A Japanese sports shop has reported a surge in demand for nipple covers, as men in the country use them to improve their chances on the dating scene. The Dot Store says it has sold 55,000 sets so far this year, far exceeding last year's figures.
Originally designed for long-distance runners to prevent chafing, the covers are now being marketed as fashion accessories. An advertisement shows a young man on a date: when his nipples are covered, the relationship blossoms; when they are visible through his shirt, he ends up alone.
Some Japanese media outlets suggest that visible male nipples are considered a turn-off. A 2013 study cited by one outlet found that 84 percent of Japanese people surveyed were repulsed by nipples protruding through thin fabric, though the breakdown by gender was not provided.
The Dot Store's nipple covers are adhesive, water-resistant, transparent patches, similar to sticking plasters. The trend reflects a growing focus on male grooming and appearance in Japan.
