Few things feel like heaven to women. An orgasm. Biting into a square of chocolate. And taking off a bra after a long day. Actually, taking off a bra after five minutes is still satisfying. It’s no wonder that X-Files actress Gillian Anderson opts not to wear this piece of clothing.
While she hosted an Instagram Live, The Crown actress revealed to her 1.9 million followers that she was, for lack of a better term, ‘freeing the nipple’
“I can’t wear a bra anymore, I can’t, no, I can’t. I’m sorry. I don’t care if my breasts reach my belly button, I’m not wearing a bra anymore. It’s just too f**king uncomfortable.” she said, and frankly, we can’t really blame her.
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Breasts are beautiful – big, small, perky, shy, saggy, or lopsided. So, if you want to let them hang free, you have every right to. In fact, read on for more reasons as to why you should follow in Anderson’s footsteps and go as bra-free as the Sex Education star.
Reasons To Go Bra-Free
1. It’s more comfortable
Few things are as relieving as taking a bra off after a long day. Unfortunately, for a lot of women, bras just aren’t comfortable. Yes, this most likely has to do with the fact that you’re probably wearing the incorrect size (more on that later), but this doesn’t take away from the fact that those underwires and straps can be quite annoying.
In addition to the physical discomfort, there’s also the mental anguish of wondering if your bra is visible through your shirt. By going bra-free, you not only embrace comfort, but you also take a load off of yourself.
2. You save money
Bras aren’t exactly free and if you’re looking for a quality kind, then you’re going to have to dig deeper into your pockets. It also doesn’t help that bras aren’t known for their longevity.
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By opting for more braless days, you save money and ensure the longevity of the bras you do have, and you’ll be putting them through less wear and tear.
3. It can improve your circulation
Again, this is likely linked to incorrect bra size, but distancing yourself from your bras can help to improve circulation.
If your bra is too tight and digging into your skin, this can restrict circulation. By going braless, you can help to release tension and keep the blood pumping.
4. Your skin will thank you
A bra can trap moisture, dirt, and sweat against the skin, which can then trigger acne and irritation. By setting your breasts free, you’ll allow the skin to breathe and prevent the accumulation of these particles.
Ironically, for those with larger breasts, bras may actually help to prevent these issues as they stop the skin from rubbing against itself.
Tips for going braless
Don’t go braless when exercising
A sports bra has its purpose, especially because it can prevent your breasts from interrupting your workout, and they also prevent nipple chafing (which is as fun as it sounds).
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Use nipple covers
If your reason for not going braless is that you don’t want the world to see your nipples, worry not. There’s a perfect solution for that.
Nipple covers, or pasties, are a great way to conceal your nipples. They go with any outfit, and in recent years, more and more brands are producing skin-colored shades (finally!).
Wear garments that can provide support
For those with larger boobs, bras often provide much-needed support, so it’s not as simple as going braless.
If this is the case, then there are a few ways you can support your breasts without wearing a bra. We recommend buying clothing that has corset-like lacing. Clothing that uses thick fabric and is structured can also provide support.
What if I want to wear a bra?
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You don’t have to free the nipple if you don’t want to. If you do want to wear a bra, then you must be wearing the right size. If you find that your bras are always uncomfortable, your breasts are spilling out, and you constantly feel that your bra is slowly suffocating you, then you might want to go get fitted.
Most department stores offer free measurements, but you can also visit your local lingerie store.
The perfect bra:
- The back band must feel firm and not tight.
- The wires should be sitting on the rib cage.
- Cups should be holding the whole bust – there should be no spilling over or gaping.
- The straps should not be digging into your skin or not slipping off.
Bottom line
Regardless of the size and shape of your breasts, if you want to go braless, then please, by all means, do it. It’s not a big deal and anyone who tries to make it into one doesn’t matter. That said, you do want to wear a bra, then make sure you’re wearing the correct size.
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