Nipple covers, sometimes called pasties, are small discs worn directly on the skin to give smooth, invisible coverage under clothing. They do one job well: they remove nipple visibility under sheer, fine or fitted fabric without you needing to wear a bra.
They're straightforward. But three things determine whether they work — size, application, and care — and most people get at least one of them wrong.
Adhesive or non-adhesive?
There are two types, and they suit different people.
Non-adhesive silicone covers hold through gentle skin contact and body heat rather than glue. Nothing sticky touches your skin, which makes them the better choice for sensitive skin or frequent wear. Velomora Medical-Grade Nipple Covers work this way — medical-grade silicone with smooth tapered edges, in Nude and Caramel.
Adhesive covers use a skin-safe glue for a firmer hold. Better for very active wear or lighter, thinner fabrics where you want certainty. Velomora Bio-Glue Nipple Covers use a plant-based adhesive formulated to leave no greasy residue, and carry a money-back guarantee if you have an allergic reaction.
If you're unsure and your skin is at all reactive, start with non-adhesive.
Getting the size right
This is where most people go wrong, and the symptom is obvious once you know it: if you can see a circular outline under your top, the cover is the wrong size.
Velomora's medical-grade covers come in three:
| Size | Suits |
|---|---|
| 7.7 cm | A cup |
| 10.2 cm | B–C cup |
| 13 cm | D and above |
The bio-glue version comes in 8 cm and 10 cm.
The logic: a cover needs enough surface area to sit flat against the natural curve of your breast. Too small and the edges lift away from skin, creating a visible ring and losing hold. Too large and it can buckle or crease.
If you're between sizes, go up. A slightly larger cover lies flatter and disappears more reliably than a small one stretched over a curve.
Applying them
Simple, but the details matter.
- Start with clean, dry skin. No lotion, oil or body butter — this is the whole ballgame with silicone. Even a small amount of residue stops it gripping and transfers onto the cover, permanently reducing its life.
- Peel from the backing carefully, holding the outer edge rather than pressing the centre.
- Position the centre over the nipple first, then smooth outward with your fingertips toward the edges. Working centre-outward pushes air out; working edge-inward traps it.
- Press the perimeter down gently all the way around. Tapered edges are designed to blend into the skin — make sure they're actually flat.
- Give it a minute before dressing, especially with adhesive covers.
If a cover isn't holding, the cause is nearly always residue on your skin or on the cover itself — not a defective product. Wash both and try again.
Matching your skin tone
Under white, cream and pastel fabric, a cover that doesn't match your skin is more visible than no cover at all. Velomora offers Nude and Caramel; pick the one closer to your own tone rather than defaulting to the lighter option.
Under dark or heavily patterned fabric this matters much less.
Cleaning and reuse
Silicone covers are reusable, and how long they last depends almost entirely on how you wash them. Cared for properly, a pair lasts months. Neglected, they lose grip within a couple of wears.
After each wear:
- Rinse with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap.
- Wash the adhesive side gently with your fingertips — no cloths, no scrubbing, nothing abrasive.
- Rinse thoroughly. Leftover soap film is as bad for grip as body oil.
- Air dry sticky-side up. Don't towel-dry — lint clings to silicone and is very hard to remove.
- Once fully dry, return them to their plastic backing and case.
Things that ruin them: hot water, harsh detergent, alcohol-based cleaners, drying face-down on a surface, and storing without the backing.
The plastic backing isn't packaging — it protects the adhesive surface between wears. Losing it dramatically shortens their life.
How long they last
There's no fixed count, but you'll know it's time to replace them when:
- They stop holding despite clean skin and a clean cover
- The edges curl and won't lie flat
- The surface stays cloudy or discoloured after washing
- They feel tacky or rough rather than smooth
Rotating two pairs makes both last considerably longer, since each gets proper drying time.
When to wear them
- Under sheer, white and pale fabrics
- With backless and strapless outfits, where a bra can't go
- Under fitted knitwear and jersey
- Under saree blouses and fine kurtis
- Layered under boob tape, so adhesive never contacts the most sensitive area
- Post-workout or under sports tops where seams cause friction
When not to
- On broken, irritated, sunburnt or freshly shaved skin
- Overnight — take them off before you sleep
- If you notice redness, itching or persistent irritation
- Over moles you're monitoring or skin under dermatological treatment
If adhesive covers cause a reaction, switch to non-adhesive rather than giving up on covers entirely — the glue is usually the culprit, not the silicone.
Common problems, quickly
They keep falling off. Residue on skin or cover. Wash both with mild soap, dry completely, retry.
I can see the outline. Size up.
The edges curl. Either they're worn out, or they've been stored without their backing.
They feel sticky and grip poorly. Soap film from insufficient rinsing, or heat damage from hot water.
They irritate my skin. Switch to non-adhesive, and don't wear them on consecutive days.
In short
Pick a size that comfortably covers the area rather than the smallest that fits. Apply to clean dry skin, centre first, smoothing outward. Wash gently after each wear and air dry sticky-side up on their backing.
Browse the full nipple cover range, or read our guide to what to wear under a backless dress.
