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?

lol.

wasn’t it a Few Good Men where Jack Nicholson said “you can’t handle the truth”.

I do moderate what I say, as I realise that MN is tea and sympathy website. And most people on here live in an echo chamber of righteousness, that never discover “the truth” until they are faced with life’s ugly reality: selfish neighbours, selfish work colleagues, selfish friends, cheating spouses, elderly parents who need constant care, and generally feeling worn out by the cost of living crisis.

I think you’ll find about half the replies on this post say older women should not go braless, regardless of the size of their boobs. That’s not misogyny, that’s women commenting.

I’m in the braless gang. I only wear one out if it’s really needed for a dress for example. Maybe I’m an old prude but I can’t take to topless men walking around the city, just feels very double standards

See this thread is turned into the usual let’s attack others for their opinions.

Its one of those strange "secrets" Most of the marketing seems to be aimed at athletes and people who do sport but for the larger among us its a complete godsend for intertrigo wherever you may get it.

Yes I hate this constant judgement, competition, put downs from other women. We should be so accepting of each other and build each other up. Who fucking cares if someone thinks it’s not a good look!?

Op, what about something like this? Markies do a few versions, they are really comfy and would maybe be a mid ground for you, I’ve a couple of them which I wear when at home and don’t want a bra on. Eveyrghing is held in place but with no discomfort.

Erect nipples would show through this lacy bra. I thought much of the outrage here is about people seeing women's nipples.

Wearing a bra until middle age entitles you to some parole!

I've got a hiatus hernia, and it's bang where my bra is,so very uncomfortable, the downside is, I get sore underneath my boobs.

As a male I go bra less all the time

As a male I go bra less all the time

they don't even make those in my size...my 'everything" would just laugh at that.

apologies for keeping mentioning it but if the soreness is intertrigo, body glide is miraculous

yes, you'd get less for murder

It looks ugly and I think we all know that unless you have small boobs its less comfortable than wearing those cropped bralette vesty things which are awesome

Completely your choice of course to not wear a bra.

Personally I always wear one. I have 38D bust and can't imagine no support for them. Not wearing one would make them sag. It's not s good look. I see women around without bras and I find it odd. Thrubseem to have a large bust that sag to their waist. Not a good look but that's only my opinon.

If your bust isn't very big and there's not much to support then good for you.

Do what makes you happy.

Why not just wear a stretchy bra, the kind with no underwiring, that you just pull on over your head? It is comfy, gives support and covers nipples.

If I see a woman without a bra, my internal eyeroll is huge, because it's almost always for male attention.

Ha ha this would be me!!! I would never do this especially out of the house. I wear a wireless crop top bra thing at home which is more comfy, but would never go without. Too much sagging 🙄

I know. The biggest load of BS. I’ve just come back from a holiday and saw plenty of boobs! Didn’t offend my eyes 😄

So you think there are no braless lesbians about in this hot weather? Or are they seeking male attention for a little summer variety?

I am 73. Do you honestly think I am chasing the male gaze? I find I look worse in those over the head things than being braless.. They give zero support and make me look like I have got a very large batard loaf stuffed up my jumper.

last year I had shingles. There was no question of wearing a bra for months because it was fucking agony. The recent heat has made the shingles pain return, which is not unusual but bloody annoying, so once again no bra. Oddly the world did not end. I didn't get arrested. No one's eyeballs fell out and I didn't end up being followed by a string of blokes with their tongues hanging out because I dared to show a nipple outline.

What? 😵

Good for me because I do what makes me happy. For the rest, why do you judge what other people do?

Big apologies. ❤️ I meant to quote @hoarderofthedough who said women went braless for the male gaze. x

What now? If I want the attention of the male gaze I’m sure I’d get more of it if I actually wore a bra that hoiked my droopy gals up to where they used to be 20 odd years ago. If I’m going bra less I’m going bra less for comfort, not to attract anyone.