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AIBU?

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Original poster

Is it socially acceptable to not wear a bra in public?

130 replies

AssemblyPoint · 13/07/2025 19:45

Is this genuinely unacceptable?… I know some people wear bras because they have to. But I don’t have to as they’re frickin tiny.

I hate wearing one, and often wear a bralet/crop top type one. But in work I wear a normal padded one as I don’t want my nips poking through…. But is this an unnecessary thought process?

Is it okay to not wear a padded bra in the work place, and is it okay to not wear a bra at all in public?

I obvs have a top on!

OP posts:
AltitudeCheck · 13/07/2025 20:50

I tend to wear a padded bralet for work if I have f2f meetings as although I have small breasts my nipples are prominent regardless of temperature. I don't feel comfortable standing in front of a group delivering a presentation or teaching knowing that people will notice. If I'm wfh I'm braless, if just going to sit at a desk then it depends on the weather/ what I'm wearing as to whether I feel I need the coverage or not. I was once (on a course getting a teaching/ instructional qualification) told (by a male examiner) that I should wear a bra as my nipples were a distraction!! This was 20+ years ago... now, I don't think they would say that, but they may well still think it!

jjeoreo · 13/07/2025 20:48

AssemblyPoint · 13/07/2025 19:45

Is this genuinely unacceptable?… I know some people wear bras because they have to. But I don’t have to as they’re frickin tiny.

I hate wearing one, and often wear a bralet/crop top type one. But in work I wear a normal padded one as I don’t want my nips poking through…. But is this an unnecessary thought process?

Is it okay to not wear a padded bra in the work place, and is it okay to not wear a bra at all in public?

I obvs have a top on!

I don't always wear one. I didn't this morning and I still haven't got round to it. I am a lifelong member of the Itty Bitty Titty Committee though.

TY78910 · 13/07/2025 20:46

I do it, I reallt dgaf. I usually wear oversized type tees and like you I have nothing there so you can’t even tell half the time. Even when you can, I just don’t care. I ain’t trying to impress anyone.

Doitrightnow · 13/07/2025 20:42

I didn't wear a bra for a while when breastfeeding as I was getting painful blocked ducts. It was really obvious that I wasn't wearing a bra and my mother was shocked.

I always wear a bra outside of the house normally because even under normal circumstances my nipples stick out a mile. Like, 1.5cm minimum. I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable at work with my nipples so prominently on show. I'd at least have to wear stick on nipple covers.

Hb7x3 · 13/07/2025 20:35

After the amount of bare moobs I've seen over the last few days, i wouldn't give a crap about anyone else's opinion on my nips being visible under a top

WellyBellyBoo · 13/07/2025 20:35

I am similarly tiny of boob but do like something lightly padded to hide my nipples. They stick out through t-shirts and floaty tops, and not just when it's cold. If I'm wearing a hoodie or chunky jumper in winter I feel comfortable without a bra. Do whatever you like, if my nipples were more flat I'd go braless more often.

fireplaceember · 13/07/2025 20:32

mine are all normal bras, padded don’t exist in my size so it’s either normal sheer one or no bra

Sadcafe · 13/07/2025 20:32

DW rarely wears a bra in public, not exactly flat chested, but she just hates them , finds them uncomfortable so chooses not to, why should it be an issue

Original poster
AssemblyPoint · 13/07/2025 20:32

deckchaironnabeach · 13/07/2025 20:23

I never do in the house but couldn’t go out without one, I have big boobs that are showing my age and gravity isn’t kind!

im very envious.

It’s nice to be on the receiving end of envious boobs!… As a teen and in my 20s I was so self conscious about how flat chested I am! But now I’m
in my 40s I’m grateful!

OP posts:
IAmNotASheep · 13/07/2025 20:32

Hate bras. I haven’t worn one in years. There’s nothing wrong with being braless. @Tartanboots im an architect and I can say even in this male dominated industry they wouldnt come out with that crap anymore. Or maybe I’m just too scarey 🤣🤣

SailingYachty · 13/07/2025 20:30

Honestly I’d notice if I could see a mans nipples or woman’s nipples in the office, and judge then both! I just don’t want to see it in a professional environment, maybe I’m a prude!. But I’d have thought you’d be fine in something comfy like a bralet.

Original poster
AssemblyPoint · 13/07/2025 20:29

MyMahoosivePenis · 13/07/2025 20:19

I normally wear a bra because mine stand to attention at unexpected times and worry that it will give the wrong impression if they suddenly perk at inopportune time.

"No Dave, I'm not interested, it was just really cold"

Ooh yes, this is also a concern!

OP posts:
Original poster
AssemblyPoint · 13/07/2025 20:28

Sproutling · 13/07/2025 20:18

I must be old fashioned/prudish then... I work in a professional role, public facing, smart-casual. I believe we should be dressed modestly ( ie not full cleavage on display) .... I also dont want to see my male colleagues' chests/buttocks/underwear. I'm ok with that 'prude' label

We have two colleagues who dress ,in my opinion, as if they are going to the beach- one in her 60's wears no bra, loose vest tops that always have a strap slipping down her arm, full side boob and much of her cleavage on display, a colleague she leaned over got a full on sighting of nipple.
a younger colleague -early 30's, wears push up bra with low cut vest tops- full upper breasts and cleavage on display.
I mention their ages just to show its not a generational thing.
Neither have been spoken to by our manager, so it must be acceptable to them, but I make sure I'm never on a joint visit to our service users with them, when they are wearing so little.

It worries me most in the work place. I work in a secondary school. There’s No Chance off a cleavage from me, but there are women who have their cleavage on show, which I think is inappropriate imo. But they are dressed modestly, so not forcing it iyswim?

OP posts:
QuietLifeNoDrama · 13/07/2025 20:26

I switched to non padded & non wired a few years ago due to a severe amount of boob pain. (Thanks perimenopause!) Trouble is my nipples now are now always noticeable through my clothes. I admit I was self conscious for a long time but eventually I just stopped giving a shit. Life’s too short to be uncomfortable. As long as you’re not actually exposing yourself crack on.

Original poster
AssemblyPoint · 13/07/2025 20:25

Meadowflower2023 · 13/07/2025 20:13

I personally wouldn’t go without a moulded bra as I’m big busted for my size and I’ve always been self conscious of my nips being visible but that’s just me personally. If you don’t mind then go for it.

This is me too, a self consciousness that perhaps I don’t need to have.

OP posts:
MassiveOvaryaction · 13/07/2025 20:25

Oh blimey if I could get away with it I would! Age, breastfeeding and gravity have not been kind so if I don't scaffold them they'd be hanging round my knees.

You crack on.

Original poster
AssemblyPoint · 13/07/2025 20:24

MyMahoosivePenis · 13/07/2025 20:12

This is a forum for adults. If breasts make you feel a bit "ewwww" you should probably stick to a fortnite forum or something.

Show quote history

😂😂

OP posts:
deckchaironnabeach · 13/07/2025 20:23

I never do in the house but couldn’t go out without one, I have big boobs that are showing my age and gravity isn’t kind!

im very envious.

Original poster
AssemblyPoint · 13/07/2025 20:23

TiptoeThroughTheToadstools · 13/07/2025 20:04

Its no one else's business what you are, or aren't wearing. Do what makes you happy and screw everyone else 😃

Show quote history

Thank you!… You’d think at 41 I’d have this mentality already!… Getting there!

OP posts:
Retireornot · 13/07/2025 20:22

I never wear a bra. I have a large supply of nipple shields. They are one of the best inventions. Silicone and they last for dozens of wears. Just need a quick wash at night and they are dry for the next day!

Original poster
AssemblyPoint · 13/07/2025 20:21

ThatGreatMember · 13/07/2025 20:00

Eeeewwwwww

This is why I ask?! Is it genuinely an eww thing? And why?

OP posts:
JollyRoseBiscuit · 13/07/2025 20:20

I dont wear or own bras. Mine are medium sized. Awful big nips. Hang half way down my belly. I think quite triangular. But. Id prefer people judging me (including my mother) then the awfulness of wearing a bra. I think they're horrid

Gowlett · 13/07/2025 20:20

Kate Moss, yes!

Small boobs, maybe?

Big tits swinging, no…

MyMahoosivePenis · 13/07/2025 20:19

I normally wear a bra because mine stand to attention at unexpected times and worry that it will give the wrong impression if they suddenly perk at inopportune time.

"No Dave, I'm not interested, it was just really cold"

Original poster
AssemblyPoint · 13/07/2025 20:19

applegingermint · 13/07/2025 19:58

As long as you are happy to be known as “Asembly Point in finance/marketing/HR, you know the one who doesn’t wear a bra”.

See, this is my concern! So it’s a genuine one?

OP posts: