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?

I ditched "bras" as such but I wear these elasticated sports bras, they offer minimal support (I really don't need any) but they are opaque and they are very comfortable.

This summer, I’ve turned 57 and decided a bra is an unnecessary extra garment in this heat. I stick to patterned tops. I wear a bra if I’m going somewhere more formal- work etc.
It’s a revolution of comfort. I’m going to buy some of the bralet things so there’s a middle way!

Surely depends what you're wearing and how everything hangs.

I wouldn't do it personally. These days my nipples are ridiculously obvious (breatsfed 4 kids and they just seem to stick out a lot now). It would definitely make people do a double take, which would make me uncomfortable. Suspect my eldest wouldn't want her friends to see it.

However in my teens/20s I often didn't wear a bra in hot weather and nothing was particularly visible. Don't think anyone would have known.

My mum is in her 70s and has a fairly generous bust. She doesn't wear a bra with some summer dresses and it looks totally fine (tends to be patterned A-line ones with thick, supportive straps).

Guess just have a look in the mirror from a few angles and see if you think it looks ok and you are comfortable. Ask your teens what is bothering them exactly, then you can decide if their concern is reasonable in your eyes.

Same! Although I no longer wear 'proper' bras. I wear cotton crop top bras. I tried the seamless ones, but because they're polyester I ended up with a yeast infection under my boobs, and no one wants that!

The last time I went braless I was 25, and that was chancing it. I'm tall and slim, but the big boobs that I once had lost their bounce after pregnancy and have now caved to gravity.

The sag of my bra less boobs makes me look overweight - which matters to me. Clothes also don't sit right, as they're designed for boobs to be higher up.

In one of those weird people who like the feel of being encased in a bra. At least, during social hours.

I go braless sometimes outside. Bonus of small boobs

The joy of being an A cup with inverted nipples. Nothing to see here.

My mum, while didn't have a huge bust, never wore a bra. Her whole life - she hated the way they feel. I wish I'd taken after her with small bust because I'd probably do the same.

My nipples are pretty pointy without a bra, so fairly visible under anything tight or close fitting. As much as I am starting to become less bothered by what others think of me aged 45, I would still feel slightly self conscious about going braless, particularly on the school run talking to my DC's teachers regularly 😳🤣

OTOH, I think it is definitely less sweaty underneath the bottom where the tightness of the bra under my breasts makes me very sweaty in these heatwaves. I've been braless at home during the hot weather for this reason.

and many women here have said they have small breasts - no sagging or jiggling going on here, thanks.
It depends what you mean by grooming. Today I washed my face, put moisturiser on, brushed and tied back my hair. That's it (got dressed obv).
I am clean and presentable.

Too big to go without outdoors because it's uncomfortable, but braless at home...

But if I were small chested, I would definitely go without. If men can get their moobs out in the supermarket these days, then anyone who's triggered by a female nipple in a t-shirt can have a word with themselves...

👙

When is middle aged? I am 76 and wouldn’t go out braless and I am not big. Maybe you could check that your sizing is correct as body shapes change.

I'm 60 and abandoned my bras when they were all in the dirty clothes basket and I had none clean. That was about three months ago. It's been so hot that the less clothes the better.

I'm big chested so have worn underwired bra's since puberty - no intention of stopping as it's more uncomfortable for me without a bra on.

Unpopular opinion but I believe wearing a bra all the time contributes to the sag as you're not using the muscles to hold them up during the day. Stopped wearing a bra in my mid twenties much to everyone's horror. Now I do wear a sports bra in certain situations in the summer for other people's comfort rather than my own, but I'm trying to decondition myself and wear them less and less.

I can't go without but recently discovered Sloggi Go Daily I think they are called, which have been a game changer. Not the complete lift I'd ideally like but they are at least comfy in this weather.

I have very small boobs that have remained perky into middle age, but really obvious nipples, so the main reason I wear a bra is to stop my nipples from showing through my top.
Which does raise the question, why do we think women’s nipples are so indecent? And can we do anything to change this? I mean 100 years+ ago it was risky to show your ankles and now women are walking around in shorts that show half their bum cheeks. There’s no logic to it really. So free the nip if you want to OP!

Yeah, this sort of judgement is the reason I don’t feel able to. Even though my sensory… well, sensitivities mean I’d be a lot more comfortable without a bra. It’s a shame when you have to compromise your own comfort because someone like Jk987 thinks you should be ‘groomed’ in public. 🙄😂 (Grooming is for dogs and horses. I don’t have a responsibility to look attractive).

Maybe I would if I had literally no boobs, but I wouldn't go bra less in my middle age and I have 32FF boobs.

I actually work for a lingerie company and have fit bras on women. From what I have witnessed, I would never ever go braless, and wish I had paid more attention to supporting them in the past. That said, mine are OK and not saggy.

I have come across a fair few women who have not worn bras for whatever reason, and honestly it looks terrible. Their boobs were round their belly buttons, all stretched and long.

I am very proud of the fact that I am mid 50's and because of all the weights I have done over the years my boobs do not drop much at all when I whip off my bra.

Each to their own of course. Wear a bra or don't. Personally I don't want saggy boobs so I will continue to make sure I have very supportive bras that hold them up.

I’m a flat DD cup and don’t wear underwires anymore, but I still need a padded bra for some tops and dresses. At home I don’t bother with a bra at all. I say, you do you, and f**k everyone else.

What a sad thread. I can’t believe so many (presumably) women are offended by the sight of saggy boobs or nipples under a woman’s clothes. What on earth is going on?

body glide is a lifesaver

I abandoned my bras years ago, am in my sixties now. I have small boob's, which I used to hate, but am glad of now as they don't droop. I wear a silicone nipple cover on one breast, the other doesn't need one as it's a reconstruction due to breast cancer. I would opt for the covers, they do the job and I don't care what anyone else thinks either.

If your children are embarrassed to be seen with you, something about the aesthetic IS a social faux pas regardless of what you think. Whether it should be is another matter.

It's up to you whether you're happy visibly flouting social conventions.

This. Go free! One life.