Nippies, pasties, nipple clamps, chains, breast bars, and chest jewelry: What are they used for, what are the differences, and most importantly, how do you choose the right piece?

What can you actually wear on your chest? A lot more than you might think.

The bra is no longer the only starting point. Today, the bust can be covered, framed, adorned, connected, structured, or transformed by accessories that draw inspiration from lingerie as well as jewelry and BDSM.

The problem is that a photograph doesn't always make it clear what you're looking at.

A metal nipple cover and a jewelry clamp might seem to belong to the same category, even though the former rests on the skin and the latter exerts pressure. A chain connecting two clips behaves differently than a rigid bar running across the chest. Finally, some bust jewelry isn’t even attached to the nipples—it accentuates the lines of the décolletage directly.

Before making a choice, it's best to understand the situation.

Nipple covers, clamps, bars, jewelry: let's start with the basics

Each family serves a different purpose.

Nipple covers, pasties, or nippies It is applied directly to the skin. It can simply cover the nipple or serve as a fashion accessory.

The nipple clamp It attaches mechanically to the nipple. It thus adds a sensory dimension to the aesthetic.

The chain pliers connects the two sides of the chest with a flexible element. The chain adds movement and, at times, weight.

The breast bar or nipple bar Instead, it connects the two nipples with a rigid or semi-rigid structure. The result is much more striking.

Nipple jewelry without a piercing can be attached with adhesive or a clip and creates the look of an intimate jewelry piece without requiring a piercing.

Chest jewelry or bust jewelry It covers a larger area. It follows the breasts, the cleavage, the ribs, the neck, or sometimes the waist.

So the first question is very simple: Would you like to cover, decorate, experience, organize, or dress up?

Nipple covers: covering up without necessarily wanting to hide them

The term «nipple covers» is somewhat misleading.

Some styles are indeed designed to provide coverage. But in contemporary erotic luxury, many are specifically made to be seen.

The simple nipple cover: an alternative to a bra

A classic nipple cover conceals the nipple without adding the bulk of a bra cup.

It can therefore be very practical to wear under a sheer top, a mesh dress, a jacket worn directly on bare skin, or sheer lingerie.

The BRIGADE MONDAINE Varnish Nipple Covers These products are a great example of this first product line. Made of glossy vinyl with a reusable adhesive backing, they offer a simple solution while still making a real visual impact.

For those who would like more details, the BRIGADE MONDAINE Black Ring Nipple Covers add a central ring. This takes it from a simple head covering to an accessory that can be incorporated into a more put-together look.

Leather pasties: a more fetish-inspired look

Simply changing the material is enough to completely transform the result.

The RE:STRICT Leather Pasties are part of a much more fetishistic approach. Leather offers a texture, depth, and presence that are very different from those of vinyl or polished metal.

They naturally complement a corset, a harness, or leather lingerie. RE:STRICT, in fact, builds its entire aesthetic around this idea: leather isn’t just decorative—it visually shapes the body.

This is a good example of how a nipple cover can complement an outfit rather than simply serving a practical purpose.

BORDELLE: The Nippie as an Extension of Lingerie

At BORDELLE, the nipple cover is practically another piece in the collection.

The Signature BORDELLE Nipple Covers are made of 24-karat gold-plated metal. They therefore directly echo the iconic finishes found on Signature bras, harnesses, and other designs.

The result is particularly striking with open-front lingerie.

Instead of covering the chest with a traditional bra, you can leave the breast visible while creating a highlight in the center.

The Signature Nippies O BORDELLE go an even step further with their 24-karat gold-plated decorative ring and enamel finish.

With BORDELLE, the nippie is not just an afterthought. It becomes part of the lingerie vocabulary.

IINFYNII: When the Nipple Cover Becomes a Fashion Accessory

The approach is different at IINFYNII.

The NOCTIA IINFYNII Nipple Covers are made of polished gold-plated metal and feature a design more reminiscent of fashion jewelry.

They can be worn on their own or paired with open-style lingerie, particularly pieces from the ARIA collection.

Here, it’s no longer really the concept of a «cover» that takes center stage. The metal catches the light and makes the center of the chest the focal point.

This is a particularly appealing option for those who love highly graphic designs—with few elements but a strong visual impact.

INCARNEM: The Nipple as the Starting Point for Jewelry

With INCARNEM, we're taking reading to a whole new level.

The INCARNEM Silver SKIN Nipple Covers are not intended to be mere pasties.

Handcrafted from molds and cast using the lost-wax technique, they reproduce the contours of the skin before being cast in bronze and then plated with metal.

The result is clearly a cross between body jewelry, a miniature sculpture, and an intimate accessory.

Each piece has an irregular surface that directly evokes the skin. The metal, therefore, does not conceal the body: it echoes its form.

Versions SKIN Gold Silver and gold then allow you to choose a different color temperature depending on the jewelry, lingerie, or simply your personal preferences.

With this type of design, the nipple cover can be worn perfectly on its own, under an open jacket, or with a cup-less bra.

QRUCIFIX: crystals, metal, and movement

QRUCIFIX offers yet another solution: turning the nipple cover into a true piece of jewelry.

The AURELIA QRUCIFIX Nipple Covers feature 18-karat gold-plated elements paired with a crystal pendant.

The difference is significant: the jewelry no longer lies still against the breast. The dangling elements move with the body.

The SAFFIRA CRUCIFIX feature a more minimalist design, crafted from 18-karat gold-plated copper.

Two designs can therefore serve exactly the same purpose while producing a completely different effect: one resembles a delicate, precious piece of jewelry, while the other resembles a more minimalist metal object.

How do you wear nipple covers and nippies?

It all depends on what you're wearing.

Under a transparent material

A nippie allows you to maintain the full transparency of muslin, mesh, or tulle without adding an opaque cup.

A subtle design visually minimizes nudity. A metallic or ornate design, on the other hand, fully embraces its visibility.

Wearing an open-front bra

This is probably one of the most interesting organizations.

The bra maintains its structure around the breast, while the Nippie occupies the center. BORDELLE works particularly well in this configuration, since the gold-plated elements of the various pieces can interact with one another.

With a harness

The harness outlines the contour of the bust. The nipple cover adds a focal point in the center without weighing down the silhouette.

Under a jacket

A well-crafted nipple jewel can be the only piece worn under an open or slightly ajar jacket.

INCARNEM, QRUCIFIX, or IINFYNII take on their full meaning here.

Nipple clamps: a different category, a different approach

With the clips, you can remove the accessory that’s simply placed on the skin.

A clamp exerts pressure. As a result, the mechanism becomes just as important as the aesthetics.

Two models that look similar may feel very different depending on the shape of their jaws, the contact surface, the adjustment, the weight, or whether they have a chain.

Adjustable clamps: the best way to get started

When you're first trying out nipple clamps, the adjustability is probably the most important factor.

The LIEBE SEELE nipple clamps They come in a variety of styles, ranging from relatively simple designs to versions adorned with thorns, beads, or chains.

The LIEBE SEELE Heart-Shaped Nipple Clamps, for example, have an adjustable mechanism that allows you to gradually change the pressure.

It's much more interesting than a clamp with a completely fixed tension, especially when you don't yet know its sensitivity precisely.

The key point to remember is simple: You never choose a pair of pliers just because they look nice.

The Jewelry Clip: When a Sensory Accessory Becomes a Piece of Jewelry

LIEBE SEELE and BRIGADE MONDAINE also offer pieces in which the visual aspect becomes almost as important as the feel.

Designs featuring beads, chains, bells, or other dangling elements work much like earrings for the chest.

The BRIGADE MONDAINE Pearl & Chain Nipple Clamps are perfect examples of this family.

The piece of jewelry extends below the breast, follows its movements, and draws the eye far beyond the single point of attachment.

There are two benefits: preserving the sensory appeal of a clip while creating a design that truly complements lingerie or an outfit.

What is the chain between the two clamps used for?

The chain isn't just for decoration.

It visually connects the two breasts, adds volume, and moves with the body.

When the person moves, the chain moves as well. Depending on the person's height and weight, this can slightly alter the tension exerted on each clamp.

A very light chain will be primarily for aesthetic purposes. A heavier chain will have a more noticeable physical presence.

At LIEBE SEELE, some designs also combine the clips with a collar. The ROSE GOLD Necklace with Nipple Clamps by LIEBE SEELE This creates a vertical line between the neck and the chest.

We're no longer just covering the breasts—we're starting to shape the entire upper body.

Pressure and tension: they don't feel the same

A clamp primarily applies pressure to the nipple.

A heavy chain, a weight, or a pulling mechanism applies force in a different direction.

The UPKO Mystic Bond Nipple Clamps with Pull Chain are interesting precisely for that reason.

They don't just add more pressure. They create tension that changes depending on the movements and how the chain is used.

This category is geared more toward people who are already familiar with classic pliers and want to explore a more technical tool.

Breast bars: when a bar runs across the chest

Breast bars are probably the least well-understood accessories when you're first getting to know this product category.

A breast bar, also known as a nipple bar or chest bar, connects the two nipples using a rigid or semi-rigid structure.

And that rigidity changes everything.

Chain or bar: What's the difference?

A chain remains flexible. It naturally forms a curve and follows the movements.

A bar, on the other hand, retains its shape.

Visually, it runs across the chest much more clearly and creates a distinct horizontal line between the two breasts.

It gives the bust a more architectural, almost constructed look.

Why does it feel different?

With two independent clamps, each breast can move separately.

With a flexible chain, some of the movement is absorbed by the chain itself.

With a rigid bar, the two attachment points are more closely connected. A movement on one side can therefore be transmitted more directly to the other.

That is why a breast bar should not be viewed as simply a pair of clamps connected by a decorative element.

UPKO: The Breast Bar Becomes a Technical System

The UPKO Double Bar Nipple Clamp System goes even further.

The part combines a double bar, adjustable clamping elements, and an additional chain. The device also includes a vibration function.

So this is a far cry from a traditional decorative clip.

This design perfectly illustrates the difference between the various types: the clamp acts on a single point, the chain connects, the bar provides structural support, and an UPKO system can combine several of these principles in a single component.

Do you have to be pierced to wear nipple jewelry?

No.

This is a very common misunderstanding.

A piercing jewelry piece goes through a healed piercing. A nipple clip usually uses adhesive. A nipple clip attaches directly to the nipple using its mechanism.

The INCARNEM, IINFYNII, QRUCIFIX, and BORDELLE nipple covers therefore create a genuine jewelry-like effect on the chest without the need for piercings.

The LIEBE SEELE or BRIGADE MONDAINE jewelry clips simply add a sensory dimension that adhesive does not provide.

What about chest jewelry? Here, we're talking about a whole different scale

So far, we've mainly focused on the nipple.

The chest jewelry targets the breast or the chest area as a whole.

It can run down between the breasts, frame the décolletage, go under the bust, or connect the bust to the neck, shoulders, and sometimes the waist.

This is where you truly step into the world of the body jewelry.

FUNGI Elica D’Oro: The Chest Becomes a Canvas for Jewelry

The creations FUNGI Elica D’Oro are perfect examples of this category.

24-karat gold-plated, Swarovski crystals, mother-of-pearl, agate, jade, and other gemstones are set directly along the contours of the bust.

Designs such as Strong, Queen Stone, Cross, Magic Green, Agate or Stay Wild do not attempt to replicate the function of a bra.

They frame the chest and use the skin as the backdrop for the jewelry.

This is a key distinction: bust jewelry is not meant to support or cover. It shapes the silhouette.

How do you wear a bust ornament?

When worn on bare skin, it naturally becomes the centerpiece.

Paired with simple black lingerie, it immediately adds brightness and structure.

When worn under a jacket, it can serve as a substitute for a top.

Wearing a dress with a very low neckline, he fills the space left open by the garment.

And when layered over more intricate lingerie, it can create a much more editorial-style look.

IINFYNII and the body chain: outlining the body without covering it

IINFYNII also allows us to explore another category: chains and structures that follow the body.

The logic is almost the opposite of that of a traditional bra.

We add lines, metal, and sometimes leather, while keeping much of the skin visible.

IINFYNII’s designs, which blend couture flair, gold chains, and bondage-inspired construction, allow the bust to be treated as part of a more holistic silhouette.

The gaze no longer lingers on the breasts. It follows the contours of the entire body.

So, what should you choose? A simple comparison

I just want to cover my nipples

Choose classic nipple covers.

The BRIGADE MONDAINE Vernis models fulfill this function while maintaining a bold fetish aesthetic.

I'm wearing a sheer dress or top

You can choose between a subtle look and a statement look.

A simple pastie provides coverage without significantly altering the outfit. A BORDELLE, IINFYNII, INCARNEM, or QRUCIFIX nippie, on the other hand, is intentionally left visible through sheer fabric.

I'm wearing an open-front bra

The jewelry nippies are probably the most logical solution.

BORDELLE works especially well when you want to maintain a cohesive look between the bra and the metal hardware.

I want a leather and fetish look

Take a look at the RE:STRICT Pasties.

They pair naturally with a corset, a harness, or leather lingerie and add a texture that metal simply can't replicate.

I want a real piece of jewelry resting against my skin

INCARNEM, QRUCIFIX, or IINFYNII are the most obvious possibilities.

INCARNEM focuses on texture and sculpture. QRUCIFIX incorporates crystal and movement. IINFYNII offers a more graphic, couture-inspired interpretation.

I want to try out nipple clamps

Choose a adjustable model, particularly at LIEBE SEELE.

You'll be able to adjust the pressure gradually instead of starting with a preset tension.

I want hair clips that look like jewelry

Choose hair clips that beads, chains, or dangling elements.

LIEBE SEELE and BRIGADE MONDAINE offer several designs that fall squarely between BDSM accessories and intimate jewelry.

I want some action

Visit chain is particularly interesting.

It moves with the body and creates a smooth visual connection between the two breasts.

I want a graphic line that runs across the entire chest

Choose a breast bar.

The rigid structure connects the two nipples and creates a horizontal line that is much stronger than a chain.

I want something more technical

UPKO is the department to watch.

Double bars, traction systems, adjustments, and additional mechanisms allow you to go much further than with a traditional clamp.

I want to cover my entire upper body

Then you're looking for a chest jewelry or bust jewelry.

The FUNGI Elica D’Oro and certain IINFYNII designs allow you to work on the entire breast, rather than just the nipple.

A Few Tips Before You Choose

For adhesive nipple covers

The skin must be clean and completely dry before application.

Avoid applying oil or cream to the area immediately before use, as this may reduce adhesion.

Systems vary by brand: reusable adhesive, replaceable strips, or a specific mounting method. Therefore, you should always consult the recommendations in the product sheet.

For the clamps: don't focus on the intensity right away

Sensitivity varies greatly from person to person.

Start with moderate pressure and pay attention to how it feels before increasing the setting.

Unusual pain, significant numbness, or an abnormal change in skin color are sufficient reasons to remove the accessory.

For chains and weights

Remember that movement changes how you feel.

A chain that is almost imperceptible when at rest can become much more noticeable when the body moves.

For breast bars

Stiffness means that both sides of the chest work together more effectively.

The first movements should therefore be done slowly and carefully so that you can understand how the bar reacts against your body.

For bust jewelry

Think about the outfit as a whole.

A very intricate piece of jewelry doesn't necessarily need to be paired with very intricate lingerie. A FUNGI piece worn against bare skin or with a minimalist bra can sometimes make a much stronger statement than a pile of accessories.

The chest no longer needs to be merely covered

That's probably the most interesting conclusion.

The vocabulary related to the chest has expanded considerably.

It can be covered without a bra using just a nipple cover. The nipple can become the focal point of a piece of jewelry. A clip can add a sensory element. A chain can create movement. A bar can create a rigid line between the two breasts. Finally, bust jewelry can transform the entire chest into a canvas for creativity.

Therefore, these accessories are not interchangeable.

The right choice depends on what you want to show, how you want to feel, and how the piece should complement the rest of your outfit.

View and compare parts at Brigade Mondaine

BRIGADE MONDAINE selects nipple covers, nippies, nipple clamps, breast bars, intimate jewelry, chest jewelry, and BDSM accessories from French and international designers.

The collections are available on our online store, with sales and delivery in France, Europe, and internationally.

But this is also one of those topics where actually seeing the documents can really help.

Holding a metal nipple clip in your hand helps you understand its weight. Looking at a clasp lets you see how it works. Comparing a chain to a rigid bar immediately highlights the difference between the two. And matching a piece of jewelry with lingerie is naturally easier in front of a mirror.

Visit BRIGADE MONDAINE Private Boutique at Paris, 5th Arrondissement, Left Bank allows you to explore the selection in a private setting and receive personalized guidance.

Each private appointment allows you to explore the pieces away from the hustle and bustle of a traditional store and take the time to figure out what truly suits your tastes.

Discover luxury jewelry and accessories

Explore the BDSM & Bondage Collection

Book a session at the Paris Rive Gauche Private Boutique

FAQ: Nipple Covers, Clamps, Breast Bars, and Breast Jewelry

What's the difference between nipple covers, nippies, and pasties?

These three terms refer to the same broad category of accessories worn on the chest. «Cache-tétons» is the general French term. «Pasties» and «nippies» are often used for more decorative styles, designed to be visible.

Can you wear nipple covers under a sheer dress?

Yes. They allow you to maintain the sheer look of your clothing without wearing an opaque bra. A discreet style simply provides coverage, while a jeweled nippie is designed to be visible.

Can you wear nipple covers with an open-front bra?

Yes. It's actually one of the best combinations. The bra frames the bust, while the nipple covers become the focal point of the look.

Which nipple covers should you choose to wear with BORDELLE lingerie?

BORDELLE nipple covers are designed in the same aesthetic style as the Signature collection, notably featuring 24-karat gold-plated metal accents. They therefore help create a particularly cohesive look.

What's the difference between a leather pastie and a metal nippie?

The function may be similar, but the look is very different. Leather offers a more fetish-inspired, textured aesthetic, as seen at RE:STRICT. Metal adds more shine and makes the nippie look more like a piece of jewelry.

Can you wear a nipple ring without a piercing?

Yes. Jewelry-style nipple covers typically use an adhesive, while clip-on nipple covers use a clamping mechanism. No piercing is required.

Which nipple clamps should you choose when you're just starting out?

An adjustable model is generally preferable. It allows you to start with light pressure and then gradually adjust it according to your sensitivity.

What is the difference between individual clips and clips connected by a chain?

The two clamps operate independently. A chain adds a visual connection, movement, and sometimes weight between the two breasts.

What is a breast bar?

A breast bar, nipple bar, or chest bar is a system that connects the two nipples using a rigid or semi-rigid structure. It creates a horizontal line across the chest and transmits movement from one side to the other more effectively than a simple chain.

What's the difference between a breast bar and a chain?

The chain is flexible and moves freely with the body. The breast bar maintains its structure and connects the two attachment points much more directly.

Why do some breast bars use two bars?

A double bar helps create a more stable structure and allows you to work on position and tension in different ways. Some technical systems, particularly those from UPKO, also include additional features.

What is the purpose of a drive chain on nipple clamps?

It allows you to apply a force different from the simple pressure exerted by the clamp. The sensation can then vary depending on the tension applied and the movements.

What's the difference between a nipple ring and a chest ring?

Nipple jewelry is worn on the nipple or around it. Breast jewelry covers a larger area of the breast or décolletage.

What is a bust ornament?

A bust piece of jewelry is a design created to follow the contours of the chest and, at times, the neck, ribs, or waist. FUNGI Elica D’Oro pieces feature 24-karat gold plating, crystals, and gemstones to transform the bust into a canvas for the jewelry.

Can you wear a bustier with lingerie?

Yes. It can be worn directly against the skin, with a bra, a bodysuit, or a harness, or layered over clothing.

How do you make adhesive nipple covers stay in place?

They should be applied to clean, dry skin that is free of oil or cream. The type of adhesive depends on the model and brand.

Where can I find nipple covers, nipple clamps, and breast jewelry for Paris?

The BRIGADE MONDAINE Private Boutique is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, on the Left Bank. It offers a selection of luxury erotic lingerie, nipple covers, clamps, breast jewelry, and BDSM accessories in a private setting.

Does Brigade Mondaine ship these accessories internationally?

Yes. BRIGADE MONDAINE offers its collections online, with sales and shipping to France, Europe, and internationally, according to the options available for each destination.