With 7% of French women over the age of 18 (according to an IFOP survey conducted in July 2020) reportedly embracing the “No Bra” trend, it is high time to question whether wearing a bra is truly essential, and if so, for whom.
The “No Bra” Movement: A Healthy and Feasible Option
For many women, the bra is an essential piece of lingerie. Used both as a beauty accessory and a support garment, it is, however, seen by some as a constricting and uncomfortable item of clothing. Should we stop wearing bras altogether?
From a medical standpoint, a bra can have harmful effects on your health if:
- You wear the wrong size (which is very common
- The fabric of your underwear is of poor quality
- You wear your bra while sleeping
All in all, if you wear a well-fitting and high-quality bra, there are no contraindications to wearing one during the day.
However, there are no contraindications to not wearing a bra either! Not wearing a bra will not have a detrimental effect on the elasticity of your skin or the support of your breasts, contrary to popular belief. It is, therefore, primarily a matter of personal preference.
There are, of course, exceptions, particularly during physical activities, where wearing a sports bra is advised to protect your breasts from potential stretch marks or scars and to prevent discomfort during movement.
Generally speaking, women with smaller or medium-sized breasts are more likely to choose going without a bra, whereas those with larger breasts tend to find the "No Bra" option uncomfortable, even painful, especially in the back and neck areas.
Thus, our second exception: women with larger breasts. Having larger breasts and not wearing a bra can be painful and lead to back and neck discomfort. In such cases, it is, of course, not advisable to embrace the "No Bra" trend.
How about choosing wire-free bras or bralettes instead?
The “No-Bra” trend reflects not only a desire for freedom among women but also a rejection of traditional wired bras, which are often perceived as confining and uncomfortable.
In response to this shift, an increasing number of lingerie brands, such as Playtex®, have introduced a wide range of non-wired bras. Although wire-free, these bras provide optimal support thanks to wide straps and a thoughtfully designed structure that ensures both comfort and support, all while maintaining a feminine aesthetic. This is the promise Playtex® delivers through its collection of non-wired bras, including its iconic Cross Your Heart line.
Also gaining popularity in recent years, the bralette has become a staple in many wardrobes, with lace versions offering a romantic look, and cotton bralettes providing optimal comfort and total freedom.
If you find your traditional bras uncomfortable, our advice is to consider lighter, non-wired bra models. These will offer greater freedom of movement while remaining feminine and elegant.
For support and comfort, a well-fitted bra remains an essential ally
When properly fitted and made from high-quality materials, a bra can become a key ally in your everyday wardrobe, especially for women with fuller busts.
The "No Bra" option is not always practical for every body shape. For women who have had breast surgery (due to breast cancer or other reasons), or those with larger busts, going without a bra may not always be an option. But fear not, ladies — by choosing a bra in the correct size, you can enjoy both support and comfort without any discomfort.
It is crucial to regularly check your bra size (particularly after pregnancy or weight changes) to ensure that the cup size and band are still correct. Over time, our bodies change, and the bras you wore last year may no longer be suitable for your current shape.
So, do not hesitate to reassess your bra size — and even your underwear size — by taking your measurements and using our Playtex® lingerie size calculator. Once you’ve identified your correct size, it’s time to choose the style and design that best suits your figure and needs.
Whether it’s underwired or non-wired, full-coverage, balconette, minimiser, or triangle styles, you are spoiled for choice. Don’t wait any longer—come and explore our extensive range of Playtex lingerie for women.
Faut-il porter un soutien-gorge ?
Il n’y a pas d’effets néfastes à porter un soutien-gorge la journée, si celui-ci est à la bonne taille et fabriqué dans une matière de qualité. Il n’y a pas non plus d’effets néfastes à ne pas porter de soutien-gorge, excepté lors d’une séance de sport ainsi que pour les femmes ayant une forte poitrine et qui peuvent souffrir de douleurs au dos ou cou. Le choix de porter un soutien-gorge ou non est donc dépendant de chacune.
Faut-il dormir avec son soutien-gorge ?
Il n’est pas conseillé de dormir avec un soutien-gorge pour une raison de confort mais surtout de santé. Dormir avec un soutien-gorge est mauvais pour la circulation du sang ainsi que pour votre peau qui peut s’irriter.
