Nipple piercings seemed to go underground after the 90’s. Other styles replaced grunge, alternative went mainstream, and we didn’t hear very much about them for a long time. But fashion is a wheel, and it has come back around. The nipple piercing is hot again so today we’re going to take a moment to discuss how and why that happened and who to thank for it.
Maura Higgins
Best known for her unapologetically bold aesthetic, Maura often pairs her signature “no-bra” looks with delicate nipple rings that subtly peek through soft knits or sheer fabrics. The effect is effortlessly daring, a mix of confidence and edge that turns casual outfits into statement moments. Her choice proves that nipple jewelry can be both empowering and fashion-forward, adding a hidden touch of personality to even the simplest ensemble.
Bella Hadid
Often credited with helping make nipple piercings a high-fashion statement, Bella first drew attention to hers when she wore a sheer, crystal-embellished Balmain gown to the Vogue Paris 95th Anniversary Party in 2015. The bold look sparked widespread media coverage and cemented her reputation for pushing boundaries on the red carpet. Since then, she’s continued to embrace daring, sheer styles that subtly highlight the piercing, blending avant-garde fashion with fearless personal expression.
Kendall Jenner
Widely credited with bridging the nipple piercing trend from underground culture to mainstream fashion, Kendall has been open about her decision to get the piercing, once saying, “It’s sexy, it’s comfortable, and I’m cool with my breasts.” She’s confidently showcased it on multiple occasions, from off-duty street style moments to sheer runway looks and high-profile appearances like Coachella, helping to normalize the aesthetic as part of modern, empowered fashion.
Rihanna
One of the earliest mainstream celebrities to embrace nipple piercings publicly, Rihanna has been spotted wearing them in everything from bold red carpet looks to music videos, most memorably in “Kiss It Better.” Known for her fearless approach to style, she often pairs sheer or body-hugging outfits that subtly reveal the piercing, turning it into both a fashion statement and a symbol of self-expression. Beyond aesthetics, Rihanna’s unapologetic confidence helped redefine the piercing as an emblem of female empowerment, individuality, and artistic freedom.
Cultural And Fashion Impact
The “Free the Nipple” movement is evolving into a trend where nipples (especially pierced ones) are intentionally showcased via sheer fabrics. Celebs like Bella, Kendall, and Rihanna have transformed nipple piercings - no longer hidden, but focal points of style and messaging. This brings the piercings into an intersection of rebellion, empowerment, and subtle eroticism, often discussed by fashion stylists or body-language analysts as rewriting the feminine visual narrative.
There you have it. Nipple piercings aren’t just a style choice; they can also be a feminist statement. Even the look is super-hot. After all, Kim Kardashian’s sold‑out Skims “Pierced Nipple Push‑Up Bra” was a huge hit. So, whether you want to Free the Nipple, make a feminist statement, or just have more holes to put jewelry in, you really can’t go wrong with the nipple piercing. It’s back in a big way, and it’s here to stay! Happy piercing!
