Pasties are patches that cover a person's nipples and areolae, typically self-adhesive or affixed with adhesive. They are usually worn in pairs. They originated as part of burlesque shows, allowing dancers to perform fully topless without exposing the nipples in order to provide a commercial form of bare-breasted entertainment. Pasties are also, at times, used while sunbathing, worn by strippers and showgirls, or as a form of protest during women's rights events such as Go Topless Day. In some cases this is to avoid potential prosecution under indecency laws.
Swiss artist Milo Moiré performs, wearing pasties and a cut-out bra top, 2016
A demonstrator protesting for equal rights for women, wearing a pastie in the form of a nipple, 2011
Pasties worn as beachwear (2007)
Oriental Stories (1931)
A stripper or exotic dancer is a person whose occupation involves performing striptease in a public adult entertainment venue such as a strip club. At times, a stripper may be hired to perform at private events.
A stripper performing with tips she has received
Strippers at a strip club in Zona Rosa, Mexico City
Historical marker at the original Condor Club site. Full text: "The Condor; Where it all began; The birthplace of the world's first topless & bottomless entertainment; Topless – June 19, 1964 Bottomless – September 3, 1969 Starring Ms. Carol Doda; San Francisco, California"
Male stripper performing in San Francisco in 2009