I wore these viral nipple covers in a heat wave to see if they were sweatproof — now they’re my favorite bra alternative

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As I write this, New York City is finally experiencing some relief after a “heat dome” descended with the summer solstice. It was stiflingly hot for a few days, and all I could tolerate on my body was a silk slip dress from Quince, loose T-shirts, and these nipple covers from Cakes Body.

I bought flimsy drugstore nipple covers before investing in a reusable ones, but I hate knowing they’ll take forever to degrade in a landfill. More recently I was wearing pasties from Nood, but they lose their stickiness and shape after a while. The Sticky Cakes, my most recent discovery, are far and away the best pair I’ve tried. Yes, they’re over $30 a pair, but as a word to all my small-chested friends out there: they’re worth it.

What Cakes nipple covers are like to wear

It’s been about two months of wearing these nipple covers about 3 or 4 times a week, and they’re so much better than single-use pasties.

I’ve tested out two kinds of Cakes Body nipple covers. The Grippy Cakes in size “itty bitty” are my go-to because they’re smaller, adhesive-free, and just cover my nipples, which is often all I need. They’re thin silicone circles that grip my skin and stay put with my body heat. They’re better for fitted tops, but I’ve worn them under loose dresses and they worked just fine.

I can actually forget I have them on, they’re so comfortable. I even tested their waterproof ability at the pool, and they still stayed in place.

The Sticky Cakes in size “OG” are larger and encompass almost my entire boob. They use a sweatproof adhesive that has stuck to my skin and refused to slide off, even as I walked around in a heat wave in a silk slip dress. In their centers are small, adhesive-free circles the brand calls “Nip Nooks,” so peeling them off is painless. I like these better for loose-fitting tops because once they’re on, they’re on.

Who are these nipple covers are for?

A little bit of background on the brand: Cakes Body was founded by twin sisters Taylor Capuano and Casey Capuano Sarai. They made a deal on these bra alternatives when they appeared on Shark Tank in 2024.

The Cakes Body nipple covers are a fashion-focused solution that allows people to wear backless tops and sheer tops, as long as you’re comfortable with forgoing underwire. That said, these may not work for you if you have a large cup size and need the support only a bra can give.

That said, I’ve found great relief in not having to plan my outfit around a bra anymore. I’m size 34B and have told my other small-chested friends why I choose nipple covers, explaining how I don’t miss the padded push-up bras and have instead learned to embrace my small boobs. I don’t have the cleavage to fill out low-cut tops now that I’ve sworn off bras, but I rather be comfortable.

The bottom line

If you too are a card-carrying member of the “itty-bitty titty committee,” I suggest you ditch your bras and start wearing these nipple covers from Cakes Body instead. They feel great, look totally invisible under thin fabrics, and they don’t slide off from sweat, even in 105 degree weather. As someone who prefers to go braless but loves a sheer blouse in summertime, these are the best solution I’ve found.

Shop all nipple covers and bra solutions from Cakes Body here.