Why I Switched from Bras to Bralettes

A while ago I started to hear women talking about bralettes. And not just talking, but raving. For those who don’t know, bralettes are bras that don’t have an underwire or folded cups. They’re more like a sports bra, but are designed to be more attractive and less supportive than their athletic counterparts.

And why do women care? Primarily for reasons of comfort and style. I was originally drawn in by the designs, the lace and delicate straps, but now that I’ve converted fully to the bralette lifestyle, I’ve realized it’s about so much more. 

Wanting to see for myself, I bought my first bralette, a purple and lace one from Winners. It was cute, but I had no idea just how comfortable it would be. That being said, it took some getting used to. At first I felt less secure, and worried that my nipples would show through my shirt, since the padding I was used to was no longer there. I also felt less supported, and so for the first few days I held my breasts as I went up and down flights of stairs. I struggled with how my breasts looked. Without a padded bra, or even an unpadded bra, I felt they looked small, oddly shaped, and unimpressive.

But even with these concerns, the comfort kept me reaching for the bralettes in my underwear drawer every morning. Now, just a few months later, I own six bralettes, and haven’t worn an actual bra in weeks. I put one on the other day, just to see, and I couldn’t believe how uncomfortable it was. “Did I really used to wear one of these every day?” The underwire was digging into my skin and my breasts looked unnatural and exaggerated, like pyramids or cones sticking out of my chest. Images of Lady Gaga’s cone bra and Katy Perry’s whipped cream bra came to mind. It felt like the very first time I wore a bra back in middle school — unnatural and uncomfortable.

Now that I’m a true convert, I thought about writing a list of reasons why I love them so much, but all it really comes down to is:

• They’re comfortable
• They’re cute
• I’m wearing them for me

While it was the dainty lace designs that first tempted me, I now find myself reaching for the not-so-attractive, but still oh-so-comfy ones that look more like sports bras. I found I wasn’t careful enough with the pretty lace ones and they tore easily. I still wear them, but I have the others too and choose depending on what I feel like on that day/what level of support I need.

Wearing bralettes has opened my mind up to other options. While before I would have balked at wearing something so closely resembling a sports bra, with no padding to add a little “extra” to my size, and lacking a feminine look, I am now more concerned with comfort and wearing something that I like, instead of focusing on my appearance and what others might think. And that, I must tell you, is a freeing experience! I am happier now with my breasts (in both size and appearance) than I have been before, and I owe it to the invention of bralettes.

And it’s not just me! Lots of other girls and women are jumping on the bralette train and I’m so glad because it means that they’re easier than ever before to find in stores. For example, some stores that carry bralettes are: Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, Aerie, Urban Outfitters, and La Senza.

If you haven’t already, consider giving bralettes a try. But even if you don’t, I won’t be offended. What matters is what YOU want for you and your breast friends.