Why women wear bras

Why do women wear bras?

Why wear a bra?

Over 90% of North American women wear a bra, many without ever asking why. This article talks about different reasons women give for wearing a bra. Interestingly, bra wearing is not a necessity for most women for their breasts' sake; it is worn for cultural reasons.

A brief history of bras

Before 1900s, there is very little evidence of garments that could be considered bras. In ancient history, there are mentions of a strip of cloth tied under the breasts to support and to reveal them, or strip of cloth tied around the breasts to flatten them.

The corset became popular starting in the 1500s, and its one function was to lift and shape breasts upward. The modern bra with its two separate cups was gradually developed from the corset in the early 20th century, in an attempt to manufacture a more comfortable underwear piece.

Today, the bra has "evolved" from simple underwear into an actual sexual garment that emphasizes the sexual nature of breasts. This can be readily seen, for example, by the terminology used to advertise bras: enticing, hot, ravishing, seducing, etc. It is no wonder feminists symbolically threw their bras into the trash in the 60s. Even today, going braless is sometimes connected with feminism.

Do you or your breasts really feel more comfortable with or without bras?

This would depend, first of all, on the breast size, and secondly, on the woman's habits. Very large and heavy-breasted women usually need to wear bras for support, and they feel pain and discomfort if they don't wear bras.

Women with small-to-medium size breasts, if they are used to wearing bras, probably feel a little uncomfortable without them. However, this is more a psychological issue and a question of habit: women tend to feel awkward or self-conscious without bras if they are used to wearing them. In fact, when a person gets used to automatically wearing bras, it's possible to not even notice or pay any attention to the slight discomfort from bras.

Thinking about it, can you sense any discomfort and/or tightness from your bra? When you take your bra off, do you feel something similar to the feeling when you have eaten your belly full at a restaurant, and you loosen your belt a little? Can you possibly even see little red marks on your skin after taking bra off? If you answer yes to these questions, your breasts may be trying to tell you something!

Bras and breast cancer risk

Bra-wearing has been linked to breast cancer in a study done by Sidney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer. They found, for example, that women who wore a bra 24 hours a day had a 113-fold increase in breast cancer incidence compared to women who wore bra less than 12 hours daily! They suggest that bras exert enough pressure to the breast and surrounding areas to inhibit the flow of lymph, which then causes toxins and other waste material to remain in the breasts instead of being flushed out.

Now, this effect may be due to the fact that most women just wear the wrong size bra that is too tight somewhere. No one has done any studies investigating the link between breast cancer and how well the woman's bra fits. Either way, for your breast health's sake it is better to avoid wearing bras whenever possible, and for those occasions when you do need one, get well-fitting bras.

So why do women wear a bra?

"Because breasts need to be supported."
This is largely a myth: "...wearing a bra... has no medical necessity whatsoever", says Susan M. Love, M.D in her "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book". This is similar to the myth that women supposedly need corsets to support their stomach muscles.

Now, large-breasted women may need the support from bras. Jogging and other active sports may be painful even for medium-breasted ladies. This is, however, an individual thing, so do what is comfortable for you.

In one study, large-breasted women removed the weight of breasts from their shoulders for two weeks, either by going braless or by wearing a strapless bra. Only one woman chose a strapless bra and all the others went braless. The researchers monitored the women for muscle pain and tenderness. Seventy-nine percent of patients decided to remove breast weight from the shoulder permanently because it rendered them symptom free!
(Ryan, EL, Pectoral girdle myalgia in women: a 5-year study in a clinical setting. Clin J Pain. 2000 Dec;16(4):298-303.

If you need or want to wear a bra, find one that is fitting. Be especially careful about the underwires and side panels, because if the fit is not just right, the underwire can poke into the breast tissue, and the side panels can create extra pressure and tightness. Consider getting fitted right with a professional fitter. Also, give your breasts "free time". Take your bra off whenever you can, such as at home. At the very least do not wear it to sleep.

Also, while bras do give breasts support, they do not ultimately prevent your breasts from sagging. Gravity will eventually take its effect. There is actually some evidence that bras can even increase sagging. One possible reason for that is that the breast has ligaments, and since other bodily ligaments can atrophy when not in use, the same might happen to the breast ligaments under the constant artificial support from the bra, resulting in increased sagginess. Another possible reason for bra-wearing increasing sagginess is IF a woman wears an ill-fitting bra, which may force some of the breast tissue to "migrate", resulting in differently shaped breasts than otherwise.
"Because I feel immoral or indecent without bras."
This is actually a strange contrast to the sexual nature of bras. While many women accentuate the sexuality of their breasts with bras, equally many or more feel that bras are sort of a necessary "modest covering" for breasts.

Is morality really dependent upon the type of underwear you wear? Women who feel this way have often been made to believe that their breasts are "dirty" body parts that need "tucked away" from sight; and bras become the means of doing so.

Considering breasts as baby feeders, and realizing that breasts do NOT have to be considered a special sexual body part (such as genitals) can liberate these women from a mental "bondage" that says breasts are "immoral, obscene, or indecent" in themselves.

"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. It is just as silly as the old Chinese tradition of binding Chinese women's feet in order to make them beautiful."
Renee

"Because everybody does so, or in other words the unspoken rules of society so dictate."
This is a common reason for wearing bras, and in many situations we women do have to comform to the modern society's dress code.
"I need to wear bras for my job since it's the dress code."
This might be; however those ladies who would rather not wear one for whatever reason, still have some options even at workplace:
1. Try a camisole/vest . A good camisole made out of elastic material will give some support to your breasts so they don't bounce around, and you will probably be surprised how little people notice. Companies that require bras may not have a policy that defines what a bra is. Some cropped camisoles look very much like bras. Some camisoles even have adjustable straps like a bra. Basically, if it looks professional, it should be OK.
2. Try some other alternative for bra, such as bra cups worn inside the clothing.
3. Try change the company's policy. I am not guaranteeing this will work; however in some situations it might be a viable option.

"Because I hate the thought of my breasts sagging so much."
Bras provide support for the breasts and keep breasts from sagging while you wear them. This is often considered to be the "norm" or the dress code for professionals or otherwise. Some of us may also find discomfort in the sweat that collects under sagging breasts.

But dress code aside, I hope women will realize how normal sagging is. We get so brainwashed by the media images of young perky breasts that we no longer know what is normal. In reality it is perfectly NORMAL for adult breasts to be hanging in a lower, relaxed position. Check our gallery for pictures of normal breasts.

Also, it is good to realize that bras do not ultimately prevent your breasts from sagging. Gravity will eventually take its effect, sooner or later. Two scientific studies have even shown that wearing a bra causes the breasts to sag more.

"A mistaken popular belief maintains that wearing a bra strengthens your breasts and prevents their eventual sagging. But you sag because of the proportion of fat and tissue in your breasts, and no bra changes that."
Susan M. Love, M.D. in her "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book."
Discomform from sweat and 'slapping':
"I, myself, experience discomfort from NOT wearing a bra, due to the way in which sweat collects under my breasts (I live in Dixie), and how my breasts slap painfully against the skin underneath when I move quickly. In fact, due to the fact that I am not a very restfull sleeper, I usually wear a comfortable sports bra to bed."
Abi Bell

If you suffer with a sweat rash under the breasts, one idea is to apply a good medicated body powder (not talc) after you have washed every day. One visitor suggested Lanacane as a good one. Then there is also a product called Swoobies that is designed to absorb the moisture (sweat) between the bra and breasts.
"Because I want to give the illusion of a larger breast size."
This especially happens among teenagers who are very self-conscious if their breasts end up on the smaller end of the scale. Small-breasted and flat-chested women often pad their bras or perhaps use other means to fill up the bra cup, such as silicone breast enhancers.

If the society wouldn't have such a craze about large breasts being better, these girls and women wouldn't need to feel so self-conscious about this issue!

"Because they jump up and down while I exercise and do sports." Sports bras can be extremely helpful in reducing breast bouncing while running or doing other types of active sports. In fact, the bouncing during jogging, for example, can actually damage the ligaments inside the breasts. Slight movement of breasts is probably just helpful, because movement of breasts aids the lymph flow. You need to judge the situation based on the type of activity.

"Because I am breastfeeding and I need to wear nursing bras."
Nursing moms (or pregnant women) are indeed told to buy nursing bras and wear them. There is no medical necessity to wear nursing bras either. Of course nursing bras is a handy way to hide the leaking of breast milk, and maybe you want to wear one in order to avoid society's pressure.

However be careful because wearing a nursing bra may cause breast engorgement or sore breasts. It might be safer just place a towel under you during the night to catch the leakage, and not worry about breast milk spots on your T-shirts at home, where you can easily go brafree. We got a comment from one experienced mom whose engorgement troubles were over when she quit wearing a bra:

"I stumbled on your site trying to find some information about the link between breast cancer and breastfeeding.
I breastfed my four kids all for an extended time. The youngest is six so it has been a while....
I found something that really helped me with my babies.
You know how they tell you that you need to wear a bra when you are beginning to breastfeed? I would wake up after finally getting some sleep with a huge bra-shaped engorged breast. With my last two children I decided to go braless during those times and just let the breasts drip. It was very effective for me for treating and preventing engorgement. I think the movement of the breasts also probably helped keep them from getting hard. The bras I ended up wearing the most during those nursing years were some old thin sports bras that my sister had handed off to me. It did elicit some comments ("You need a new bra") but it was probably more natural than those other nursing bras that didn't work well for me."

Thanks for your site.
Peggy

So should I wear one or not?

The choice to wear or not to wear a bra is yours. Many women are very used to wearing bras, and feel uncomfortable in public without them. Social occasions may require you to wear one.

Bra wearing is not going to kill you (or 'kill' your breasts) if you follow the simple guideline of giving your breasts free time as much as you can - at home, while sleeping. And, if you wear one, remember to always wear a good fitting bra. It should not leave marks on your shoulders or under your breasts, or feel tight. Find a professional bra fitter. Or order custom-made ones. Don't sacrifice your breast health to fashion.

Some bra alternatives

There are many healthy alternatives for dressing brafree (some women prefer the positive term "brafree" rather than "braless" because they say women don't really need to wear bras).

Camisoles are inexpensive, and there is a huge variety at many department stores with variety of fabrics and weights, from silk to cotton. Some have straps similar to those of a bra, with adjustable clasps, so others may assume that a bra is being worn or that there is a bra under the camisole. You can find thin and/or cropped camis for summer.
Men's singlet undershirts, also called A-shirts, sleeveless undershirts, etc. They are inexpensive and comfortable.
Vests, similar to those of a man's 3-piece suit, over a blouse at work to hide breast outline or movement.
Shirts with pockets over both breasts; extra fabric layer conceals.
New alternatives include tops with two layers in front and one in back.
Loosely fitted tops.
Bra tops are supportive and shaping due to a careful cut and stretch cotton/lycra.
Leotards work as a bra alternative. The leotard usually has lining like a bust panel which is where the "bra" help comes in.
Or simply wear no undergarment depending on weather, confidence, self image, and nature of overgarment.
NuBra is just two adhesive cups that you place on your breasts. They keep the nipple from showing through clothing, if that is a concern.
A similar concept is the Bust Free Bra Cups. They have two cups that cling to the material of the fitting shirt or dress you wear.
While technically a bra, ZeeBraz is an interesting new kind of bra - developed to allow a woman the freedom to breathe and move and to allow the breasts to be supported in their natural position without being constricted.

Sources and information

Bra sizing and fitting tips - plus links to some special bra stores

Could a sports bra be for everyday use?

The 'Purpose' of the bra from Breastnotes.com

Prevention and Treatment of Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Case histories of women who found relief from fibrocystic disease by going bra-free.

Self Care For Your Breasts
Instructions with pictures how to massage your breasts to help the lymphatic flow.

GoingBraLess.net discussion forum

Is Your Bra Killing You? - a book by Chuck Messinger.

ARE BRAS REALLY...

a necessary garment?

WHY THE FUSS ABOUT BREASTS?

breasts of pregnant woman

THEY ARE JUST FATTY PROTRUSIONS TO NOURISH BABIES!

What do you think?
We may not be able to answer all emails, nor post all comments on the website, but all comments get read!

E-mail: (required)

Comments:

By sending in your comments, you agree that 007 Breasts may publish and edit your comment, or choose not to publish it for any reason.

Other people's comments

The following comments are from various visitors to www.007b.com. 007 Breasts is not necessarily endorsing everything written in the comments. The comments and opinions below belong to the commenters who made them. The comments are posted here because they might further help and encourage men and women who visit this website; however 007 Breasts is NOT responsible for the comments nor for any loss or damage caused by reading them.

HI, I have always had a problem with bras too. I find them very uncomfortable. I have used just about every tip you describe for being out in public without a bra. One 'undershirt' type garment that I found recently is very comfortable. It would be too warm in a southern climate, but it is great to wear under other garments. The company name is Elita, and their garments are made from bamboo fibre with a tiny bit of lycra. I found them in Sears (Canada) in the underwear, loungewear department.

Thanks for this webpage - it's great.

Susan

This article a very excellent source of information. I also feel we can go braless if it is more advantage. We women can bring that change. Thanks

Susheela

I would like to know how other women deal with going without a bra, large breasted, when a professional appearance matters. I am comfortable dressing as I please in my home town out shopping, going to a doctor's office, going out socially etc. I work usually from home. But when I go in front of an audience to speak, or to meetings where I have to also be looked at when I am trying to persuade others of what I'm saying - I find that it distracts people too much, not in a sexual way but by their discomfort. I keep thinking, If I could find some heavy loose printed fabric that was also comfortable (or wear a turtleneck underneath in winter or tank top in summer), it could work - but I don't know where to find any such thing. How have other women with large breasts dealt with the problem? I am encouraged to find so many others also making the decision to be comfortable in their bodies and not conform and constrict ourselves.

T

I love braless. I am braless all day. And even I don't have bra at all. I am 25 and I have no big boobs, just 36D. One day, I was invited on meeting that all participants must wear a white shirt and black skirt. Then, I wore as requirement, and I looked in the mirror. Oh, I could see two points in my chest. I didn't know what should I do, I had no time to buy bra. I didn't think so far, I took my top and I wore it under my shirt. It could reduce nipple showing.
And then in meeting room, air conditioner made air so cold, and sure my nipples were erect. Oh, it was shameful [embarrassing] experience, but I love it. I will never wear bra although it can be ashamed [embarrassing].

luna

I've found that tight tops can reduce bouncing very well. Before when I was at work, I just put vest without undershirt or bra, and sure my boobs always bounced up down left right depending on body movement, and it was shameful. And yesterday, when I had to wear a white shirt, I put a tight top with cream colored. And I never thought before that it could reduce boobs movement. And now I always wear tops under my shirt.

annisa

I found many women prefer to go braless, but just a few keeped braless at work. At 1st time we were braless at work, exactly many people would look at me, but for many times people would be usual. Now, when I am at work, I just take a tanktop with cotton fabric then a blazer. Or sometimes just a shirt at Friday. No one care my nips poke up cause of cold. I just found some of my friends has followed me. One of them has fat body and very big boobs, but she feel enjoy braless.

Lusy

I just feel odd when I don't wear a bra. Since mine are so big, they just sag beneath the shirt and it's obvious. But when wearing a bra your stomach actually looks thinner and you look thinner. How they say there's a higher risk for cancer, well if you're gonna get cancer you're gonna get it, it would just maybe prevent you from getting it sooner than later. Sure, it's more comfortable not wearing a bra, but I prefer wearing one then to not.

Katelyn

Your site is most helpful. I am post mastectomy and do not want to wear a prosthesis or any form of bra at all and am finding it hard to find clothing that fits my personal choice. It works in winter with fleece vests and allo. Isn't it about time we just "bare it all" which might do more towards awareness of BC.

Thanks again

Lisa

I have been reading the comments from everyone and I am glad there are other women out there that has freed themselves from wearing a bra. I was a 44DD and could have been a 44DDD. I had back surgery in 2001 and the doctor told me then that I needed a breast reduction. Since I am 5'3" my breasts were very large for my frame and the older I got the longer they got. I am 53 and have been wearing a bra since the age of 12. The straps always dug into my shoulders and I could never get use to the wires on the bras. This past summer I suffered with a rash under my breasts all summer long. In November I made a decision to have my breasts reduced. I had the surgery done and I have never been happier. They ended up taking four pounds of breast off. My back and shoulders no longer hurt and when I bend over I don't fall over like before. I am now a comfortable B and I hate to wear a bra now. I feel so much better then I ever have. Breast reduction may not be for everyone but if you have back problems and shoulder problems and suffer from the rashes it is the best thing you can do for yourself. My insurance covered the surgery also. I can wear my tops without a bra now and I love it. I would never want to be top heavy again.

Karen

I really love your site. I am a D cup and I go braless as much as possible. I do not care what people think anymore. I am going braless because I want to and I feel comfortable doing it. I would like to go braless at work but I have not figured out how to do it yet. Also my left breast is a little bigger than my righ one. Thanks again for a great site.

jitendra

IN NIGHT THERE IS NO NECESSARY OF BRA BECAUSE REST TIME BREASTS ALSO NEED REST. DON'T TIE THEM. THEN THEY GET FRESH AIR. TRY 2 SLEEP HALF NAKED.

Anil

I have read thru the comments on this page and a few other pages on this website, and noticed that many women are afraid to go brafree in public because their nipples show. Due to the fact that your breasts/nipples are accustomed to having a bra cover them, your breasts are used to being under a "shield" so to speak. Take away the shield, and then what? Your nipples erect out of fear, surprise, and exposure! This normal feeling of erectness IS normal, because of your nipples sensitivity. This sensitivity goes away, usually from about 3 weeks to 2 months of totally going brafree. (from personal experience).
But believe me, the transition is worth it! Sure you'll be self conscious, but aren't you anyway, when you wear a new shirt or outfit that is a little too modern?
We all have a false sense of modesty derived from our western culture society's peer pressure.
It's the breaking free to be different that always scares every one of us!! No one wants fingers pointed at them! You've GOT to be STRONG to be brave. No one can go brafree FOR YOU! You have to do it, alone, for your own health's sake! You only have one life to live! You only have the one body you have now! Why screw it up, just because of male pressure to do so, from modesty to self consciousness or nipple awareness! You've GOT to take the same stand your nipples take when you go BRAFREE! Who's with me? WHO'S WITH ME ????!!!!!

C

As a women with a 40 I-J cup a bra is essential, in fact I am considering reduction. Why are bras so uncomfortable? I have been fitted by experts, bought bras from 20-80.00 and they all suck. WHY are they not comfortable and supportive? We can put a man on the moon but bras are nothing more than some torture device!

Debbie

Something you did not mention. My bra has 2 functions. The obvious being it gives me support. The other I use it as a pocket to carry my money and credit card sometimes even a cell phone. This is a habit I have and I don't think alone. It's something many women do.

linda

I am so happy I stumbled across your site. Now I have a good excuse for when I go braless, which is often. I knew there was a reason I instinctively disliked them.

Daisy

I have FMS. Going without a bra has become a must due to the pain in my back, neck, and arms. This has been a help.

Anita Jones

I just wanted to say I was uncomfortable not wearing a bra even around my house, especially around my brother and father. After reading this website, I realized how truly, well, messed up that is for my sense of confidence etc... Anyways now I realized that it is perfectly alright to let my breasts go wild and free (just kidding, but I do realize that they don't have to be immobilized to be decent.) thanks

Sarah

Regarding Sarah's comment
I dont think there should be a problem with not wearing a bra around your brother and father. It is completely normal. I have a younger brother and I don't wear a bra around him sometimes, once in a while if the two of us are home alone I go around topless, no big deal so don't worry about it.

samantha

Just wanted to write here because my reason for wearing a bra isn't on the list. I have small breasts, but I have to wear a bra 24 hours a day because they are just too sensitive. If I don't wear one the breasts and especially the nipples will rub against the fabric of my clothes and cause me great discomfort.

Elizabeth

Halleluiah!! Someone who feels the same way I do about these antiquated torture devices we call bras. I am thrilled to find the information and passionately hope that the notion of being "brafree" becomes a way of life for all of us.

Thanks a million!!

Lisa

I have written a book on bras and breast cancer, after 10 years of research and reading "Dressed to Kill". My book, "Is Your Bra Killing You?" can be purchased here: http://www.lulu.com/content/539421 also it can be found on Amazon.com. Bras are definitely destroying the natural look of women's breasts, when they are out of their bras. All for the sake of culture, and peer pressure. And so called "dress codes." Work tells women what underwear to wear? Where is your freedom of choice then, women? SOMEBODY needs to speak up for you rights about that!

Chuck

For those who would like to have more objective or measurable experience with bra vs no bra, I would suggest a simple test. Try to wear a bra for only one breast, leaving another free (braless). Then it will be like a scientific research or your own clinical trial, and another breast will serve as a control. You need to modify some bra for that purpose, cutting away half of it (either for the left or right breast) and substituting it with a suitable strap around your body. Try it for a week or better for a few months and observe how it feels and what is the difference. After that, if needed, you can change sides.
It will be interesting and fun. I agree, however, that it will work better for moderate size breasts, otherwise the asymmetry may be little bit too noticeable.

far away

I'm 26 and I've never worn a bra in my life. My mother is the same way as well as my sister. Both of them have smaller breasts than me like B cups but I think I'm more like a DD or DDD. I've recently thought about starting to wear a bra but I haven't decided for sure yet. But I'm glad to see others like me who don't wear bras!

kealie

Wow, I am glad I came across this site! I am 25 and have small breasts and have always struggled to find bras that fit and are comfortable as I also have a broad back and sensitive skin. I was constantly pulling up straps, pulling down the cups that would slide up over my boobs and wriggling around trying to get the itch from seams and tags and catches and buckles digging in on my shoulders. As a teenager I mostly wore cami-bras and sports bras but as I got older I thought that a shaped/padded bra gave me a better look/shape. I stopped wearing a bra at home a long time ago but still wore one to work for appearances sake. The first thing I'd do when I got home was whip it off! It has all frustrated me so much that I have just recently stopped wearing a bra at all but I still feel self conscious as I think my boobs have a weird shape and the whole nipple thing. Reading this site however is definitely enlightening and now I am more excited and confident about being proud of being bra free!

Thanks muchly, I'll definitely be sharing this with my friends!

Louise

I read all comments, but found not mention of possible infections caused by store brand new bras. Please make sure you WASH bras and panties you buy right before you wear them. Many women suffered terrible infections, since many manufactures of bras place their merchandise in warehouses full of dust and/or mold before heading to your store. I understand we love to wear "new" things, but your health should always come first.

MM

I hate wearing bras and have decided I am not longer going to wear a bra. I have DD's and my nipples are erect constantly. I try to conceal the nips when in public, but sometimes wish I could let it all hang out and not be worried someone might see a small bulge. We all have them, right? Anyway, I feel so much better not wearing a bra. I have been wearing camis just to keep the jiggle down. I just want all you ladies that want to be bra free to go for it. If enough of us do it, hopefully one day it won't be considered trashy.

Hannah

I think its really comfortable wearing bras. I'm just thirteen but when my mother asked me to wear one I got angry with her, but after trying one now I know how comfortable and useful it is. LOL

Jameela

I just wanted to thank you for this wonderful site - This section alone on bras was quite the comfort to me, as being a heavier chested woman I have never seen the benefit of wearing a bra (red marks and discomfort have been the norm) aside from trying to please the public eye.

So thank you! Your image section also helped ease my nervousness about the fact my breasts aren't round and supple as Hollywood/pornography claims they should be.

Ali

I really love your site. I am a d cup and I go braless as much as possible. I do not care what people think anymore. I am going braless becsuse I want to and I feel comfortable doing it. I would like to go braless at work but I have not figured out how to do it yet. Also my left breast is a little bigger than my righ one. Thanks again for a great site.

Jenny

THIS IS THE GREATEST WEBSITE I HAVE EVER CAME ACROSS... I have worn a bra every day and every night of my life ever since my boobs started to grow. The only time I took my bra off was to take a shower. Because of this website I learned how wrong that really was. From doing that, guess where it left me? My boobs went from a firm 38C to a saggy 38B. What a horrable experience after all those years thinking I was taking care of myself. As of today, I will be going braless while I am at home. I have been for about an hour now and IT FEELS SO GOOD! At first I felt so different but it was actually my boobs breathing for once! Once I get my boobs back into shape, I am going to wear my favorite t-shirt without a bra :) THANK YOU!! I'LL KEEP YOU UPDATED!
21 year old

I would love to go bra free all of the time but I feel that when I go to work I should wear a bra. But I think that when I go back to work in September, I might try wearing a cami instead.
deb

As a model I'm expected to go braless with many pieces, however when I tell a photographer or another model that I go braless the majority of the time, "Why?" is the most common response. They present garments in magazines and on the runway without a bra because it looks better and makes it more feminine, yet expect you to wear one on everyday ocassions.

When I want to look "sexy" or with certain pieces I'll put on a bra, but personally I love my 32C's. I loved them when they were A's and I'll love them when they are bigger, I'll love them when they are leaky and nourishing my children one day, and when you love something you don't hide it.

PLUS men aren't expected to wear a jock strap everyday.... seriously why should I be expected to pack my breast into a cup.
Lo

I'm so glad I had came across this site. I haven't worn a bra for over a year now. It just feels natural to me. I have been wanting to explore any health benefits that wearing a bra will do for you. Nobody has been able to answer me... except that it is to be worn for social acceptability and to look perky for men. I don't care if I happen to bounce, I think it is whoever has a problem with it has their own issues they need to deal with.... not me having to conform to their ideal.

I also breastfed my children and a lot of the time I was braless. It just was natural to be that way... I even walked around my home braless while they were growing up... because I wanted them to think breasts were a normal part of the body... not something that HAS to be covered and bound up.... thus I also wanted to desexualize breasts.

I would encourage them to enjoy their nakedness.... play outside with the winds blowing across their bodies... It is natural. We are not meant to be bound up to look pretty and perfectly presentable.

Although my children are older now... and reject the values I have tried to instill in them... that is not my fault. But from a society that condems anything that is out of their defination of a box.

I just want to say I'm so happy for this site... it confirms so much of what I have always believed... I'm so happy to join a community for this. Thank You

Tracey

Bras only dig into shoulders if the bands are too big, because too big a band can't offer the correct support. A good-fitting bra will support even without the straps. Call me conditioned or whatever; I don't care. I feel very uncomfortable without a bra and do not want creeps staring at my 30Es.

Jen

My wife buys new bras and uses the old ones for sleeping. She says she has to buy new ones because the old ones stretch and could cause her breast to pull away from her chest. I was looking for information about what she has said and happened onto this site. I have thought for sometime that wearing a bra was for cosmetic reasons and public restriction rather than health. My mother never made my sisters wear tops, mom said they would be forced into that soon enough. Then came wearing tee shirts, and then the training bras which I could not understand because what were they training? I have often heard that beauty is sometimes painful. Some people and times are so ignorant.

Thank you for the eye opener.
Malcohm

Contrary to popular belief, if you go braless long enough, your nipples get desensitized and don't get erect unless it's cold out. Many worry about the braless image, and if they can get past the "always erect" period, you'll discover a whole new world later when they don't show anymore and people stop looking!

The looks are caused by our western culture society of course, as stupid as it is, because breast attraction has only occurred thru the "cover up" men and women have done over the years. If everyone would just leave your breasts alone, keep their eyes to themselves, and starting accepting new trends in women's freedom, then we could have you women being more free and live longer. God didn't mean for women to "strap down" their breasts. As in a comment I read by someone else, God would have made women's bodies a little bit different, like some automatic bra justs inflates at the proper time. Ridiculous thought right?
People just can't seem to get it in their heads-women's breasts are theirs, and what they do with them, braless or not, is their own business!

Chuck

You raise many points of interest, however, when one is exceedingly large, short in stature and have breast fed children, the gals really sag, and hide some if not all of your waist line if left to fly free. Also, I wake up in pain every morning that I have slept without a bra. I wear very supportive no-wire bras from Goddess (no choice when you are a size H cup with a 34 to 36 inch back), and perhaps have avoided some of the discomfort issues others have experienced by wearing ill fitting or underwire bras. While I will admit that it feels nice to go without on the weekend at home, I likewise ALWAYS hurt after sleeping and on the sides of my breasts the longer I go without. As for stigma...I have to admit, I think someone unkempt, etc. esp when they are top heavy and go out in public without a bra. Its a choice, but one I am personally not comfortable with (as in you will NEVER catch me outside without a bra).

Chris

I am so very grateful to all of you who put up this site and to all who commented. I have extremely low confidence level, but I think that everything I have just now learned is starting to change that. I am a C cup on the left and a D cup on the right, and have always just worn camis with bras in it. It's not wrong, and now I know it is. I shouldn't care what other people say or do. It's what I think is right. Going through all of my low self-confidence levels is no picnic. My mom used to take me to a shrink just because I didn't like wearing a bra, which I believe started all of my low self-confidence. She would "check" to see if I was wearing one, and I became so desperate that I ended up cutting the fronts off of one of my bras and just wearing the backs to make it appear I was wearing one. Shopping is still hard since I am limited to what I can wear with just a camisole (my day to day wear consists of a green jacket always zipped up and some non-cleavage bearing shirt). This is going to greatly help me throughout the rest of my high school career, so I just wanted to say thank you and maybe help others like me. :)

noelle

My size is 34G and I have not worn a bra for the last 2 years. I've actually found that my breasts have become perkier - not bad for a 55 year old! My advice for ladies who suffer with a sweat rash under the breasts, is to apply a good medicated body powder (not talc) after you have washed every day. Lanacane make a good one. My rash has completely cleared up and remains clear and skin feels lovely and smooth. Hope this helps.

Lyn

Love your site! I also wanted to add a great bra-alternative which I use--- I just buy loose fitting camisoles and then a bikini swimsuit top. I take the padding out of the swimsuit top (you could also chop up your old bras for padding) and stick it in my camisole. works like a charm, especially when the girls get cold.
thanks for all the great info!!!

Lucia K

GREAT news! The bagginess of my military uniform (desert fatigues) obscures the fact that I am NOT wearing a bra and I am confident no one can tell. Being smaller-breasted helps too. FREE!!

Rebecca Hammel

Bra Free comment:
your website is among the websites who convinced me to go bra-free seven months ago. It's been one of the two best things I ever did for my well-being in its womanly respects (the other being getting a menstrual cup and eco cloth pads -- if I may place this recommendation :). I used to hate my breasts: because they are huge (C+ when I'm otherwise slim), because they bounce when I do sports and move (oh how disgusting!), because they hurt before period time, because it is impossible to find a comfortable bra. Going bra-free solved all these problems; now my breasts are my friends :)

They are not huge but normal (I learned from the normal breasts gallery); and actually without the bra-push they look less huge and have a very nice harmonious shape (before I saw your gallery, I thought that the bra-deformed shape is the "natural" shape; now I notice how ugly straps and squeezes visible through women's blouses are compared to a normal breast :).

They bounce a lot and I like it - I still remember how great it felt when I went bra-free biking for the first time :) the sensation of wind and movement on that body part was amazing; later in the evening they felt happy and alive like never before. They also like brafree dancing, martial arts, and even short gentle jogs (though with tight-fitting blouses to reduce bouncing to a level where people won't stare ;). They feel incredibly good after sports, and they finally feel like part of my body (and not a dead, unwanted element glued to it).

They pre-period discomfort got close to zero (something happens there, but it is not painful).
And I don't need to spend ages looking for a bra that doesn't squeeze, itch, and constrain.

Strangely, I now feel a lot more confident in and about my body -- knowing it is natural and healthy, and it does not need external "fixes" to "correct" or conceal its shapes; I do not need any "fixes" or "supports" to run and jump around!! It is perfect as it is.

So even though I know it may not be for every woman, I greatly recommend the bra-free option to all who are even remotely considering the idea. Try it for a week; most likely you will not go back. Nothing to lose. Body and soul may feel a lot better.

I've read a lot of comments from people asking why people find nipples and the natural movement of breasts inappropriate. For me, it's mostly because of the simple fact that it draws the attention from sleazy men, and women who aren't wearing bras are viewed as "easier" by men in general. Also, I'm a 32C and I find it super uncomfortable to run or use stairs without one on unless I hold them, which looks weird, lol.

kassey

I'm 19 and decided about a week ago to go braless. It's been amazing. I've always wanted to gain the confidence to throw out the bras, but it took until my first semester of college to do it. It is so unfortunate how much insane peer pressure high schoolers have to deal with... It's winter break, so I still have time to get fully comfortable. I'll see what happens when I go back to school for the spring semester, but I feel like I'll be fine considering I've been doing so much research and been educating myself on the history of the bra as a fashion accessory. I know I'm lucky with size A breasts, but I highly recommend going braless to anyone who can. It is so freeing!

Tal

I am large chested and wore a bra for years with discomfort, and found that once I get one that fit right, things were great! As for cost, if they fit properly they last longer too. But it's true, now I find if I don't wear one, my chest hurts a lot. So maybe I should try going braless more oftem when I am lazing around at home and no need to worry about any bouncing.

ally

I'm in high school, and I really hate bras. But I have gym every other day, making it impossible to go bra-less. I get teased a lot because my size is only 34A. I laugh like I don't mind, but I see how differently I'm treated from other girls with "ideal" figures.
I'm glad this site is up, because sometimes I really feel like no one understands or cares. Thank you so much.

Rozzi

Thank you so much for the work you have done in support of changing how society views womens breasts. I stopped wearing bras over 2 years ago and this has been great for my breast health and I have enjoyed the comfort. One thing I would like to comment on though is how there is this perception that women who go brafree are somehow selfish if we do not conceal our breasts, (which is hard to do if you have larger breasts). We are considered selfish because our breasts entice men and offend women. So, therefore, we are still expected to acquiesce to the rules of the breast taboos and bend to accommodate others. I find this expectation to be unfair.

It's my opinion that no man is enticed who does not want to be. He has a responsibility for how he sees womens breasts. He could choose to see them in a more mature, respectful way. Women are also responsible if they feel offended. They, in my opinion, are buying into all the lies of the breast taboo that states breasts are indecent and should be covered. Granted, men and women have been conditioned to view breasts in these unflattering ways. But, why should I have to be the one who makes all the adjustments because of their beliefs? Why should my being in the world, how I dress and express myself be based on their views of my breasts? What I do is based on my views of my breasts, not some unknown strangers. I dont agree that my breasts are sex objects. I dont agree with the ideas that they are taboo or indecent. I dont believe that I should have to worry about whether my nipples show or not, they are a respectable part of my body. I have no problem with dressing appropriately for an occasion such as work, church or a wedding. But in my free time, I have the right to make my own choices. If my nipples show, they show. It's sad that so many negative beliefs are associated with nipples. Is there any part of the body that is treated as badly as the female breast?

This society (the U.S. where I live) has decided that my breasts are indecent, taboo, objects that are ok to sexualize 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without asking me, without my consent and Im selfish? These ridiculous, negative, overly sexualized attitudes and beliefs about breasts are imposed upon me on a daily basis. Im expected to agree with these attitudes, no questions asked, step in line like a good girl and Im the one who is selfish? Women have basically been told what their breasts are, and thats sexual. My breasts have been defined for me, without asking me how I felt. And Im the one who is selfish? Often times, the sexuality imposed on womens breasts is a cheap version of the deeper, more loving connection that sexuality can embody. And the original intent of breasts, which is to feed and nurture babies, seems almost lost in this society.

If someone had asked me, I would have told them that I would like my breasts to be respected for what they are and allowed to be what they are without being constantly sexualized by men and viewed with disgust by women. I would have said that my breasts are sexual when I want them to be, not all the time just because they are breasts. I refuse to accept the label of selfish when it comes to my bralessness, especially when I live in a society that is so hostile towards womens breasts and just allowing them to be what they are. Could I go and get a fitting for a properly fitting bra? Sure, but why bother. Whats so wrong with not wearing a bra? Whats so wrong with the female breast that they are treated like they need some piece of cloth and straps to make them ok? Im going to continue to stand up to these taboos.

Chris

Before my breast reduction, I could have never felt comfortable without a bra. The weight of the 4.4 lbs I had removed was much too heavy to have flop around and pull at me. I wore a bra 24/7 except when showering for 30 years. Even now I am a 36D and cannot feel comfortable without a bra except when sleeping on my back occasionally. The old pencil test is a good gauge for me. If the breast lays on the chest wall, it gets hot and sticky between the breast and the chest. If I were an A or B cup, I would simply wear a supportive camisole as suggested here. I see no harm in a lady with no breasts wearing a gel bra to fill out her clothing. If it fits right, there should be no pulling, digging, etc.

Carol

This website is an eye-opener. I stopped wearing bras when I graduated from high school at 17. During my high school years, going through puberty and wanting to be accepted and all that, I was under the influence that wearing a bra was "the thing" to do. Back then the Wonderbra was the big thing, as was anything push-up. I wanted to get one of those bras, but I was too busty for them (40C then, now 42C-D). I would try squeezing into them in the fitting room, but no luck.

I wasn't sure about the feel of my breasts back in my high school years, but I do know that ever since I went bra-free my "babies" felt much better. The only "support" I give them these days is those camisoles with the hidden bra underneath, which I've been wearing for a few years now, and I'm not sure if those are good for your breasts either now that I read this article!

Recently, I got told by a couple of my co-workers that I "should" wear a bra so my breasts don't "sag" when I get older. Suddenly under the fear of gravity getting the best of my "babies," I finally brought my old bra out and wore it recently. However, I noticed a different feel when I wore it. Nothing too serious (little aches and slight tenderness), but it wasn't something my breasts didn't experience when I went bra-free. And when I unexpectedly stumbled upon this site and its helpful links just today, I finally took that bra off for GOOD. I should tell my co-workers about this article (one of which is also a breast cancer survivor), and they'll be astounded!

Thank you for this article. Hope that many women (and men) unexpectedly stumble upon this site as I did too, and get something out of it.

Dee Lauren

I am 56 years old and have not worn a bra since I was 16 except for when I was breastfeeding. With the extra weight of the milk and large glands my breasts were often tender and sore. I found the support of a bra more comfortable, but only sometimes. I think I needed the bra as a way of holding breast pads to absorb leaked milk. My breasts were quite small until I had children (2 boys I breastfed for about 2 years each) and even now they are not large and are still quite shapely and attractive. I think bras are used to hide nipples. My nipples are quite big and are quite noticeable when erect so that can be a little embarrassing when men pass comments about them. Men think erect nipples mean you are horny. I try to buy shirts with pockets over my breasts! Sometimes I just don't care and wear what I like, but not in winter!

Sheridan Arlen Williamson

If a bra feels uncomfortable then it doesn't fit properly. If I didn't wear a bra during breastfeeding it was painful. Bear in mind, you should wear a bra without underwiring during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. A good bra will give you a good upper body shape, which is what a lot of women like. Lovely underwear makes a lot of women feel good,like a lovely dress. It is a matter of choice for women and should not be determined by anyone else apart from the individual.

Alison Bryant

I wear one because I don't like the nipple show through from not wearing one. I prefer a smooth look. You may call that "programming", but I know what I like and that's NOT prominent nipple show through.

Leah

When I was 15 my mom who always went braless encouraged me to try it. At first I was afraid to, but the more I tried it, the more comfortable I was. I am now 22 and still am a 34A. I don't worry about my nipples getting hard or showing anymore either.

Sara

Thank you so much for this informative article. Nine years ago I reluctantly bought a new bra. It was thickish (not padded) and flattering but when my superior exclaimed, "Wow! Did you get a boob job?" I went to my secretary and asked her if I looked weird or riding too far up, etc. She assured me I was fine but I've not worn a bra since. I'm not large. Now that I'm older and weight shifts, I wondered if a bra was necessary because I was taught, "If it'll hold pencil when standing up straight, bra it!" Thanks to your article, I'll remain free and comfortable.

Btw, sometimes I'll wear something simply too shear to go out "nipply" so my solution is a couple of round bandaids on both.

I hope mothers share this article with their daughters.

Ginnie

I'm nearly 14 and I've been going braless for about half a year and I've not noticed any bad affects! My breasts are 30E now but they don't sag or droop. I don't think I'll ever go back to bras and feeling uncomfortable. I really love the feeling of them bouncing and just being free! Thanks again for this great site!

Helen

My breast is uneven, I had try go bra[free] for sometime now. But I feel the pain below my shoulder when I touches my breast even when I am not sleeping. The reason for this is, without wearing bra, my arm touches my larger side of breast when sleeping.

I do not have this before starting this trial. I did not expect this. Somebody help please..

YY

Thank you so much for this wonderful website. I have learned so much. I stopped wearing bras completely 9 months ago. Intially, I stopped wearing them due to the discomfort I felt. I was one of those women who would take it off in my car as soon as I got out of work.

I finally found the courage to go against societal standards and I've been so much happier ever since.

There are lots of women who only wear bras because it's socially unacceptable not to, otherwise, they would not wear one. I was one of them. And sadly, most of the disapproval and mean looks come from other women, who have breasts themselves. I think it is pathetic that so many women have been brainwashed to think that their breasts and other women's breasts and nipples are disgusting or gross without a bra. I'd like to ask them if they think God should have put a bra in our DNA, timed perfectly to develop with our breasts at puberty. How did it come to be that the natural movement of the breast along with nipples are somehow obsence and inappropriate?
I'm here to encourage other women with larger breasts (I was 46 DD) to go braless if you want to and stop caring about the opinions of other people. Not all large-breasted women need a bra due to back pain. I have never had any pain as a result of going braless. But, prior to my going braless, I had been having severe breast pain and tenderness. I had that for years and thought it was normal, but it wasn't. I even started having sharp pains in my breasts that I wasn't familiar with. It was so painful at times, I couldn't even lay down in bed on my stomach. But now that I've been brafree, the past 6 of 9 cycles have been completely pain free!!! Oh the joy of it. You can't tell me there is no correlation between wearing a bra and breast pain, at least for me. May, June and July have been completely pain free as it seems my breasts have started to heal after decades of wearing bras. I'll never do that to myself again.

My conviction to remain brafree for the rest of my life is strong. There are so many ways to go brafree that are tasteful, professional and downright beautiful. I'm tired of the notion that brafree women are "slutty." It's incredibly harsh, judgemental, narrow-minded and unfair. You can't judge the kind of person a woman is by whether she wears a bra or not.

To end my comment, I would like to express my love and respect for breasts. Breasts have been ogled and objectified, poked and prodded, smashed into mammogram machines, judged, rejected and loathed, measured and restrained. When are they ever going to just be loved and accepted as part of our bodies that deserve respect? My brafreedom is my statement of my love and respect for my body and my breasts.

Theresa

I started going without a bra about 7 yrs ago.

Fortunately I worked at an alternative health food store and had an apron on all day as part of my uniform. No one even noticed. It was great!

At first my breasts hurt when I would drive over bumps in the car, and the like. But after a month or so there was no more pain as the tissues had recovered their health.

I see it this way, if you bounce around a broken bone it aches, but once it's healed it doesn't. The ligaments, lymph, and muscles became stronger and by breasts had no more pain.

I do still wear one when doing high impact activities as my breasts are very large and it hurts if they bounce too high, but it doesn't hurt during most activities even my small breasted friends complain about even with their bras on!

I also want to add a comment about fashion. You can still dress very stylishly and have trendy clothes that look great without a bra. I personally know of many very wealthy, stylish women who do NOT wear bras and are still considered very attractive.
It is simply a matter of choosing clothing that fits and enhances your natural breast shape instead of the shape of a breast in a bra. I have such a wardrobe.

When I went into Nordstroms to find a bra to wear while doing those high impact excercises, I was wearing a shirt that fits my natural breasts very nicely and is fitted enough to see my curves (and thick enough material most people do not notice my nipples).

I had finished selecting some bras, and come out to ask the fitting expert a question. I had removed the bras, as I did not feel like wearing them at the moment. I was dressed as I had been when I arrived, braless under my shirt. The attendant said,"... like the bra you are already wearing."

I was shocked that she couldn't tell the difference! I said,"I'm not wearing any bra." She and the rest of the store's patrons looked at me in shock. :) Not one of them could tell I wasn't wearing one. :)

I can tell you, I felt extreamly confident about how my breasts looked the rest of the day!

elena

Great site. I can't wear a bra because I feel it restricts my breathing. This has got worse as I've put on weight after having children. I'm going for the camisole alternative. Thank you.

Amanda

I would say I can't do without my bra. I recently stop using one to sleep because everyone was compaining. Well there is definitely a freedom when I remove it but still I can't just do without it. I think every lady has her or choice 2 wear bra or not.

loveth

Hi, I just found out that my aunt (she is 46 yrs. old) has breast cancer so she has to have her left one removed. She has been wearing a bra even when she sleeps. This article has really made me think... I like to take my bra off, as soon as I can, bc wearing one is such a pain. I breast fed my daughter until she was 4 yrs. old and my breast are diffrent now. Women should really do a lot of research before putting a bra on, know why they do it, and go bra less a lot. Set Them Free! "XOXO": Jakline Burnett Briones

Hi,
This is a very interesting website with great information. Thank You so much for giving us this site.

I am a 42DD breast size and I am very happy with my breasts and their size. One is a little larger than the other and they hang different but they are great.

There is nothing better than going braless, I find that my breasts are much more comfortable and they feel much better over all. I used to wear a bra but was miserable. I like very much to feel them swing and sway and bounce. It took me a while to get used to the idea but now I would NEVER go back to wearing a bra.

I hope more ladies try going braless and realize the comfort and the freedom and I would bet they will not want to wear a bra again.

I am in my early 60's and want to keep my breasts happy and healthy.

Jan

Excellent site. Very enlightening. I am a 35 year old breastfeeding mother, size 36E. When I went to buy nursing bras I was told by the fitting lady that I needed the one with the strongest support and I must wear it all day and night. I have ignored this advice because my nights were just too uncomfortable, and I am brafree during the day as much as possible (although the leaking is a bit of a nuisance). I was worried that being brafree would lead to sagging, mastitis and even tissue damage. Your site has completely reassured me. Thank you.

Karen

This is a cool site. I'm 23 , 34C and have always worn a bra due to conformatity to societies standards, and just feeling really awkward with out one. But not wearing one is definetly much more comfortable and I have such a hard time trying to find one that fits right (one side is a half cup larger than the other). I think I'm and going to try wearing camisoles instead. I want to thank everyone on here for making me realize it's OK not to wear a bra :)

katie

I'm 26 with a D cup, and I was so sick of bras cutting into my shoulders, and making me feel restricted, so I just stopped wearing them.

My mother and grandmother will come to me on occasion and ask: "Don't you just hate it when you get those sharp pains in your breast?" (both wear bras religiously).
All I can say is no, because after going bra-free for 4 years, I don't get pains at all. Even running down my stairs braless isn't painful anymore. If need be I'll wear a nice cami, or tank, but that's all.

The non-physical discomfort that most women feel about not wearing a bra, is just caused by the horrible brainwashing society has done.
Screw that! Im through with bras!

Tisha

Wow! I never realised so many women didn't wear bras. I have very small 36aaa breasts and as a result look very pear shaped (in my eyes). I always wear my gel bras. I feel incredibly selfconsious without them, because I try to balance out my shape (top to bottom) and don't feel I can without them. I would like to go without a bra but quite often I don't 'fill out' tops or camis (another knock to the confidence). I guess in a way my bras have become my comforter. It is not even to do with being sexy, gel bras are very plain. It is about confidence at the end of the day. I admire any woman who feels comfortable to go without a bra and one day I may do the same, maybe after a boob job (another debate, another place!) ;-)

xXx

Katie

It seems that some of the "bra wearers" who have commented feel defensive about their choice. I personally feel comfortable in a bra but am aware of the fact that I have been conditioned by my culture to wear one. I remember being in 5th grade and desiring a bra. Why? I had no breasts but the bra itself had come to signify a rite of passage. Wear or don't wear a bra for whatever reason. However, I think it is necessary for all women (and men) to be cognizant of the history of bras and to question the social norms under which we developed a necessity for a bra. Are we really on the forefront of feminism in the "west" if we can't even critically look at what makes us "women?" Ask yourself, for whom are my breasts to stay perky, circular, and cleavaged for? and if the answer is yourself, ask why again.

julian

My guess is that the bodice was invented by a woman. I'm only 5' with DD breasts. I can barely stand being out of a bra long enough to take a shower. When I am, they hurt tremendously. Sleeping without one, or one with not enough support, is especially bad. They flop off to one side and I wake up feeling like the muscles are pulled the next morning. Health of the body is only useful if you have quality of life to go with it. Frankly, I hate bras myself. I prefer a good old fashion bodice. Keeps the weight of them strapped closer to my spine, gets added support from the hips, support from the shoulders, and it even realigns my spine where the outward weight pulls it out of place. Friends and family agree that I'm much more active and less mopey in a bodice.

Now, I use bodice instead of corset because there's an important difference: bodices have little to no boning and only cover the ribcage. They're also worn on the outside of clothing. "Fashionable" woman may have worn corsets, but I can almost guarantee that real woman wore bodices. When the breasts are large, its just much easier to make them go away and stop bothering you. Braless may be good for small breasted women, but not everyone was blessed with good anatomy.

Katherine A.

Were women not made to dislike, and generally be so psychologically uncomfortable with, their breasts, would there be anywhere near the number of comments about physical discomfort from breasts in their natural state? I strongly suspect not (as someone who does wear an E cup). Being discouraged--in the name of "femininity"--from exercising enough to develop strong muscles couldn't help either. Just think of all the women you've seen who hunch around their breasts, rounding their shoulders; that's going to give you a backache all on its own, sooner rather than later.

It's enough to make a person weep. We need to stop handing over control of our bodies to other people. *shakes head*

Rachel

I like wearing a sports bra when at work or exercising. They aren't binding but give a little extra support. But at home, I just put on a t-shirt and let my boobs go free!

Cie

I just read your entire site and found it fascinating. I am a 50 year old man and have long been fascinated by breasts, growing up just as you say, conditioned by the media.

Recently, I made my first trip to a Carribean beach frequented by Europeans who were accustomed to going topless. At first glance, I was in shock at all the women topless. In a very brief time, I became used to it and actually became proud of the women who walked around and laid in the sun acting as if they had no idea they were topless. I realized how much more comfortable they were and how they seemed to pay absolutely no attention to being topless.

The interesting thing is that while this is a European culture, I saw many American women that jumped right in and were very comfortable with being topless. My wife was topless the entire week and she loved it. It wasn't a sexual thing at all, simply a totally relaxing and free feeling vacation. The american women that we met would sit around topless with no reservations and they spoke of how great it would be if this could become an American tradition.

Please - All you women out there - Embrace the braless ideas and stop hurting yourself - Don't worry about what others think and I believe you can begin a revolution that will last forever.

Please know that I say this for the benefit of all and I'm not some perverted pleasure seeker. I've long felt bad for women because of their breast problems and would love to see an Oprah led trend to reverse all the ills that have been put upon you. Your breasts should become a natural body part thats seen as natural as your hands or face. I've seen plenty of men that do not look good without a shirt on, but you know what - they couldn't care less and neither should you. Sincerely - D

Thank you so much for this wonderful website... all these years I thought I was practically the only one who thought wearing a bra was insane!
I am twenty-one years old and have a 34C bra size, but I have never worn a bra on anything approaching a regular basis. When I was ten and my breasts started developping, my mom took me to buy my first bra. I didn't think one way or the other about needing a one, but that changed when I put it on... it was horrible! My mother and sister told me it was "normal" to feel that way, that I would get used to it after a little while, but I never did. I took it off every chance I got and it got to the point where my parents were trying to coerce me to wear it. Eventually, they gave up, and my going braless was a known-but-never-mentioned fact during my early years. I was very self-conscious about it at school, especially in the locker room while changing for PE class, so sometimes I did wear a bra just to be "normal", but I always stopped it after a day or two. I simply could not stand the feel of the bra digging into me. It was all I could think about, and it felt like I was being tortured. I thought there was something majorly wrong with me, because I was the only one I knew who felt that way. Everyone else just seemed to take wearing a bra for granted, and I found myself envying them, because I couldn't do it. At that age, all anyone wants is to be "normal" and to fit in, and I was no different, but something inside me completely rebuked all of the social brainwashing about wearing bras and wouldn't let me do it. All the envying and self-consciousness in the world wasn't enough to make me strap a bra on; they just felt too wrong, both physically and mentally. I made a point not to let others notice, by wearing clothes that would minimalize the chances of anyone not noticing I wasn't wearing a bra--a few people did, though, and I was teased about it to some extent--but this was one issue my normally passive nature refused to cave in on. It just wasn't worth it to me.

When I was fourteen I noticed something odd with my breasts: they weren't developing evenly. One was a C-cup and one was a D-cup. Finding a bra that fit became anatomically impossible, and it was the main reason I decided never to wear a bra again (though I had only worn one very occasionally before). I never thought this anomaly might stem from not wearing a bra (which of course it didn't), but it did make me more self-conscious than ever. I was so ashamed of my breasts I went to greater lengths than ever to hide them under bulky clothing, hoping and praying they would even out, but the discrepancy between them only got larger. My mother finally noticed after about a year, and she took to see a doctor to find out if it was something to be worried about. The summer I turned sixteen I had breast reduction surgery on one breast only, which felt very weird because I had never heard of that before. I had to wear a special bra for two weeks after the operation, to keep the stitches from tearing, and by the time the two weeks were up I felt ready to climb the walls.

The surgery was worth it, though, and even though I no longer have an offical excuse not to wear a bra, I refuse to do it. My intolerance for them has only grown over the years, and even though I sometimes still feel very self-conscious about not wearing one, I feel better after coming across this website and for the first time realizing I am not the only one who feels this way. Camisoles have played a large part in liberating me from feeling awkward, and I wear one outside the house almost all the time.

Kristina

I love this website. We need more of these. To the whole crew that started this just know that your website rocks. I come from africa. I am sooo used to seing breasts since I was a child up to now am 19. We must fight the American ignorance.

abby

Read more visitors comments about bras

Female breast as a taboo

Breast health

| |

Breastfeeding

Baring breasts in public

Has 007b.com helped you? Let us know!
We are always happy to hear your feedback!

This site uses a LOT of bandwidth to run with all the pictures. Use this link if you'd like to help out with the bandwidth costs.