Can I be Braless at Home? Expert Advice

There can only be one answer to the above query. It’s either ‘Yes’ or ‘No!’ Many women prefer to go without bras, while others feel it’s a must to wear a bra at all times, even at home. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, and it entirely depends on personal preferences. Some worry about breast sagging if they don’t wear a bra. However, knowing the pros and cons of not wearing a bra can help you make the best decision. So, without further ado, let’s analyse the topic, “Can I be braless at home?”

Dr. Cassann Blake, MD, from Cleveland Clinic, says women with larger cup sizes must wear a bra, which prevents back pain that might result from the extra weight of the breasts. On the other hand, some researchers argue that going braless improves blood circulation and keeps the skin healthy. 

Andrew J. Shapiro, the medical director of the Comprehensive Breast Center at Wellington Regional Medical Center, says, “Wearing a bra doesn’t affect the risk of breast sagging, or what is called ‘breast ptosis.’” However, he also states that the breasts are composed of dense tissue, which, in turn, are supported by Cooper’s ligaments. According to Shapiro, wearing a bra might reduce the stretching of these ligaments to some extent.

As per a study published in 2013, not wearing a bra can actually reduce sagging. The reason is that a bra’s support can lead to the weakening of the tissue surrounding the breasts. This scenario eventually results in the drooping of the breast tissue. However, this study, too, is inconclusive and requires more in-depth research.

Now that you have an idea of what researchers feel about women wearing/not wearing a bra at home, let’s understand the different categories of women based on their bra choices.

What Are the Two Categories of Women?

Generally, women can be classified into two major categories, both of which are described below:

Women Who Wear a Bra at Home

Many Indian women prefer wearing a saree or churidar at home while doing chores. They tend to feel uncomfortable if they don’t wear bras beneath their traditional homely attire. Some of them keep the bra on even while sleeping at night!

Women Who Don’t Wear a Bra at Home

Some women don’t like wearing bras at home. When they return from college or office, they prefer taking off their bras and slipping into something loose and comfortable. A good percentage of these ladies feel sleeping without bras is highly comfortable.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Going Braless at Home?

Wearing a bra or ditching it at home are like the two sides of the same coin. So, let’s dig deeper and take a look at the pros and cons of being braless at home!

Pros

• You get the required support for your breasts, thereby avoiding chest and backaches. 
• You don’t have to worry about any show of skin because the bra cups cover your breasts completely.
• You can flaunt a nice shape and silhouette.
• You will feel more comfortable and confident while wearing a bra that fits you well.

Cons

• Wearing a bra throughout the day at home can leave marks on the skin.
• You might feel the bra getting tighter in the evenings, causing discomfort.
• You may feel uncomfortable when you keep wearing the bra while sleeping.
• The underwires in many bras might dig into your skin while wearing them for longer periods.

Braless at Home – Alternatives to Try

Being braless is a personal choice. However, if you don’t like wearing bras but still feel like trying some alternatives, look at the list we’ve compiled here!

Try Built-In Bras

Many tops/dresses have seamless cups sewn directly into them. So, you can wear these outfits without using a bra under them. These built-in bras don’t have straps and are quite comfortable to wear. You may feel cooler, and there are no more worries about excessive sweating. Built-in bras are the perfect fit for those with asymmetrical breasts and offer better comfort for all activities.

Opt for Bralettes

Bralettes, which ensure more comfort with less padding and no wires, make your braless journey smoother. They offer freedom of movement and ease, so you can even sleep wearing them.

Choose Boob Tapes

Boob or fashion tapes help you avoid wardrobe malfunctioning by keeping your clothes in place. They stick gently to your skin. Using a boob tape is one of the best ways of going braless at home.

Use Nipple Covers 

They are like thin plasters that offer better protection for your breasts. Elisabeth Dale, speaker, author and the founder of ‘The Breast Life,’ talks about nipple covers and their uses. She states, “They’re small, and they just stick on you.” Silicone nipple covers are the best option for women who wish to be braless at home.

Try Corset-Style Outfits

These outfits are comfortable and provide enough back support. Many of the corset-style outfits come with bra cups, so they are the go-to choice for women who don’t prefer wearing bras underneath their outfits.

Go for Tops With Zippers

Garments crafted with zipper closures and thicker fabric help you go braless at home. They provide you with better shapes, similar to bras. You can easily put on and take off your clothes with zippers at home. The adjustable closures enable you to have proper support and breathability.

Now that you have an idea of going braless at home, and the alternatives to try, let’s discuss the do’s and don’ts of being braless.

Pro Tip: If you don’t like wearing normal bras at night while sleeping, try sleep bras. These are specially designed to offer support and comfort to your breasts while sleeping.

Do’s and Don’ts of Going Braless at Home

Do’s

• Prioritise comfort, and if you feel highly comfy without a bra, stick to that practice at home.
• Go for dresses with under-bust support because these are best without wearing bras.
• Choose alternatives (for going braless) wisely, based on the outfit you are wearing at home.
• Take good care of boob tapes and nipple covers to maintain their original shape.

Don’ts

• Not wearing a bra at home is fine. However, avoid going braless in unsuitable situations, especially in a professional environment.
• Avoid wearing too tight/loose clothes when you are braless.
• Don’t go braless if you are involved in any physical activity at home. Your breasts require proper support while exercising because they bounce a lot.
• Never go for less expensive alternatives for bras. Make sure you buy only durable, high-quality boob tapes or nipple covers so that they don’t cause any skin problems like rashes. 

To Wear or Not to Wear…

I hope this blog on going braless at home proves helpful in making the right decision. If you plan to wear a bra, make sure to choose the correct bra size and fit. An ill-fitting bra can leave red marks and cause various other complications. Therefore, make your decision based on your comfort and lifestyle. Here’s an interesting game you can play to refresh your memory on what we’ve discussed today!

Game – True or False?

1. Wearing a bra helps you avoid chest and backaches to some extent.
2. Many women feel sleeping without bras is highly comfortable.
3. Bras tend to get looser in the evenings.
4. Corset-style outfits are an ideal choice for women preferring to go braless at home.
5. Most built-in bras come with straps.

Answers

1. True
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False