Buying guide for Best nipple pasties
Nipple pasties are essentially stick-on bra cups that eliminate straps so that you can wear them with your most skin-flaunting outfits. These adhesive nipple covers, also known as petals, are made from flesh-colored material that covers the nipple and areola entirely. Unlike flashy burlesque pasties, these are designed to be discreet and no-show for when you wear styles that are hard to wear with a conventional bra, like backless or low-plunging dresses and tops. They’re also a more comfortable alternative to strapless bras for all your strapless looks.
Quality nipple pasties should stick to your skin gently while also providing long-lasting wear – so you don’t accidentally free the nipple at your best friend’s wedding! Although they don’t provide support like bras, many styles offer modest coverage, even for larger bust sizes.
Nipple pasties come in different shapes and shades and different materials, including some that are hypoallergenic. Some are disposable, while others can be reused multiple times.
Why wear nipple pasties?
If you’ve been eyeing a backless dress or have been yearning for the freedom of going braless (while still maintaining modesty), nipple pasties will crack your wardrobe possibilities wide open.
Nipple pasties are individual silicone cups or fabric patches with a sticky, skin-safe backing that adheres directly to your skin. They are meant to be worn no longer than a day and/or evening and can be peeled off easily after use. Because they only cover a small circumference of the breast, they are designed for clothing that would otherwise show bra straps. They hide the shape of your nipples and provide a smooth line for your breasts under your clothing. Some users even wear them under thin sports bras or swimsuit tops.
Lastly, nipple pasties are quite comfortable to wear, and some users prefer them to wearing bras for sheer comfort alone.
Key considerations
Material
Silicone is the most popular material for nipple pasties. Its gel-like feel seamlessly matches skin texture. These pasties often taper at the edges, providing a smooth line under clothing. We recommend choosing medical-grade silicone for the best quality and finish. Most silicone is also hypoallergenic.
Polyester nipple pasties are more affordable than silicone ones, so if you only need them a few times a year for special events, these are a good option. However, removing polyester pasties can feel like pulling off a Band-Aid (ouch!), so opt for those that don’t have adhesive at the very center where your nipple goes.
Satin nipple pasties are another fabric nipple cover. They’re more breathable than polyester and just as inexpensive. Satin allows for glide, so whatever you’re wearing won’t cling to them. For all fabric pasties, select those with medical-grade or non-sensitizing silicone adhesive to prevent damage or irritation to the skin, especially during the removal process.
Size
Many nipple pasties come in one-size-fits-all, which typically fits cup sizes A to C. These pasties average between 2.75 and 3 inches in diameter. Larger pasties that can fit D-cup sizes run about 4 inches in diameter. Most pasties don’t work on cup sizes larger than D, though some “sticky bras” accommodate DD, E, and F cups.
Shade
Although the majority of nipple pasties only come in one “nude” shade that won’t match darker skin tones, there are some manufacturers that offer more diversity, though usually at a max of three different shades: light, medium, and dark.
Reusable vs. disposable
Silicone nipple pasties tend to be reusable. They can be hand-washed between uses and re-worn anywhere from 25 to 50 times, depending on the manufacturer and how well they are cared for.
Fabric nipple pasties are more often disposable. Those that are reusable won’t last for as many wears as silicone pasties and can’t be washed. They can usually be re-worn 10 times.
Shape
Fabric nipple pasties usually come in a flat flower shape. This shape is less likely to bunch at the nipple when the material is stretched over the breast. An X shape is also common for fabric pasties.
Silicone nipple pasties come in a circular, contoured shape. They usually come in packaging that contains plastic inserts or blisters to protect and keep their cupped shape. Silicone pasties do not stretch.
Features
Waterproof
Select waterproof nipple pasties if you live somewhere hot, humid, or rainy or if you plan to spend the night on the dancefloor. Waterproof pasties can also be used under swimsuit tops or thin sports bras and gym tops.
Matte finish
If you’re wearing a sheer or semi-sheer top, matte-finish nipple pasties won’t reflect light, making them safe to wear at events where you might be photographed.
Hypoallergenic
Because pasties are placed directly on the skin, if you have sensitive skin opt for a hypoallergenic product that is less likely to cause skin reactions.
Storage case
Many pasties come with discreet storage cases, which often look like makeup compacts that you can slip into your purse. Cases are convenient for traveling and help keep your pasties sanitary and clean.
Nipple pasty prices
Nipple pasties come in pairs, anywhere from one to 20 pairs per pack. One pair can cost less than a dollar or upward of $20.
Inexpensive
Low-priced nipple pasties cost $0.90 to $1.20 per pair. These are fabric-based, disposable nipple covers that usually come in a pack of multiple pairs.
Mid-range
These nipple pasties start at $2.50 and go up to $3.50 a pair. You’ll start to find silicone covers in this price range.
High-end
Premium nipple pasties can cost $8 to $25 a pair. These include fabric and silicone covers that come in a choice of different shades and sizes.
Did you know?
Nipple pasties are also called nipple covers or breast petals.
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Tips
If you’re looking to add some lift to your coverage, opt for nipple pasties that have lift tape attached, which is adhered over the breasts for a push-up effect. These pasties tend to have fuller coverage as well.
To protect nipples from chafing from the adhesive, apply a lip or skin balm to your nipples before placing the pasties. Alternatively, you can select products with a breathable, absorbent (non-sticky) center for the nipple.
Don’t apply lotion, body oil, or powder to the breasts before applying nipple pasties as they may not adhere.
Only apply nipple pasties to dry skin. Rubbing your skin with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball will remove excess dirt and oil that can keep the pasties from sticking.
If you’re having a hard time removing pasties, soak a towel in warm water and place it over your breasts for a few minutes. This should loosen up the glue and make the pasties easier to remove. Or try soaking in a hot bath.
To remove sticky residue left behind by the pasties, rub gently with a cotton ball soaked in baby oil or body oil.
FAQ
Q. What’s the best way to put on nipple pasties?
A. We recommended washing and drying the breast area first. Be sure to also have clean, dry hands. Peel off the backing from the nipple pasty, and place the sticky side over the nipple. Press down at the nipple first, then flatten the edges firmly to the skin.
Q. How do I wash silicone nipple pasties?
A. Hand-wash in warm water using mild soap. Place the pasties face down on a towel, and let them dry overnight. Once they are dry, the self-adhesive will work again. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for best results.
Q. Can nipple pasties harm the skin?
A. When used as directed, nipple pasties should not harm the skin. Silicone is safe for external use on the skin. However, you never want to apply nipple pasties to broken, irritated, or sunburned skin. If you’re worried that you may have a skin reaction to the adhesive used, you can always do a patch test on the inside of your arm as well as opt for hypoallergenic pasties.
