What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
The no-bra look is a big trend in fashion and feminism these days, but is it really better than wearing a bra?
Going braless is all about personal choice. We all love taking off an uncomfortable bra after a long day, but that doesn't mean it works for everyone all the time. The key here is freedom. Whether you want to wear a bra or not, you should be able to make your decision purely based on your own comfort and physical needs.
There are plenty of harmful myths and attitudes floating around that may prevent a woman from doing this freely. Click through this gallery to see them deflated and learn more about the benefits of going braless.
Even the best-fitting bra tends to get uncomfortable after a long day. The underwires are a nightmare, and you’re bound to have the straps firmly indented into your skin. The immediate sense of relief when you get home and take off your bra makes it clear that going braless might be the better option.
In the long term, many women report that once they get used to going braless they have a greater sense of freedom and comfort with their bodies.
Most women know the constricting sensation of wearing a bra for hours. This constriction can impede blood circulation to the chest and back, which can lead to aching back muscles.
As bras absorb sweat and dirt from the skin, they can cause skin irritation and even acne. Clogged pores in that area are no joke!
Breasts aren’t inherently sexual. Their main function is to produce milk for breastfeeding. People are not “hardwired” to stare at women’s boobs. This eroticization is cultural, as was the sexual allure of a woman's ankle in Victorian Britain!
There are many myths out there about bra-wearing. This one has been circulating among the younger generations for a long time. The explanation was that the underwire blocks lymphatic fluid and can cause you to develop a tumor.
There’s no evidence that this is the case, and no studies have shown any connection between wearing a bra and breast cancer. If this is your reason for going braless, then rest easy.
Bras don’t prevent the natural changes that occur with age, despite what many disreputable online articles would have you believe!
This is a common concern among those who go braless for the first time. It can feel like everyone is going to notice immediately and think you’re hoping to attract attention. This flawed idea is sadly tied with the unconscious belief that a woman's body is there for sexual consumption.
Going braless is a one step process: take off your bra. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple for everyone. Here’s some advice for those who aren’t fully comfortable with the idea but want to give it a go.
It’s often the idea of stepping outside with no bra on that can be the most intimidating. Try it out at home first so you can get used to the feeling and appearance.
You can ramp it up in small phases. Next could be a braless coffee run, or a morning walk with the dog! Eventually you might feel brave enough to wear a braless outfit on a night out with friends.
Bralettes tend to be lighter, wireless versions of bras that have little or no padding. It’s a good middle-ground if you’re not ready to go full-nipple yet.
If you rely on your bra to provide support for the weight of your breasts, improving your posture can help. Better posture relieves back pain and reduces the need for a bra’s support.
When you’re sitting in a chair, make sure you have back support. Keep your feet on the ground, your forearms parallel to the ground, and your shoulders relaxed.
The reason many people wear bras is to prevent anything 'explicit' showing through their clothes. Pasties are a simpler and less restrictive solution.
If you’re worried about the lack of support, there are plenty of smart clothing options that take care of that. A tight bodysuit is fitted and stretchy enough to provide support while still being comfortable. Plus, they usually look better without a bra.
Corsets and tops that tie at the back are back in fashion! They're great for providing that extra support, and you can make them as tight or as loose as you want.
A structured top or dress can provide almost as much support as a bra. Wearing a bra with it would be overkill!
Going braless is not recommended when you’re exercising! If you've ever tried free-boobing it while running, you'll know why. Ouch. We need the support to prevent damage to the internal structure of the breast.
Wearing a bra is a choice that should come down to your own comfort. If you find it uncomfortable to go braless all the time and feel you need the support, then do what works best for you. Those with larger breasts, for example, may feel more comfortable in a well-fitted bra.
The braless trend and the "Free the Nipple" movement aren’t about encouraging every woman not to wear a bra. It’s about ensuring that everyone has the freedom to make the choice without fear of judgment or harassment. Click on to see some of the stylish stars who are embracing this choice because it works for them.
Actress Florence Pugh has made a few major red-carpet appearances that drew attention in recent years. In 2020, she wore this orange silk dress without a bra to the Oscars. In 2022, she wore a completely sheer pink Valentino dress to the fashion house's Fall/Winter show and received major backlash from online misogynists who criticized her body. However, Pugh wasn't phased. "I’m very grateful that I grew up in a household with very strong, powerful, curvy women. We were raised to find power in the creases of our body. To be loud about being comfortable," she wrote in an inspiring statement on Instagram.
Miley Cyrus is another star who has been bra-free for over a decade, long before it became cool. She was constantly accused of showing too much skin (and nipple!) but she refused to allow critics to make her feel ashamed of her body.
Selena Gomez is another body-positive star who seems to wear what she feels like. When she was criticized for her perceived weight gain at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards, she let the haters know that she was not open to feedback. "I am perfect the way I am," she said in a video posted to TikTok.
Supermodel Bella Hadid began going braless several years ago and is rarely seen wearing one these days. She has also been known to sport countless daring looks on the runway, once stepping out in nothing but a beige thong to be painted into a dress for Coperni. Hadid might have an idealized physique that is unattainable for most, but her openness with her body still makes leaps in demystifying the female form.
Sources: (Healthline) (Health) (Insider) (Well and Good)
See also: Essential behaviors that deserve more social acceptance
What you should know about the no-bra trend
And some pervasive myths that can finally be debunked
LIFESTYLE Feminist fashion
The no-bra look is a big trend in fashion and feminism these days, but is it really better than wearing a bra?
Going braless is all about personal choice. We all love taking off an uncomfortable bra after a long day, but that doesn't mean it works for everyone all the time. The key here is freedom. Whether you want to wear a bra or not, you should be able to make your decision purely based on your own comfort and physical needs.
There are plenty of harmful myths and attitudes floating around that may prevent a woman from doing this freely. Click through this gallery to see them deflated and learn more about the benefits of going braless.