Kendall Jenner walked out of a New York City hotel in 2016 wearing a sheer black top, and honestly, the internet hasn't been the same since. It wasn't just a "wardrobe mallet" or a mistake. It was a choice. Since that moment, the conversation around kendall jenner nipples has morphed from tabloid gossip into a genuine cultural debate about bodily autonomy, high fashion, and the double standards women face every single day.
She doesn't care. Like, at all.
While most people would be mortified to have a camera flash catch them off guard, Kendall leaned into it. She eventually took to her now-defunct app to explain that she just thinks it's cool. She likes her breasts. She likes her nipple rings. To her, a bra is often just an unnecessary barrier between a great outfit and the person wearing it. It's a vibe that has defined her career for over a decade, from her first controversial Marc Jacobs runway walk at age 18 to her recent appearance closing the Schiaparelli Spring 2026 show in a gown that was essentially sheer air and fur tufts.
The Marc Jacobs Moment That Started It All
Back in 2014, Kendall was just a reality star trying to prove she was a "real" model. She landed a spot in the Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter show. She stepped out in a sheer, brownish-tan v-neck sweater. Her bleached eyebrows made her unrecognizable. Her chest was completely visible.
The backlash was instant. People called it "trashy" or "too much" for an 18-year-old. But looking back, that was the catalyst. It separated her from the Kardashian brand of curated glamour and pushed her into the "edgy" high-fashion world. Her sister, Khloe Kardashian, famously went on a Twitter (now X) rant defending her, basically telling the world to grow up because it’s fashion.
Why she chooses the "naked" look
- Comfort: She has mentioned multiple times that she just finds being braless more comfortable.
- The Jewelry: Kendall is a big fan of her nipple piercings. She once told Vogue that she got them during a period of her life where she wanted to feel more "rebellious."
- Artistic Intent: In high fashion, the body is treated like a hanger. If a designer like Daniel Roseberry at Schiaparelli wants a sheer look, a professional model doesn't ask for a push-up bra.
Kendall Jenner Nipples and the "Free the Nipple" Movement
It’s easy to dismiss this as just a celebrity wanting attention. However, there’s a deeper layer here involving the #FreeTheNipple movement. This isn't just about being "sexy." It’s a political stance against the sexualization of the female body. Why is a man’s chest "normal" while a woman’s is "NSFW"?
Kendall has become the unofficial poster girl for this movement, even if she doesn't always use the heavy political jargon. By consistently appearing in public—not just on runways—with visible nipples, she has desensitized the public. In 2025, she fronted a campaign for FWRD where she wore a sheer Christopher Esber tee-gown. It looked like a regular T-shirt until the light hit it. The message was clear: this is just skin.
But we have to talk about the "pretty privilege" aspect.
Critics often point out that when Kendall Jenner shows her nipples, she’s called "chic" and "fashion-forward." When a woman who doesn't fit the "supermodel" mold does the same thing, she’s often harassed or told to cover up. It’s a messy contradiction. Kendall’s nipple-baring looks are celebrated because they fit a specific, Eurocentric beauty standard. It's a win for visibility, sure, but it's a limited one.
The Evolution of the Nipple Ring Trend
Remember when everyone was obsessed with Kendall’s piercings? In 2016, she was spotted in a sheer white T-shirt at her sister Kim’s birthday party, and the "hardware" was on full display. It started a massive surge in nipple piercing appointments at studios across the country.
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She actually admitted she got the idea before her sister Kylie did, though the public thought she was copying. She’s had various pieces of jewelry over the years, including "angel wings" designed by Jacquie Aiche. It’s a way of accessorizing that feels intimate but bold.
How to Pull Off the "Kendall Look" (Safely)
If you’re looking to channel that same "I don’t care" energy without getting banned from your local coffee shop, there’s a way to do it. It’s all about the fabric.
- Layered Sheer: Instead of one totally see-through layer, Kendall often does a sheer top over a very thin, non-padded bralette. It gives the illusion without the full exposure.
- Ribbed Fabrics: A heavy-weight ribbed white tank (like the one she wore to a Knicks game that went viral) is her go-to. It’s thick enough to be "legal" but thin enough to show the natural shape of the body.
- Confidence is the Accessory: The reason it works for her is the posture. She doesn't hunch or try to hide. She walks like she’s wearing a turtleneck.
The "naked dress" trend isn't going anywhere. At the 2025 L’Oréal Le Défilé show in Paris, she closed the event in a sheer white vintage La Perla gown from 2003. It was ethereal. It was bold. And yes, it was "nipply."
Basically, Kendall Jenner has turned a biological fact into a fashion statement. Whether you think it’s empowering or just a way to stay in the headlines, you can't deny that she’s changed the rules of what’s "acceptable" in public spaces. She’s moved the needle on how we view the female form in a way that feels permanent.
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Next Steps for Your Wardrobe
If you want to experiment with this aesthetic, start with a "tissue" weight cotton T-shirt. Wear it with a skin-tone seamless bra first to get used to the silhouette. If you’re feeling bold, move to a dark-colored sheer mesh top with a high-waisted pant. It’s about finding the balance between being seen and feeling comfortable in your own skin.