple Covers
3
Best for Weddings

Gatherall Nipple Covers

Credit: Gatherall

Pros

  • Looks seamless under clothing
  • Stays on for hours
  • Very thin yet still opaque
  • Stickiness lasts after multiple uses and washes

Cons

  • Only one size

WHY WE LOVE IT: Gatherall nipple covers can withstand high temps, lots of sweat, and even humidity. Available in four colors, these silicone 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. They're great for the summer if you want a nipple cover that will conceal all and stay on despite hours in the heat or on the dance floor. They only come in one size, though.

WHAT OUR EXPERTS SAID: Constantine called these her "go-to nipple covers" and said that she has worn them to weddings, concerts, bachelorette parties, and the office—and these coverups stayed comfortably on the entire time. Constantine shared, "I love how thin yet opaque they are. With some translucent covers, you can still see the outline of your nipple, but I didn’t experience that with my Gatherall covers."

Colors4 options
SizesOne size (3.15 in. diameter)
ReusableYes
Nood No-Show Extra Lift with the storage box
nood no show extra lift
Nood No-Show Extra Lift with the storage box
nood no show extra lift

Pros

  • Large diameter is great for bigger nipples and breasts
  • Can get around 50 uses out of this pair, according to the brand
  • Thin and seamless

Cons

  • A bit difficult to store
  • Can peek through low necklines

WHY WE LOVE IT: Nipple covers aren't the most lifting bra option (you'll need a push-up bra, if that's your ultimate goal). But if you're looking for some perkiness, this pair from Nood is designed with a tab to pull the breast up and then hold it in place. It comes in four colors and two sizes (4 inches and 4.75 inches), both of which are larger than any of the other pairs on this list, so it's great for those with larger breasts and nipples. Despite being large, it's still thin, so it doesn't show under tight clothing, and the large size helps create a seamless look because the edges extend further around the breast.

WHAT OUR EDITORS SAID: I wear a 30D, so I was curious if these nipple covers would do the trick under a backless dress I was wearing to a wedding. They only lifted my breasts slightly, but there was a noticeable difference in perkiness between these and regular nipple covers. The application process was easy and their stickiness has held up well even after about 10 uses so far, and the brand claims you can get around 50 uses out of this pair.

I realized after a few wears that I needed to be careful where I placed the lifting tab if I wore a shirt with a lower neckline, otherwise it would show if I positioned it too high. For some dresses and tops, these covers are too large, so it mostly only works with higher necklines, like the boatneck backless dress I wore. Another thing is that they are a bit annoying to store since you need to put the plastic wrapping on the sticky side, which can be difficult to line up.

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Features at a Glance

Colors4 options
SizesTwo sizes (4-in. diameter and 4.75-in. diameter)
ReusableYes
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40 Pieces Breast Covers Nipple Cover Pasties
Now 12% Off
Credit: QueenVibes

Pros

  • Extra sticky adhesive stays put on hot days
  • Similar to a Band-Aid with soft exterior fabric and adhesive on the underside
  • Thin size is great for traveling
  • Disposable so no need to wash and store

Cons

  • Can be difficult to remove

WHY WE LOVE IT: Disposable nipple covers like these can come in handy when traveling or on extra hot days. Rather than needing to wash and store them in a bulky box, these thin pasties can be slipped into your luggage and thrown out after using them. While many of the reusable silicone covers on this list adhere well to skin even when sweating, these are extra sticky to the point that they can be difficult to remove. That makes them good for a long day of traveling in the summer or an outdoor wedding on a hot, humid day. Plus, you get 40 pairs with your purchase, so you'll be covered for many occasions without having to splurge.

WHAT OUR EXPERTS SAID: "I love to travel with them because they take up virtually no space in my bag. They’re similar to a Band-Aid with a fabric outer covered in sticky adhesive, but the nipple area is free of adhesive for a soft, comfortable feel," Constantine said. While she noted that they can be a bit tricky to take off (so be careful when you remove them!), she loves bringing them on trips so much that she always has extra pairs in her toiletry bag in case a friend needs one. These only come in two colors, this beige and a darker shade.

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Features at a Glance

Colors2 options
SizesOne size (2.36-in. diameter)
ReusableNo
6
best for sensitive skin

CAKES Grippy CAKES circles

Cakes body nipple covers with pink pouch
cakes nipple covers
Cakes body nipple covers with pink pouch
cakes nipple covers

Pros

  • Uses body heat to grip skin, so there is no stickiness
  • Very thin
  • Lies smoothly against skin

Cons

  • Doesn't stay stuck on skin for 8+ hours

WHY WE LOVE IT: Designed for wearing under tight shirts like a tube top or snug knit 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, which can be a better option for those with sensitive skin. CAKES states that they use medical-grade silicone and go through safety and toxicity testing. Our pros like that these nipple covers come in three colors and three sizes for a better fit.

WHAT OUR EDITORS SAID: I found these nipple covers to be the smoothest and thinnest reusable pair I tried. Without the sticky adhesive side, it was much easier to get the nipple covers to lie smoothly against my skin (some nipple covers bubble up or are difficult to stretch and flatten on the skin in my experience). This also made it easier to put them back on the plastic storage cups. However, I don't think these stayed as securely on my skin for as long as the pasties with adhesive. So, they may be a better pick for a night-out rather than a full day of activities.

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. I also loved the little pink velvet storage bag they came with.

Image no longer available

Features at a Glance

Colors3 options
Sizesitty bitty (AA-A), OG (B-DD), and (+) (DDD+)
ReusableYes
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Reusable Nipple Covers
Credit: Lollipetals

Pros

  • Wavy edges look more seamless under shirts
  • Cute design and fun colors
  • Very thin

Cons

  • Only one size

WHY WE LOVE IT: Pretty shadowing makes these reusable 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 several nudes, and the asymmetrical, flower shape helps it blend into your skin even more, especially because of the wavy yet tapered edges. If you really want to make a statement, opt for the pink, red, or purple ones under a sheer top. However, they only come in one size.

WHAT OUR EXPERTS SAID: "I was nervous about these at first because of the multi-color print and ragged edges, but those two factors actually helped them to blend in seamlessly under my clothes. Since the edges aren’t a perfect circle, they don’t draw as much attention to the nipples, and the variations in color were unnoticeable," Constantine shared. She also called them "seriously thin," which is great for tight shirts when you don't want that added bulk that thick coverups can cause.

Image no longer available

Features at a Glance

Colors7 options
SizesOne (3-in. diameter)
ReusableYes

How we choose the best nipple covers

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To narrow down the best nipple covers, our fiber scientists and style experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab recommended their personal favorites they've worn and researched popular options online, considering materials, range of skin tones, size options, and prices. Our pros looked at their thickness, how easy they were to apply and remove, how long they remained stuck to skin, and whether they looked smooth under shirts.

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comparing thickness of nipple covers
Good Housekeeping / Isabella Cavallo

Before writing this roundup, I had worn two nipple covers for the past two years. I recently tried four more pairs, and I kept these six reusable nipple covers in mind when writing this roundup (some of which made the cut!). I kept note of how long each nipple cover maintained its stickiness, how smooth they looked under clothes, and whether they were comfortable to wear. Lastly, I asked my fellow editors for their personal recommendations and read through online reviews of popular options online to see what general shoppers' thoughts were.

What to consider when shopping for the best nipple covers

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✔️ 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 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 on large breasts.

✔️ 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 adhesive, lint, hair and dirt can stick to the backside. Simply wash the covers 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 what you prefer.

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Are nipple covers safe to wear?

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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.

How long should you wear nipple covers?

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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.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab test everything from the best nursing bras and the best bralettes to the best bras for large busts and small busts.

Isabella Cavallo is the editorial commerce editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Cavallo has written a variety of reviews of all sorts of products, including apparel. She has worn two nipple covers in recent years and tried four new ones before writing this story.

To write this roundup, Cavallo consulted our Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine, who has led testing for categorical bra testing in the Textiles Lab, combining her background in product development with apparel merchandising. Constantine offered insight on the best bra brands and shared her personal recommendations for nipple covers for this story.

We also spoke with cosmetic, medical, and surgical board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., FAAD, to gain more insight into answers to your FAQs. 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.

Headshot of Amanda Constantine
Reviewed byAmanda Constantine
Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst

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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