Nobody likes a wardrobe malfunction...especially when you’re not trying to be risqué. We want our jeans to fit just right in the frontand in the back, our button-downs sans gape and we’d like to completely avoid the dreaded VPL at all costs. And as much as we're all about freeing the titt*es, sometimes we need full coverage and a bra isn't cutting it. Keep your girls holstered and sittin' pretty in any outfit with these tried-and-true bra alternatives.
So how do we address this fashion faux pas in a world that both rejects *and* accepts the visible nipple? “Nipple coverage is ultimately a personal preference,” says Jaclyn Fu, co-founder of Pepper, an undergarment company designed specifically for women with small boobs. Whether big breasted or small chested, we all have nipples and sometimes it seems like they have a mind of their own. There are two main solutions to keep your perky pair from stealing the show.
The first is padding. “Unlined bras are the most challenging because there are no extra layers so nips are more likely to show through,” says Angie Kornas, founder of Honey Cloudz, a company that creates size-inclusive bra inserts. “Lined bras are a good first level of protection.” If you’re already packing the padding, you can add an additional insert to your undergarment to help keep you covered. If you’re not used to wearing padded bras, opt for lighter styles and inserts that hug the breast and blend seamlessly into the contours of your body.
If You Need A Simple Nipple Cover
Nippies Skin by B-SIX ($26.50)
With two sizes made for A-C and D+ cups, a larger diameter than the average nipple covers, five unique shades and 12 hours of guaranteed, sweat-proof protection, it's no wonder these nipple covers have over 24,000 five star reviews.
For Some Added Protection
Adhesive Nipples Covers - Extra Protection by B-SIX ($29.50)
If you need a bit of extra padding, these are the covers for you.
You're Looking For A Little Lift
Game Changer Lift & Shape Bra by NOOD ($49)
Get full coverage and a gravity boost without having to wear a bra with these lifting nipple covers.
...And A Little Protection
Gatherall Bra by Gatherall ($68)
This may look crazy, but the results speak for themselves. Give your girls some support *and* the best cleavage ever with this bra.
If You Need A Strapless Bra
MVP Multiway Strapless Bra by Pepper ($60)
A strapless bra you can always count on, designed specifically for AA, A and B cups. This strapless bra is an MVP for a reason — with convertible multiway bra straps for versatility and flattering balconette cups that reliably give you lift, it's fit for any and every occasion. Score.
Red Carpet Strapless Bra by Wacoal ($76)
If you're rocking a bigger chest, then this bra was designed for you. With sizes up to a 44I and countless five star reviews, look no further than this bra for all of your strapless needs.
Add Some Extra Padding
Non Slip Bra Pads Inserts Half Moons by Honey Cloudz ($30)
If you need a little extra coverage in your bras, pop these removable inserts in for a secure, protected fit.
Go Completely Braless
Sheer shirts and going braless altogether have become increasingly acceptable (and trendy) since the Free The Nipple movement of the 1970s regained popularity in recent years. “Breasts have been over-sexualized for too long and it’s great seeing trends today that empower women to take control of how they present their body,” explains Fu.
For the outfits that you ditch your bra for (sheer or not), there are tricks to disguising nipples. “My best hack is if you don’t have nipple covers just laying around you can use regular, medical, or silicone tape and criss-cross it over your nipples,” says Brooklyn-based stylist Joiee Thorpe. “Lay the two pieces very flat so they don’t show — smoother tape will work better. You can even take a strip of tape, start it from under your breast and pull the strip up to the clavicle. This will both cover and give a little breast lift.”
Hopefully you've found a great new traditional bra alternative (or two) to add to your closet. We know we have!
Find the next best fashion hack with Brit + Co.
Header image courtesy of Gatherall.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
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Lindsey Graham-Jones
Lindsey is a lover of all things animal print, a surfer of knee-high waves, and a seeker of sunshine.
