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?

It’s so weird. I can whip my bra off when I get home from work, and be absolutely fine, completely unaware of my boobs. But nip to Tesco , bra free, and my boobs are so unbelievably jiggly. How’s that! 🤣

It depends on your body and what you're doing. 🤷‍♀️

No no not at all saying it's a risk for breast cancer!

Just that breast pain is common and going braless can be a trigger.
I was quite chastened the first time I went with breast pain only to be given leaflets about bras and advice about them. I hadn't been going braless but generally went for soft, less supportive bras as I have very small breasts.

When I went with a lump a year later I fully expected to be ticked off and told to get a better bra but alas it was much worse.

It was a mix of people from my (female) surgeon to the breast care nurses, not just one clinician.

Currently breastfeeding my 3rd baby, so my norks are even more gigantic, pendulous and saggy than ever. So I feel I have to wear a bra (even though I hate it!) to help hoist them back vaguely where they belong.
If I had smallish, or more pert boobs, I wouldn’t wear a bra at all.
Could you try a soft bralet if you want some soft coverage? but honestly, if you feel comfortable not wearing a bra at all, go for it!

My nips are always protruding. When im aroused they also go hard.
But they never just lie flat on my boob.....

I wish I could go braless.

Hate the things, but 32 DD and when I don't have a bra on my nipples kiss my belly button.

If i had pert boobs I would never wear one.

I don't even feel comfortable at home withoutbsome sort of sports bra on because of it

@DustyHedgerows
Only if you have small neat ones and
Never had an ample bosom to start with and didnt breastfeed 3 children?

People REALLY don't want to see that. Shudder.

I'm 60 and sat in my living room, my bra, on the other hand, is in my underwear draw in my bedroom.

My neighbour does gardening braless and,honestly its like watching two apes swinging from the trees,yak.
I put up a higher fence,it was putting me off me tea.

I'm 40. I haven't worn a bra in about 5 years! I am an A cup so no real need (other than no padding to look bigger!), so much more comfortable. I'm a gardener, just polo shirt. Lovely!

I wear sports bras for sports, that's all!

I don't find them comfy at all. They're all far too short for me. I keep meaning to make some but more interesting sewing projects keep coming my way 🤷🏻‍♀️

Why do you stare at your neighbour's breasts?

I’m really uncomfortable without a bra. Fine to grab a tea in the morning but not to go about my business.

People? I’m fairly confident most people don’t care.

I have average sized boobs which are quite perky, and would love to go braless. I don’t when I’m out in public however, because I get anxious about men seeing and staring at my nipples. No problem with women seeing them though.

I'm sure it's all a personal preference but imho I find it a bit skeevey. I'm 42 and a 32C/34B but it's all width not depth so they go absolutely nowhere when my bra comes off but the only thing I'd ever consider going braless under is a swimming costume or Pj's. My mother goes braless and I can barely look at her when she does and believe me I'm not a prude I just find it makes my skin crawl, it's like a guy going without underpants, it's not pretty at all.

I hate being braless mainly because without it I have no shape.

No, I wasn’t saying that. I was saying that the result of going braless is that people will look at your boobs more than they would otherwise. So unless you are happy to take that on board (which I think would be quite strange) it may be better to wear a bra in public.

I’m late 40s and several friends have ditched the bra. It has made their body a bit shapeless and I think it ages them although would never say… They probably think the same about my undyed hair which is now totally white!

The heat is definitely making bra-less more common this year. If you're modest then it's easier, if you're fuller then it will lead to earlier sagging. But at the moment, if you're not customer facing in work, let them loose.

I've seen some shocking day wear during the heatwaves but honestly, I don't think anyone is judging. No bra isn't an issue so long as you don't mind teen boys gawping!

Wearing a bra is uncomfortable but for me and others the same applies to not wearing a bra.
If I don't then I get underboob sweat and they tend to veer out to the sides as well as moving far too much, sports bras only make me sweat between my boobs so basically everything is uncomfortable 😂
I have two Sainsbury's sports bras that have since been discontinued same as the stretch lace bras they used to do and they are the best out of many many different ones I've tried.

I wear a bra 99% of the time but I have gone to the shop braless and I feel very self conscious. But I wouldn’t give another person going braless a second glance. Who cares - well me obviously but I wish I didn’t as I hate wearing them

36B. Hardly ever wear one. Love a little nip under a top. If anyone doesn’t like it, they’re welcome to look away.

I've gone for a walk a couple of evenings this week without a bra. I'm a 42 H, I just don't care. I was too hot.