is there a bra-free tribe? - Page 8

[accountclosed3]

bra free for about three months now. I would usually go in phases where i would be bra-free for a number of days, and then go back to wearing one. but, i literally lost my bras (no clue where they are, and that is weird because i own so little currently). so, instead of replacing them, i'm just wearing my tanks (with shelf bras) under my shirts. it's very comfortable, and after my first period without it, i felt great. they look good too, and DH is quite happy about it too.

so, it's working out nicely.

[chanibell]

I have not worn one consistently since I had a mascetomy at 21. I like camis; and they are comfy ( oh I forgot to mention I got reconstructive surgery and now my boobies are perky) :)

[OHmidwife]

Originally Posted by StrongBeliever 

I REALLY like cami type shirts with "tailored" cups... Not so much a shelf bra, but designed to cup the breast.

This is exactly what I'm looking for! Can someone recommend a brand or give me a link? I HATE wearing bras. I bought two of these form-fitting camis about 10 years ago but they are pretty threadbare now and I need new ones. Unfortunately I cut the tags out because they were scratchy, so I don't know what brand they were. I got them at a big department store, like Kaufmann's or Macy's or Dillard's or something. They do not have a shelf- I hate shelf camis too! Can anyone help?

Thanks!

[meandk0610]

anyone have any links to organic shelf-bra tanks or molded camis? if you know of ones that are made in the USA, it's a plus! tia!

[anechka]

Great thread!

I have been bra-free before I moved to the US nine years ago, and immediately number of people here, including my American husband told me that I MUST wear a bra because my nipples stick out. I have 34A but my nipples are longish, so yes, they are quite visible but I never cared about that and no one else cared either. I am from Russia and the guys there could care less about the breasts (well, at least those I have met:)) but the all have leg fetish. They absolutely love looking at girls' legs, and if you have long, slender and straight legs (which is my case), expect to be the center of male attention anywhere you go. And here it is all about breast which very much bothers me. I mean, I never wore bras, I find them very uncomfortable and now I must wear them. My boobs get sore no matter what brand I try. I only wear them for work, and I am bra-free at home.

I need to find a substitute that I can wear. Shelf camis are not an answer as they cut under my breasts and it hurts. Sports bra also cut under my breasts and I do not wear those as well. Perjaps, I should go with few sizes larger. I also have ezcema on my chest and sports bra lead to flare ups because they are nylon and cover a lot. Any advice would be appreciated.

Oh, and after my pregnancy, my breasts went to their normal size and look as good as ever. It just the nipples that are sticking out and are very visible even if I wear thick sweater. 

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I have been 99% bra free now for 6 years or so. I do occasionally wear one to church depending on the style dress or top I am wearing. I wear either a tank with built in shelf bra or for every day I wear a man's ribbed t under a button down shirt.

I truly believe bra's are unhealthy and cause problems. After all for thousands of years woman went without them and did just fine and in many cultures still do so.

[tsfairy]

I've been officially bra-free for about 2 months now. For years I had the hardest time finding bras that fit, and I abandoned underwires when I got to a D-cup. After DS1 was born, I wore the motherhood sleep bra 24/7 for the next 2 years (I rotated 2 of them - they were really threadbare when I was finished!) Then I switched to nursing tanks or Bravado bras. A few months ago I started having pain in one breast. I was in a lot of pain, and was ready to go see a breast surgeon to rule out anything serious but decided to stop wearing a bra for a few days after coming across some info online about the link between bras and breast pain. Sure enough, after just a day or so the pain lessened, and after a week it was gone.

If I'm wearing a thinner shirt or something that's a little see-thru I wear a plain cami with no shelf or molding. Otherwise I don't bother. My boobs have actually gotten a little perkier since I stopped wearing a bra. I was petrified that everyone would be staring at me since I'm a saggy DD, but nobody seems to notice.

This afternoon I grabbed one of my old nursing tanks to wear under a sort of sheer t-shirt because it was a good color match. I put it on and literally within 5 minutes was in pain. Needless to say I wore my cami happily instead.

[minkajane]

I've been mostly bra-free for about five years now. I'm usually a 36B, but I'm up to 38C now at 21 weeks pregnant, so they're going to end up bigger than I've ever had before, so we'll see how things go. I usually wear one to work, mainly because it's pretty obvious when I don't. My nipples are pierced and you can see the shape of the jewelry. I'll be taking them out soon to nurse and I'm going to give the LilyPadz a shot. I love the days when I can just wear a cami and no bra. I love the Motherhood sleep bras if I have to wear something, but they come up really high with my smallish breasts and show over the neckline of most of my shirts. The bras I do wear don't have underwire. When I stopped wearing a bra regularly and wore an underwire again, I realized how insanely uncomfortable those things are. Why would anyone torture themselves with a huge piece of metal under their breasts?

Outside of work, I only wear a bra when I'm wearing something sheer. My nipples are visible in a lot of my shirts (especially with the piercings) but I just don't care. I have nipples, you have nipples, we all have nipples. So why are women expected to keep theirs hidden like they don't exist? The whole breast can be exposed, but it's ok as long as you can't see the nipple. Makes NO sense!

I actually wrote a post a few weeks ago on my blog about this very subject. It's here if anyone's interested.

[orangefoot]

I'm still cosy and bra free in my cami here in the freezing cold winter. Can you believe that we have had -17C here in the UK? It's unheard of!

Not much else new here but I thought I'd share this. I have been married to my dh for nearly 9 years and not worn a bra for all of that time. Out of the blue the other day he said to me "I never thought I'd end up with a girl who didn't wear a bra" He had just come home from work and hugged me as he does every day and when I asked him if that bothered him he said of course it didn't but he'd realised he can hug me and run his hands up and down my back without hitting any hardware which is nice.

He never thought he'd raise a child without ever having put a nappy on her bottom or co-sleep or be a babywearing dad so it's another thing to add to his list of non-mainstream marvels!

[PreggieUBA2C]

Also freedom-boobed here! I stopped wearing one in 1998, started again for a while when pg with ds4, and have worn camis since. I get very cold if I don't wear a cami, especially because they keep me covered up while I nurse. :)

I was a 36DD when I wore a bra, and being on my fifth nursling, my breasts are healthy, firmer and perkier than ever before! I'm also much, much smaller than when I wore bras. I stopped wearing a bra when I developed breast-concentrated cancer. So, I quit the bra, th solvent-based art supplies, isopropyl alcohol, processed and/or packaged food, all "beauty" products, and in four months with lots of sleep and fresh air, my free breasts were tumour-free, and I have had no further incidence.

Recently, a friend asked me about giving my girl-child her first bra, and I said, "What are you, crazy??!!! Why would I ever do that?" Then there was a long, weird, stunned silence, so I added, "Well if she wants one, I'll get one for her, but you'll never hear me encouraging anyone to wear a harness." Then with incredulity, "But you, wear one; why wouldn't you let her, too?" My surprised response was, "I don't wear a bra. I haven't for 13 years minus a few months." Then it occurred to me that in all of the time we've spent together, they had no idea that my boobs have been free! They've not noticed or deliberately observed my breasts; how awesome is that?! :)

[greenacresmama]

Preggie, That is beautiful! I wasn't so lucky , but pregnant with Athena and had a really fast growing tumor in my thyroid. There was a lot of outside pressure too. I have been bra-free for a little while now. I got Rolfed and started to notice the disc in my back being bad - right where my bra line was too. I am working on letting go, it is happening fast. Sometimes I wear them just to unhook it mid morning and be in public.. I am a 32B.. I really don't see the point anymore. DH loves my new boobs. I love not wearing one now and it is growing into public days fast. I love this new mindset.... (just like above poster preggie) reinvented my life and these very beautiful days keep happening. If anyone does notice.. I think it is a turn on :P. And I think that our very beautiful connection with each other (you mamas) is kind of an in.. Very happy.

[FarmerCathy]

Originally Posted by orangefoot 

I'm still cosy and bra free in my cami here in the freezing cold winter. Can you believe that we have had -17C here in the UK? It's unheard of!

Not much else new here but I thought I'd share this. I have been married to my dh for nearly 9 years and not worn a bra for all of that time. Out of the blue the other day he said to me "I never thought I'd end up with a girl who didn't wear a bra" He had just come home from work and hugged me as he does every day and when I asked him if that bothered him he said of course it didn't but he'd realised he can hug me and run his hands up and down my back without hitting any hardware which is nice.

He never thought he'd raise a child without ever having put a nappy on her bottom or co-sleep or be a babywearing dad so it's another thing to add to his list of non-mainstream marvels!

I think that's what my hubby and anyone else that rubs my back likes.  No straps.  I love being bra free.  I'm trying to figure out how to make my own TTime Flatwear shirt while I'm pregnant. I think I'm feeling more conservative now that I'm going to church on a regular basis.  I just want some nipple coverage because they are hard all.the.time.  I would only do it for church.  I agree I think its a big turn on and I like that factor, esp. when its warm and sunny outside and just wearing a tanktop feels so good.    I've been bra free now going on 6 years.  I it.

[rcr]

Originally Posted by meandk0610 

anyone have any links to organic shelf-bra tanks or molded camis? if you know of ones that are made in the USA, it's a plus! tia!

I have been lurking on your thread for a month or so. I hate bras. I often get to work and close my door and take it off (I am a professor), but I find it very uncomfortable to be teaching class in no bra (well, I have never had the nerve to do it, so I don't really know if it is uncomfortable, but I am afraid to try). I look at myself in the mirror with a bra, and then without one, and I can totally tell the difference.

I would love to have some suggestions on a shelf-tank or another alternative to a bra (camis sound wonderful, but I am not really there yet). Does anybody use a shelf-bra that is not cotton - like made of microfiber, or very thin cotton (I mean, not the cheapie old navy kind that is meant to be worn with nothing over it)?

[ursusarctos]

Originally Posted by beth3199 

I think I'm going to open a taboo can of worms here! I'm a mom of three wonderful girls 10, 14 anfd 15, and I absolutely hate bras and haven't worn one in a long time. I never hid that fact from my girls either, and told them that bras are unnecessary and often unhealthy. I also told them that they are free to own them and wear them as much as they like, or not at all. I taught them that ther isn't anything at all wrong or dirty about breasts OR nipples- we all have them, and never feel that they have to be hidden. I see so may posts here from women that have discovered being bra free, and certainloy a great many of us have daughters. Why in the world don't we be honest with them and let them make their own decisions about bras? Hardly any teen needs one, and if other comment or are rude, that's the other person's problem. Stand tall and proud! We really have nothing to hide... why not be ourselves? If our girls would like one, then provide one or a few, but never make them wear them.  If we hate them, why do we think our girls wouldn't? I would love to hear from other likeminded moms. 

I plan to tell my daughters the same if I have them. I will not prevent them from having bras if they want them, and I might even offer to buy them when I see they are getting breasts, but I will also be clear that they are not necessary and very likely unhealthy.

[goinggreengirl]

I remember there being another thread but can't find it. I'll join! I've been bra free about 10 months. I just couldn't find a comfortable nursing bra big enough so I just layer a tank with another shirt while I'm out. I actually just altered some tanks so I have some material between the underside of my breasts and torso. I cut them and added soft elastic so there is no pressure but they stay in place. I guess you could say they are like a really comfy shelf bra!

I really prefer bra free. I am trying to not care if my nipples show but it is hard when that idea of hiding them has been ingrained for so long.

[greenacresmama]

I found an old stash of cami lingerie from my honeymoon. I bought them from Banana Republic and almost wish I had the guts to post a picture. It is soooo pretty. It is very tight putting on, but once on and unraveled from the putting on, it is comfy, It actually holds in place perfectly, but way, way different than a bra feeling. I think there is something to this cami thing after all. It is soooo pretty. Silk around the edges and layers of lace and little bows on the straps

[treeoflife3]

Can I join the tribe as a supporter who still wears bras?

I am a 38F(DDD) and I find that not wearing a bra is more uncomfortable than wearing one (although I find bras uncomfortable.)  I need the support bras give because it helps me with my posture and keeps them from swinging all over the place and annoying me.  I can't stand it though and have dreamed of being bra free for years now.  It is just so obvious if I don't wear them, both to myself and to anyone else because of how they hang and where on my chest they hang.  Clothes fit worse without a bra since the awkward hang pulls at them funny and I already have a hard enough time fitting clothes to my big boobs!  20-30 pounds ago pre breastfeeding, my breasts were only D's and I was having the same problem although not quite as bad.  By the time I was 11, I was a C and I've dreamed of being an A or B cup ever since haha.  I need to lose at least 70 pounds and I'm really hoping that helps get my boobs smaller so they can stop hanging so funny so I can be bra free.  I dream of breast reductions currently...

[FarmerCathy]

Originally Posted by rcr 

I have been lurking on your thread for a month or so. I hate bras. I often get to work and close my door and take it off (I am a professor), but I find it very uncomfortable to be teaching class in no bra (well, I have never had the nerve to do it, so I don't really know if it is uncomfortable, but I am afraid to try). I look at myself in the mirror with a bra, and then without one, and I can totally tell the difference.

I would love to have some suggestions on a shelf-tank or another alternative to a bra (camis sound wonderful, but I am not really there yet). Does anybody use a shelf-bra that is not cotton - like made of microfiber, or very thin cotton (I mean, not the cheapie old navy kind that is meant to be worn with nothing over it)?

It does take about 3 months going bra free for your ligaments to strengthen again and people may not notice as much after that time period.  Do you have summers off?  Maybe you could do it then and try going bra free when your new classes start or do it during the winter when you can have multiple layers.

[Snowflake777]

Loving this thread!

I'm not exactly bra-free, but I hate the things! I take them off the moment I get home, and I've experimented with going bra-less in public when I couldn't take the discomfort anymore. I actually get back problems from wearing them. I've tried getting them properly fitted but they're still uncomfortable.

I'm a D-cup (and much bigger when BFing!) so it's hard to go without unless I want to attract sideways glances. Reading this thread has inspired me to look into getting some tanks tops with the built in sports bra. Maybe those will do the trick.

[rcr]

Originally Posted by FarmerCathy 

It does take about 3 months going bra free for your ligaments to strengthen again and people may not notice as much after that time period.  Do you have summers off?  Maybe you could do it then and try going bra free when your new classes start or do it during the winter when you can have multiple layers.

That's a great suggestion. I do have summers off. I stopped shampooing my hair two summers ago, and the greasy hair stage was in the summer so it was no big deal.

I picked up some shelf bra camis at target this morning to wear in the meantime.