Visitor comments concerning bra wearing, page 2
Thank you!!!
2 Very near friends of mine told me that if you don't wear a bra when you grow up you get deformed brests, I told them that was rubbish because I hardly wear one (as I hate them soooooo much) and my mum only ever wore 1 when nursing because she wasn't used to the weight. They said I must be a lucky on! Now I have prof and they can eat their words, and stop bugging me when I dont wear one at work. You rock!!!!
Jodie
My aunt, of which I was the caretaker before she passed away recently,
was overweight and coped with irritation caused by sweating under the
breasts and other body skin folds by using deodorant.
I'm 62, and it only dawned on me in the last month or so that I live alone and don't have to wear a bra at home. I'll probably continue to wear them away from home out of modesty and habit, but loafing at home has sure gotten more comfortable. As for wearing them so my breasts won't sag... at 62 the sagging has set in anyway.
Susan
Thank you for this site. It is very encouraging to know that other women hate bras as much as I do.
I am 24 and haven't worn a traditional bra since I was 15. That was when puberty started and my mother told me it was best I start wearing one. I wore it to school for 2 days thinking it was cool because I was the same as all the other girls (I was late developing). That weekend I went without the bra at home and realised I prefered going without. I was (and still am) only a B cup so I don't have the problems other girls on this site have had.
Now I wear a sports bra when I play sport (but often don't wear any other top). I never wear any other sort of bra or substitute. My work uniform is a dark colour so not see through, so why should I? Bra fee is the best
Belinda
Okay, I may not have perky breast but I do have large ones. I'm only 15 and I am (professionaly fitted) a 36 E, but that is just to weird feeling and they don't feel right, so instead I wear a large sport bra or a tank top with a built in bra, but since I'm not a C (which those shirts are made for) I have to wear another tank top or shirt over it so no one can see my clevage. I have done this since I was 13 ( which is when I was a D) I have tried running without any support, but it was to painful for me because of all the tugging and pulling. But once I turn 16, my mother has agreed to let me have a reduction so I can live without the pains that my breast cause on my back, shoulders, and the occtional rib pain. I try not to wear a bra for more than 12 hrs but some days I wear one for 18 to 19 hours. But once I get this reduction I will be brafree!
And you women who complain about being a 40 DDD, lost some weight and your breast will, not might, will shrink. If you diet and exercise then your breast will shrink!!! I know because I lost 25 lbs and I went from an E to a DD not much of a difference but at least now I can run for longer than a minute, and I have althleticly induced asthma!
Shanice
my bra does two functions. it will support my d cup breasts and I carry my money and other valuables in my bra cup.something I been doing since age 13.
linda
I dont like bra becoz bra atracted to men I never wear bra & penty in home ,i use bra only in morket. in my opinion if u r alone in home dont wear cloth nuditiy is better.
himani
Hi Im 13 Years Old And Have Never Worn A Bra In My Life.It Feels Awseome!!!i Dont See The Point In Wearing Them If You Dont Need To.if You Feel Better Wearing Them Then Wear It.ive Seen Flat-chested Girls Wearing Them When They Dont Even Need Them.my Dad Has Been Trying To Get Me To Wear One But I Always Say No And He Says "All Girls Must Wear Them" Must why??whats The Point?
anomonouys
I am a teenager and I feel uncomfortable when I do not wear a bra because when I am running or doing anything my breasts jiggle and it really hurts because they are still growing, and they are tender.
Natalie
when I go out to a shopping mall or nightclub I carry my valuables such as money credit card and car keys inside my bra cup. this is something I been doing from my early teens and is something ive seen my mother and aunt do. so you can say my bra has two jobs it does. im linda
linda
My wife recently came across your web page. She asked me to write about a bra experience that we had a few years ago. This may be in-line with the, understandable, comments of Karen, Charlotte, Emily and Bob. This is a story about a male who had to wear a bra for a while. Call it, LESSON LEARED. I had never dated a girl who hated wearing bras more than my wife. After we got married she constantly tried to get me to put one on for a day, so I can see what she was going through. Shes small to start with, so I tried to convince her to just stop wearing bras. But, she was afraid to, because her mother had convinced her for years that she should. Anyway, during the first year we were married she tried repeatedly to get me to try on a bra, but I would always decline her offer, for many reasons, including the one that Bob mentioned of people seeing this. Then her parents offered to let us go away to their vacation house for a couple weeks. Again, she tried to convince me to try on a bra there, since nobody would be there to see me. She continued to push this over and over. So one day, I gave her the checkbook and told her to go and shop for a bra that she thinks would fit me. Then I did something really, really stupid. I promised her that if she did, I would wear it for the whole two weeks that we would be there. I did that in part, because I really didnt think she would go through with it, BUT SHE DID!!!
On the first day we were there, she opened her suitcase and pulled out a shopping bag with 5 or 6 bras she had gotten for me. I couldnt believe it. She told me to sit on the bed and she put that first bra on me. I will never forget that feeling as long as I live; it was horrible. I had never felt anything like that in my life. I couldnt understand how any woman can stand to feel like that all day. I had no idea bras were that bad; I hated it. Nevertheless, she held me to my promise and I had to wear it for next 2 weeks. No matter what I did, I could not get that stupid thing off of my mind. I thought about it constantly. I tried hiking, boating, watching movies, but nothing worked. Everyday, I would look foreword to night, because thats when she would let me take it off to sleep. It felt so comfortable to get out of that thing at the end of the day. I savored that precious time I spent braless. Of course that was night and I began to realize that the only time I was comfortable, I was unconscious (asleep) and couldnt enjoy it much. And every morning it was like clock work, Id take a shower and when I came out, she would be standing there with a clean bra ready for me and Id be in it again.
I read some of the comments on your page and I have to agree with Karen, Charlotte and Emily, if more men had to do this, they would learn something and would never want to do this to their women. I also have to agree with Joyces comment about a bra feeling like youre a horse in a harness. That is so true!!!!! Or, Veejays comment about the torment of an elastic strap across her back, I couldnt agree more. I was constantly aware of that. Sometimes I thought I was going to climb the walls.
When we got back from that experience I finally convinced my wife to give up her bras and she did. Happy ending, theres no bras in this house now!!!!!!
Carl
Do you know how much it would hurt for me to go without a bra?
I'm thirteen and a 26E (wearing a 28DD on the middle hook as nobody makes a 26) and I can't even walk down the hall without being uncomfortable if I'm not wearing one. I take it off at night and try to avoid wearing it during the evenings at home, but there's no way I could go to school without one.
Sometimes a bra is just neccessary to keep you sane.
Nik
i read some articles, and immediatly took off my bra... yah no, there is NO reason for women to be controlled by men, thinking we need bras.
kait
i have always hated bras; they are so uncomfortable. I am not surprised by your research. I don't wear one very often only if I have to go out somewhere special.
cheers
I stopped wearing bras when I was 16 (I am now almost 21) -- it was the beginning of my junior year in high school and I hadn't worn a bra at all during summer vacation... it was suddenly torturous to be wearing one every day again. I put up with it for about a week before I gave them up. Now the only time I'll wear any kind of bra is a sports bra when I go jogging -- otherwise the constant bouncing can make me really sore.
Troll
This site is GREAT! I never knew that all of this was just a myth pushed by the fashion industry to make me feel bad so that I buy their crap!
I have 40-C's so I wear a worn out sports bra when at home and to sleep and a "Normal" one when I go out but now that I have read this I think I will just stop listening to the propaganda (Like I did for politics!) and just do what comes natural!
Thank you all for this site!
Flash
I hate bras and have always hated bras.I wear one only because my clothes look funny if I don't.I have never found a bra that was comfortable.It might be comfortable for a few weeks or months then would start irritating me.Of course I was told that I was wearing the wrong size so I had a fitting done. Well, the fitter sized me as a 32A,a size I hadn't worn in 15 yrs, and I was now wearing a 36A with a band extender to keep it loose enough for comfort.I can't stand any constriction.When I see women with tight band lines over back & shoulder I question how healthy it is.I cringe when I see my daughters wearing these tight fashion bras and try to steer them away with camisoles but to no avail.The theory about bras and breast cancer was something I had in mind over 10 yrs ago well before a book on it came out.
Roseanne
I wear bra only when go to market,i dont wear bra in home,doctor said to me dont wear bra & penty at home its not neccessary becoz [penty is not suitable for us at the time of pregnency.
himani
I am 34 years old and I have never worn a bra.
When I tried it I felt a large discomfort, and had an intuitive feeling that it would be better for them to keep them free if I want them to stay firm and healthy (though I have heard opposite comments from other women). I am very glad to read on this page that my intuition was true. My breasts are small but well-shaped and still as firm as they were when I was 15. I love the feeling of freedom of motion, and love to feel my breast muscles which are strong due to this freedom. I enjoy exercising and have never felt it would be better with a bra. If you are lucky (like me :-) to live in a country where topless beaches are a normal thing, try swimming topless. This can give you an uncomparable more freedom in moving your arms/shoulders, and it is much more pleasant. I hope I will never need a bra in my life!
Dijana
i think the people that are making these comments about not wearing bras especially while exercising/running have never been slapped in the face with their own breast before. I think this article is biased and doesn't take into consideration those of us with incredibly large breasts (DD and Up!). and what about a nursing mother who actually leaves her house and doesn't stay at home 24/7? she's supposed to go out in public and leak all over and be humiliated?
Daile
Obviously there are some situations where bra is about a necessity; the purpose of the article is to point out that the bra is not a necessary garment from anatomical viewpoint, and some women feel better without it.
I am 21 yeras old girl,I dont wear bra because boys like girls those wears bra I have seen one gigl have raped because she was very beautiful& her bra was looking.
himani
Why wear bras? Perhaps you should ask the thousands of women with excessively large breasts. I wear a bra because if I didn't, whenever I ran my 40DDD breasts would slap me in the chin.
April
Just a note to those who've commented before that bras give the female body a cleaner look. After I came across this site, that too was my first thought (and I am someone who has refused to wear bras for most of my life). However, as soon as I had that thought, I caught myself. Of course I (and some of you) think that - that's what our society has taught us. It has taught us that there is something a bit disgusting or wrong about breasts that aren't bound. When this kind of thinking has been pumped into you since day 1, it's obviously very difficult to overcome. I hope that someday we as a society will realize just how silly it is to believe that breasts must be bound to be beautiful or normal. Just as silly as the old Chinese tradition of binding Chinese women's feet in order to make them beautiful.
To those who have commented that not wearing a bra is very uncomfortable - as I am not large chested I can't comment much except to say that I used to wear a bra when running and as a result found myself in some very severe breast pain. When I decided to not wear a bra, I was not pain-free overnight. At first, to run without a bra was very painful, however, the pain subsided with each passing day, and after about 2 months was completely gone. Again, it may be a completely different story if one is very large chested, however, just commenting in case it helps.
Renee
i am 23 years old and I wear the bra because I like my appearance in wearing them and also the men love the woman who wear the bra and also I fell naked without them, so I like them and I wear them all the time
hind
I have worn a bra off & on for at least 37 yrs (I'm now 50) I hate bras! My breasts have nursed 7 babies & have ranged in size over the years from a 40C to now a nice 36B. I have (according to a plastic surgeon) minimal droop to my breasts. So minimal that I would'nt even need a regular breast lift surgery.I have never worn a bra at night & only have ever worn them in the day if going out somewhere. Sometimes I don't wear them at all. I have done this for years so I fully believe that wearing a bra all the time could indeed cause muscles to become lazy! I would much rather wear a cami if I have too.
Carole
my bra size is a 34DD, and I have a very narrow back, however the main reason I wear a bra is to hide my large protruding nipples. I have tried 'nipple tape', but it shows through t-shirts without a bra. just the rubbing of my nipples against my clothing when braless is enough to create "Mt. Fuji" on each breast. very embarrassing.
aileen
I don't wear bras around the house or in the summer, but I do wear them pretty much all the rest of the time, because I like the way I look in them. I guess I'm one of those girls that's "whipped" by misogynist social standards ;)
However, I refuse to wear underwire and I'm a 38something (too big for A, too small for B). So my main bra frustration is finding bras that actually fit AND have no wires!!
Rebecca
i have had girls ask me what my bra size is, and I have had girls offer me bras. I don't think people should be faking fun of guys just because they have a big chest
Cory
i only wear bra to work and then its a sports bra. Bras have never fit me right and been uncomfortable would go braless all the time if I could
sheila
It would just be weird not to wear one, I would feel naked! I have seen women out in town before not wearing a bra and I see people staring at them and going "oh my god" I know I wouldn't want to be made fun of, although it would be nice to go without one, I hate them!
angel
Hi,I am encouraged to see I am not the only one who does not like bras. I am a 32 year old B-cup. When I worked in an office, I used a bra to hide my nipples under the blouse. But in my private life I find it more comfortable to wear none. I prefer cotton camisoles and shirts. Since in 2000 I stopped working and nursed my first baby, I put all my bras away. Now I am nursing my 2nd. Well, there is little problem with leakage, but never I had painful or swollen breasts like my friends who wear nursing bras.
In my opinion, a bra is a health-risk for lactating breasts due to
pressure on the milk ducts and wet nipples.
I understand breast movement may irritate a woman that is not used to go braless. Myself I learned to accept and enjoy it as a part of my female anatomy. And my husband says it looks sexy when they move.
What's bad when the guys like it?
:-)
I will recommend this page to my friends.
Regards from Germany
Gisela
I am now approaching 60 but, I'm still young at heart. I have dealt with all of the drama and trauma of being big busted. I wore a 34C at 11, a 34DD at 16 and a 36DDD at 26. Now that I'm older and heavier, my breasts are finally in porportion with the rest of my body at 40DDD. My biggest complaint as I look back through the years is that the bra manufacturers only make bras for women who don't need them!! Once you pass the C cup it is impossible to find anything pretty. Even the few that have come on the market in the last few years have smaller cups than the old standards. It doesn't do any good for them to carry a DD if is really a C or D, that just means that we have to go up to a GG and they don't make those! Why can't the 34B in all of the assorted colors, paterns and styles just be made larger??? I would love someone to answer this question for me. The last time that I tried to research custom made bras online, I ended up getting a lot of porn on my pc. I truly hope that that doesn't happen again.
Sharon Butler
LOL--I think you are crazy. I am 43, I weigh 120lb's yet I am a 34 DDD cup. If I don't wear a bra it is very painful. Also, I literally cannot put a shirt on!!! Sorry, but some women really do need to wear bras.
Sheila
Hurrah! I've been released from my bra-wearing bondage. . . I never wore a bra in my early 20's, but became afraid of sagging breasts; what man wants to marry a wife with sagging breasts, so the bra came back out. I HATE WEARING A BRA! and it aggravates my heart arrythmia. The pictures of the normal breasts has freed me from my misconceptions that I must look like I'm ready for a Penthouse pinup! I also was concerned about breast cancer . . . Thanks a million from a 46 year old sexy woman with naturally sagging breasts!! Amen . . .
michele
I have always had large breasts on a small frame (I'm a size 32E), and I can honestly say that it is more uncomfortable for me to NOT wear a bra than to wear one. In fact I usually wear a camisole w/ a built-in soft bra for sleeping, because otherwise my boobs flop around and are very uncomfortable.
Right now I'm breastfeeding my third baby and I'm a 34F. If I go braless I really feel like my boobs are about to fall off my body from the weight!
Maybe for people with smaller cup sizes or bigger frames braless is more comfortable, but not for me!
I do like this site, I was getting a complex about my droopy boobs but after viewing the gallery they don't seem so bad!
Sally
Hello, I don't know what you have against wearing bras. Personally, I like them and wear them when I can. They make the upper body look better and more clean looking. People like to look nice and attractive. I have some little boobs and I like to wear them at times. I think "Oxytocin" is released when the nipples are touched and it gives a nice relaxing feelings. Its helps to de-stress your day.
Darrell
I did a bit of research on the new and could not get past the point that bras are supposedly for modesty, when the people selling them use words from this list to advertise them. Obviously for sex appeal, not modesty.
Sexy
Seductive
Passion/passionate
Alluring (lure)
Hot
Flirty (flirt)
Enticing
Luring
Foxy
Ravishing
Sophisticated
Glamorous
Cute
Adorable
Sensual
Demure
Devilish
Indulgence
Rapture
Exotic
Magic
Miracle
Ultimate
Sultry
Charming
Provocative
Irresistible
Angel lined
Secretly angelic
Rendezvous
Innocent
Revealing
Heavenly
Enhancing
Devil bra
Angelic/angel
Hypnotic
Transparent
Divine
Feather
Furry
Cavegirl
Enlightened
Wicked
Leopard
Fringed
Tiger print
Zebra
Rubber
Jezebel
Daring
Goddess/ diva (female god)
Leopard skin
Candy bra
Uplifting
Mesh
Silicone
Boosting
Stud and chain
Tank bra
Edible bra
Candy bra
Open tip bra
Net bra
Beaded bra
Dr.Kayla Brown, Phd.
Looking for a bra that has no underwire, it could only be purchased at home parties. It was made to take the weight off the shoulders while holding you up without the underwire. I don't remember the name. I am vain and it is therefore difficult to completely go without a bra at work/school. I am 58 and lost any semblence of perky a good many years ago...like about 42. However, I do like what you say and it supports my choice to stop wearing underwires. My sister has stopped, and my daughter wears them 24/7...against my warnings. I am hoping to get her to read what has been said here.
Sincerely,
Rose
I am comfortable going braless because my 62yr old breasts look just as good without a bra as they do with one.Maybe because Im only 42C. Its a lot cooler in the gulf coast sun without one.
Bobbi
I would feel funny going around without a bra on. The size that I am it would be very noticable. WHich is 40DD. Because they are so big I get back pain all the time.
Darci
You missed one of the reasons why women wear bras. It is painful for some large breasted woment to go without bras. Ive gone a few days without a bra before. I did wear a-line tanks for some support. I ended up with terrible chaffing and my nipples even blead a little. I had to support them with my hands if I wanted to run because the bouncing was so painful. I am stuck. Bras, even well fitted ones give me pain under my breasts, but not wearing one gives me much more pain and discomfort.
michelle
I spent some time in Africa where bare breasted women are the norm and I know of young teenage girls who have never wore a bra, never had children and their breasts aren't even particularly large but they deffinately sag. I never met any women there with pert breasts but I have met women with pert breasts who come from a country where bra wearing is normal.
About the relation to breast cancer, I do not wear a bra to bed and I think I would advice other people not to so that at least some time is spent bra less.
Maria
...the idea that everyone could or should go braless is
impractical. My breasts HURT after going braless about an hour. They
have always been this way and I am 56 and they are not excessively large.
Some of us have adhesions or something in our breasts and they are much
happier supported. We don't have to wear weird, tight bras, but we need
support.
PB
When I was younger I stopped wearing a bra as much as possible. I have always been a between a FF and HH cup. Got larger after nursing my children. Thinking as you do that it didn't matter whether I wear one or not... I now SO VERY MUCH REGRET that decision. My breasts sag HORRIBLY and am ashamed at the way they are. My sister (who is 9 1/2 years older then I) who is a DD cup stayed throughout the years wearing a bra and her breasts (as well as others that I know that are large chested who did the same and not as I did) are tight and firm.
Pain, yes I have had pain with wearing a bra, but nothing compares to the pain of sagging breasts. Saggy breast pull on the chest wall, the problem with sweat under them, the movement when not supported, the back aches, necks aches, feeling top heavy, etc is a problem MORE WITHOUT a bra then with and I haven't even discussed feeling so very unattractive. I so wish I had never went without one. Now if I could afford a breast lift I would do so, but cannot as insurance does not pay for cosmetic surgery.
The problem is finding a bra that fits properly most do not make them my size. The best and most comfortable I have been was when I was able to find a long lined bra in my size (at that time I was a teenager and a FF cup) and they don't. And the saggier you are the harder you are to fit. So again, I SO REGRET MY NAIVE earier years. If I could go back I would wear one 24/7.
Sandra
Great site here;I'm 20 with a 36-inch bust and have never worn a bra and feel quite comfortable with it that way;I've been teased some but I can handle that
ROBYN
I think that society as got so used to women wearing bras, if they dont wear a bra then mean leer at women & they ask is she wearing a bra or not, it aint any of the business. So if women dont wear a bra it opens them up for critisim. The bra is more of a fashion statement / accesory now than a necessity, but also it provide support to the breasts.
It should be up to the woman if she decides to go with wearing a bra or not, not society & their public opinions.
Alison
I have been going braless for 6 months now,and being such an active person who cycles everyday,being braless is the most comfortable feeling I ever had.When comes to work environment,its your attitude and not your outlook counts,simply avoid clothes that makes the nipples and breast transparent...and you are on the way to long term good health and pain free n mopst of all your self-confidence will increased tremendously.
Nic.Tong
I'm so glad I found this site! I'm 18 years old and I HATE bras. All my life I've wondered what's wrong with me and why doesn't anyone else hate bras as much as I do. I spend everyday of my life uncomfortable, thinking "what if they know I'm not wearing one?" As of now, I wear a halter top, a spagetti tanktop, a tshirt, and a sweatshirt in the winter. Yes, Its uncomfortable, but I hate the feeling of how tight a bra is right below the breast (if that makes sense) I love the idea of wearing a camisole instead of a bra, but I've been looking for years and haven't found one yet. They all either make my breasts sag too much, or bounce too much. Does anyone know where I could find a camisole that I could wear instead of a bra? This would absalutley change my life. I just wanna find that perfect top that can just make me feel comfortable and confident!!! (and to Sarah H.- I relate a lot to your message... I'm also suicidal.. I suffer from depression, and having this bra problem doesn't help)
someone please help me!
Kristen
Sometimes depression is simply caused by a deficiency of some nutrients OR by lack of sunlight (actually sunlight is a kind of a nutrient). For example, check how many times you will see the word 'depression' mentioned as a deficiency symptom at the webpage Vitamins - nutrient and health/disease associations. You can study the connection between lack of sunlight and depression by searching the internet with those terms.
Thanks so much for your site. I recently became brafree and your site was a big encouragement to me. I decided to stop wearing a bra because they were always so uncomfortable and I really felt confined. I wear a 36dd. My breast feel so much healthier now. I have actually come to enjoy the movement of my breasts as I walk. It just feels healthy. Thanks again!
allison
Can anyone help me? I am trying to find a "new alternative" to the traditional bra. I want to buy, or have custom made, a thick cotton camisole, cropped just under the breast (i.e., like a sports bra), with a v-neck and thin straps. I do not need support, but I need thick material to provide padding for my constantly cold nipples. I've been searching the web and I think my best best is to have this custom made. But I have no idea where/who to go to. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Laura
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I hate bras, never feel comfortable in them for longer than 1/2 hour, and rarely wear one, and always feel so guilty and ashamed, and obsess over who can tell.
Anne
to tara who is a 36aaa,thats the same size as me and just to let u no I just found a web site that u can order bra's for 32aaa 34aaa 36aaa and a cups for anyone else who is interested.i have just ordered one and the price was very reasonable. I cant say I agree with wearing a bra or not, but my bra's kill me and I am always taking it off half way thru the day,but then again I have never ever owned a bra that properly fitted me!i hope I will have some luck with the bra I have ordered,but this will be the 1st bra I have ever purchased which is actually my size, a 36aaa. the web site for tara and those who want to know is DaintyLady.co.uk and as far as I no they do deliver worldwide,what a great site!!,as is this 1.
michelle
I am a 41 year old married male with one child. I have worn a bra regularly since I had Testicular Cancer nearly two years ago which has resulted in a hormonal imbalance and a resulting growth in 'breast' tissue. I feel more confident in being strapped up rather than being floppy as I walk around.
I don;t get a 'kick' out of wearing one-and I wish I didn't need to, but I would rather wear a bra that have widdowed my wife and left my son fatherless!
Food for thought for those who say ALL MEN SHOULD NOT WEAR BRA's.
Nick
I am am a male and have worn bras for 10 years to conceal my pierced nipples and my enhanced breasts. Should I be concerned about the risks mentioned in your article ?
David
Men in general will have lesser risk of breast cancer than women because men have lower estrogen levels than women, and estrogen makes breast cancer cells grow. But men can get breast cancer. Without scientific studies it is impossible to evaluate how much bigger risk of breast cancer you might have because of wearing bras, compared to other men. My guess is that if your diet is healthy and you don't have other risk factors for cancer, and if you take the bra off for 12 hours each day, maybe it won't affect you too much.
Hey, this site is gr8 !!!
i am 16 yrs old and I dont wear a bra. I wear camis cos they r more free and comfy. I have bin told by family and friends that I will go all saggy and ugly when I am older but the thing is.....i av tried wearing underwired AND no-wired and they jus itch me and I cant seem to feel comfy with any sort. Sumtimes mayb I shud try one like wen I go out and wear nice tops. I am a 32A or a 34A.
Sazp
I'm fifteen, quite thin and tall-ish, with small breasts. The only reason why I wear a bra is to hide any "pop-ups" that may occur if there is a breeze or cooler weather and it seems more polished and gives a smoother shape because you can't see the shape of the nipple. I don't like that I can't wear whatever tops I like because the brastraps or the backstrap show and because it makes me look a bit bigger (which I don't like at all). I would SOOO want to go braless and not be worried about the shape of the breast seen through the blouse, as Debra Messing (before her baby) did as Grace on Will & Grace. That is beautiful to me (very supermodel- esque) but I think it would attract unwanted attention at school as it seems unusual and too showy to do. Also, it seems as though Debra is allowed to do it as she is a mature adult and a celebrity, besides (also, she is a bit flatter than me). Another thing I've recently noticed is small stretch marks on my breasts and I'm worried that going braless would make my skin stretch out even more because of less control. Does anyone know any information about bras preventing stretch marks or a related topic? Thank you (and great job on the site).
V
Wonderful article. I've been brafree for four years (since I was 16 - I think I was a 34B or C at the time) - I saw a documentary on the link between breast pain and bras, and decided to try giving it up. I always felt relieved to take my bra off at the end of the day, so being without it all the time seemed like a great idea. It's been a good decision for me and I've never regretted it for any reason at all - I don't even have to think twice about most clothing, I don't worry about bouncing or sagging, and I'm free from problems like itchy underwiring and feeling I have to make my breasts look just like everyone else's. It's good to know that I'm far from alone in finding that this is the way to go.
Lucy
.
I am 27, have a 13 month old little boy. I tried to breast feed, but it was difficult because he was diagnosed with a cyst on his vocal cord at around 2 months(he sucked really hard). I've tried to wear bras in the past but just found them too uncomfortable. I constantly pull on it. I work at Wal-Mart and wear a vest, so not wearing a bra works out for me. Of course when I worked in accounting at Sam's and Wal-Mart we did not wear vest and I work thick shirts or wore t-shirts or tank tops under my shirts. I have small breasts (A). I can't stand to wear a bra and refuse to wear one. I just feel so self-concious about my nipples showing.
Tonya
I'm still 14, but have a full B cup, and sometimes a C. It's impossible for me to not wear a bra. It's simply too painful to walk, let alone go up and down stairs. Perhaps it's just my age, and the fact that I'm still growing, compared to a grown adult.
Drisana
Because if you did not wear one, they would be running all over the places. When you run they would be hopping up and down getting on your nurves.And when you have a big size of breast the more you have the more it hurts your back. So you wear one to keeep them up and in places.
Kristena
I never liked bras...too restricting. now that I am in the process of weaning from breastfeeding, I need nothing but a super support bra, guide me to these bras please. the last I checked with a lactation consultants, I was told that I am a 40D. I am looking for a size 36e. help me.
jay
At least Figleaves.com has E or DDD sizes available. You can shop by bra size, and also refine your search and choose "Support" as your Occasion/Purpose.
I have not worn a bra for over 20 years. I am 58 and my breasts barely sag at all, if I wore a bra I would wear a 38 C. I know this because I occasionally succumb to the belief that I would look better in one and I go try them on. I even sometimes buy one but it is a waste of money because I absolutely hate them. I have worn camosiles, vests, pockets, double front, all the things you suggest -- for years. Just thought I'd search for hate bras and see if there were other women who hate them. Feel like such a minority.
Liz Bliss
from a guy point of view, I think bras are hiding yor breast true beauty!
I think bras are very uncomfortable. I wear no bra in my house and it feels very comfortable. The only time I wear a bra is when I go out in public. I would not wear a bra in public but I live in this tiny town that if someone sees you with no bra then you become the talk of the town. I think todays society plays a big role in what we do. I bet you, if todays society wasn't like that women would be wearing nothing under their shirts.
Elizabeth
This is in response to all of those women who have
posted about not wearing a bra to work by violating
the "dress code". I used to work in Human Resources
for fortune 500 company and let me give you this
advice. If anyone, ANYONE, at work ever asks you to
wear a bra to work simply respond with this...."
Excuse me, are you discriminating against me because I
have breasts? So, I will assume all the men will also
be wearing bras as well????" This will shut them up.
You have the right to not wear a bra. It is
discriminatory based on gender to require you to wear
a bra. So Ladies, LET FREEDOM HANG!!!! Happy
working!!
Melissa
I hate wearing a bra but I am a 36D and cannot find a cami to save my life. They all come in S,M,L. I am a size 8 so by the time I fine one that fits in the top, I look like a bag lady. Does anyone know where I can find cami's sold based on aprox cup size and not based on plus size?
Thanks-
Christina
i am 20 years old and I have never worn a bra for more than a week. am a 34b not much and I find them very uncomfortable and now all I wear is vests, camisoles or just let them free. but I wear a spors bra when working out.
marion
I just asked today if the dress code at work required us to wear a bra and a supervisior looked it up and said it isn't in the dress code== when I go to work on sat. I work better and feel better - I hate wearing bras I feel like a old horse in harness - I believed some man invented bras because they hate women to be free
Joyce
I came upon this site about 4 months ago and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it had a hand (or future hand) in saving my life. I was one of those girls who was never interested in having breasts in the first place, and was certainly not interested in strapping some bra around my chest. That made for very difficult teenage years. -pressure, teasing, humiliation -all from friends and family...and all in the name of helping me become "normal." I would never give in though..there just seemed to be something a bit sadistic with "the bra". I was told, "You'll feel much more free if you wear one." Free? "Bras give the breasts a more natural shape." OK, I think we need to review the definition of "natural." "Your chest muscles will start to drag if you don't wear one." OK, over time I was starting to believe that, -that's all I ever heard until I came upon this site.
College came around and I gave it my best shot to be "normal." When I joined the tennis team, and since it's been mostly girls that have given me hell about not wearing a bra, I wore a sports bra when playing...even though I had never needed one before.....
Several years after I graduate from college, I still only wear a bra when I run...actually, it's a crop top. I've gotten to a point though, where the pressure from "society" has become ridiculous. "I'm getting too old to not wear a bra and fit in. Why can't I just be normal and WANT to wear a bra?" I would think. I've also been tiring of the clothes I have to wear to hide the fact that I don't wear a bra. I don't like most of them. (in the summer at least). and day after day of wearing clothes that I hate was wearing on me.
On top of all this, for the last couple of years, I've had increasing breast pain, to the point where I didn't even want to walk. Every day, the ONLY thing I thought about were my breasts. How they hurt, how I noticed them moving all the time, how I'm such a "freak" because I refuse to wear a bra. And, wondering, am I really in pain because I'm not wearing a bra? What about the thousands of years before bras were invented? Didn't breasts do just fine then? Well, in the last few years, I've become increasingly suicidal. I don't know that I could ever actually commit suicide, but this personal hell that I've lived in for so long, had brought me to a point where I started thinking about how I could do it, with the least amount of pain....those thoughts were a wake-up call...the thought came to me to research "breast pain." What a TREMENDOUS relief this site was for me. It was like the weight of 17 years began to slip off my shoulders. It wasn't just me who thought there was something wrong with these bras.
Well, just the mental relief began to east the breast pain. A couple days after, I went running, still with the crop top. Suddenly, the pain was back! You mean, wearing this crop top for a total of maybe 5 hours each week is the cause for my pain? Oh, and it was. After 11 years of wearing bras when running, it took some getting used to to go without, but I can PROUDLY say, I can once again go without. And, guess what...I have ABSOLUTELY NO BREAST PAIN. And I do think my breasts were starting to atrophy, but they feel "stronger" now. I don't notice them moving around anymore, I hardly notice them at all. I'm still dreading the summer. A person can only take so much staring and mocking, but at least I'm better prepared mentally. Thanks for your site.
Sara H.
I am 34 years old and haven't worn a bra in 10 years except while participating in sports such as jumping rope or mountain biking. I have 2 kids, breastfed for a total of 6 months. I do chest exercises with weights, and my breasts do not sag. Muscle supports breast tissue, if the muscles are firm then the breasts will look much firmer. I have found nothing that helps with the stretch marks though. C'est le vie! Great article!
Rabbit
I am a 16 yo female and I don't wear bras that much anymore. Instead I wear camis becuase I like the way they feel. I also still wear sport bras becuase I like the way they feel and I am a 34b cup.
Nicole
THANK YOU! This is a great site however, I wear a bra as fashion. I prefer to wear colored bras as part of my wardrobe and I want them to be seen. I do not sleep in my bra and I find that I am bra-free more than I am bra-bound. However, my 34 C breasts are a great complement to my body and I enjoy the look and feel of my bra. I also do not keep just one style. I have about 8 different styles and sizes that work great in my case, be it soft or underwire, satin or lace.
Jordyn
Wow. This is a very interesting page. It really made me think about breasts in a whole new way! I never realized that bras could be so detrimental to health (of course, what isn't these days!). I've decided to go with out a bra for a while to see how it goes. Really, the only problem I'm having is that the tips of the areolas that rub against the shirt are starting to get chapped ... is there anything I can do about that?
Anyway, this is a great page and I'm definitely going to breast feed if I ever have children. Nice work!
Holli
If your nipples get irritated by your shirt, you may have to wear an undershirt or camisole or tank top. Try an undershirt that does not have seams going on top of your breasts, and is 100% cotton.
In response to Karen, I'm a 40yo male with an hormone imbalance since 'teens', I declined medication to help re-adjust this and now have healthy female-like 'B' cup breasts. I started wearing a bra as often as I can since being 22yo. I get no 'kick' or such like from wearing one and see it as just part of having breasts. Indeed after a long term relationship came to an end the main reason was that my G/F said she could not accept that as she put it, that I treat and think about bra's and bra wearing just like a woman does'. I do, I'm sorry, I like wearing a bra, it gives me comfort and as I can not display the fact as openly as women can, ie; visible lines etc., when I do wear one I feel more confident as I don't feel my breasts 'move' around so much which I think people notice.
Yes, I have suffered humiliation, ridicule, nasty comments and even threats of violence on the times I have been commented on that I've got a bra on but I really do like to wear one as much as I can. Once again I stress that I get no 'kicks' or thrills from wearing a bra, I really don't think much about it and put one on, wear it on a daily basis.
In fact, if it was'nt for the fact I have to think about when I can't wear one it would be even more just so 'matter of fact'!
Great site here! very interesting, hope no-one minds me posting this. I mean no offence to anyone, I'm no 'crank', Maybe hoped that my views and experience may be of interest to some. Please feel free to ask anything you wish, I have had many experience's with regard to this subject and willing to share those if anyone wants.
Thanks for reading this,
Respect and regards to you all,
Bob
bralove@hotmail.com
I've been reading up on the study of breast cancer and bra wearing, and I stumbled across your site. It's excellent. My breasts aren't perfect, or at least as the media tells us, but having seen all the pictures makes me feel normal. I'd like to go bra-less more often for health reasons, and I'm only an A-cup, so it's not 'ugly'. But my beasts do sag (I'm 26 but they have always been like this, just the same shape as my mum's), and the problem is they sweat where they rest against my abdomen, and cause wet marks on my clothes. Should I just use anti-perspirant, or is there a better remedy?
How about putting a single strap of cloth around you right under your breasts so it would absorb the sweat.. I have the same problem in a sense, though I don't really see wet marks on my clothes, it's just annoying. If you, the reader, have other ideas, send them in.
Hooray for Emily and Charlotte below! I think that there are plenty of MEN out there who should wear a bra at least as much as some women do. I tried a B cup on a BF once and he filled it out just fine! Where's the equality here?
Karen
Thank you for your site, my husban found it and requested I sit down and take the time to read this, at the age of 11 I was required to wear a bra as long as I was not in the bed by my father, well as I got older it was like I could not go out of the house without one on, I guess you could call it my security blanket. I did not come out of my bedroom without my bra. I am now 30 and the pain I was having was unbareable. But thanks to my spouse he has showed me how the pain is not there when I do take the time to go braless. I wish there was a way we could get this article out to all the fathers like mine was and just let them realize the pain they put their daughters thru. Just because he might see his child's boobies jiggle. Thank you for the reading and I am going to work on going braless more often.
Tammy
I am a 63 yr old woman. I stopped wearing bras in 1977. I HATE THEM. I dont even own one. I was a 36 b when I stopped wearing them---I sag alittle -but who cares.
Kathy
My breasts really sag. They are flat and saggy. I have to wear a bra! Without one, it feels awful. Swinging boobs. Looks awful in clothes, too. Now and then left side will hurt, has off and on for years. I usually go braless at home but wear a tube top under shirts until the pain goes away.
What can I do? What can I wear? I need support. I don't want my saggy boobs pointing to my belly button showing under tops?
Help
It sounds like the bra wearing may very well be causing the pain on your left side, so you should be very very careful when wearing bras. It's good if you can go braless as much as possible.
And the bra.. I wonder maybe if you can order a CUSTOM- MADE bra where the left side would be different size from right, maybe that would help.
I don't personally know these websites, I just made a quick Google search to find them, so you should research it further. Just type in custom made bras or something similar in google or other search engine. But see if these sites can help:
www.snaresofvenus.com
The Bra Dilemma -- Solved!
Thank you for this website and the information. I am 71 and have never had a comfortable bra. Now that I am retired I find other alternatives. It would be wonderful if some of your experts could discuss this on the View or Oprah; however, since bras are such big business (and so is cancer) might not be possible.
One alternative I have found; I use heavy cotton tee shirts and paint a design across the bustline. Very comfortable and inexpensive.
Again, thanks.
Elsa Limbocker
I'm 35 years old, C cup and haven't owned a bra since I was 15 years old and I threw that one away after about 2 days of misery! I have a cool mom that has always encouraged me to be braless. I've lived in Key West all my life so being braless is no big deal here. But women everywhere should feel confident about going without a bra if they want to. I wear whatever I want to and can care less if you can see my nipples or if my breats bounce and jiggle around. I don't wear camisoles, vests or any other "bra substitue" I just go totally free! My breast don't sag and if men stare and women get jealous that doesn't bother me. I've never had a job so fortunately I don't have to deal with bras in the workplace. I do aerobics nearly everyday at a gym and I always wear loose tank tops so my breasts really get a good workout too. Once you get used to your breasts really bouncing around freely during a workout it feels wonderful!!! I would never own a sports bra. I have 3 children, all who have been openly breastfed until they were at least 2 years old. I never owned a nursing bra or "pads" like an earlier post said - I just let my shirt get wet! If comments were made out in public I'd usually just say "Sorry, breastfeeding mom!" Fortunately breastfeeding in public is widely accepted here and I have never bothered covering up in any way. I just pull my top up and go! Living bra free is healthy, comfortable and fun! It's very liberating once you're comfortable being totally uninhibited about not wearing a bra. I don't even think about it! Now if it were only acceptable in other states to run around barefoot constantly like I do here.....
Summer
Is it really a possibility that the "no bra" dresscan play out in the workplace. What about the "jiggle factor"?
Virgie
This you would have to kind of evaluate on an individual basis... because it depends on your breast size, and on the workplace and people there.... You can try wear tight camisoles or tight tank tops that are made of elastic material, and will keep the breasts somewhat in place.
But if you can't achieve that, then maybe you have to compromise and wear a bra at workplace. Just try to choose a loose bra, and take it off at home.
I'm glad I ran across your site by accident. I love the idea of not wearing a bra. I'm 42 years old, a C cup, and I've always hated wearing bras. I usually whip mine off as soon as I get home from work. Occasionally, I'll wear a vest over my shirt at work and then I don't have to wear a bra. It's so much more comfortable! I think all women should just get rid of their bras forever, and we should make it the norm to go around natural all the time. Then no one would think anything about it! By the way, I'd almost bet that the bra was invented by a man!! Why do we need all those cold metal hooks, binding elastic, underwires, etc? We're all beautiful just as we are, ladies!
Kelly
i was reading youe website and I found it a bit confusing but it some ways relieved. I suffer from fibrocytic disease in both breasts and constantly in pain. I have to wear a bra to avoid the throbbing in my breasts during the day but I take it off at nite and my breasts feel like there are about to rip away from my chest wall. Basically what im saying is that whether you wear a bra or not im in great pain. my specialist told me to wear a bra all the time. underwired and padded. she said it was the correct size and type of bra that every women should wear. but your website contradicts all of that!!
Suki
Sorry for the confusion... and I'm sorry you're in a lot of pain. The idea is that going without bras seems to help MOST women with fibrocystic disease, but not necessarily everyone! Diseases are not always caused by one thing alone. Maybe this article about fibrocystic disease would have some helpful ideas for you.
I agree with the rest of the women about how liberating this site is. I remember when I was told I had to wear a bra (that never fit) and then taking it off and flinging it across the room relieved it off my body. I don't like wearing bras cause I feel like I look better without one. Besides I hate wearing padded bras cause when you do that you don't want the truth to be known that you are not that big so I say just be who you are and don't hide anything. But I also think you need to dress with taste and not have your nipples showing thru your clothes That is still a temptation to men and offensive to other women. I do agree that a man should not be lusting after other women's breast. But women can't be ignorant and dress any way they want either. That's irresponsible and selfish. Thanks again for this site. I have passed the link to others.
Tracy
Hi I have read parts of your website and found it interesting and would like to say something about bras.
My sister has been having problems with her bras for a while now, mainly the bra straps. She wears sleeveless tops and the thin straps on her bras just dont seem up to the job they look a bit stretched and always slip out on her shoulder. I can see her straps through the back of her top right at the edge of her clothing and sometimes see the strap right at the edge of her shoulder as well basically she has to tuck them back up every few mins to stop them falling of her shoulder completely. If she wears a strappy top which gives her bra straps freedom they usually slip of her shoulder and down her arm. My sister's bra size is 34D but I still think she would be better without a bra because of her problems, but she says she just dont feel comfortable without the bra and the lift.
I also have a friend who is worth a mention, I dont know her size but she is large and doesnt wear a bra, her breasts hang down to her waist and it is noticeable even with very baggly clothes but she doesnt care what others think and I respect that as well, I cant deny when I first seen her I looked shocked but now I know its just a case of been natural and free, I never notice her bust anymore because its something I am used to.
So 2 different women with different attitudes towards bras
chris
NOTE: Not wearing bras does not cause breasts to sag to your waist, nor does wearing one prevent it from happening. It is gravity at work; also skin and tissue elasticity plays a role. But good for her not to be bothered by it.
Awesome! there need to be more sites like these so the truth can get out there!
Its time to free ourselves of unnecessary bondage!
Amber
I was raised in Malaysia and we were taught that all women had to wear bras. I even wore a bra to bed in the hot, humid climate. When I moved to the USA, I started to loosen up, wearing bras only when necessary under revealing clothes. Now that I don't have to work, I hardly wear a bra. Being bra-free means being really free to be yourself and to feel the freedom of not being confined by a bra. It's the most wonderful feeling. I just wish there were bra-free clothing out there - t-shirts, dresses, blouses, etc. I'm thinking about starting a bra-free line of clothes.
Choo Choo Love
If your bra fits correctly its comfortable. A bra can't be fitted correctly with a tape measure. Expert fitters can assist in finding comfort and fit.
Tracey
YOu guys are right on the mark with this site-I like to think of myself as a bit of a revolutionary so I have never worn a bra, not even when I first "needed" one. I simply refused to let society criticize me-in fact it is I who should be criticizing society for its shameful treatment of the wonder that is the breast.How dare people I don't even know try to tell me how I should look! I am a bra-burner, just like my mother before me, and I'm very proud of it! Ladies, the time is now to go free and easy-it's healty and it feels good, so why not? Let's hear it for the next Bohemian revolution!
Dolly
This was a very informative and healing site. Thank you.
Lacey
I was so relieved to find this site! I am 19 years old and I have a 16-month-old son. I felt like my breasts were sagging beyond the point of normal, but your site has informed me otherwise! Thank you so much!!!!
Alicia
Fantastic reading! It confirms what I have always believed. I am 51 and only wear a bra for a few hours, once a week (when I teach Sunday School and go to church.) I breast fed all five of our children and and the only thing that changes the condition of my breast is gaining weight. I enjoyed your article very much. Thanks!
Holly B.
Thanks so much for this site I learned alot about my breasts. I hate wearing a bra but now I realize it's ok if I don't. Since I read this site I have been going braless which is about 2 months now, and I love it! Its much more comfortable. Anyway thanks
Jen 15
I've just been dagnost with fibocystic breast disease, and your article has been a big help. I thought when the doctor told me, that I was going to have it removed, with your article, you have helped me understand that it is common.
Michelle
We would like to thank you for the info on this site, my wife used to wear bras all the time and was always having pain in her breasts. then she stopped wearing a bra all together when she read what I had been telling her that she should stop wearing a bra. You know what her pain is gone!
Scott and Laurie
This is a VERY cool site. An online friend told me about it. I'm 15 and my mom won't let me out of the house without a bra, but the more I'm learning, the more I try to NOT wear one! If I have daughters, it will be THEIR choice if they wanna wear one or not. But they'll know why I choose NOT to! Thanks for a great site!
Ann M
i just have to say thank you so much for this information. I have breastfed my son for thirteen months and plan to do so for as long as possible. I have noticed a great difference in my breasts from pregnancy and nursing, I actually feel as if I belong on the cover of national geographics (no offense), but I would not trade my breasts for the world, they have nourished my beautiful son and that I believe is their main purpose. as for bras, I found them to be too uncomfortable as my pregnancy progressed, and even now I dread having to wear one when going out. My alternative to those ridiculous underwire bras is a soft stretchy sports bra. even that is too constricting. I love to be free!!!!!
steph
I had an ultrasound yesterday after my OBGYN discovered a "cyst" in my right breast. I just thought it was my "normal" monthly breast pain (which occurs for 2 weeks of every month, or one HALF of my fertile life). After the doctor told me my tissue was "normal" I was of course relieved that I don't have cancer, but I was angry that he felt my pain is "normal" and that they don't really know why women experience the pain, or how to diminish it! How absurd! I really appreciate the information I learned on your site and I immediately took off my bra! (what a relief!) Thank you for the information!
Katie
The professional bra fitter below raises an excellent point that much of the problems with bra wearing stems more from not wearing a properly fitted bra. However, the 80-90% statistic of women wearing the wrong size bra speaks more about the great difficulties in finding a well fitted bra rather than any real lack of a conscientious effort by women in searching for a properly fitted bra.
Consider this, breasts are asymmetrical, bras are not. For the small percentage of women who do wear the correct bra size, many of them are probably just lucky enough to have a very small degree of asymmetry and are of a size and shape that is catered to by bra manufacturers. For some of us it will be impossible to find a commercially available bra that fits and so could never join that 10% of women wearing the right size bra. I am a 36AAA and I have yet to see a bra available in that size and that�s why I�m braless better than 95% of the time.
I�ve been to several high-end, specialty-size shops and fitted by a professional in every one of them, but in their attempt to find a bra that fits in the cup, they have me in a petite 34A, �but I already have 34A�s that I unhook by midday because it is too tight in the band. Strap extensions are virtually useless in an industry that doesn�t even have a standardized bra strap system.
One day I hope to have a smooth-cup, underwired bra to wear occasionally for when I want a certain look but I will have that bra custom-made, molded to my body rather than the other way around.
Tara
for flat-chested girls like me, I consider bra as the best invention ever made! especially push-up or padded bras. but, since I have learned about its relation to breast cancer, I will rest my breasts from bras as much as possible. thanks!
maureen
Isn't it illegal sex discrimination for an employer to require female employees--but not male employees--to wear a bra??
Emily
I have not worn a bra on a daily basis most of my life. I have always considered them unconfortable, and always leave me with red welts and sores for days after wearing one, I have tried them all. The best bra is no bra. If folks dont like it dont look!! I love my breasts the are fine not big or small and yes they sag, I am 42, and nursed 2 babies. I think of women who go and have implants are crazy in their heads. I have had many un elected surgeries, and cant figure out why anyone would volunteeringly go thru that!! Just so their breasts are the first thing everyone looks at.
Molly
The only reason I prefer to wear a bra is because my skin sweats under my breasts even though I use anti perspirant there. I wear a sports bra that is a few sizes bigger than recommended just to provide an absorbant layer between my breasts and my chest where my breast lay. This way when I sweat it is absorbed and in normal weather evaporates. In very hot weather I wear the same type of bra but also place strips of terry cloth on the bottem of the bra between my breasts and my chest. This absorbs more moisture and I can change it though out the day if needed and I can also wash the terry cloth strips when I wash my bra so that I have fresh ones as needed.
I also want to mention. On special occasions (For Formal Dressing) I will wear a comfortable uplifting bra so that I don't look saggy under a tight fitting top or dress.
I also want to say that the reason I stopped wearing regular bras all the time is because I was getting head aches, neck aches and shoulder aches so awfully. I noticed on a regular basis that at night around 7:00 I would feel like ripping the thing off and not more than a half hour later my head aches, neck aches and shoulder aches would go away. In an instant I could feel the heat of the blood rushing up my neck like the bra was blocking circulation.
I am not a big breasted woman. I just could not handle the tighness of the straps on my shoulders or around my chest. Oh, also where my underwhere much bigger than recommended because I also cannot stand the tightness around my groin area or my waist.
Mariann
You would think, in this day and time with the research that has taken place, that if wearing a bra was remotely responsable for increased risks of breast cancer, there should be a warning permanantly attached to the bra stating "wearing this garment may increase risks of breast cancer". I believe these studies and they make sense, why hasn't any warning been mandated? I challenge all to forward information you gather to your congressman and the sergeon general. My wife is the director of a cancer center. I asked her about this. She has never heard of these findings. She is very courious.
Charlie B.
My motive may be a little different than most, but I don't wear a bra because my husband asks me not to. That's the way he likes me. I am 31 and measure a natural 36-C. To be honest, I was somewhat concerned that my breasts would sag from the lack of support. Fortunately, I've seen no evidence of that. I have remained high and firm. I am not sure if my husband is motivated by any health related issues or if he just likes the sight of my bouncing boobs. Either way, I do it because I enjoy him enjoying me braless.
Mona
hi,
this was indeed a very helpful site.
I came as a sake of querry to know that do women really need a bra? I guess not. But then why there is so much myth. And due to social caring, we too have to wear it.
But gaining medical reasoning answers this question well.
shikha
It is totally crazy how many of us are so quick to blame the bra for our pain and problems. 80 to 90 percent of women wear the WRONG size bra. Imagine how sore your feet would be if you wore the wrong size shoes for 40 years. As a professional bra fitter I have seen it all. Women who don't wash bras grow mould. Women wear the wrong size and get grooves like river valleys in their shoulders. Wires that are popped out, backs up at the neck, breasts coming out in all directions. Believe me, I am a 32 GG. I have LARGE breasts, and have done the research. Go get fitted at a reputable store. You simply CAN NOT do it yourself. Get educated on how a bra should fit and be amazed at how comfortable a really good, properly fit bra is. No reddness, no rubbing, pulling, squishing and prodding. Join the 10% of women who have been fit properly and feel great everyday. Believe me, if I'd read this website 2 years ago (before being fit) I would have agreed 100 percent. Now my shoulders are groove free, I have solved my back pain and am able to run freely without pain.
jacquie
Obviously, if you wear a bra, try get a fitting one that is loose enough as to not cause grooves and marks. But it is still very healthy for breasts to get 'free time' without bras so they can 'bounce around' just slightly as you walk and move around.
I cannot stand anything like elastic across my back - especially if the weather's warm. Sooooo, no bra for me. I do wear vests a lot, and the A-shirts (are they "husband-beaters" if we wear them?), and whatever form of camouflage I can come up with. I've already had a spot of cancer on my back, and to this day, blame the B-R-A!!!!!!!
VeeJay
I found your article interesting to say the least. Being a man, most feminists may give me less credibility on the subject than a woman, but I find that sexist in and of itself. I would have to say a woman should evaluate what she does with her body based on what makes her comfortable, not some standard. However, we must also remember that the price of a complete lack of conformity in today's society is to be singled out; this is an unavoidable constant and an individual should determine whether or not she considers that an acceptable means to an end.
Regis A Welch
Thank you for the info about breasts. I have shed my bra a long time ago, I only wear it when I work and take it off in the car. I have had a few stares from truck drivers but the relief is well earned and needed. On my days off I am free of the bind that the bra puts me in. I have been lucky to find a few from a few ladies stores that do not torture too bad, but there is nothing like taking it off at the end of a busy day or night since I do restaurant management I move and am in the public eye. I do need my releif at the end of the night or day.
Thanks again for this wonderful site, and I will be back to visit more.
Thank you,
lyn hollen
I just recover from fibrocystic disease of the breast. My doctor told me not to wear a bra to reduce pain and lumps in my breast. At first I was not comfortable because my breast is a bit bigger than the normal size of a filipina woman (38,26,36 is my vital statistic) so its very shameful not to wear bra. I dont like the pain all the time, and am worried that it will become cancerous.
So now am used to it. Being bra less is more comfortable, and I feel free. I dont care what people think about why I am not wearing bra.
shaine
I choose not to wear a bra, just because of the confinement that they cause. If I absolutely need an undergarment, I will go for a camissole, which is still extremely comfy but does possess a undergarment look.
JAKI BOWERS
I am so glad that I learned the truth about bras in "Dressed to Kill". Women who are worried about breast cancer should spread the word. Keep up the good work.
Anna
Thank you very much for this website. I too am one of these unfortunate women who have low self images because of my breast size. And because of difficulties in finding a proper fitting bras I was beginning to view myself as a freak, Now I see that I am no different than any other woman. Thank you very much for changing my mind.
Carol
I do not wear bras because I hate feeling resticted. I breastfed my son Brandon til he was 5 and saw nothing wrong with it. People make too much of a big deal about breast. I happen to have double d cup breast, and hate it when I go out in public braless and men stare at my breast, because they see nipples. So what!
Nancy Rose
I like your camisole suggestion, but have another to add.
I've been wearing cotton bras from Decent Exposures that support just enough that I don't feel clammy and sweaty underneath for years now. My best friend thinks mine aren't supportive enough, but for me they do just enough and don't have me feeling cramped or confined. The girls can move, and they're readily accessible for nursing our daughter. Best of both worlds in my opinion!
Meiri
I am so shocked that the cause of my breast pan was from bras. I have bought so many bras over the years and am getting sick of it. I will be attempting the no bra for the second time. I believe that this time it will be successful. I love the idea of the gallery. I feel better about my breasts. They are normal and natural the way they should be. Keep it up spread the word.
Gemma Santiago
The only question I have about not using bra (which I started doing thanks to your site!) is how to deal with breastfeeding milk leaking. I mean without the bra to hold the nursing pads. Thanks in advance,
Manuela
You could try to wear a tank top or camisole as an undergarment, and sew into that some extra padding where your breasts would be. At home, no one should care if your shirt gets a little wet... During the night try put an extra towel underneath you. THe leaking problem often disappears after the first maybe 5 months of breastfeeding. Everybody is of course different and situations are different.
In regards to the breasts leaking there is a product made called lilypadz that 'stick' to your nipples and you can go braless. They are reusable. They don't let your nipples breathe though so I would not suggest wearing them all the time. I bought a pair and so far I love them. They can be found for about $19 at www.expressiva.com which is a site with stylish nursing clothes and accessories. They also have the cutest "got breastmilk" onsie for the baby! Good luck!
Lisa
I haven't worn a bra for years and I truly love it! Wearing a bra was torture! the wires, the elastics...if men want to see women wearing bras, they should try wearing them before they say anything!
charlotte
I see your points but no one has mentioned any benefits from wearing a bra at all? My chest size is 30 E (a little over that depending on my menstrual cycle) and my dress size is UK 8. I can honestly say having tried and tested the theory that my back pain increases significantly when I do not wear a bra. Sagging, morality, and sex are nothing to do with it - it is simply a way of aiding me with the extra chest weight that I have. I don't think there is an acknowledgment of the benefits of bras for people who have very large breasts and need help with the excess weight.
I also find that wearing a good bra that is supportive and that has been fitted properly stops unwanted men from staring at my breasts quite so much - more importantly it stops me from slouching.
Elise
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