I have a confession: I haven’t worn a traditional bra in years. Ever since the pandemic upended our lives, I’ve been all about that comfy life, paring down my lingerie drawer to soft, unlined bralettes, and for anything that’s not compatible with bralettes (spoiler: a surprising amount of my wardrobe), adhesive nipple covers. I’ve tried my fair share of brands and thought I had found my favorites—that is, until Cakes Body came to my attention. In fact, I purchased my first pair of Cakes nipple covers from a TikTok ad, but I soon learned the non-sticky ones aren’t my cup of tea. (I like the added assurance that my covers won’t slip.)
My criteria for nipple covers are pretty straightforward: They must be thick enough to provide full coverage and not let the girlies peek through, look undetectable under thinner and thicker fabrics alike, and peel off easily without causing any discomfort. When I was introduced to Cakes Body nipple covers—the Sticky Cakes Circles, Sticky Cakes Triangles, and now Cakes Lift—I had a feeling that they would enter my daily rotation. But inklings don’t matter if the product in question doesn’t pass the test. So, did they? Let’s get sticky.
My First Impressions
Ok, why aren’t all nipple covers designed with a little dip in the middle (this is a patent-pending Nip-Nook, as I’ve learned) so your nips are spared from the sticky parts? It seems like a no-brainer. Mine aren’t even particularly sensitive, but nonetheless, I very much appreciate the design consideration because the removal process is much more seamless because of it.
On the other hand, Shanna Shipin, Allure’s senior commerce director, is in the camp of sensitive nips. “For the longest time, after having two kids who ripped my nipples to shreds (yes, I mean that literally), I had the worst experiences with nipple covers. The adhesive would rip off my nipples, cause eczema breakouts, and just slowly and sadly slide off of my mosquito bite boobs,” Shipin says. “Cakes Body creates truly groundbreaking nipple covers that have a non-adhesive center, so your nips are covered, but not in any kind of tacky film. (I also love the Grippy Cakes, which have no adhesive at all; I love the Stickies when I don’t want deer-in-headlight nips and to add shape to my misshaped boobs.) These stay in place all day long and don’t budge; though you have to wash them after every use, or else they will start to peel on you. The color range is great, but I could see some in-between shades to cover more skin tones. Overall, these are my most trusted—and most comfortable—covers.”
I do agree about the color range: Although I chose Honey, which works well, I would’ve loved a shade in between Honey and Caramel. (There are three colors in total: Honey, Caramel, and Cocoa.) Picking out my size was simple, too. For Sticky Cakes Circles, there are three sizes: Itty-Bitty (3″ by 3″ covers that fit AA-B cups), OG (4″ by 4″ covers that fit B to DD cups), and Plus (5″ by 5” covers that fit DDD and above). I’ve oscillated between a B and C cup over the years, so the OG cups were a pretty sure bet. If you’re unsure about your size, you can always use a handy online measuring tool like this one—and, if you’re in between sizes, Cakes Body recommends sizing up because it’s always safer to go the route of more coverage. (I couldn’t agree more!)
How I Wear my Cakes
Sticky Cakes Lift
One small downside about nipple covers is that I sometimes worry—ahem—the girls might look a little droopy. I’ve never been a regular wearer of push-up bras, for example, but it’s nice having one as an option for certain occasions. Enter: Sticky Cakes Lift. I won’t lie: The first time I wore these, I was a bit overwhelmed sensorially by the extra material and ripped them off immediately. But the second time, I got used to the feeling within 10 minutes. After a full wear, it’s practically undetectable. Lift is what I’d reach for when I’m going to a special occasion, or the rare occasion I go out to dance—which simply means a lot of jumping around, versus actual dancing.
Lift is ideal for non-low-cut tops, so the tab doesn’t peek out—though I had one such occasion and my friend said she couldn’t notice unless I pointed it out. Here, I’m wearing the best-case scenario: a low-back dress (no straps, ma!) with a high neckline. I could definitely notice a difference versus wearing the dress with the normal Circles underneath. Though, of course, Lift isn’t quite comparable to the support of an actual bra, I appreciate the extra help—and feeling less self-conscious about the girlies—and will absolutely be incorporating them into my outfits going forth.
Sticky Cakes Circles
Oh, the possibilities are endless, aren’t they? Unless I’m wearing something looser like a sweater or sweatshirt, I’m pulling out my Cakes. In my time-crunched experience, it’s not worth the try-ons to see if a bra will look seamless when I know a pair of Cakes will keep me covered without anything I don’t want to show, well, showing. The Sticky Cakes Circles don’t budge, and the edges aren’t noticeable throughout entire days, even when you’re looking from the side (as you can see above). I’ve worn too-thin, too-flimsy covers that barely conceal my nipples, but not with Cakes—they have the ideal, Goldilocks-level thickness.
Sticky Cakes Triangles
I’m not sure why I haven’t tried non-circular nipple covers until now, but there’s a very solid case for them. While I don’t have a ton of low-cut tops, the ones I do have are tricky to style with undergarments—I usually opt for a lacy bralette that does peek out but doesn’t look too out of place. The Sticky Cakes Triangles are perfect for lower necklines (including V-cut), where the top of the circles would definitely poke out. Now? Problem solved. And, just like the Nip-Nook-designed Circles, the Triangles spare my nipples from any painful experiences. I will note that I don’t reach for these as much as the other styles—I do think they’re a
My Final Thoughts
The Sticky Cakes have quickly become my go-to nipple covers, ousting a different brand (which, to be fair, is still good) from the top spot, and the nip dip—as I’ve personally started calling it—is the main contributing factor. While I don’t have sensitive nips, you can’t really err on the side of too cautious. (And if/when I have kids, when I deal with breastfeeding, Cakes Body will be top of mind.) Another non-negotiable: I haven’t experienced my covers slipping, nor have the edges looked obvious. (I do think the triangles are a tad more noticeable, but it’s not to a degree where I’d stop using them.)
Cakes Body says that its nipple covers last at least 10 uses, but I’ve definitely been wearing mine for longer. You’re supposed to rinse them after every wear, but I will admit in a flash that I’m not as consistent as I’m supposed to be. When I do, I rinse them in warm water, as the brand recommends, and give myself a little high-five. Unless I’m consistently sweating and/or working out in these, I personally don’t think I need to wash these after every use. (But please ask me during the dog days of summer, and I may say otherwise.)
If you’re in the same boat as me—in that you’d rather avoid traditional bras at pretty much all costs and want versatile undergarments that work with your outfits, rather than against—I wholly recommend checking out Cakes Body. Go ahead, shop the Sticky Cakes Circles and Sticky Cakes Triangles for $33 a pair, or Sticky Cakes Lift for $38 a pair.
More closet (and underwear drawer) essentials you’ll love:
No Bra, No Stress—These Nipple Covers Won’t Let You Down
The Best Sticky Bras for Every Strapless, Backless, or Low-Cut Dress in Your Closet
11 Best Robes That Are Peak Coziness
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