Is going braless in middle age really such a social faux pas?

[DustyHedgerows]

Not sure what's changed, whether it's the heat or just a general feeling of being 'done', but this summer, I have parted company with my bra. I'm middle-aged, not particularly busty, and am just not bothering to put one on in the mornings when I'm not working. I suddenly resent the idea of wearing one, as it's not as if I really need support -it really only sheilds the world from seeing a hint of my nipples under my top. DC are embarrassed to be seen with me and although I don't really care, I've noticed the odd person do a double-take when I'm out. I'm not wearing anything revealing, just a t-shirt, a buttoned shirt or loose-fitting dress.
Is going braless in middle-age really the social faux pas that my teens imply that it is?

This summer I have definitely gone braless more often but only in public on holiday when a rightish black vest was best

I wear a soft bralette (no wires) most of the week. I couldn’t go fully braless as my boobs are too saggy. If your feel comfortable go for it!

I have a very old cheesecloth dress I bought in India years ago, it's lovely to wear commando in the garden but a bit/lot knackered to be seen out of the garen unfortunately. Around the house I tend to wear a minumum but if I am having to go out later I put on something more respectable. As I have mobility problems and like to avoid the stairs if I can I have a stair-robe, something to change into when I need to go out.

Ooh, is there any chance you could post a link or the package or anything to find it please?

A bit judgy! I take great care with my grooming but when it's very hot I've had to occasionally forego my bra as I can't seem to cool down these days. I only do this with a loose fitting top so it's not obvious.

Its funny - saggy boobs seems to be the final thing I remain caring about with regards to 'what women should do' kind of stuff. I don't care about (on myself, couldn't care less about what anyone else does) going out without makeup, hairy legs, scruffy hair, bad clothes, crocs with socks, etc, but I hate the idea of people seeing my 47 year old breast fed for 2.4 year boobs round my waist. I don't even care about people seeing my (massive) nips tbh!

SURELY you realise that the vast majority of the world and people you see day to day could not care less about your appearance? Your pride is wasted!

I think having a sense of pride in your appearance is important, I can’t imagine telling a child no one cares so you don’t need to take pride in your appearance.

we should care.

only a BIT judgy?

depends what you mean....clean yes...any more, personal choice.

Really? If you see someone with no bra on you judge them? That says a lot more about you than me. I will care about what I personally feel is relevant to care about - how they treat others etc. Something that doesn't affect me in the slightest, no obviously there is no need to care

The world would be a much nicer place if we taught children not to care about their appearance!

Absolutely this- and we’re almost the same age too. I don’t involve myself in ‘grooming’ beyond keeping my body, face and teeth clean. I don’t care what people think about my make-up free old face or my wild hair, or my clothing choices. But for some reason I remain self-conscious about my saggy breasts which did such a wonderful job of feeding my children. It’s sad that I hate my boobs so much but I can’t snap out of it.

Did you quote the wrong person. As what you quoted was about pride in one’s appearance, at no point did I say I judged someone bra less. I was responding to the post I quoted. I’d ask mnhq to amend

I’d look dreadful without a bra and actually find it uncomfortable to be without as I’m a GG.

No, I didnt? You said you believe having pride in your appearance is 'important'. What else did you mean by that other than that you judge those that don't?

I would love to go braless, but I fear I may injure myself or others.

If I had smaller breasts, I would never wear one. I certainly wouldn't think anything of someone else not wearing a bra.

I’m 40. Haven’t worn bras for years. I have the odd time if the out for called for it, but 95% no bra.

Men’s nipples visible all the time. Sometimes genitalia through shorts or trousers. Why are women’s nipples a no go but men’s not?
double standards as always plus on this thread a fair bit of ageism.

I am a man so really I should not be commenting on this subject but I think there is no problem in being bra-less. We are in the 21st century now so why not. I do not go around staring at women to see if they are wearing a bra or not as that would not be appropriate.

I'd be worried about the looks off people not when they see the nipple but how low they might be lol 🤣🤣

I think braless, in public, isn't a great look for any age. Just my opinion. Don't come at me. We all have opinions.

I'm 51 next month and I go completely underwear free whenever I can (except work)
If I have a long dress on, nothing going on underneath. 😎

Depends on how big your breasts are and how much they bounce around as you walk or run if you're going to be running.

I go for putting a bra on in the morning and often taking it off as soon as I'm home for the day in the summer, replacing it with a vest or t shirt I can tuck beneath my breasts to stop breast skin resting on my chest wall.

I’m not sure a nipple outline would be noticeable unless you were in a plain, tight top. If strangers are noticing when you are in a patterned blouse then your boobs maybe closer to your waist than you think. Do a test - stand in front of a mirror in a plain white tshirt with and without a bra and see if the is a difference - then decide if you are happy to go braless then do it - its your body

This. I hate the sensation.