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?

Each to their own. The crop top/comfy bras i mean are slightly padded, they are so comfortable, I am 30gg and can still wear them.

The OP is finding it an issue so that was my suggestion. Also you do wear one out of the house so not relevant. I sometimes dont bother indoors either.

I am not sure people want to see other womens ripples sticking out but if you're fine with that then no problem.

If you really think there is nothing wrong with going braless then why don't you go braless at work?
If you truly weren't worried about what people think you wouldn't be asking.
You know plenty of people notice as you mention seeing double takes.
Swop to a modern seamless one which you can scarcely feel you have on, then everyone will be happy.

I saw a woman recently wearing a lightweight pink jumper and her boobs were hoiked way up and out. It was very noticeable maybe because they were large.

I hate wearing bra but it is actually more comfortable to wear one. My drooping g cups actually hurt if I walk fast or run without one
Also it has the effect of making me look a out 80 years old side on if ai don't wear one. So it's all about how I feel.rather than any societal concerns.

I wear bralettes mostly these days, no wires, bit of support and coverage (am DD). I wear a non-wired proper bra for office days or other more formal occasions. I doubt I’ll ever wear a wired bra again

Same. I'm over 60 and find that bralettes do the job nicely whatever the occasion. I discovered they were just the right thing for me during the pandemic when wearing a bra every day wasn't necessary, but I still wanted to feel some sort of security so they stayed 'in place' so to speak. Turns out they make my boobs slightly smaller but it really doesn't look like I'm not wearing a bra.

Last thing I want is nipples showing. Just personal preference.

I stopped a couple of year’s ago due to reoccurring intertrigo. I never wear one now unless I feel the occasion does call for it, eg when I took my son and his gf out for lunch I put one on. I know I look pretty awful without one as it ages me and makes me look matronly. But if I’m on my own then no way am I wearing one. If I go to the shops I’ll put a vest top on underneath instead of a bra.

Presently in my skimpy cotton PJ's,no bra. I wouldn't go out without one,I'm a 32G, they would swing around and I would get sore underneath.

It’s too bloody hot. Free the nips.

I often do not wear one out of the home, it depends what I'm doing.
In this weather often not. I am so flat chested that some sports bras make me look like an adolescent boy....really there not a lot there.
I have never had reason to think anyone is bothered, and as far as I know none of my friends and family are embarrassed to be seen with me.

If it's to save your kids being embarrassed why not compromise by wearing some boob tape over the nipples. No one will know you are braless then

I’m a 34gg what are these tops? I hate underwired bras but I tried a non- wired from M&S and that was even worse. It was so uncomfortable I threw it away in a fit of pique.

I suppose I'm aware that there is a certain expectation around dress in my work, and as a publicly visible professional, I wouldn't want to be 'the x who doesn't wear a bra' -in many professional roles, we override a whole host of personal preferences and comforts for the sake of conformity. In fact, I do quite a few things in my line of work which do not necessarily align 100% with my own beliefs or sense of what is right and wrong, because that is what my work culture demands of me.

As an H cup I envy you OP!

Me too 😂

I only wear underwire if I'm going out somewhere nice, for day to day and work I wear a bralette or soft bra from Molke. I'm a 34gg so couldn't go braless

I’m not middle aged but I go braless often. It’s more comfortable and it looks better in some outfits. Thinking back, my mum went braless a lot and I was never embarrassed by her, well not embarrassed by her going braless. Let em all hang out, yolo.

Curvy Kate have some good bralettes for the bigger bust, gives support, but not a lot of lift. Enough that I don't scare folk 😄

These are the ones I get https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0C6QWCRLJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Yes sports bras do push you in alot, the ones I mean are certainly not suitable for sports, more bra type crop tops and give you a lovely shape.

I do have loads of them in various styles (normally loving the unwired, unpadded silky M&S ones + similar bralette styles) and have always worn them for the last 30 years until this summer. I know they 'lift' even my small bust, create a nice 'swell' (if not a 'proper' cleavage), and probably make me look a bit more 'together', but I feel so over wearing one at the moment.

The DC are pretty independent and it's not as if we actually need to be going places together anymore.

I’m middle-aged and a 30F, so sadly, only go braless at home, even though I’m perky.

I have to say, going braless isnt a great look in my humble opinion, unless you’re very small/thin but I agree that it is more comfortable. It may make others feel uncomfortable around you though as it’s not the norm from a social stand point.

Only if your breasts hang down to your waist without a bra!!! You said they didn't but I have seen some unattractive sights this summer.

I’m always braless at home and wish I could go out and about like that but I’m too self-conscious about how low they are 😫 I wish I didn’t care but I do.

This isn’t what you’re asking but if you want to go bra-less (as you should be able to!) but not have visible nipples, you can buy silicone nipple guards that just stick over them. It could be a good halfway house while you build your bra-few confidence. I hate bras too but feel incredibly self-conscious without one due to a larger, uneven breastfeeding bust.

That's the bit I'm thinking about -to what extent is it up to me if someone feels uncomfortable guessing that I'm not wearing a bra if they can see the outline of a nipple under my shirt? Or is that something they can reflect on for themselves?