Sticky vs Grippy Nipple Covers: Adhesive or Non-Adhesive?
If you are deciding between Sticky Nippys and Grippy Nippys, start with one question: what are you wearing them under?
Both are reusable silicone nipple covers designed for smooth coverage under clothing, but they stay in place differently. Sticky Nippys use adhesive, while Grippy Nippys are designed to grip with body heat and work best when a snug garment helps hold them against the body.
Sticky or Grippy? The quick answer
- Choose Sticky Nippys for backless, strapless, loose or unsupported outfits, or when you want the most secure all-round option.
- Choose Grippy Nippys for fitted tops, activewear, snug dresses or under an unlined bra when you want to avoid adhesive.
- Not sure? Sticky Nippys are usually the easier first pair because they work across more outfit types.
Sticky Nippys vs Grippy Nippys
| Sticky Nippys | Grippy Nippys | |
|---|---|---|
| Hold | Adhesive hold directly on clean, dry skin | Heat grip + pressure from a snug garment |
| Best for | Backless, strapless, loose and fitted outfits | Fitted tops, activewear, snug dresses and unlined bras |
| Feel | Secure, with a satin centre protector | No centre adhesive |
| Sizes | 8 cm, 10 cm and 13 cm nude | 8 cm and 10 cm |
| Best first pair? | Usually yes, if you want maximum outfit flexibility | Best if you already know you mostly wear snug clothing |
| Lift? | Coverage only | Coverage only |
Choose Sticky Nippys if you want the most outfit freedom
Sticky Nippys are our adhesive nipple covers. They adhere directly to clean, dry skin, so they do not rely on your clothes to keep them in place.
They are the better choice when you wear:
- Backless dresses or tops
- Strapless outfits
- Loose or flowy clothing
- Thin fitted tops where you want the edges held flat
- Event outfits where you do not want to keep checking or adjusting your covers
They are also the simplest starting point if this is your first pair of nipple covers because they work across more outfit types.
Choose Grippy Nippys if you want a non-adhesive feel
Grippy Nippys are our non-adhesive nipple covers. Instead of sticking to the skin, they use body heat and the pressure of a close-fitting garment to stay in place.
They work best under:
- Fitted T-shirts and tops
- Activewear and sports bras
- Snug dresses
- Unlined bras
- Layered outfits with a fitted inner layer
The key is garment pressure. If the outfit is loose, open or backless, choose Sticky Nippys instead.
Which one should you buy for your outfit?
- Backless dress: Sticky Nippys
- Strapless dress: Sticky Nippys
- Loose blouse: Sticky Nippys
- Thin white fitted top: Sticky Nippys are usually the safer starting point
- Fitted T-shirt: either, with Grippy Nippys a great non-adhesive option
- Sports bra or fitted activewear: Grippy Nippys
- Unlined bra: Grippy Nippys
- Deep V or plunge neckline: consider triangle nipple covers if a round edge may show
What size should you choose?
Hold type and size are two separate decisions. Once you know whether you want Sticky or Grippy, choose the diameter that gives you enough coverage for a smooth edge.
- A-C cup: start with 8 cm
- D-DD cup: start with 10 cm
- E+ cup: 13 cm Sticky Nippys give fuller coverage
Note: our 13 cm option is currently available in adhesive Sticky Nippys in nude. Grippy Nippys are available in 8 cm and 10 cm.
How the care routine differs
Sticky Nippys
- Apply to clean, completely dry skin with no moisturiser or oils.
- After wear, rinse the adhesive side gently with water only.
- Do not scrub or rub the adhesive surface.
- Air dry adhesive side up before storing.
Grippy Nippys
- Apply to clean, dry skin and wear under a snug garment.
- Wash gently with mild soap and water after wear.
- Air dry fully before storing.
- Keep the silicone surface away from lint and fibres.
What if you need lift as well as coverage?
Neither Sticky Nippys nor Grippy Nippys are designed to lift or reshape the breast. If your outfit needs lift or added shape, nipple covers may still provide coverage, but boob tape or bra inserts may be a better match for the job.
Frequently asked questions
Which nipple covers should I buy first?
If you are unsure, Sticky Nippys are usually the easiest first pair because they stay in place independently of the garment and work with a wider range of outfits.
Can I wear Grippy Nippys with a backless dress?
We would recommend Sticky Nippys instead. Grippy Nippys work best when a fitted garment presses them against the body, which a backless dress usually cannot do.
Can I wear Sticky Nippys under fitted tops?
Yes. Sticky Nippys work well under fitted clothing and can be a good choice when you want the edge held directly against the skin.
Are Grippy Nippys completely non-adhesive?
They are our non-adhesive style and do not use centre adhesive. They rely on the silicone surface, body heat and the pressure of a snug garment to stay in place.
Do Sticky or Grippy Nippys provide lift?
No. Both are designed for nipple coverage and a smoother finish under clothing. For lift, consider boob tape or bra inserts.
Still deciding? Start with the outfit
Loose, backless, strapless or unsupported? Choose Sticky Nippys.
Snug, fitted or worn under an unlined bra? Grippy Nippys are a great non-adhesive choice.
If you expect to wear both loose and fitted outfits, owning one pair of each gives you the most flexibility.
