Becky Striepe
Conventional Bra Alternatives
The trouble with ditching that bra is that there’s also a societal stigma there, right? Bras are sexy, but they’re also almost a requirement. I remember a coworker of my mom’s getting disciplined after a male client complained to her boss that she didn’t wear a bra. True story!
There’s an idea that if you don’t wear a bra, you’re some kind of hippie or maybe that you’re loose. For women who don’t want to wear a bra because bras are unnecessary, expensive, and uncomfortable, this can make it a little bit tricky. I’ve never felt very comfortable in a bra, and over the years I’ve sorted out a few ways to go bra free (or nearly bra free) in situations where folks might have a problem with it:
- Layer up! Add a bottom layer to what you’re wearing, like a tank top.
- Keep it loose. Looser-fitting tops make it a lot less obvious that you’re bra free.
- Pick patterns. A patterned button up shirt layered over a tee or a tank top was my go-to when I was working in an office environment and wanted to be bra free.
If you absolutely can’t get away with being braless, you can choose a bra that’s comfy. No one can make you wear underwire and padding. Choose a bra with minimal support. I’m a big fan of The Interlock Bra from American Apparel and the non-underwire options at Free People. Technically, you’re wearing a bra, but as long as you choose one that doesn’t fit too snugly, you’re basically not wearing one. WIN!
What about you ladies? Do you prefer to sport a bra or go bra free?
Image Credit: No Bra photo via Shutterstock
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