ALL bra wearers out there can probably relate: there’s nothing quite like the discomfort of straps and wires digging into your shoulders and ribcage.
As you count down the minutes to when you can get home and rip the contraption off, have you ever fantasised about just never putting one back on again?
Going braless can actually benefit your health in surprising ways
Well, here’s what would happen if you did just that, according to experts.
Phoebe Kunitomi, founder of Okko – a brand of intimate wear – said that while taking off your bra can make you sigh with relief, going fully braless could actually be painful, especially if your ta-tas are on the bigger side.
“For some of us, boobs are heavy, and without any support, that weight can strain your back and worsen your posture, especially if you do anything more than low to no-impact activity,” she said.
But OB/GYN Lucky Sekhon told Well + Good that ditching your bra could offer a number of benefits to women, whatever their breast size.
While you might initially feel more uncomfortable if you’ve got larger boobs, this is because your muscles aren’t strong enough to provide enough support, she said.
But she said over time your body will naturally start to support the breast tissue appropriately.
Thinking of taking the leap and saying bye-bye to bras for good? Here are some things you might experience:
1. Better breast shape and muscle tone
There’s a common misconception that your boobs will sag over time if you don’t wear a bra.
But Dr Sekhon argued that, in fact, wearing a bra – rather than not – can lead to sagginess, as the muscles supporting your boobs get ‘lazy’ over time.
“Women who have gone long periods without wearing a bra often report that this leads their breasts to being firmer, rounder, and perkier over time,” she said.
And there’s actually research to support this.
A University of Franche-Comté professor, Jean-Denis Rouillon, conducted a 15 year study which examined over 300 women’s bra-wearing habits.
His research found that not wearing a bra actually made women’s breasts stronger, because more muscle tissue grew to provide natural support.
Dr Sekhon warned that it could take weeks or months for women to build up in their chest and back muscles once going permanently braless, so expect to feel a bit more back strain – especially if you’ve got larger boobs – to begin with.
You might still want to pop a sports bra on when you do some exercise.
Leaving ’em hanging can make your boobs ‘baggy’ over time, a fitness expert told The Sun.
2. Better circulation
Dr Sekhon said wearing a tight bra can actually impede blood flow to the muscles in your back and chest wall, leading to aching back muscles.
So not wearing one can drastically improve your circulation, especially for those with bigger cup sizes who’ll need a tighter bra to support their breasts.
3. Fewer spots
Wearing a bra regularly tends to trap moisture, dirt, and sweat against the skin of your breasts, according to Dr Sekhon.
This can leave you with clogged pores and skin irritation.
Board-certified dermatologist Morgan Rabach said this skin irritation can be what’s called acne mechanica.
“This is a type of acne that comes from rubbing of the skin, friction, or pressure on the skin,” she said.
“Some people can get this from bra wearing, especially when they work out and leave sweaty clothes on.”
Find some comfort
If you’re not ready to ditch your bra just yet, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re more comfortable.
Samantha Ryder, founder and CEO of Perky Pear, a business offering breast lift and shape tape, said it’s important to get measured every six to 12 months – not every five years like you might currently.
“It’s very common for your breast size to fluctuate over the years, and even over the month, due to hormonal changes,” she explained.
“Get checked sooner if your weight has fluctuated.”
She had a few tips on how a bra should fit: “The band should be snug but comfortable and level all the way around.
“The cups should fit snugly with no gaping or bulging.
“Straps should be adjusted so they hug the skin without digging into the shoulders.”
And if your bra is leaving you extra sore at the end of the day, try applying heat to your back and shoulder and open your chest up with some stretches.