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Plus size models, no bra- what’s going on?!

139 replies

TheIsaacs · 03/04/2022 12:45

I’ve been looking for a dress for my sisters wedding over the last couple of days. I’m plus size myself and want something flowy with a nice neckline and sleeves.

I’ve noticed this weird trend on asos and H&M of some of the plus size models seemingly not wearing a bra. Has anyone else noticed this? What the hell is it about? It ruins the line of the dresses and makes them look baggy. There’s one in particular that I think if you put a bra on and actually lifted your boobs, the neckline would come under the bra!

I can’t buy the dresses and not wear a bra so it put it’s me off buying them massively. Am I the only one who can’t see why they would do this?

Examples:

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1019981001.html

www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-design-curve-dobby-shirred-wrap-maxi-dress-in-blue/prd/201963458

www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-design-curve-dobby-twist-front-pleated-midi-dress-with-all-over-embroidery-in-navy/prd/201024988

OP posts:
Laiste · 03/04/2022 18:12

@trailrunner85 - I guess I don't understand how people with much bigger boobs can go braless - presumably they too are uncomfortable, with bouncing around, backache, etc..?!

Well i for one cannot. I leave my bra off if i've showered late in the day and i might wander around braless under my robe first thing in the morning for an hour - but i feel weirdly vulnerable and as if, in the event of an emergency for eg., i'm a bit physically impaired because they're unfettered and a bit unpredictable!

Roominmyhouse · 03/04/2022 18:20

It is definitely in fashion to go braless whatever your size. Which is great if you find it comfortable but I’m a 34G and find even walking around without support massively uncomfortable and after a while painful. I need support! But I don’t care if clothes are advertised by bra less plus sizes models.

Laiste · 03/04/2022 18:24

In fact i can remember 3 emergency situations going on outside the house over the years when i've had to rush upstairs to put my bra on before feeling able to go out and join in helping!

EmergencyHydrangea · 03/04/2022 18:24

I'm a G cup and I never wear a bra at home, because I always find them uncomfortable (nothing to do with how well or badly they are fitted, I have sensory processing issues) I do have really broad shoulders though, that might offset some of the issues other big breasted women have.

pastypirate · 03/04/2022 18:26

I really have no interest in whether other women do or don't wear underwear. It's none of my business in any context.

But if I was shopping on asos this styling puts me right off buying any of those dresses.

EmergencyHydrangea · 03/04/2022 18:26

@Laiste

In fact i can remember 3 emergency situations going on outside the house over the years when i've had to rush upstairs to put my bra on before feeling able to go out and join in helping!
I find this bizarre, nobody is going to care, or even notice in an emergency surely?
tinkywinkyshandbag · 03/04/2022 18:38

I'm a J cup and if i don't wear a bra they literally come down to my belly button.

Laiste · 03/04/2022 18:40

I would care and notice if my norks were flapping about and falling out of my dressing gown !

RosieRoww · 03/04/2022 18:43

@KimikosNightmare

I assume this is the dress on the OP's second link?
But did you notice how deep the neckline is? If she would have a bra, her boobs would fall out I think.🤨😀
Lineofconcepcion · 03/04/2022 18:47

I wear a bra because I don't want a black eye Blush

trailrunner85 · 03/04/2022 19:03

I find this bizarre, nobody is going to care, or even notice in an emergency surely?

For me it wouldn't be about people noticing or caring, but I'd be no use in an emergency with no bra on as I couldn't run/climb/lift/ whatever. I couldn't run down the road without a bra on, it would be very painful - so yes, in an emergency I'd take the extra 30 seconds to put a bra on, because then I could be useful!

AngelinaFibres · 03/04/2022 19:03

@HopefulProcrastinator

I'm honestly amazed that larger ladies are remotely comfortable without a good supportive bra.

Not at all bothered about the shape/silhouette because that is sexist nonsense, but something that makes the day go past without discomfort is a must for me.

I am 34 D so not big boobs. I have always worn a bra. I feel uncomfortable without one. I can't stand the feel of my nipples against looser fabric. They are still sort of where they started ( I'm 56) but they move when I walk. I would feel that my nipples were sticking up and that, with the wobble, would make me feel incredibly self conscious. I always wear underwired tee shirt bras. I get them properly fitted. They are not uncomfortable. I never ,ever take my bra off when I get home.they give me a nice shape under close fitting clothes that I wouldn't have after feeding 2 children.
Laiste · 03/04/2022 19:11

@trailrunner85

I find this bizarre, nobody is going to care, or even notice in an emergency surely?

For me it wouldn't be about people noticing or caring, but I'd be no use in an emergency with no bra on as I couldn't run/climb/lift/ whatever. I couldn't run down the road without a bra on, it would be very painful - so yes, in an emergency I'd take the extra 30 seconds to put a bra on, because then I could be useful!

That's it. You put it better than me :)
purplesequins · 03/04/2022 19:14

never mind the bra/no bra thing. but what about the awful postures?
how do you judge the fit of a dress if you can't see the cut?

DogsAndGin · 03/04/2022 19:16

I don’t think it is ‘unflattering’ at all to show the real shape of breasts without hoisting them up to unnatural positions. Boobs are not there to be pleasing for small-minded western men to look at. Many women have similar shaped breasts to these models, which they are made to feel are disgusting and abnormal when not covered or lifted. These models have normal female bodies and don't deserve to be criticised or altered.

Imagine how many women have read your post, and thought, ‘oh, just when I thought plus size bodies were starting to become acceptable, I now have to hate my boobs.’

My god, we used to only have size 6 models, now we’ve got more variety, but their boobs aren’t perky enough for your liking?!

You haven’t complained that Kate Moss and co are braless in every single catwalk show. Or the likes of Monika and Rachel with their nipples poking you in the eye every episode.

And to all the ladies who have breasts like the lady on the ASOS advert, or like Lizzo, more power to you!

rugbunch · 03/04/2022 19:18

It's quite normal for smaller models too

IheartJKRowling · 03/04/2022 19:20

I'm a H/HH cup and my breasts the weight of my breasts is horrendous. If I don't wear a bra I get terrible neck and shoulder pain. I wear crop top in bed because if I didn't I would end up rolling over and squashing them.

Going braless hasn't been an option for me since I was 16. A good bra makes my clothes fit better and makes me more comfortable.

DogsAndGin · 03/04/2022 19:21

@EraOfTheGrey @hellosunshineagainx thank god there are some nice people on this thread! Flowers

hellosunshineagainx · 03/04/2022 19:25

[quote DogsAndGin]**@EraOfTheGrey* @hellosunshineagainx* thank god there are some nice people on this thread! Flowers[/quote]
Right back at you Thanks

DogsAndGin · 03/04/2022 19:25

@KimikosNightmare I suggest you’re the one who pops over to the feminist board

MakingShiteMemories · 03/04/2022 19:26

@hellosunshineagainx "Only a D" 😂 I'm an AA! (Have never worn a bra, btw).

OP, the first two dresses look terrible. The third one looks better. The second one doesn't even fit the model.

SignOnTheWindow · 03/04/2022 19:28

@Dogsandgin Absolutely agree with you and the posters you mentioned.

Greyhare · 03/04/2022 19:28

I'm guessing all the people saying it's uncomfortable going braless is because you have been wearing a conventional underwired bra since your teens so letting them hang loose does feel strange but if we had never had them hoisted up and held in place then going braless wouldn't feel strange or uncomfortable because it would be the norm which if the yoof of today are wearing soft bras and crop tops.

I think I would rather the braless look from a comfort standpoint than the scratchy toture device of the wonder bra I squeezed my poor boobs into so tight and hefting they almost touched my chin, that was all the rage when I was a late teen.

hellosunshineagainx · 03/04/2022 19:31

[quote MakingShiteMemories]@hellosunshineagainx "Only a D" 😂 I'm an AA! (Have never worn a bra, btw).

OP, the first two dresses look terrible. The third one looks better. The second one doesn't even fit the model.[/quote]
I think my point being I don't have giant boobs they are just average but I go braless most of the time xx

randomsabreuse · 03/04/2022 19:31

Wearing an adequate bra is very much a comfort thing. If I'm in charge of my kids a decent bra is non-negotiable because I can't run without a lot of discomfort from my (28K) boobs. They don't look "bad" bra less but it feels horrible to do more than mooch around at a gentle walking pace (tbf would be fine if wearing heels coz I can't run in them either ...)

Proper fun dancing (Ceilidh) definitely requires adequate scaffolding too...

Also my nipples prefer bra fabrics that don't rub...