
There's something delightfully Australian about stumbling across a piece of clothing at Kmart that makes you do a double-take. But when one shopper discovered what appeared to be a bikini top with built-in nipples hanging innocently on the lingerie rack, it sparked a conversation that goes far beyond budget fashion.
The discovery, shared in the popular Kmart Hacks & Decor Facebook group, has touched on everything from generational fashion divides to the remarkable journey of trends from celebrity closets to suburban shopping centres.
The discovery that launched a thousand comments
An Aussie shopper was recently stopped in her tracks while shopping at Kmart thanks to a piece hanging on the lingerie rack.
The white triangle bikini top featured what appeared to be prominent nipple details, prompting the shopper to share her surprise with the caption: 'Kmart. Don't have nipples, here's a bikini top, plus some nipples!!!'
The post attracted dozens of comments, with reactions ranging from 'Tacky' to observations about the 'authenticity' of the uneven nipple placement.
One commenter joked about the practicality: 'Well, the nips are uneven, so that adds some authenticity. Unfortunately, they don't look sturdy/large enough to haul my nips from their current mid-thigh location.'
But here's where the story gets interesting—some shoppers weren't shocked at all.
'It's the new thing. You can buy nipple inserts to put in your tops to make it look like your headlights are on all of the time'
From Kim K to Kmart: the nipple trend explained
What this Kmart shopper had stumbled across wasn't just a fashion anomaly—it was the budget retail version of a trend that began in the most unlikely of places.
Kim Kardashian's sold-out Skims Nipple Bra launched last fall to shine the headlights on Breast Cancer Awareness Month and climate change.
The original Skims Ultimate Push-Up Nipple Bra became an internet sensation, flying off online shelves and racking up a 250,000-person waitlist.
The bra retails for $62 USD, but Kardashian didn't stop there.
In May 2025, she launched the Ultimate Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra, featuring the same raised nipple detail as its predecessor, but adding a removable nylon-coated nipple piercing. Retailing for $74 USD, the Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra is crafted from soft microfiber fabric and lightweight foam.
Kmart vs Skims: the nipple comparison
Kmart bikini top: Under $20 AUD (estimated)
Skims original nipple bra: $62 USD (approx $95 AUD)
Skims pierced nipple bra: $74 USD (approx $115 AUD)
Availability: Kmart—in stores now; Skims—frequently sold out
The great seam debate
Not everyone is convinced that Kmart's offering is intentionally following the nipple trend. Several shoppers in the Facebook discussion argued it might just be an unfortunate seam placement.
'They just look like where seams in the fabrics all meet,' insisted one commenter, while another agreed: 'That is just a seam tho.' This sparked its own mini-debate about intention versus accident in fashion design.
Whether deliberate or serendipitous, the timing couldn't be more perfect. The trend has Y2K vibes, which continue to dominate the trend cycle, giving everyone the option to indulge in body piercings they can take off after brunch, no commitment needed.
Celebrity endorsement meets suburban shopping
The trend has already found its way onto some famous bodies. Carmen Electra was recently spotted in West Hollywood wearing the Skims Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra, which she revealed was a gift from Kim Kardashian.
The bra looked remarkably realistic, and while it usually costs about $74 USD, Carmen likely received the friends and family discount.
This celebrity endorsement highlights how quickly fashion trends can move from red carpet moments to suburban shopping centres. What starts as a high-end statement piece often finds its way to accessible retailers, democratising fashion in a uniquely Australian way.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Kim Kardashian's original nipple bra campaign included a commitment to environmental causes, with 10 per cent of sales donated to climate change organisations. The campaign tagline was 'Some days are hard, but these nipples are harder.'
Kmart's fashion influence
This incident highlights Kmart's unexpected role as a fashion democratiser in Australia. TikTok content shows how Kmart continues to influence Australian fashion trends, making high-fashion concepts accessible to budget-conscious shoppers.
The retailer has built a reputation for offering surprisingly on-trend pieces at unbeatable prices, though some social media users caution about quality concerns, suggesting shoppers can find better options at op shops or outlets.
Key Takeaways
- Started as Kim Kardashian's environmental awareness campaign
- Evolved into a mainstream fashion statement
- Reached Australian budget retail within months
- Highlights how social media accelerates fashion trends
- Shows generational divides in fashion acceptance
The bigger picture
Whether Kmart's bikini top represents intentional trend-following or happy accident, it illustrates how quickly fashion moves in our connected world. What begins as a celebrity statement can appear in suburban shopping centres within months, making high-fashion concepts accessible to everyone.
The debate over the bikini top also reflects broader questions about fashion, authenticity, and what we're comfortable wearing. For some, it represents bold self-expression. For others, it's a step too far from conventional fashion norms.
What's certain is that this small piece of fabric has sparked a much larger conversation about fashion, trends, and how we express ourselves through what we wear. In true Australian fashion, we're taking it with a grain of salt and a healthy dose of humour.
What This Means For You
Whether you're team nipple or team seam, one thing's clear—Kmart continues to surprise us, one Facebook post at a time.
What's your take on this trend? Have you spotted any other surprisingly fashionable finds at Kmart lately? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyl...p/news-story/b87b5282ceb4d86f5ddf55b2fc75f3f7
Shop Womens Clothing Latest Arrivals—Kmart
Cited text: Shop online for Toys, Furniture, Bedding & more at Kmart.
Excerpt: An Aussie shopper was recently stopped in her tracks while shopping at Kmart thanks to a piece hanging on the lingerie rack
https://www.kmart.com.au/category/women/womens-clothing-latest-arrivals/
Kim Kardashian's Skims Launches Nipple Bra: When & Where to Buy Online
Cited text: After flying off online shelves last October (and racking up a 250,000-person waitlist), Kim Kardashian‘s sold-out Skims Nipple Bra is back in stock. ...
Excerpt: Kim Kardashian's sold-out Skims Nipple Bra launched last fall to shine the headlights on Breast Cancer Awareness Month and climate change
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/l...ian-skims-nipple-bra-where-to-buy-1235632837/
Kim Kardashian's Skims Launches Nipple Bra: When & Where to Buy Online
Cited text: After flying off online shelves last October (and racking up a 250,000-person waitlist), Kim Kardashian‘s sold-out Skims Nipple Bra is back in stock.
Excerpt: flying off online shelves and racking up a 250,000-person waitlist
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/l...ian-skims-nipple-bra-where-to-buy-1235632837/
Kim Kardashian's Skims Launches Nipple Bra: When & Where to Buy Online
Cited text: See all of the Skims Ultimate Push-Up Nipple Bra colorways below, and shop them at the brand’s website for $62 before they inevitably sell out online ...
Excerpt: The bra retails for $62 USD
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/l...ian-skims-nipple-bra-where-to-buy-1235632837/
Skims Launches a Pierced Nipple Bra: Release Date, Price, Where to Buy
Cited text: Dropping May 22, the Skims Ultimate Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra reinvents Kardashian’s OG Nipple Push-Up Bra that first broke the internet in October 2...
Excerpt: In May 2025, she launched the Ultimate Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra, featuring the same raised nipple detail as its predecessor, but adding a removable nylon-coated nipple piercing
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/l...release-date-pricing-where-to-buy-1236224965/
Skims Launches a Pierced Nipple Bra: Release Date, Price, Where to Buy
Cited text: Retailing for $74, the Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra is crafted from soft microfiber fabric and lightweight foam.
Excerpt: Retailing for $74 USD, the Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra is crafted from soft microfiber fabric and lightweight foam
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/l...release-date-pricing-where-to-buy-1236224965/
Kim Kardashian Pierced Nipple Bra 2025: Will You Wear It?
Cited text: It’s not without Y2K vibes, which continue to dominate the trend cycle. It's also giving us all the option to indulge in body piercings we can take of...
Excerpt: The trend has Y2K vibes, which continue to dominate the trend cycle, giving everyone the option to indulge in body piercings they can take off after brunch, no commitment needed
https://graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/news/skims-pierced-nipple-push-up-bra/
Carmen Electra Says She Got Nipple Pierced Bra From Kim Kardashian
Cited text: Carmen Electra's faking out fans ... revealing she didn't get her nipples pierced despite appearances -- 'cause she's just wearing a gift from Kim Kar...
Excerpt: Carmen Electra was recently spotted in West Hollywood wearing the Skims Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra, which she revealed was a gift from Kim Kardashian
https://www.tmz.com/2025/08/10/carmen-electra-wears-skims-nipple-pierce-bra/
Carmen Electra Says She Got Nipple Pierced Bra From Kim Kardashian
Cited text: ... Carmen says she got the Skims Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra ... a gift courtesy of her pal Kim -- and, she's grinning big, clearly loving the present...
Excerpt: Carmen Electra was recently spotted in West Hollywood wearing the Skims Pierced Nipple Push-Up Bra, which she revealed was a gift from Kim Kardashian
https://www.tmz.com/2025/08/10/carmen-electra-wears-skims-nipple-pierce-bra/
Carmen Electra Says She Got Nipple Pierced Bra From Kim Kardashian
Cited text: ... Carmen had her picture taken a ton in the ensemble, BTW ... and, we gotta say, the bra does look pretty realistic, click into our gallery to see f...
Excerpt: The bra looked remarkably realistic, and while it usually costs about $74 USD, Carmen likely received the friends and family discount
https://www.tmz.com/2025/08/10/carmen-electra-wears-skims-nipple-pierce-bra/
Kim Kardashian Pierced Nipple Bra 2025: Will You Wear It?
Cited text: According to the brand this is its ‘sexiest bra yet', and the internet, naturally, already has lots of thoughts.
Excerpt: According to fashion publications, reactions have been mixed, with some enthusiastically embracing the trend while others question whether it's 'some sort of satire'
https://graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/news/skims-pierced-nipple-push-up-bra/
Kim Kardashian Pierced Nipple Bra 2025: Will You Wear It?
Cited text: Another added, ‘Is this some sort of satire?’ (@bbiss), proving the reaction is mixed.
Excerpt: According to fashion publications, reactions have been mixed, with some enthusiastically embracing the trend while others question whether it's 'some sort of satire'
https://graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/news/skims-pierced-nipple-push-up-bra/
Kmart New Fashion Arrivals 2025 | TikTok
Cited text: Discover the latest fashion trends for 2025 from Kmart Australia! Explore new arrivals and bargain finds.
Excerpt: TikTok content shows how Kmart continues to influence Australian fashion trends, making high-fashion concepts accessible to budget-conscious shoppers
https://www.tiktok.com/discover/kmart-new-fashion-arrivals-2025
Kmart Styling 2025 | TikTok
Cited text: Stop buying clothes from Kmart, the quality is so poor and with some digging you can do much better #kmart #kmartaustralia #unpopularopinion Avoid Poo...
Excerpt: some social media users caution about quality concerns, suggesting shoppers can find better options at op shops or outlets
https://www.tiktok.com/discover/kmart-styling-2025