Bra or no bra; that is the question

#FreeTheNipple is a long-standing movement which elicits very strong responses. To settle it once and for all, we have compiled a list of the pros and cons:

PRO: It’s sexy…

It’s empowering and it’s sexy to go braless. You can finally wear that top without worrying about your strapless bra sliding down throughout the night. And who cares if a bit of nip peeks through - we are women - and women have nipples! We can feel confident, knowing that we have made this choice, bra or no bra.

CON: Some people find wearing a bra sexier.

Most women get insecure about their boobs - on certain days they can feel too big, too small, too lopsided or too different. Wearing a bra can help shape them the way you want – and it’s much cheaper than a boob job! This can do wonders for your confidence, and in turn, how sexy you feel.

PRO: It takes back ownership of our own bodies.

Since 1869, when the first official bra was created by designer Herminie Cadolle (a man, of course) it was designed to shape women’s bodies in keeping with fashion at the time. Before long, it became the norm. The Daily Mail calculated that in a lifetime, the average woman spends about £2,700 on bras. But why is this a norm? Choosing to go braless can be a statement; it’s a big FU to the patriarchy and capitalist companies that make us feel like our bodies can’t be accepted as they are.

CON: Not everyone sees it as a political statement.

Sometimes you just don’t want to be sexy. In the workplace, it may not always feel so professional. When there is already so much to worry about at work, worrying about your coworkers’ opinions on going braless is not always what you need.

PRO: It’s much comfier.

Having the wire of a bra jabbing into your chest, or straps pressing down on your shoulders all day is exhausting. There’s nothing comfier than taking off your bra at the end of the day, so why not stay comfy all day instead?

CON: But sometimes it’s not.

Have you ever tried running on the treadmill without a sports bra? One word - HELL. Not to mention when you’re running late to a lecture and break into a little jog on the day you decided to go braless.

Edited by Larissa Hurt