There are few things that can divide a fashionable crowd so effectively as when you discuss the appropriateness of going braless in the summer. There are many times where the situation is unavoidable (hello, tricksy cold-shoulder dresses and tops!), but there are also times where it's a conscious style choice—something that, for many women, can add a certain je ne sais quoi to the proceedings. It's not 1864, and you'd think we'd have moved way past such controversies, but it's still a topic that generates plenty of discussion.
Some women are entirely pro, others vehemently against, and a few in the middle who kind of, maybe, perhaps, at some point, want to but feel too secure strapped into a nice, reliable bra that it'd be a great risk to do it on any old given day. Only this week did Kendall Jenner throw her hat into the ring, stating on a post featured on her app and website entitled Free The Nipple that she really doesn't "see what the big deal is with going braless!" Her take? "I think it's cool and I really just don't care! It's sexy, it's comfortable and I'm cool with my breasts. That's it!"
So when the conversation came up in a meeting, the talk rolled on and on. Just how can it be done in a chic, subtle way? And is it for everyone? Are there bras that hold you in but still reveal a bit of nipple for a slightly non-committal approach?
Patricia Manfield on the streets of Milan.
Bella Hadid's often at it. Jennifer Aniston's no stranger. Street style star Patricia Manfield went all-out only a few weeks ago during Milan Fashion Week—and looked, as always, rather sassy. It's definitely happening more commonly than you may imagine—even with Instagram's nipple ban in full swing—and continually plastered all over the media.
I'm fairly ambivalent about the topic, and due to the impending doom of gravity, I'd rather just wear a barely-there bra, but a bra nonetheless (see my top pick below). So I got in touch with two girls who I know have really something to say about it. Firstly, Lyst's editorial director, Katherine Ormerod, who has become somewhat of a pro in this department, and Byrdie's editorial director, Amy Lawrenson, who wishes she was bold enough to take the, erm, plunge…
Keep reading to join in on the debate.
"Ultimately, unless you’re wearing a totally sheer top, where’s the harm—or offence—at showing the natural shape of your chest? Men have nipples too, after all. I think as a generation, we have become increasingly prudish about them. What kind of world accepts belfies and plumped-up cleavages, but recoils as the sight of nipples covered by a T-shirt?
"As for when to go bra-less, I can’t think of a situation when I wouldn’t. I’m not a massive fan of ultra-tight stretch jersey, so I’m usually wearing a looser-fit Breton or knit (because British weather), which definitely makes an erect nipple less noticeable anyway. But I do wear silk shirts sans bra, even in the office. If every French woman that was ever born can get away with it, why can’t we do the same this side of the Channel?
"I actually very rarely notice male attention directed to my chest—short skirts have a far more noticeable reaction—but my younger brother does give both my mum and I a lot of stick about it. We ignore completely him, of course."
"I have never not worn a bra. Unless I'm sleeping or showering. Putting on a bra is as much a part of getting dressed as is putting on bottoms. Or shoes. Now I'm not talking the Wonderbra inventions that exaggerate your breasts to Kardashian proportions, and I'm not a full-bosomed woman—so I could totally get away without wearing one or choosing those light-as-air lacy numbers that look great peeking out from under an Equipment shirt—but I'd feel naked and inappropriate even though I never look at anyone styling out that combo and think such a thing.
"I actually love that French look of nonchalance—free from underwire worn under a silk button-down or fine grey marl T-shirt. Or even a Kate Moss–esque totally bra-less outing. I get it, it's sexy and screams that you're easy-going. Too busy having fun to be worrying about bra fittings. But I'm the kind of woman who freaks out if you can see a bit of bra peeking out the top of my blouse, let alone it being a runaway boob. Would I like to be emancipated from my selection of sensible Marks & Spencer numbers? Truthfully? Yes. It's a definite case of Stockholm syndrome."
So, is the transition really such a big deal? If you want to get on board, take in a few of our top tips below…
Go for a more substantial jersey tee:
"I’d suggest opting for thicker T-shirt, and working your way up to silk," advises Katherine.
The bold can start with a bralette:
If you have a smaller chest and want to ease your way into the trend, make like Kendall Jenner and start wearing cute bralettes on rotation.
Choose something with in-built protection:
This off-the-shoulder top has clever in-built structure to help you ditch that bra!
Find an almost-invisible bra:
"Of course I totally get that for many women, it’s a question of support, in which case go with your natural shape and opt for a sheer style," Katherine says. We'd recommend Gossard's Glossies range for this—and it's particularly good for some bigger cup sizes.
Cover your modesty with a skinny scarf:
For plunging necklines—and to get that very French look—just add a skinny, long silk scarf to sit happily amongst your décolletage.
Play it safe with nipple covers:
These can save the day for formal occasions—like family weddings!
Look out for clever pocket placement:
If you're still fearful but want to feel liberated, see if you can find a shirt with, er, artfully positioned pockets!Would you, or do you already, go for this look? Let us know in the comments box below—and share your tips or fears with us too.
