Someone sent me a link to this site, which has a most interesting premise. Called Bra Free, it pretty much gets to the point.
The good doctor, Elizabeth Vaughn, is not an ob-gyn. She’s actually internal medicine and has lots of experience in emergency care. So the fact that she encourages her patients to go bra free is even more interesting. (Her reasons are mostly medical, but I’m focusing on the cosmetic aspect, of course.)
I’ve pored over her site and the links she supplies. While I’ve always been aware that bras do not specifically prevent sagging; the idea that bras actually atrophy our supporting ligaments is a new one for me. It makes sense. But the idea of someone with DDs needing to give her ligaments a workout is pretty amusing.
In the interest of improving my breasts, I’ve decided to go bra free (except for workouts) for a few months to see if I notice any positive changes. If my breasts start extending towards my knees, then I’ll know I did the wrong thing.
Although I liked to frequently go sans bra in my teen years, I became terrified of sag when I started stripping, so the bras stayed on. In my first week of bouncy freedom, I’ve realized that my wardrobe is geared towards bra-wearing. I’m rediscovering that poorly placed seams or buttons on a shirt equals torture. Another wardrobe problem are my t-shirts, specifically—white t-shirts. Getting groceries becomes a spectator event if I don’t wear a jacket.
Dr. Vaughn does give practical advice on wearing clothing while not wearing a bra. I’m going to have to start following her advice because it’s become clear that I either wear denim or flannel work shirts or resign myself to being moving entertainment.
I like the feeling of freedom and lack of restriction. I’m not fond of the jiggle (what woman likes jiggle on her body?), but my lover is. And based on many conversations with men, breast jiggle ranks right up there with actually seeing the breast, if not more so. Why? I still haven’t figured out why knowing that breasts are capable of movement turns a man on. But it does.
So, gentlemen, if you want to make the world a more visually luscious place, pass along this link to all females you know. The concept is based on valid health concerns about breast cancer and restrictive bra-wearing. But I know your main attraction to the concept.
I have to wonder how many of Dr. Vaughn’s male patients have discovered this site and have suddenly become hypochondriacs.
What would my (very busty) mom say about this? What she’s always said about the idea of going without a bra, “I’d be arrested for having no visible means of support.â€
I love going bra-free! I am not well-endowed, but not flat either. No kids and though I usually wear a bra in public unless I am running to the grocery store or errands, I don’t wear one and never have. I LOVE going braless. It feels good, it’s comfortable and I find nipples quite sexy and natural. I like that ’70s look, I guess.
I have always been this way and mine are very perky, no issues with sag. That could be genetic though as my Mom is the same way but has had a couple kids.
Good for you for giving it a try!
CCG
I must say I am tickled pink to see this entry and for some odd reason, am not feeling as “guitly” about going braless.
I am one of those DD’s that has the “gall” to go in public without a bra, and everytime I do, I feel extremely guilty. Guilt you ask? But why? I don’t know and can only attribute it to the societal expectation that a woman with large breasts, simply WILL wear a bra. But, I give into comfort every time, and simply walk with my hands clasped just above my waist, adding only an ever so slight amount of support as a result, albeit concealing the nipples quite well, that inevitably always poke through . Thus far, I have noticed no aesthetic drawbacks in terms of losing elasticity, so I am not certain that wearing a bra truly will prevent sagging.
As I was reading your entry I paused to imagine the look on people’s faces, if I were to causally strool through wherever I may be, each time, and proudly walk with my hands at my side!! lol
Being a man I have to be extremely careful about how I word this entry. The only time I wear a bra is when I go out in drag on Halloween with by fake boobies! In all sincerety unless a woman’s breasts are reall HUGE there is no reason to wear a bra.
The younger ladies with the small “perky” breasts have it made. Sure a man can tell they are braless but who cares? Unless you are Frank!
My friend Frank will disappear in the grocery store and his wife knows exactly where to find him…in the frozen food section…looking at the nipples of braless women. Frank is just plain sick!
In the whole sceme of this mighty universe I enjoy all parts of a woman. Pretty feet, perky breasts, large brown eyes, fair skin with freckels and real red hair. (NOT COLOURED)
Don’t be afraid to go “bra free.” because it is most likely far more healthy than being wrapped up in that uncomfortable bra. Oh…if you see Frank…tell him he has a wife. QUIT DREAMING! John Balone
There seems to be a strange assumption that I feel “guilty” or somehow ashamed at not wearing a bra. No. I am just not comfortable with drawing attention to my breasts (outside of using them to make money). There is a huge comfort factor to not wearing a bra, but that is negated for me when it’s obvious they draw unwelcome attention. That’s not comfortable. (Taking steps to remedy that.)
XX
Amanda
You misunderstood. I said that I used to feel guilty , ME, and no longer do. I never , ever inferred that YOU did, nor did I think that I implied that either! My post was about me, and only me, and my apologies if it appeared otherwise. Best of Luck and I am glad I found your blog!
I realize that I forogt to add, that when I originally stated in my first post, that “I am not feeling as “guilty”” , I meant to say “not feeling as guilty, like I used to”. I can see where you may have inferred that I was implying that you did. My apologies. And I totally agree, I DO feel akward having the attention drawn to them as well, and yet, I simply hate wearing one. It is a catch 22 I suppose.
Jade,
I was referring to both you and Robert. I realize your comment was all about you and your breasts (on my blog), but yes, I did feel that you were assuming I felt some of the same emotions you were since I have been wearing a bra consistently during the past several years. It was a natual assumption to make on my part and there’s certainly nothing wrong with your emotions either.
My discomfort with the idea of going braless is obvious (contrasted with the physical simplicity). Since I didn’t clarify my feelings in my original post, and two commenters seemed to believe I had feelings of guilt, I decided to clarify why I felt uncomfortable with the idea.
I’m not dogging either you or Robert. I was not clear in my post and needed to correct intial misimpressions I may’ve made.
XX
Amanda
Amanda:
My Mom always had a thing about bras, she felt that all the compression was not good for the tissue and lympathic circulation, as breast tissue is not just in front on the chest wall but on the side toward the armpit, as well. So, I do wear a snug-fit thin top under sweaters, so that I can have a bra break at times without turning some poor man sitting next to me on. The tanks with the bra bulit-in are great too. But in summer, I am more restrained-the thin t-shirt and the jugs, I have to harness up.
I was once standing near 2 men and a busty braless woman walked by. I heard a hear a few choice comments before they snapped out of it and stopped. One was blushing furiuosly, but all I could do is laugh.
I suppose that if many woman were braless, it would be no big deal to see nipples and jiggly flesh.
I have large boobs and my doc always wants me to feel a bit around, so that I dont miss anything. I am only 32, so I can’t get a mammogram yet, no breast cancer history.
I am often braless at home. I forget how at times how much breasts are a turn-on for men, so I try to watch it when I go to get the mail. I once gave the substitute mail man a jiggly bouncy nipple poking eyefull.
*Cherie
Cherie,
You’re absolutely right. If more women in this society went braless, it would eventually cease to be an issue. The two guys you overheard on the street are one of the many reasons women don’t like going braless.
I have no answers for solving this. But I do wish women (of all sizes) could make the choice to not wear a bra without having second thoughts about receiving harrassment or open stares.
XX
Amanda
I grew up in Europe where sexuality is everywhere (think topless beaches, but nudity and sex are just pervasive there). So as a male teen I was always looking forward to summertime, when clothing would get lighter and women’s bodies could be freely admired. Yes, they’d bend over at the checkout counter with a loose T-shirt on and give you an eyeful. Ah, mammaries.
Then I relocated to the States and was warned about the contentious atmosphere resulting from the war of the sexes. They weren’t kidding. Women are hiding themselves and cry “rape” if they catch you staring, so you learn to ignore them altogether or, at least, gain some focus (eye level, EYE level!).
Flirting is tricky here…
I’m convinced that the US’ unique puritanical heritage is causing most of the negative attitudes toward sex and the sex industry that we see. And on the other hand, violence against women seems to be a national passtime. Coincidence? I think not. Hiding something only fuels the fire.
This being said, I’m not sure I want to be desensitized by over-exposure. Now if it’s a health matter…
Hobbyist,
Because men rule/run Western societies, I’m putting most of the blame on men. Feminists (and France had them too) were needed to fight for rights and respect women were not given. French men figured out how to respect women. American men still have not, which is why women in America live in dread fear that they’re going to dress “too sexy” and invite rape, or that displeasing their partner means they’re going to get hit.
I know American men like to make a big deal about the rare false rape accusation or how restrictive the workplace is, but quite frankly, it’s men who have to change. Women are only reacting to what men have done for decades (and what far too many still do).
Women are highly sexual beings. We want to be free to behave as slutty as we want and be appreciated for it, not raped/beaten/killed. If American men can change, there is a whole new level of fun just waiting for ya’ll.
XX
Yes, Simone Weil gave French women abortion rights way back in the mid ’70s, if I recall correctly.
I saw a lot of ugly male behavior over there too; it’s not all black and white, that’s for sure. There seems to be a better equilibrium between the sexes in the Old World, but it may just come from more tolerance on the women’s part.
The situation in the US, as viewed by an (ex-)outsider, is that of a pretend melting pot actually made of groups warring with each other and competing for political influence. Everyone seems to walk around with a chip on their shoulder. Lots of defensiveness coming from past slights and abuses, real or perceived. Tensions along race and gender lines run high.
So while I’m all for fairness and equality, and believe that America is generally at the forefront of social progress, I do share most white males’ point of view that, at times, good intentions have taken things a bit too far in the other direction. Turns out that most people don’t really want fair, but special treatment.
American women are very sexually aggressive (it’s different from liberated)! I’ll admit to a certain inhibition around them – the element of (legal) threat feels real to me.
And then there’s the in-your-face “you can’t handle me” attitude that’s a turn-off, but the latter may be just a matter of personal taste.
I know I’m generalizing, but I’m mostly familiar with big city folks from both coasts and that’s what I saw there.
Even for a well-behaved guy actually raised by women, I can tell you that the workplace does feel like a minefield in more ways than one!
Hobbyist,
Not saying France is perfect. There is no such thing as a perfect society. But…I do know which countries where I feel it’s safe to be sexy. Not America.
Sexually-aggressive women? Guess it depends on how you define it. It DOES take the burden of making the first move off your hands though.
Most men really cannot handle a straightforward, non-game-playing woman who knows exactly what she wants. It’s a continual disappointment in my life.
XX
Well, we may also be victims (I don’t like that word any more than you do) of socialization. A lot of guys also can’t handle situations where people don’t follow predetermined roles, and you know how fragile the male ego can be. Flexibility and playfulness are NOT in every guy’s repertoire. We’re taught to be rigid and in control, and this actually reinforces our genetic and hormonal makeup. It’s not for everybody to break out of the mold comfortably.
You’re right that sex appeal is greatly valued by the French, and they do love their women free. They don’t have any of our puritanical heritage and are a lot less judgmental when it comes to sexual overtness.
You’ve addressed racism elsewhere, and I’ve noticed the same differences there. Like sexism, racial prejudice is very much alive outside of the US, but it takes a more subtle and passive-aggressive form, similar to denial.
Hobbyist,
I have talked about the bum deal men are given in American society. How the expectations of them create something that is unnatural to live up to. (This doesn’t excuse men who behave like assholes.) There’s a reason sex work in America is more like therapy than most other parts of the world. The men need a space to be emotional and relate to women without a lot of strings and burdens.
XX
That would certainly explain why I never felt the need to patronize sex workers while overseas… and then have ended up turning to them exclusively to fill my needs since I’ve moved here.
Therapy is the word.