When I turned 13 (and finally started to go through puberty), all I wanted was to start wearing a bra. By the time I was 14, all I wanted was to stop wearing a bra. I had quickly learned what most of us already know—that bras are typically uncomfortable, rigid, and cut into your under-boob area. The most relieving part of my day was when I finally got home and could peel off my bra. So I soon decided to stop wearing bras altogether.
That brought challenges, however, as I wasn’t yet entirely comfortable with the idea of going braless. So I decided to dip my toes in the water by rotating through several bra alternatives—all of which were certainly more comfortable than my go-to underwire bra. If you, too, want to forgo bras, keep scrolling to find some excellent tops and bra-style pieces that have kept my ladies (and me) happy throughout the years.
This is just as comfortable as wearing a thin shirt, but the secret is that you’re wearing a shirt under a shirt. Note: if you feel that a fuller bust needs more support, then you might want to skip this one.
In the late ’00s, I’d wear a bandeau over my bra in some sort of peculiar fashion statement of the time (I’m pretty certain we all went through that phase in secondary school). These days, however, I’ve dropped the bra and just wear the bandeau any time going strapless is appropriate.
Bodysuits are particularly fun because you can effectively get rid of any undergarments and just throw on a bodysuit instead. No bra? No undies? No problem. Plus, it can act like a shirt. That’s a three-in-one deal if I’ve ever seen one. This option is great if you have a fuller bust but want to go braless. Try a more form-fitting lingerie style to get the support you need.
My pasties have saved me from many a dangerous nip-slip situation. So I want to wear extremely deep V-cut shirts and dresses upon occasion—sue me. My pasties are always the hero of the day.
Okay, yes, it has the word bra in it, but the “-lette” suffix makes all the difference. Wireless, loose, and entirely comfortable, bralettes are my favourite alternative when wearing a loose T-shirt.
After dipping your toe in the water with the other bra alternatives listed above, you may decide to take the plunge and get rid of your bras altogether. It’s comfortable and relieving on this side—come on over.
This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S.
Next up: this bra-size calculator is a thing of genius.
