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bra vs no bra

There are, without question, times when we are immensely grateful for out bras — in fact, we find ourselves wondering what on earth we’d do without them. And yet there are also times when we consider ditching them, too, for a freer feeling. Of course, there are benefits on both sides of the spectrum regarding these undergarments, so whether you opt to wear them or not depends on a bevy of factors.

Should you go braless? Well, we’ve outlined the pros and cons to both hopefully this guide will help you decide what’s best for you.

Bra

Wearing a bra has several advantages.

For one, it offers some extra coverage, which can be helpful if you’re concerned about your nipples showing.
If you’re insecure about the appearance of your breasts, you can address many aesthetic issues with specific bra styles. For example, if you’re seeking a rounder shape, molded bras (and specifically, contour bras) can come in handy for sculpting your breasts. Moreover, padded bras can be helpful for those who have asymmetrical breasts (in other words, one is larger than the other), as they can make them look more even in size. Eager to amp up your cleavage on date night? Obviously, push-up bras will do the trick. And minimizer bras are useful for those who are particularly full busted, as they can distribute the breast tissue more evenly across the chest. This makes it easier to wear button-down shirts, for example, without having to deal with gaping between the button holes.

Speaking of having a full bust: many women with large breasts may find that bras offer the kind of relief they need. Wearing a supportive bra can help to take some of the strain off your shoulders and back, and even help to improve your posture.

And let’s not forget about sports bras. These heroic little undergarments can make any workout more comfortable. More than that, though, they can also reduce your risk of causing damage. A sports bra minimizes the movement of your breasts during physical activity, thus preventing the ligaments there from stretching out. This not only reduces discomfort and pain during and after exercise, but it also wards off premature sagging.

No Bra

One of the key benefits to ditching the bra is that it can give you more freedom fashion-wise. For example, you may find it easier to rock a tank with complex straps or a backless dress when you’re not fretting about your bra straps showing.

That said, you may feel a little self-conscious about your nipples showing when there’s no extra layer underneath your top to conceal them. Hence, when going bra-less, it can be helpful to wear adhesive or non-adhesive nipple covers for some added reassurance.

Depending on the size of your breasts and your personal preferences (as well as the ensemble you’re sporting on a particular day), you may also find it more comfortable to go without a bra.

Seeking to embrace your natural shape? Then going bra-less may very well be the best way to celebrate your body as-is. Of course, if you aren’t ready to give up your bras completely, then you can simply try a wireless bra or unlined bra, which will maintain your natural shape.

Now that we’ve covered the benefits to both sides, you can make a more informed decision about what works for your lifestyle, wardrobe, body type, and overall needs. If you’re looking to strike a compromise between the two options or just want to ease into going braless, you might opt for a lightweight bralette. Just remember: At the end of the day, wearing or not wearing a bra is a personal choice, so there’s no right or wrong answer.


Featured image lingerie:
Mod By Parfait Sweetheart Padded Bra A1391 | Mod By Parfait Sweetheart Hipster A1395 in Bright White/Almond Blossom

 

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Published by

Rebecca Strong

Rebecca is a Boston-based freelance writer who focuses on style, fitness, food, and travel. She has contributed to such publications as HuffPost, Elite Daily and U.S. News & World Report. When she's not writing, she can be found at home or in the studio working on the songs for her upcoming album. Her favorite bra is a black demi-cup style with all-over-lace — timeless and feminine.

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