worn instead of a bra under clothes or under swimsuits to prevent the nipples from being seen through the fabric. Certain cultures have more concern than others about concealing the nipples in this way. In Japan, for instance, pasties are widely sold in general retailers such as grocery stores for this purpose. As an impromptu alternative to commercially produced pasties, two crossed strips of adhesive tape can be used to cover each nipple. Using pasties in this way can be practical when wearing wrap tops, sports bras, crop tops, garments with low-cut necklines, and strapless or backless dresses. It can prevent the nipples and areolae being visible through sheer clothing or lingerie, and it can hide a nipple erection. It can also help to protect the nipples if the breasts feel heavy and sore during pregnancy. Lift pasties include an additional tab that can be attached above the breast to lift it and hence change its appearance under clothing. Beachwear In the 1960s, fashion designers created the trikini, a bikini variant consisting of pasties and briefs. The combination of pasties with a matching maebari-style bottom is known as a strapless micro-bikini or no-string bikini. Pasties are occasionally worn on beaches to maximize a sun tan by avoiding the strap lines produced by bikinis, without the need for toplessness. Waterproof pasties can also hide protruding nipples under swimwear. Fashion During the twentieth century pasties were primarily associated with strippers, but during the twenty-first century they have become popular with celebrities such as musicians and pop stars. They are now worn as fashion accessories and have been appearing in fashion shows since 2016. As part of the fashion trend called underwear as outerwear they are sometimes worn as a visible part of an outfit, typically in metallic colours rather than flesh tones. In this way they have been incorporated into fashion collections by designers such as Tom Ford and Anthony Vaccarello and brands such as Yves Saint Laurent. Pasties have been worn in this way by the model and actor Cara Delevingne, the model Bella Hadid, and the pop star Doja Cat. Other celebrities that have worn them include Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Cher, Britney Spears, Lil' Kim and Kendall Jenner. Athletes Runners, surfers, and other outdoor athletes may experience fissure of the nipple, a chafing irritation caused by friction with clothing such as a T-shirt. The