MaliaSaylor's Blog

Going braless seemed to be all the rage in 2016. When I first heard about this my immediate thought was, oh God no. My chest size has fluctuated when my weight has fluctuated. At my heaviest weight in college my bra size was 32E or 34 DD/DDD depending on the brand. This added a lot to my hesitation to going with out a bra. However I am now pretty in shape and have a smaller chest (32DD last time I got sized). The supposed health benefit to going braless got my attention in 2016 so I started looking into it more.

As a woman that used to have a large chest I can tell you, wearing absolutely nothing is not comfortable. Going braless and wearing nothing for support if you have a large chest can be truly painful. One time in college I ran down the stairs in my condo in just a t-shirt and shorts because I was excited about a delivery I was getting. I immediately regretted my decision and my chest hurt for 48 hours. If you are above a DD cup going braless and having no support will probably not be enjoyable. But if you are below that size there are some minimal support options that are decent.

Bralettes can be amazing. I was turned onto them in 2012 by a co-worker who has a fuller chest than me, and the Free People brand ones worked for her. I learned it is important that the bralette be very fitted if you want it to give you that little bit of support. The ones with thicker straps or racer backs in my experience provide more support. The ones that have practically string for straps as you might guess, provide zero support.

This is the most recent bralette I purchased. It is so pretty in person, and a week after I saw it Victoria’s Secret had bralettes 50% off. So I purchased it for $17.25, but the regular price in $34.50 which I think is a tad high. It provides  a little support, enough that I don’t feel naked. It also makes me feel pretty, I’m a sucker for lace and it reminds me of summer.

This long line racer back style provides a surprising amount of support. It’s no traditional bra, but it keeps everything in place and more comfortable. This one is by Out From Under, $20 from Urban outfitters.

This Free People option is available from Nordstrom for $20, or 2 for $36.

Seamless sports bras are also a nice option if you don’t want a traditional bra, but also don’t want to go braless. This Zella sports bra is $38 from Nordstrom.

If you are okay will going braless but don’t want to have to worry about nipping or a nip slip pasties (silicone nipple covers) are a great option. These reusable ones are available from Target for $9.

Apparently going without a conventional bra forces the muscles to develop more, so in theory your boobs are perkier. You have to start it when you are younger to develop the muscle tone, but no article I found gives an exact age.

For me this will not be an everyday thing, but on the occasional day off I will try it out.