Is It OK to Wear a Dress Without a Bra?

a woman in a colorful dress

Times are changing. Hemlines are so short they’re basically nonexistent; shoulders and backs and sternums are on full display; women aren’t even wearing bras anymore! But what do you do if you need to wear one for comfort and support? What if your cleavage deserves to be pushed up and shown off? Or what if you just love having something to match your panties? Don’t worry, your bra-wearing days are not necessarily behind you.

Try different types of bras.

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The whole point of inventing a slew of varying bra straps and designs was to make it so you never had to go braless. Strapless bras for strapless dresses, wireless bras for cotton t-shirts, sports bras for racerback dri-fit tanks. There are even convertible straps so you can make adjustments for any straps that could possibly exist. Why would you choose to go without this garment?

You may think that in some dresses, any bra will show. That hasn’t been the case since the chameleon-like no show bra hit the market. Try an adhesive bra, which consists of gel petals that stick to your breasts (and easily come off at the end of the night). For a backless experience, try backless bras, which are similar to an adhesive with different adjustments you can make. Sometimes you may need minimizer bras, which reduce the projected size of your breasts by up to two inches (we recommend the Wacoal Visual Effects full coverage minimizer bra, linked above). Since there is a bra for every occasion, why would anyone still go without?

Find affordable bras online.

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If cost is a consideration in going braless, give clearance a try. Clearance items aren’t just available in the store; you can get them online as well! Exactly like in-store clearance, these items are only available at that price point for a limited time. Regular pricing can be worth it, but when you could try that Wacoal bra on clearance, why wouldn’t you? Oftentimes, if you’re making your first online order with a company, they will offer a coupon as well as free shipping. Pro tip: find a company that offers free returns, in case you need to try a few different sizes. If you have to pay for return shipping, it defeats the purpose of buying clearance items. Some clearance merchandise will be final sale, so be sure to review Soma’s complete return policy before purchasing.

While you’re buying a new no show Wacoal bra, you might as well buy matching panties. Always go for merchandise that’s on sale, such as 6 for $38 panties. This deal is a big reason we love Soma. Speaking of loving Soma, if you join Love Soma Rewards, you will get a point for every dollar spent. Clearance bras, sale panties, additional coupons, oh my!

Give the gift of underwear.

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If you still aren’t sold on having to wear a bra, don’t. But do support female-run companies and do support your friends and family who may not be ready to #freethenipple. Give gift cards this holiday season. Recommend your favorite prior purchases as a bonus. Remind them that if they buy a bra at its original ticketed price, they will receive free shipping and returns as they checkout. The purchase of gift cards also makes your life a little easier, as they arrive in a beautiful gift box. Your breasts can breathe; theirs can cozy up in a brand new, comfy t-shirt bra with matching panties that they bought on clearance. Talk about a win/win/win.

The short answer to the original question: yes, it’s OK to wear a dress without a bra. It’s your body! You’re free to dress how you choose. But if you want the comfort that accompanies the support of a good bra, then save the braless trend for Generation Z. Your breasts will thank you.