I think I've managed to go braless and have big boobs three times in my life. My ta-tas were never what you might think of as tiny - for a 12-year-old, a C cup meant I was quite large compared to my peers, and as a fabulous F cup adult, twins and shows no signs of changing. Anywhere. I used to be ashamed of the size of my cleavage, covering it up and ignoring the potential power of my cleavage. But my New Year's resolution for 2015 is to show off my breasts more. In doing so, I learned to love my ladies (and I also learned a million different euphemisms for the word "breasts").
When it comes to my self-love-driven breast journey, though, I want to take the final step: going braless. When I got home after my time in the outside world, the first thing I did - of course - was take off my bra, so comfortable was I with the feeling of my nipples grazing my knees. My big breasts often jiggle with pleasure as I sit comfortably in my apartment, but out in the world, well, there's a mainstream need for confidence that I'm not willing to ignore just yet.
This summer, Bustle’s Erin McKelle Fischer wrote an article titled “ 8 Ways to Go Bra-Free When You Have Big Boobs Because Bras Are Not Necessary for Everyone 's" and I've since wondered if any of it would actually work in real life. So I decided to put all my tips to the test because bras aren't actually mandatory for everyone and I hope to one day no longer feel like they are mandatory for me .
1. Layers
This look is definitely the one I feel most comfortable in, probably because my boobs are hidden under so many layers, which means my boobs aren't noticeable at all. I guess if you're wearing this in the winter, though (because what unnatural ice queen would wear that in the summer?), adding a bra would serve as extra armor against the cold. No matter what, no one will see your nipples when you're wearing four layers of clothing.
2. Cup tops and dresses
This top is usually one of my favorites because the shape really emphasizes my cleavage when I wear a bra. Without a bra, it just emphasized my lack of natural cleavage. Personally, I'm not sure I'm comfortable enough exercising outside of the bedroom.
3. Tops and dresses with petticoats or built-in linings
As McKelle Fischer points out, wearing a dress with a petticoat and no bra means you can't really see the shape of the person's body. Unfortunately, that's my problem with wearing this. I want to see my body, I want to show how good my body shape is. I recently wore this dress out with a bra and it felt great.
If hiding your body shape so people don't know you're not wearing a bra sounds like your jam, then wearing a braless slip will definitely help you achieve this look effortlessly. This is not a costume I personally want.
4. Cropped tops
The success of this look all depends on the type of crop top you wear. The baggy fit left a lot of underboob exposure, which as a busty babe made me uncomfortable. However, my tight velvet crop top held my breasts in place with no problem.
5. Camisole
I feel braless and this style of shirt just emphasizes how braless I am rather than hiding the fact. McKelle Fischer recommends wearing a camisole underneath your outfit in her article, but I would never actually think of doing that with a cute camisole like this one. That being said, I definitely understand that adding a layer (maybe a long tank top?) can cover my nipples and keep my bralessness a secret.
6. Bra
Similar to the case with crop tops, your choice of bra will completely impact whether or not you can comfortably go braless. However, I definitely think where you wear your bra should determine whether or not you go the bra-less route. For Bralette No. 1, I would only wear it for a night out. But for those with larger breasts, jumping around without a bra is usually not an easy option. Bralette No. 2, on the other hand, is more suitable for daytime wear. Because of its shape, I feel very comfortable wearing it out and about on a warm fall day.
7. Sweater
I really only own one sweater, mostly because I hate feeling shapeless when wearing them. But that's the beauty of going braless under a jumper: the shapeless shape will be your friend and your ticket to a comfortable, casual look. That being said, if it’s cold enough that I have to wear my only sweater, it’s probably cold enough that I need to wear two bras to stay warm.
8. Don’t care
McKelle Fischer's final tip for going braless with a BBW is to say "Ouch." "If you don't care who sees your boobs, then wear any type of top you want," she wrote. I've had breast insecurities for a long time, so maybe my New Year's resolution this year is to try going braless more often. After all, anyone who expects plus-size girls to have big breasts has probably never actually seen breasts in real life before.
Ultimately, some of these styling tips really work, while others depend heavily on other factors (like your destination, your personal style, and your comfort level with underboob visibility). If you're willing to sacrifice some curve display for comfort, some looser styles will definitely help you go braless. However, if you're not, then maybe it's not time to let go of your trusty shoulder boulder brace just yet.
Regardless, I'm glad I have some outfit inspiration for the next time I need to run errands but am just too lazy to lift my boobs up and put on a bra.
