Going braless - do you?

[gimmethatbag]

I'm a 38C. It's kind of painful and not at all attractive. I so wish I was skinny and flat....

 

[reverie]

I have a small chest, but I feel more comfortable if I'm wearing a bra. Lately, however, I've taken to wearing an undershirt; it's just as comfortable.

 

[cheepmunk]

I find going braless all day to be uncomfortable (no one mentioned chafing! some of my shirts really, er, rub me the wrong way! [/TMI]), but I'm also very picky about my bras. It really sucks that pretty much anything above a B cup automatically comes with an underwire. I hate underwire. Hate. I usually end up pulling them out of my bras. Even though I've been sized, I've only ever found one underwire bra that fit me comfortably. I read somewhere, too, that incorrectly-fitted bras actually cause more sagging, which is kind of sad when one considers that something like 70% of women are wearing the wrong size.

The link between bras and breast cancer is tenuous-to-nonexistent, but the original study suggested that it might be due to the fact that many women are wearing the wrong size bra. In that case, instead of supporting the breast, the underwire can put pressure on the lymph nodes and prevent proper drainage, which is bad news. It's important to remember, though, that there's a difference between correlation and causation. One famous study found that, in Germany, an increase in the number of storks corresponded to an increase in the number of out-of-hospital births. It's often used in statistics classes as a case study demonstrating why people should be careful before saying Event A caused Event B. Basically, just because two events occur simultaneously (correlation), it does not follow that one event caused the other (causation). The 1995 study suggesting a link between bras and breast cancer found weak correlation, but no causation.

Since then, various groups have looked for a link between bras and breast cancer and haven't found one. That doesn't mean there is no link, of course, but it does mean that age, lifestyle, and genetics are all much more likely contributors. The fact that a bra-cancer link isn't readily apparent means that it's probably a minor contributing factor, if that.

A good rule of thumb is: if it's more comfortable for you, you're probably doing something right. If you feel better without a bra, go braless. If going braless is uncomfortable, spend some time to find the right bra. If you can't breathe in your bra, spend some time to find the right bra. If the underwire makes your side hurt, spend some time to find the right bra, &c. Just listen to your body and it will let you know when you're doing something right.

 

[tullepen]

I'm much too bouncy to,unless I've got several layers on.Plus we the support so we don't sag too early.

 

[dior*kiss]

I wish I could...some dresses and tops would flow alot better without the interruption of a bra.

 

[ediewho]

Although its not necessary cause you cannot see the bra... not having like big breasts I like the going bra less with boyish t shirts... so refreshing... but always in a casual context.

 

[lafindesiecle]

I find going braless all day to be uncomfortable (no one mentioned chafing! some of my shirts really, er, rub me the wrong way! [/TMI]), but I'm also very picky about my bras. It really sucks that pretty much anything above a B cup automatically comes with an underwire. I hate underwire. Hate. I usually end up pulling them out of my bras. Even though I've been sized, I've only ever found one underwire bra that fit me comfortably. I read somewhere, too, that incorrectly-fitted bras actually cause more sagging, which is kind of sad when one considers that something like 70% of women are wearing the wrong size.

i definitely posted a while back but one of my closest friends is very well endowed up top and always is either braless or wears sort of thin lacy no-underwire bras with looser blouses and i think it looks GREAT and like just undone and sexy enough, much better than girls with, uh, large girls wearing uber pushup bras etc. and totally agreed on the underwire thing. if that drives a 32/34 A like me nuts, it must be awful with the underwire digging into more boob, haaaa.

i'm not sure if they'd fit you, but recc's for thin, non-underwire bras, if you can deal with the fabric-only support -- i think all american apparel bras (strapless excluded) are quite nice, and urban outfitters stocks a ton of them -- http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urba...=17284209&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump etc -- though i'm not sure how good those are on support. pretty much the closest thing to not wearing one

 

[cyberfruit]

I go braless...at home! I'm a 34B so I can go braless without having to worry about support, but I don't know...I would feel so self-conscious!

I did say I would try it this upcoming summer (Houston summers are no joke) with thin tanks and shorts. So, I can't wait.

 

[fashionista-ta]

I find going braless all day to be uncomfortable (no one mentioned chafing! some of my shirts really, er, rub me the wrong way! [/TMI]), but I'm also very picky about my bras. It really sucks that pretty much anything above a B cup automatically comes with an underwire. I hate underwire. Hate. I usually end up pulling them out of my bras. Even though I've been sized, I've only ever found one underwire bra that fit me comfortably. I read somewhere, too, that incorrectly-fitted bras actually cause more sagging, which is kind of sad when one considers that something like 70% of women are wearing the wrong size.

The link between bras and breast cancer is tenuous-to-nonexistent, but the original study suggested that it might be due to the fact that many women are wearing the wrong size bra. In that case, instead of supporting the breast, the underwire can put pressure on the lymph nodes and prevent proper drainage, which is bad news. It's important to remember, though, that there's a difference between correlation and causation. One famous study found that, in Germany, an increase in the number of storks corresponded to an increase in the number of out-of-hospital births. It's often used in statistics classes as a case study demonstrating why people should be careful before saying Event A caused Event B. Basically, just because two events occur simultaneously (correlation), it does not follow that one event caused the other (causation). The 1995 study suggesting a link between bras and breast cancer found weak correlation, but no causation.

Since then, various groups have looked for a link between bras and breast cancer and haven't found one. That doesn't mean there is no link, of course, but it does mean that age, lifestyle, and genetics are all much more likely contributors. The fact that a bra-cancer link isn't readily apparent means that it's probably a minor contributing factor, if that.

A good rule of thumb is: if it's more comfortable for you, you're probably doing something right. If you feel better without a bra, go braless. If going braless is uncomfortable, spend some time to find the right bra. If you can't breathe in your bra, spend some time to find the right bra. If the underwire makes your side hurt, spend some time to find the right bra, &c. Just listen to your body and it will let you know when you're doing something right.

OMG, the stork study Freakin' genius. I want to meet the person who had the idea for that study.

I generally find wearing a bra in some form more comfortable than not, especially if I am moving around a lot ... I've gotten sore before from not wearing one, just around the house However, I will say that if you really want to breathe deeply, as in doing breathwork, you cannot do that in a truly supportive bra.

 

[cheepmunk]

One of my chemistry teachers told us about the original study from the '70s back in the day, but I always thought he was making it up until recently. I really think it happened because a bunch of statisticians got drunk one night and then suddenly found themselves with a lot of free time while the idea was still fresh in their heads. I really love it, though. Can you imagine trying to write a funding request for that? Heeeee!

So, I've been going braless more often these days because I can't find ones that I love, and I've discovered that my posture is better when I'm not wearing a bra. I normally tend to slouch, but when I'm braless, I usually push my shoulders back and sit up unconsciously. It's too uncomfortable to do for long, though.

 

[sonyagirl]

I do, if the clothes call for it, but only if it's not vulgar....

 

[secretglitter]

i don't. i mean, my chest is not really that big so i could pull it of with certain dresses and stuff, but i really feel uncomfortable. i would use tape if i was wearing something with a bare back but never completely without any "protection" (;

 

[chichina]

I don't like going braless, I use those self-adhesive bras when I wear something backless.

 

[10thMuse]

i own only one bra in my entire closet... is a white simple one for job interviews... but then again i have small boobs so i'm not in danger of looking vulgar.

 

[farou7a]

im not that big. a 32C really, so I do go bra less sometimes, depending on the clothes. if its too 'showy' or unflattering i wouldnt. like i wouldnt not wear one if you could TELL im not wearing one..

 

[Maxxierie]

^ Yes. Atleast, somebody knows their limits. Some people just do what they like. Now, I have nothing against that but it's an eyesore and such an unpleasant sight.

I only go braless when I'm going to sleep or when there's not need to wear one. You can't wear it all the time. It's a barricade.

 

[farou7a]

yes i never sleep with a bra on ^

its too uncomfy.

its such a peeve when ppl know its showy and they still do it.

 

[Jessica18Toronto]

My friends are more suprised when I'm actually wearing a bra lol. My chest is small enough I don't have to. I am also a HUGE fan of those bandage things I get at La senza. I call them nipple flowers lol, for when I am wearing something sheer.

 

[farou7a]

^ ive heard of those.. there was something about them in victoria's book too i think? that extra half an inch?
dont those hurt?!?!

 

[chicandcool]

^^ Are they like pasties?