Standing in front of the mirror wondering whether your covers will stay put tonight? The answer usually comes down to one choice: adhesive or non-adhesive. Both give you smooth, seamless coverage, but they work in very different ways, and the right one depends on what you're wearing. Here's how to choose.
The quick answer
- Wearing something fitted? Choose non-adhesive covers. The fabric helps hold them in place, and there's no glue on your skin.
- Wearing something loose, silky or backless? Choose covers with a light adhesive edge for extra hold where fabric alone won't keep them in place.
How non-adhesive nipple covers work
Non-adhesive covers have no glue at all. They're made from soft silicone that grips with the natural warmth of your skin. Talaa Smooth covers work this way: you flip them inside out, place them, smooth them on in an upward motion and press with warm hands to activate the grip.
What they're great for:
- Fitted tops, bodycon dresses, gym bras and swimwear, where the fabric sits close to your skin
- Sensitive skin, because there's no sticky residue and no irritation
- Sweat and water: Smooth covers are waterproof and sweat-proof
- Painless removal: they lift off with zero pulling
Where they're less suited: very loose or flowy styles, where nothing presses them against your skin.
How adhesive nipple covers work
Adhesive covers use a skin-safe adhesive to stay in place, so they don't rely on your clothes to hold them. Many adhesive covers are sticky across the whole surface, including over the nipple. Talaa Glazed covers are different: they have our signature non-adhesive centre, with a light adhesive only on the outer edge. That means extra hold without any adhesive on your nipple or sensitive area.
What they're great for:
- Loose tops, silk and satin dresses, flowy styles and backless outfits
- Evenings when you'll be moving, dancing or out for hours
- Sweat: Glazed covers are sweat-proof
Where they're less suited: swimming, since water can affect the adhesive edge.
Side by side
| Non-adhesive (Smooth) | Light adhesive edge (Glazed) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it stays on | Grips with body heat | Light adhesive on the outer edge |
| Adhesive on nipple | None | None, thanks to the non-adhesive centre |
| Best outfits | Fitted tops, dresses, gym bras, swimwear | Loose, flowy, silky and backless styles |
| Water | Waterproof and sweat-proof | Sweat-proof, not recommended for swimming |
| Removal | Lifts off with zero pulling | Peel slowly from the edge, painless |
| Reusable | Up to 50 times | Up to 25 times |
| Sizes | Cute (AA to B), Joyful (C to D), Generous (DD+); Triangles in one size | Cute (AA to B), Joyful (C to D), Generous (DD+) |
Which one should you choose?
- Gym, yoga or a day at the pool: Smooth Originals
- A deep V or plunging neckline: Smooth Triangles
- A silky slip dress, loose blouse or backless look: Glazed Originals
- Sensitive skin and fitted clothes: Smooth, with no glue at all
- Want lift as well as coverage? Pair Smooth Originals nipple covers with Talaa Tape, our reusable silicone boob tape
Many people keep both in their drawer: Smooth for everyday fitted outfits and the gym, Glazed for evenings out and flowy styles.
Tips to keep either type gripping
- Apply to clean, dry skin with no lotions or oils.
- Wash with water and hand soap after every 1 to 2 wears.
- If the grip feels weaker, wash them and warm the covers with a hairdryer for 5 seconds before putting them on.
- Store them in their case once fully dry.
Still deciding?
Compare the full details on our Smooth vs Glazed page, find your fit with the Size Guide, or read our ultimate guide to nipple covers. Dressing for a backless look? Here's what to wear under a backless dress.
