Going bra-less at work.

Question

What do we think — is this ever OK?? I really just hate bras. I hate how they feel, and I hate spending money on them. As I've moved away from wearing them in my out-of-office life, I've been curious about whether this is something I could ever get away with at work, but I haven't had the guts to try yet. To note, if it matters (wish it didn't): I am a small-chested A cup.

Laura Lorenzana · Answer

This is, genuinely, a fascinating question. My question back is: have you ever had a professional bra fitting? If you are simply not happy with the way that a bra feels, my inclination is that you haven't found the right size, or brand that's comfortable for you.

As someone who worked in the trades early on, and was also an A cup (at that time; years later I'm a C so be aware this could also happen to you), I found wearing a tank and/or camisole under my work shirt was fine. However, when I moved into office work, it never occurred to me to go without a bra. Not ever.

This issue speaks to the 'casual Friday' effect in offices. I am old enough that I remember when 'casual Friday' actually started. It was a HUGE deal, in my very conservative financial firm, to allow employees to come to work, one Friday a month, in something other than a suit (yes, that was the policy for all: suit jacket, shirt (and tie for men), pants or skirt...period). So, a few of the office support staff were very excited about the fact that they were going to be allowed to wear their 'regular clothes' to work. Until one of them (and I swear, I am not making this up) showed up in bright purple spandex and stiletto heels, which was 'the latest thing'. She got sent home, and 'casual Friday' was cancelled going forward. But the push to wear what I'll call 'less formal' attire in the work world has never waned, and I'm aware that there are some large corporations out there, today, that have very open policies about what employees can wear to work.

Having said that, why not go to your HR department and ask for their input? If you don't have someone who polices office attire, look to the example that those in positions higher than your own present. Is there a woman exec you could approach about this?

While I, personally, wouldn't want a female employee going braless (even though you consider yourself small-chested, if you're allowed to do it, then that opens the door for more well endowed women to do the same) I believe it's up to those that make the policies at the company that you work for to decide whether or not going braless presents an issue. And, that means that it's then up to you to decide if wearing a bra to work is a deal-breaker when it comes to having a job.

SOFÍA COVARRUBIAS · Answer

This is so freaking fascinating. Thank you so much for bringing it up. I am also a small cup A/B... growing in to a be more recently. I have gone bra-less at the office. Many a times. I will point out I also prefer bralettes, they feel more comfortable for me than a bra. I have not had a professional fitting but have considered it. Still not something I am interesting in and, like you, agree that I don't want to spend my money on them. But I do spend money on bralettes that I can also wear during my yoga practice. (Side note on that, I don't love sports bras as they tend to feel too tight at times and for the style of yoga I practice, I do not like feeling that way.) My rules of thumb for going braless at the office is: absolutely nothing see through or remotely see through. If I want to wear white, camisole underneath that is darker and will hide my nipples. Second rule, remember what will happen when you get cold and with that I will bring a light scarf or use my very long hair to conceal, or wear a sweater that will also cover my boobs. I believe this is a personal choice and respectfully disagree with going to HR to inquire about that. While yes this might also encourage others with larger gifts to purpose this avenue, I would tell them the exact thing I just told you before.  I also agree with pasties and those are certainly fantastic at various times.

Anonymous · Answer

I love this thread! I'm also an a/b cup, and I've been sick of feeling so constrained so I started wearing bralettes recently.... And now I've graduated to pretty much all the time. It's so comfy and who needs some constraining push up bra anyway! Ha! Good luck with what you decide!

Anonymous · Answer

From a fellow A-cup, I have gone braless at work before, but only if I'm wearing something that is loose fitting and guaranteed opaque! One of the perks of having a small chest ha!

Anonymous · Answer

I have a large chest, so can't really contribute to this conversation personally (bra = always necessary) haha, but I would say, as long as it looks professional and not sloppy, you should be fine. Your undergarments shouldn't be the company's or your coworker's business...

Anonymous · Answer

I don’t think you should go bra less , it just looks sloppy, get a professional fitting

Going bra-less at work.

You're invited.

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