How to Hide Your Nipples without Wearing a Bra

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Go braless comfortably no matter what you’re wearing

Co-authored by Dina Scherer and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: June 27, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Nipple Covers
|
• Tapes and Bra Alternatives
|
• Using Clothing as Camouflage
|
• Video
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• Expert Q&A
|
• Tips

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You’ve picked out your favorite backless dress or your cutest crop top for your next party. There’s just one problem: your cute outfit can’t be ruined by a bra underneath it! While going braless is always an option, some of us don’t love the idea of our nipples being on display (especially if it’s going to get chilly out). Fortunately, there are several ways you can cover your nipples without dealing with a traditional bra. For options that combine style, fashion, and comfort, read on!

Things You Should Know

• Cover your nipples with pasties, which are available in multiple sizes, shapes, and colors.
• Try silicone nipple covers for an easy option that you can reuse multiple times.
• Apply bandages or medical tape in an X shape to conceal your nipples in a pinch.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Nipple Covers

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1. 1
   Try bandages or medical 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. Medical tape or silicone tape is just the right thickness to provide coverage, and bandages work well, too. Cross the tape or bandages over your nipples in an X shape for the best coverage.

   • Take a shower to weaken the adhesive on tape or bandages so they slip off much easier.
2. 2
   Place a cotton ball underneath medical tape for additional coverage. Spread a cotton ball over your nipple and tape it into place. If you don’t have a cotton ball handy, cut a panty liner into small circles and place those directly over your nipples.

   • Spread the cotton ball evenly so it doesn’t create a protrusion of its own.
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3. 3
   Use 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.

   • Keep in mind that pasties are thin, so not all designs will conceal your nipples when they are hard.
4. 4
   Invest in silicone nipple covers for regular use. If going braless is an everyday affair, consider investing in silicone nipple 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.

   • Silicone covers are a little pricier than pasties, but some brands can be worn up to 100 times.
   • The thicker material of silicon will provide more thorough coverage, but also can be more noticeable under some clothing.
5. 5
   Use an adhesive bra for a backless and strapless option. These sticky bras use tape to stick to your skin, providing coverage and lift in the front without straps or a back. Simply peel the backing off of the bra, apply the sticky side to your skin, and press down firmly.

   • Make sure your skin is clean and dry before putting on an adhesive bra.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Tapes and Bra Alternatives

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1. 1
   Use 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. Use the other sticky side to attach to your clothes, and you won’t have to worry about any accidental slips.

   • 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’s easier to remove than regular tape. It’s also unlikely to cause a skin reaction.
2. 2
   Try 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.
3. 3
   Wear 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.

   • If a camisole is too long or bunches up under your shirt, opt for a nude-colored bodysuit instead.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Clothing as Camouflage

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1. 1
   Wear 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. 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.
2. 2
   Try layering for additional coverage. Wearing multiple layers makes your nipples less prominent when dressing with no bra. Undershirts, tank tops, and camisoles 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.
3. 3
   Opt for looser fits and thicker material. 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.
4. 4
   Add 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.

   • Style a blazer with a flowy cami or loose T-shirt underneath.
5. 5
   Throw 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.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How do I keep my nipples from showing through my dress shirt?

  

  Dina Scherer
  Wardrobe Stylist

  Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in Sarasota, FL. 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. Modnitsa Styling has been featured in Business Insider, the New York Times, The Strategist, Bloomberg, and more. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

  

  Dina Scherer

  Wardrobe Stylist

  Expert Answer

  Try to pick out a patterned shirt—these designs do a really good job at camouflaging your nipples.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
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  Not Helpful 7 Helpful 17
• Question

  I am 11 and wear a crop vest but you can still see my nipples. How can I prevent this?

  

  Community Answer

  You 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.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 22 Helpful 39
• Question

  How do you go braless without your nipples showing?

  

  Drew Hawkins1

  Community Answer

  The 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.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 19 Helpful 21

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Tips

• Use warm water or baby oil to make removing tape or bandages from your nipples less painful.
  Thanks

  Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Accept yourself and be confident. A lot of the time, people don't care if you have a bra on or not.
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  Helpful 7 Not Helpful 3

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