For years, lingerie has served as the base for our overall look.
However, in recent seasons our undergarments have taken a back seat to more on-trend pieces. Gone are the days when every look would begin with a bra and briefs, now our clothing has evolved to serve a double purpose – providing both style and the sensibility of undergarments. Whether it’s a backless top, low cut dress or sheer, panelled number, we’re no longer reaching for a bra and a little something to wear over the top, instead relying on bodysuits to make up our basic outfit.
Nipple covers were once a curious item sold in sex shops as a solution for transvestites and performers. Sticking a small piece of fabric or adhesive-covered material to your nipple wasn’t the most appealing solution either. However, these products have recently transcended the sex shop to become mainstream fashion items. Now, you can pick adhesive nipple covers in every colour of the rainbow at high-end boutiques and department stores. Influencers post pictures on Instagram of how they wear them, and celebrity designs are showcased at fashion shows.
Design revolution drives demand
For ultra-low cut garments with side cutouts, and ultra-thin straps, designers are exploring work-around solutions to the not-so-sexy bra peeking out from under garments such as the halter dress with open back that reveals a waist band, the basic white slip dress with spaghetti thin straps, and off-the-shoulder tops that reveal the entire shoulder.
These designs could also have used an undergarment, but I went with nipple covers because they don’t distract from the costume and don’t leave any lines, straps, or bands that you can see.
No more unsightly bra straps or lines. Your new outerwear becomes the focal point – not your restrictive undergarments originally cut to flaunt in form fitting garments that never actually worked well.
Summer styling challenges
During hot weather, most regular bras become really tricky to wear. While bralettes and bodysuits are an amazing alternative, there are some occasions on which you will want to wear something a little more refined. Here, we’ll explore the most stylish ways to wear strapless bras, and explain why they are often better than the ones marketed specifically as ‘strapless bras’.
Covers are seasonal. They don’t add bulk, but provide the necessary coverage that many lingerie looks lack. A thin cotton dress still looks like a flowing dress, and a linen top still manages to fit around all the rigid bra structures even when the top is fighting the fabric’s natural drape.
For some reason the beach is where you are least able to get away with wearing swimwear that isn’t as revealing as possible, and many beach cover ups are transparent or revealing garments that make it difficult to wear a regular bra.
Professional styling applications reshape mainstream adoption
Nipple covers have become a mainstream fashion accessory, making them a staple in most girls wardrobe. They can be used to boost any outfit whether it be under a tight top or a flowing evening gown and are often supplied by style editors on photo shoots to slip into lacy or tight number of garments. However, they are obviously different to the ones you can buy over the counter to wear under a snug blazer.
We can’t help but notice the influence of red carpet styling in inspiring designers to create garments for the mainstream market that offer up a bolder, more revealing cut without necessarily highlighting a bra line. The looks have been both stylish and so wearable, incorporating a clear cut that has taken gown design into new territory. These ensembles have indeed inspired the viewer to consider wearing a look just like it to a wedding, gala or for a dressy work occasion dressing situation.
In recent years the Covers have become a necessary item to wear the most modern wedding dresses. The trend in bridal fashion has changed over the past few years and now most wedding dresses have a low back, sheer section or an unusual neck line. Because of this it is rarely possible to wear the lingerie of the brides of old with these styles of bridal dresses. However you can now wear your wedding dress exactly as designed with a Cover.
Quality matters more than price
There are many nipple covers on the market today, but not all of them are created equal. Some of them are made with better materials than others, and some are more successful than others in solving the problem of visible nipples. There are many variations of nipple covers out there to choose from, but beware, some of these products can cause skin irritation, fall off at the wrong time, or have a rather unpleasant texture.
Some people will experience more issues with certain fabrics than others due to their skin type. When dealing with raw or irritated skin it is very important to use products from a trusted nipple cover manufacturer that specialize in hypoallergenic products.
For those who will be wearing these lashes on an on-going basis, the product’s longevity is key. A single-use lash may seem like a great idea at first, generating zero waste but they are very costly in the long run. On the other hand, a reusable lash needs a little more maintenance, if worn correctly and cleaned and stored properly, can be reused multiple times. In addition to looking good and feeling comfortable, the lashes also need to adhere well to the eye without causing any irritation.
Integration with modern wardrobes
As more comfortable underwear options become available, an increasing number of consumers will consider the need for nipple covers before they go look for a backless dress or transparent top. When shopping for fashion-forward clothing, consumers first think about which garment will work with their chosen nipple cover.
There is a new culture of accessory-wearing going on. People are wearing scarves, tilting hats on their heads and shaking bags. These items have become part of the process of putting together an outfit. Unlike in the past, they are not left in the drawers until the last minute. They are carried around in women’s purses, in men’s briefcases, in rucksacks, handbags and luggage, and in women’s drawers alongside their socks and underwears.
While some might think that special underwear is improper, in the past few years fashion has evolved to the point where there are so many layers of clothing that regular underwear is not enough anymore. The world of underwear has long since expanded beyond your typical everyday briefs and bras. Designers are creating entire collections of premium garments and chic pieces to be worn as outerwear. To keep up with this rapidly changing fashion landscape, underwear is no longer just something you wear under your clothes; it has become a statement piece all in itself.
Looking forward
Whether you’re looking for comfy clothing or the latest fashion, designs are reaching new heights of comfort and style. Some people are even incorporating nipple covers into their wardrobe choices for added security and fashion, and it’s an idea on the rise. These discreet covers mean you can wear whatever you want, without fear of clothing exposing more than you intend.
In a change to how fashion can serve a purpose, undergarments in the form of ‘covers’ are rising to the top of the wardrobe pile. Able to be worn under clothing, and smart enough to be seen out in, they are versatile enough to be slotted into any wardrobe. Here we namecheck the top ten.
