Nipple Tasselz & Pastiez - Page 8 Nipple Tassels & Pasties - Page 8

Nipple tassels and pasties

Nipple tassels are small decorative covers worn over the nipple, finished with a hanging fringe that swings and spins with movement. They started as burlesque stagewear and never really left — today they turn up at festivals, on dance floors, under sheer tops, and in the bedroom. Pasties are the same idea without the fringe: a flat cover in a heart, star, round or petal shape.

Most of the pairs in this collection are self-adhesive and designed to be worn with nothing underneath. Others tie on with a thin cord or clip on with a light magnetic or clamp fitting, which suits anyone who reacts to adhesive or wants to reposition them through the night.

Tassels or pasties — which to pick

The fringe is the difference, and it is mostly a question of whether you want movement.

• Tassels are made to be seen moving. The classic burlesque twirl needs a fringe with a little weight to it, so look for longer strands if you plan to perform.
• Pasties sit flatter and disappear more easily under fabric. If you want coverage under a sheer or backless top rather than a centrepiece, start here.
• Convertible pairs have a detachable fringe, so one set covers both jobs.

Choosing a pair

Adhesive strength

Adhesive pasties are usually single-use or good for a handful of wears. Reusable silicone-backed pairs last longer and can be rinsed in cool water and air-dried face-up, but they need clean, dry, oil-free skin to grip. If you have used body lotion, moisturiser or oil that day, the adhesive will not hold.

Skin sensitivity

If adhesives irritate you, choose tie-on or clip styles instead. Whatever the fitting, take them off gently — peel slowly from the outer edge inward rather than pulling straight off, and stop if the skin is sore.

Occasion

Rhinestone and sequin finishes photograph well under stage and club lighting. Matte fabric and leather-look pairs read better in daylight and under sheer clothing. For a long night out, a lighter fringe stays comfortable for longer than a heavy beaded one.

How to apply nipple tassels so they stay on

1. Wash and fully dry the area. Skip lotion, oil and powder beforehand — this is the single most common reason a pair falls off.
2. Warm the adhesive between your palms for a few seconds. It grips noticeably better at body temperature.
3. Peel the backing and position the cover centred, then press outward from the middle to push out air pockets.
4. Hold firm pressure for about thirty seconds, and give them a few minutes to settle before dressing.

To remove, warm the edge with your fingers or a little warm water and peel slowly inward. Oil-based makeup remover helps stubborn adhesive lift without dragging at the skin.

Care and reuse

Reusable pairs keep their tack longest when they go back onto their plastic backing sheet after every wear — that is what keeps lint and dust off the adhesive. Rinse the sticky side in cool water with a drop of mild soap, no scrubbing, and let them air-dry face-up. Never use hot water or a hairdryer on silicone adhesive; heat breaks it down permanently. Store them flat and out of direct sunlight so the fringe does not tangle or fade.

Styling ideas

Tassels sit naturally with a corset, an open-cup bra, a harness or high-waisted briefs. Under a sheer mesh top they give coverage while staying visibly part of the outfit. For a first pair, a mid-length fringe in black or nude is the most versatile starting point — it works on stage, under clothing, and in the bedroom without looking like a costume.