As we’ve discussed previously, the Grail team believes that the choice to forgo bras is a completely valid personal decision. Going braless will not cause your breasts to lose firmness, (and so what if it did?) Social norms regarding bra wearing for anyone with breasts reflect an unfortunate discomfort with women’s bodies in our culture. Nonetheless, some bra wearers are motivated mainly by a belief that bras are obligatory in a professional setting, or that failure to wear one will draw judgement from others. Other wearers feel that bras improve their personal appearance or gives them a psychological boost. The choice to wear a bra is also frequently a matter of practicality and personal comfort. Just as some individuals are more physically comfortable while braless, many people with breasts are uncomfortable without support, especially during movement and exercise.

Out of curiosity, we asked our Facebook and Instagram followers to relay their personal reasons for choosing to wear bras. As expected, the responses included a range of motivating factors. Some comments were more focused on public perception, while others were influenced primarily by self-image. Many answers emphasized the functional aspects of bra-wearing, especially for individuals with heavier breasts. Below are some of the responses shared with us by the Grail community.

“I feel more confident in my skin in a well-fitting bra. Like a person who can do anything, wear what I like, and own the space I’m in.” – H.H.

“Only because of other people. I can tell my daughter is like, ‘Mom, wear a bra,’ in her head. I’m totally comfortable not wearing one, even being active.”- T.E.

“I don’t like the male attention I get if I don’t.”- H.L.

“I wear a bra when I want to feel confident (somehow it helps my posture and I stand a bit taller.)” – C.D.

“I love the feeling that I get wearing it!” – B.A.

“Social/cultural. In order to be in public, I feel like I have to wear one.”- E.S.

“Because, if I don’t, my boobs pop out when I do activities. 🤣” -K.W.

“Don’t want people staring at nipples. So they don’t bounce so much. Sweat absorption.”- A.R.

“I like the shape it gives me. Also, I’m a sweaty gal and can’t stand boob sweat!” – H.B.

“I only wear them in public. 😂” – G.B.

“For comfort and support. As a 32M – it’s a lot of weight and the support helps my back, shoulders, and neck!” – B.E.

“Physical comfort. I only have it off to shower. I sleep in my bra… I’m just not comfortable without it on.” -F.L.

“I need my over the shoulder boulder holder because I can’t bounce around. The weight has to be held up !” – J.W.

“I wear one for the fashion, shaping my silhouette and to feel pretty!” – T.F.

From one of our male followers: “I started developing [breasts] in middle school and was ridiculed badly & pressured to get plastic surgery, which I luckily had the courage to reject repeatedly. I would always look at women wearing bras and be so jealous. My bra-wearing journey started during high school, and now I wear one every day. It’s not uncommon for me to even throw one on to go to bed, kind of like a hug that helps me sleep. I have probably 50 bras. In this crazy upside-down world, I really love getting to decide how I want to be supported today. Some days I want light support, and some days I want those puppies strapped down. Becoming a bra wearer is one of the most cool and empowering things I’ve ever done!  I think it’s important to note that the way I wear a bra is the same way I would wear any piece of clothing. It is an individual choice.” – W.L.