What do actresses wear to cover their private parts?

What do actresses wear to cover their private parts?

Inside the secret wardrobe of modesty garments used in Hollywood’s most revealing scenes

(By Jim Webb)

In the world of film and television, scenes that require nudity or simulated sex are far more technical and carefully managed than many people realize. Actresses who perform in such scenes don’t simply disrobe without protection — they rely on a wide variety of modesty garments to cover and protect their private areas while maintaining the illusion of nudity on screen.

These modesty garments, sometimes referred to as “modesty patches” or “modesty wear,” are designed to preserve both physical and emotional boundaries. Whether it’s a sex scene in a drama or a skinny-dipping scene in a comedy, what you don’t see on camera is often a carefully placed item of clothing just out of frame.

One of the most common tools actresses use is the adhesive modesty patch. These are small, skin-toned garments that stick directly to the body using medical-grade adhesive. Sometimes called “stick-on thongs” or “modesty strips,” these patches come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate the scene’s needs.

For example, actress Margot Robbie wore one during the filming of The Wolf of Wall Street. In interviews, Robbie explained that she had to wear flesh-colored stick-on coverings to protect her modesty during nude scenes, even though she appeared completely exposed on screen. These patches are often custom-molded and matched to the actress’s skin tone.

Similarly, Halle Berry has spoken about the challenges of wearing these tiny patches during filming. In movies like Swordfish and Monster’s Ball, Berry used modesty coverings that required careful application and removal, especially during intense or physical scenes.

A merkin is a pubic wig, traditionally used in theater and historical films when a more “natural” look is required but modesty must still be preserved. These wigs date back to the 1600s but are still used in modern filmmaking.

The HBO series Game of Thrones is well known for using merkins in sex scenes. Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys Targaryen, reportedly used modesty garments and occasionally merkins for specific sequences to maintain privacy while still presenting a historically accurate appearance.

In the 2006 film Factory Girl, Sienna Miller reportedly wore a merkin in explicit scenes to achieve a period-appropriate look while ensuring she was not completely exposed.

When scenes allow for slightly more coverage, actresses may wear nude-colored thongs or seamless underwear that can later be digitally removed or strategically hidden by camera angles.

In Fifty Shades of Grey, Dakota Johnson wore a combination of adhesive thongs and special skin-toned undergarments throughout the film’s many love scenes. According to her interviews, she worked closely with costume designers to ensure these garments were both comfortable and discreet.

Digital post-production also plays a role. These garments are sometimes edited out or blurred in final cuts, which allows the actress to remain modest while still creating the illusion of nudity.

Another innovation is the C-string, a thong-like undergarment that doesn’t have side straps. It covers the front and is held in place by internal support, making it ideal for scenes where even a thong would be too visible.

Actresses in fantasy or sci-fi films sometimes use C-strings during body paint or full-body prosthetics scenes. The idea is to give the illusion of nudity without compromising the actor’s modesty. These are especially useful when costumes are tight-fitting or when body suits are applied with paint.

In X-Men: Days of Future Past, Jennifer Lawrence, who played Mystique, wore full-body makeup along with discreet modesty coverings. These included specially designed C-strings and pasties that were carefully blended into her blue makeup.

In some more advanced productions, costume departments use silicone or latex coverings. These are more durable and can be reused, unlike disposable patches. They offer better protection during action scenes or lengthy shoots.

Charlize Theron, in Atomic Blonde, mentioned using silicone garments for extended fight scenes that were also sexual in nature. Silicone pieces are custom-molded to the actress’s body, making them secure and invisible on camera.

Likewise, in Watchmen, Malin Åkerman had a highly choreographed love scene that required wearing molded latex barriers that were also flame-retardant due to pyrotechnic effects.

Upper-body modesty is often managed with pasties or breast tape. These adhesive items cover the nipples and surrounding area, providing protection while allowing the appearance of nudity.

In comedy or horror genres where actresses appear topless or semi-nude, pasties are frequently used. Cameron Diaz, in Sex Tape, reportedly used silicone pasties for scenes that called for upper-body nudity. They were custom-matched to her skin and enhanced with makeup to ensure they remained invisible on camera.

Salma Hayek, during Desperado and Frida, also spoke about using nipple covers and medical tape, especially in scenes requiring quick changes or physical movement.

Today’s film sets are more respectful of boundaries than ever before, thanks in part to the rise of intimacy coordinators. These professionals work with actors to ensure safety and comfort during intimate scenes.

Part of their job is to help select appropriate modesty wear for each performer. They assess the physical demands of the scene, suggest garment types, and even rehearse positioning to minimize discomfort or exposure.

Rachel McAdams, in Disobedience, praised her film’s use of an intimacy coordinator, stating that the experience made her feel protected and empowered. She was provided with a range of modesty garments tailored for the scene and had the ability to halt filming at any time.

Sometimes, what appears to be a nude body is actually the result of clever digital effects. Directors and editors use CGI to remove visible seams, adjust skin tone, or blend garments into the body.

For example, in Gone Girl, Rosamund Pike used modesty garments that were later digitally removed during editing. This ensured she was never actually exposed, even in the most intimate shots.

Similarly, Natalie Portman in Black Swan was never fully nude on screen. Through a combination of body doubles, camera tricks, and digital enhancements, the final product suggested more exposure than what was actually filmed.

For many actresses, modesty garments aren’t just about physical coverage — they’re about emotional and psychological comfort. These small items allow them to perform intimate scenes without feeling overly vulnerable.

Actresses like Kate Winslet have emphasized the importance of having control over how much of their body is shown. Winslet has used modesty garments throughout her career, including in Titanic and Ammonite. She has consistently spoken out about the need for actresses to be empowered during such scenes.

As the industry evolves, actresses are demanding more say in how intimate scenes are handled — and the modesty garment has become a symbol of that agency.

While audiences may never see them, modesty garments are a vital part of modern filmmaking. They enable actresses to perform complex, often vulnerable scenes with professionalism and dignity. From adhesive patches to custom silicone barriers, these tools have changed how nudity is portrayed on screen.

Behind every revealing scene is a team of costume designers, intimacy coordinators, and special effects artists making sure the actress is safe, protected, and respected. It’s a testament to the balance Hollywood is striving to strike — between artistic realism and human decency.

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