The Complete Guide to Adhesive Bras & Nipple Covers: How They Work, How to Care for Them, and How to Make Them Last
If you’ve ever wondered how adhesive bras actually stick to your skin or why some days the glue feels weaker, this guide explains everything. Whether you’re using adhesive nipple covers, stick-on bras, or backless/strapless cups, understanding how adhesive works will help you get the best possible lift, support, and longevity out of your products.
This guide is written by Bzez — Australia’s adhesive bra specialists — to help you wear your adhesive products confidently and correctly.
What Is Adhesive? How Does It Work?
Adhesive is a jelly-like, glue-like substance found inside reusable nipple covers, adhesive breast cups, and backless, strapless bras. It works by adhering and lightly suctioning onto clean, dry skin, creating a strong, secure seal.
Most high-quality adhesive bras use one of two types of glue:
Types of Adhesive: Brushed Glue vs Biological Silicone Glue
1. Brushed Adhesive Glue
This glue is applied onto the bra in thin brush-like layers, giving it a slightly textured look and feel. It’s more cooling on the skin and provides a strong grip while also being gentle to remove. This type of glue is found on our Silicone Nipple covers with Adhesive, Silicone Sticky bra, Flaunt-it Lift and Breast Enhancer Inserts.
Key Features:
- Grips extremely well when the skin is clean and dry
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Reusable multiple times when properly cared for
- Easy to wash and revive
Best for: Everyday wear, moderate support and sensitive skin.
2. Biological / Silicone Adhesive
This type of adhesive is a thicker, jelly-like silicone glue used inside our Fabric Sticky Bra, Adhesive Bra Cups, Invisi-G, Breast Tape and Bra Inserts. This type of glue is the strongest adhesive, when used and maintained correctly.
Key Features:
- Extremely tacky and strong suction
- Hypoallergenic and skin-safe
- Works best on completely dry, oil-free skin
- Provides a very natural shape
Best for:
Backless outfits, strapless looks, deeper plunge styles, and occasions that need strong hold.
Both glue types rely heavily on skin preparation and proper aftercare to perform at their best.
It’s always exciting to try your new bras on as soon as they arrive but keep in mind the best time for application is straight after a shower ensuring sweat, perfume, dead skin cells and natural skin moistures have been removed first.
Skin Prep: The Most Important Step for Strong Adhesive Hold
For the best grip and longest life of your adhesive bra or nipple covers, proper skin prep is essential. Adhesive cannot stick to skin that has oils, sweat, moisturiser, fake tan residue, or dead skin cells — even small amounts will weaken the glue.
The most common reason customers think “the adhesive isn’t strong” or feel their bra slipping is because the skin wasn’t washed or prepped first. It’s easy to get excited and try your new product on straight away, but adhesive cannot grip to moisture, sweat, or natural skin oils, and it will fail if the skin hasn’t been properly cleaned.
The best time to apply any adhesive product is immediately after a shower. Washing with a non-moisturising soap removes everything that blocks adhesion, and your skin is at its driest right after cleansing. Dry skin = maximum stick.
Before applying your adhesive:
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Wash the area with soap and warm water (avoid moisturising soaps).
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Rinse thoroughly so no residue remains.
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Dry completely using a towel, fan, or cool hairdryer.
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Apply your adhesive right away while the skin is clean, dry, and oil-free.
Good skin prep ensures stronger hold, prevents lifting, and helps your adhesive last as long as possible.
Why Adhesive Weakens Over Time
Adhesive surfaces easily attract:
- Dust
- Lint
- Fabric fibres
- Tiny dead skin particles
When these stick to your adhesive, they create a barrier that weakens its grip. Adhesive needs to be handled gently, cleaned correctly, and protected when not in use.
How Oils, Perfume & Moisturiser Affect Adhesive
Oils and moisturisers are the biggest enemy of adhesive bras.
They:
- Break down the tackiness
- Cannot be washed off
- Reduce the lifespan of the glue
Before applying your adhesive bra, always:
- Wash the area with soap and water, and if needed a light exfoliation.
- Avoid moisturisers, perfumes, or body oils
- Ensure your skin is completely dry
This step alone can double the lifespan of your adhesive.
Does Water Damage Adhesive?
Here’s the good news: water does not damage your adhesive.
But… water temporarily deactivates it.
Moisture acts like a repellent and stops the glue from sticking to your skin.
If you’re sweaty, humid, or wet:
- Your adhesive bra will not stick
- The glue must be 100% dry before applying
- Always cool down, towel dry, or use a fan/hairdryer (cool setting) first
Once applied:
When your adhesive bra is sealed properly on the skin, moisture cannot get inside and it should remain secure.
But…
If you try to reposition it while sweaty, you break the seal. Moisture sneaks in, and the adhesive won’t grip again until both you and the adhesive are completely dry.
How Skin Type Affects Adhesive Bras
Every body is different. Some people naturally produce more:
- Oils
- Sweat
- Dead skin cells
These can affect how your adhesive bra sticks.
If your adhesive starts feeling weaker:
- Exfoliate your chest area
- Wash and air-dry your adhesive product
- Avoid adjusting your bra once applied
- Put your outfit on first, then place your adhesive underneath so you position them correctly the first time
For Bzez products, this method gives the most consistent grip and perfect placement.
How Fake Tan Affects Your Adhesive Bra
Fake tan can make your skin look beautifully bronzed and glowing, but it also changes the surface of your skin — and that can affect how your adhesive products stick.
Here’s what actually happens:
After you fake tan and shower, your skin becomes extremely dry at first. This dry stage is the perfect base for applying any adhesive bra or nipple cover because the glue can grip clean, dry skin with maximum strength.
However, as the day goes on, your skin naturally begins to produce more moisture and oils again. This is what gives tanned skin that soft, hydrated glow — but it also creates a slippery barrier that prevents adhesive from sticking properly.
When using adhesive products after tanning, follow this rule:
✔️ Only apply your adhesive bra immediately after your shower
✔️ Your skin must be washed with soap to remove tanning residue and self-moisturising oils
✔️ Apply your adhesive while your skin is in its driest stage
When skin is freshly cleaned and dry, your adhesive bra will bond strongly and evenly.
But if you try to apply it later in the day, once your skin has produced natural oils again:
- The adhesive won’t grip
- The glue will weaken
- The adhesive can be permanently damaged
- The oils cannot be rinsed out of the glue
- Your bra will lose longevity and strength over time
Natural skin moisture, especially after a tan, breaks down adhesive strength if proper prep isn’t done.
So if you’ve recently tanned, always prep with a soapy shower → dry skin → immediate application for the best possible hold and the longest lifespan of your adhesive bra.
Weather & Adhesive: Summer vs Winter
In Summer
Summer heat can make adhesive products a little trickier because your body naturally produces more sweat and moisture — both of which prevent glue from activating properly. Before applying your adhesive bra or nipple covers, always make sure your skin is fully dry. Use a towel, fan, or a hairdryer on a cool setting to bring your body temperature down before applying your adhesive.
Wearing Adhesive Products on Very Hot Days
If you know you’ll be outside in high heat, dancing, or sweating more than usual, here’s a professional tip:
✔️ Choose snug, form-fitting fabrics to wear over your adhesive bra.
A supportive fabric layer acts like a second line of defence, helping:
- Keep the adhesive pressed securely against your skin
- Prevent the edges from lifting if you begin to sweat
- Maintain placement even in very hot or humid conditions
- Reduce movement that could break the adhesive seal
Snug fabrics + proper skin prep = maximum hold.
In Winter
Adhesive glue can become cold and slightly stiff.
It needs warmth to activate its strength.
When applying:
- Hold the product firmly in place
- Let the warmth of your skin activate the glue
- The adhesive needs a little warmth from your body to fully activate, which usually takes a few minutes. A snug-fitting top can help hold everything in place during this process, ensuring the glue bonds quickly and evenly.
How to Make Your Adhesive Bra Sticky Again
Best Products to Clean Adhesive Surfaces (Safe for Glue)
The goal is to use soap with ZERO moisturisers, oils, fragrances, conditioners, or additives, because anything “hydrating” leaves residue that weakens the adhesive.
Here are the safest options:
· Pure soap bars
· Non-moisturising white soap bars
· Basic supermarket home-brand soap (usually no added moisturisers)
· Liquid Dish Detergent (Mild, Non-Moisturising)
· Gentle Baby Wash — ONLY if it’s oil-free
Avoid:
· Hand soaps, body washes, creamy bars, moisturising soaps, scented soaps, and anything containing oils.
· Dish liquids labelled “soft hands”, “infused with aloe,” “with moisturisers”, etc.
To revive your adhesive:
- Wash the adhesive surface with lukewarm water and gentle soap, with no moisturisers.
- Rinse well, make sure your adhesive is completely soap free.
- Air-dry completely
- Never use towels or tissues (fibres will stick)
- Apply the protective film once fully dry
Cleaning your adhesive right after wearing it, is the secret to long-lasting glue. The longer dirt sits on the surface, the harder it becomes to remove.
Protecting Your Adhesive Bra
Always use the protective film that comes with your product.
This shield:
- Prevents dust contamination
- Stops the glue from drying out
- Keeps your adhesive fresh for the next wear
Store your adhesive, away from heat and sunlight.
How Long Should Adhesive Last?
The lifespan of your adhesive product depends on how often you wear it, how well you care for it, and how your skin naturally behaves. All adhesives break down over time because they collect tiny particles from your skin with every wear.
Here’s what you can expect:
Nipple Covers: Longest Lifespan (50+ Wears)
High-quality silicone nipple covers generally last the longest — often 50 wears or more when cared for properly.
Why they last longer:
- Their curved shape creates minimal friction when removing
- They require less tension and stretch
- They stay in one place without lifting or pulling
- The glue isn’t being repeatedly stressed or repositioned
This makes them the most durable adhesive product in the Bzez range.
Lift Products & Adhesive Bras: 10–15 Wears on Average
Products that lift, shape, or support typically last around:
10–15 wears (with proper care)
Why they don’t last as long:
- They rely on tension, which stresses the glue
- They’re often readjusted during application
- The larger adhesive surface collects more skin oils and dead skin cells
- Pulling and lifting movements wear down the adhesive faster
These products still last well, but their job requires more strength, meaning the glue naturally breaks down sooner.
Why Adhesive Weakens Over Time
All adhesive products naturally lose strength because:
- Your skin sheds tiny dead skin cells every day
- Your body produces natural oils and moisture
- Both stick to the adhesive surface
- Over time, this buildup becomes harder to fully wash away
- The adhesive gradually loses tackiness
This process is normal and happens to every adhesive product on the market.
Skin Type Matters, Too
Everyone’s skin behaves differently.
You may notice your adhesive wears out faster if:
- You naturally shed more dead skin cells
- You have oily skin
- You sweat more
- You retain more moisture throughout the day
- You readjust your bra multiple times during application
If this sounds like you, proper prep and cleaning become even more important — exfoliating your skin gently and washing your adhesive promptly after each use will help extend its life.
Still Have Questions?
We’re always here to help with sizing, adhesive tips, and product recommendations.
📩 Email us anytime: hello@bzez.store