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There are few wardrobe dilemmas more frustrating than figuring out what bra to wear in the summer. Between backless tops, strapless dresses, plunging necklines, and tiny tanks, even your favorite bra becomes the wrong bra.
For years, I'd grab whatever nipple covers were available at Target before a wedding or vacation and hope for the best. Usually, that meant constantly checking to make sure they hadn't shifted, peeled off, or become visible halfway through the day. I figured that was simply the tradeoff.
Then I kept seeing CAKES everywhere (I mean that literally – the brand hit $95 million in annual sales in 3 years) and wondered if premium nipple covers could actually make a difference. So I put three of the brand's bestselling styles to the test.
What is CAKES?
CAKES has become one of the biggest names in the nipple cover category, but the company sees itself as much more than that. Founded by twin sisters Taylor Capuano and Casey Sarai, the brand set out to rethink an often-overlooked wardrobe essential by creating comfortable, reusable alternatives that women actually want to wear.
Every product is made from medical-grade, non-toxic silicone that's dermatologist approved and safe for sensitive skin. Depending on the style, CAKES offers both adhesive and non-adhesive options, giving shoppers the flexibility to choose the level of support they need.
Beyond the products themselves, the brand also supports women's health and workplace advocacy initiatives, having donated more than $1.5 million to date.
Styles I Tested
For this experiment, I tested three of Cakes’ hero styles, each with a different purpose.
The Cleavage Bra feels much lighter than most adhesive bras I've tried while still creating a noticeable lift. Instead of bulky padding, it uses seamless cups with tapered wings and a center clasp to create natural-looking cleavage. Once it was on, I genuinely forgot I was wearing it.
The medical-grade adhesive stayed put throughout the day, but one thing I quickly learned is that placement matters. The more times you peel it off and reposition it, the more the adhesive breaks down, so it's worth taking an extra minute to get it right the first time. Like most adhesive bras, it has a limited lifespan (about eight wears), so it's best reserved for outfits that truly need the extra support.
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These surprised me the most. Unlike traditional nipple covers, these don't use adhesive at all. Instead, they rely on your body's natural warmth to grip your skin. I'll admit that I was skeptical. But even after hours of walking around in the heat, they never shifted or slipped. The triangular shape also makes them much easier to hide under plunge necklines, halter tops, swimsuits, and workout clothing than traditional circular covers. They're incredibly comfortable, reusable for years with proper care, and gentle enough that removing them feels like...well, removing nothing. These ended up being my favorite product from the entire lineup.
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If you're looking for a more traditional nipple cover, this is probably the safest choice. The Sticky CAKES Circles use medical-grade adhesive that's secure without feeling painfully sticky. (The brand calls them "Sticky, Not Icky," and I'd say that's pretty accurate.) They provided smooth coverage under fitted tops and dresses, stayed in place throughout the day, and removed easily without irritating my skin. After wearing them, all you have to do is rinse both sides with warm water, let them air dry, and they're ready for the next wear. CAKES estimates they'll last at least 10 wears when properly cared for.
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TL;DR: Are Cakes Worth It?
Yes, especially if you've been disappointed by drugstore nipple covers. The biggest difference I noticed was comfort. None of the styles felt bulky or obvious under clothing, and they stayed put significantly better than the inexpensive options I've purchased in the past.
That said, if you're hoping for dramatic lift or the support of a traditional bra, you'll still want an adhesive bra like the Cleavage Bra—or a regular bra altogether. Nipple covers aren't designed to replace bras for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do CAKES nipple covers actually stay on?
In my experience, yes. The adhesive styles stayed secure all day, while the Grippy Triangles (which don't use adhesive at all) surprisingly stayed in place through heat and humidity.
Which CAKES style is best?
It depends on what you're wearing. Among the styles I tested, the Cleavage Bra is best if you want a lift. The grippy triangles are best for plunge necklines, halters, workout clothes, and swimwear. And the sticky circles are the best everyday option.
Can you reuse CAKES nipple covers?
Yes. The reusable lifespan depends on the style. The Grippy Triangles are designed to last for years with proper care, while the adhesive styles can be reworn multiple times when cleaned according to the brand's instructions.
Are CAKES good for sensitive skin?
CAKES uses dermatologist-approved, medical-grade, non-toxic silicone. While everyone's skin reacts differently, I found them comfortable to wear and easy to remove without irritation.
Why You Should Trust Us
At The Quality Edit, we evaluate brands through the lens of craftsmanship, materials, and long-term wearability helping our readers discover pieces that feel truly worth the investment, especially functional wardrobe staples like silicone nipple covers. For this review, our fashion editor, Mia McManus, tested several hero products from CAKES to learn more about the design, craftsmanship, and technology that set the brand apart.
Are you looking for more fashion trends, advice, and inspiration? Check out our fashion edit and all our favorite fashion products.
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