Let's talk bras. Better yet, let's not talk bras. While the undergarment is a crucial part of many women's everyday lives, they can sometimes be uncomfortable, difficult to size, dig into the skin and, my worst fear, show underneath the cute outfits I painstakingly put together. So, I want to talk about an alternative ... because there's one being discussed on every other video in my social media feeds that is said to be the boob solution we've been begging for.
They're called Cakes, and despite their sweet name, they have nothing to do with baked goods. They're the game-changing nipple covers that are a far cry from the hopeless "petals" we used to rely on in the past.
Why I tried the Cakes Body nipple covers
Simple. I was tired of ignoring the trendy tops and dresses sitting in my closet unworn just because I didn't have the right undergarments to wear underneath. Something as easy as a halter top became a major fashion issue because I didn't have a bra option where the straps wouldn't peek through. (The issue doubled if the top was a see-through shade of white ...) And don't get me started on strapless bras — never has something more uncomfortable and unreliable been invented. I was desperate for a change.
How I tried the Cakes Body nipple covers
I ordered two Cakes Body nipple covers, one in a circular shape and the other in a triangular shape. Having both allowed me to test each cover underneath different top styles and not have them show. The color that matches my skin the most is Honey, but there are two deeper shades available to match darker skin tones. I tested each version under the appropriate garments, different materials and in all types of weather.
Why I like the Cakes Body nipple covers
You CAN'T see them through your clothing
Do you remember the tiny covers we used to use? Let me give you a refresher: They were the sticky, yet not-sticky-enough pads that made your breast shape look abnormal and were completely noticeable under every shirt you put on. If only Cakes were invented 15 years ago, I'd have way fewer traumatic fashion experiences in my memory bank.
The Cakes Body covers are, without exaggeration, invisible underneath clothing. They are completely rounded to mimic the shape of an actual breast (no petals, thank you very much) and are designed with an infinity edge to create a seamless look, so you never know where the cover ends and your shirt begins.
They are "grippy not sticky"
What gives these nipple covers their innovative edge is that they are made with a skin-friendly silicone that uses your body's natural heat to adhere to the skin. Meaning, no painful removable process and no messy adhesives that leave behind a residue you need to wash off. These work magic under form-fitting clothing, and won't slip and slide as you move. I even tried them underneath a loose-fitting dress, and they gripped to my skin all day. It was a strange sensation at first because I was convinced I was playing with fire, but they stayed put.
If you're not into that kind of risky business, Cakes Body just came out with a newer sticky covering for wearing underneath flowier clothing. Of course, I tried them too, and I can tell you they get the job done just as well, if not more.
Don't be deterred by the term "sticky." On top of the non-toxic silicone design, the adhesive behind these covers is medical grade and was given a thumbs-up by dermatologists for being safe on sensitive skin, according to the brand. After wearing them for multiple hours, I didn't see or feel any awful residue on my skin after removing them. But what I appreciate most is the adhesive-free "nip nook," which means your most sensitive areas won't come into contact with the tackier surface.
What to consider
They are not designed to lift
Despite quite a few TikTok videos sharing otherwise, the Cake covers are not meant to offer the type of lift that traditional bras do. You can certainly achieve a lifting effect when wearing them with a tight-fitted shirt, but there is no guarantee of it happening or lasting. If it does, consider it a bonus on top of the coverage and security they already provide!
Need the lift? The brand's cleavage bra can be adjusted per your preference to secure the cleavage you desire.
You can wear them with swimwear — with one exception
Because the Grippy Cakes are free of adhesive, you can pop on a pair under form-fitting sports bras and swimsuits without risk of sweat or water ruining them. However, excessive amounts of water on their sticky alternatives aren't recommended for maintaining their longevity. Which brings me to care:
Washing them is easier than washing a normal bra
Just rinse both sides of your nipple covers (both the grippy and sticky versions) in warm water and let them air dry out of direct sunlight. That's it. Once they are dry, place them back onto the protective sheets they were delivered with for optimal storage.
Why trust Shop TODAY
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Danielle Murphy is a writer for Shop TODAY, covering a wide range of topics in lifestyle, beauty and fashion.
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