When my symptoms from chronic lyme were the worst I couldn't tolerate a bra. I managed with silicone covers and an extra tank top in public. My husband and I talked about it. I was concerned about being a distraction - the movement, “headlights” shining, and making men uncomfortable because a difference was noticeable if they hugged me.
He was helpful and understanding. And he appreciated that I considered his and other men's reaction to going against the status quo.
It frustrates me how much we are held back by false pillars that have been constructed. Bras are equally a modesty consideration and a sexual one. Just depends on the circumstances. I appreciate your sharing the article and opening the conversation.
Dr. Sherri, I've heard your name over the past 4 years, but this is the first time I've read your work! Great article, and I look forward to catching up on your past work, and staying current, too! I'm size 38F...just ordered several new bras, and they are a nightmare! 4 hooks in back, and my breasts are hitched up nearly horizontal! Back they go...
I was impressed enough by the article to join the bra-free movement. I work as a caregiver, and am a bit nervous about being in a position where my breasts get in the way of giving care. I imagine I'll be very aware of my position. Like many of the others who've commented, I'm modest, and don't look for extra attention. Love the great tips I've read on avoiding this! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this information!! This past September I began going, “Commando” up top (No Bra) bc I had an itchy rash which was exacerbated by my bra. At first, I felt uncomfortable but as I got used to going, “commando” I am totally comfortable now. Who knew it would be good- health-wise, for me!!
Thanks again for sharing this valuable material! ❤️🤩
OMG this article is timely. I actually have corresponded with Sydney regarding the mosquito release on Maui. He is a shining light! Being large breasted I have bound them up all thru my 40's with sports bras and tight fitting tanks combined. This was good for exercise, but has resulted in lumps in my axilla area. I have been bra free at home for 5+ years now which has been great, they do not sag and are quite robust. But I still want to go smaller to ease neck and upper back pain and considering laser liposuction which is much less invasive. Anyone have feedback on this?
Thank you so very much! It has been decades for my breast freedom! I’m older now, they are not droopy, and I am in fine health! I’ve had critics try to convince me I was wrong. Yet indigenous women never had the ‘indoctrination of media’ ( aren’t they blessed?).
I am a 38 H/I and absolutely need some coverage as they hang to my waist and have always worn underwire minimizers so my clothes fit. I recently found a bra that i can step into and is stretchy-doesnt bind at all and keeps the girls in place so my clothes fit. Amazingly comfortable.
At home I never wear a bra. When I choose wear a bra in public to hide my nipples from showing through my clothes I use a tank style bra that I ordered 6 sizes too big. It is very comfortable and allows movement without my breasts fully jiggling around. I love it and wish I had done this 40 years ago!
I don't wear a bra at home, either, but if I didn't wear one when I go out, it wouldn't fly. Big sagging breast me. I have limited mobility in one shoulder and need a bra with some kind of opening/hooks/closure. Would you mind sharing the brand of the bra you use when going out? Thank you.
The name of the bra is Tomboy X. It seems to be well made and has held ip to numerous washings. It is 95% cotton and 5% spandex. I got it off of Amazon and I normally don't shop there but I was desperate to find a bra. I have bought less expensive tank styles from Wal-Mart online but they are too thin.
My daughter and I have been learning how to sew and I plan to make my own bras in the near future. Frustration with the terrible bra industry has motivated me to solve my own problems!
You go, girl! Good luck with the sewing lessons. You seem like a talented and determined person and I hope you come up with just the right bras, especially for we big-breasted women!
There are no hooks on the Tomboy X bra. I just slip it user my head. It is easy to do because I bought it many sizes to big to avoid the tourniquet feeling of most bras!
Question: Is a Genie bra safer? I wear them at home because they’re more comfortable. No snaps or underwire. They are stretchy also. So is this a safe option?
The issues to consider are tightness, time worn, and material. IF you see marks in your skin, then it is too tight. If it is polyester, the it is too toxic. Try just wearing a camisole or loose shirt. You need to stop wearing bras for a while to feel what it’s like without one. Women who do this at first insist their bra is fine, but after being bra-free, they say they cannot wear that bra again because it’s too uncomfortable. You need to gain a sense of breast freedom first before you can properly assess your breast comfort.
Am NOT letting my big breasts hang loosely and sloppily on my belly. The perspiration between the flesh can make thing painful and raw under the breasts as one needs air circulation or rash and skin eruptions develop.
A small backed woman can NO LONGER enter many department stores to find a small back bra for large cups.
As IF we don't exist. The bra's these days are FLIMSY, offer no support and break down after a couple of washings.
This may be where the focus lies... for future research...
Men can send a spaceship to the moon, and has yet to design a decent bra, as the quality of and designs of bras have continually diminished....
I don’t like the look of braless, to be honest, but I will do it at home for comfort. Question: you wrote about the issues after having worn bras for one’s entire life.
“If you have worn a bra all your life, then your breasts have become reliant on the bra for support since your internal suspensory ligaments are not strong enough from nonuse. Your breasts are also filled with backed-up lymph fluid from the bra and its impairment of the lymphatics, which in medical terms is chronic, mild lymphedema.”
Do you have any suggestions how to reverse any of this? Or is it just too late?
From the International Bra-Free Study, where there are lots of women of all ages and sizes going bra-free, who have seen major improvements in breast health, including reduced pain and cysts and lifting and toning of the breasts. The key is to end the constriction and allow the breasts to heal. Breast massage could also be helpful.
Go for full body massage monthly, for lymphatic drainage for armpits, breasts, neck.
Try Circuit training ( pulling pushing light weights in short repetitions) to strengthen muscles in your pectoral and more importantly upper back, under shoulders to keep your body and shoulder muscles inline and strong to prevent stress on the neck and prevent upper back/ neck pain/ headaches.
I've tried bras but for me, it actually hurts to not wear anything. I also have my nips too low so they scrape and pinch on everything u less i contain them a bit. I wish there was a way to avoid it. I try to wear fairly loose soft cotton bras that don't constrict much, has been a fair compromise.
It’s a matter of time worn, tightness, and toxicity of the fabric. Sounds like you are thinking this through. But I encourage you to try bra-freedom for one month. It will change your breasts and how they feel. And it affects more than the breasts. There are ways of protecting your nipples without a bra, like wearing a camisole or loose cotton t-shirt. Make sure there are no marks in your skin from the bra.
Dr. Tenpenny, thank you for this excellent article.
I am almost 72 (in three weeks) and have not worn a bra of any kind since my early twenties. I am small on top and simply hated the constricting feeling of being encased in a tight piece of fabric with clasps and buckles, etc. It seems so much of women's fashion is focused on the CHEST and the relentless pressure to be sexy. I am not drop dead gorgeous but neither am I repulsive. I simply do not respond to this pressure. I do feel sympathetic for women with large breasts!
I will offer two things that I do for myself. One is to wear what I call "undershirts", which are just like a tank top but somewhat more snug, not hugely tight but snug. They are rather "plain" (usually made for men but work just fine for women, different from camisoles, in that they are a bit more snug and not made to be "showy"). They help to keep me warm, as I am often vulnerable to being cold and with the moderate snugness, offer a tiny bit of "support" to my small chest and a modest bit of "cover
for my chest, in between the shirt or blouse. The other thing I do is a Chinese exercise, which is basically a circular breast massage. This is done while in the shower, once you have soap on your upper body. It involves a simple outward circular massage around the breasts. I usually do this for about 50-70 times, around in an outward manner. I place soapy hands on each breast and gently begin to do an outward massage with both hands. This for some reason, makes my breasts feel better, it seems to be a dispelling thing that eases any feeling of congestion. I am sure this could be explained in some Chinese medicine books. I think the book I originally found this exercise from was "the book of internal exercises" by Stephen Chang (I think). I believe the exercise is called "the deer". Anyway, this really helps me and I do it with every shower. I also keep my caffeine consumption modest and quit using Excedrin after having a duodenal ulcer in Sept. 2021. Excedrin has caffeine and I used it for years for headaches. I quit after the ulcer! The caffeine does seem to invoke the cystic lumps...??
Blessings on what you are doing here, Dr. Tenpenny. Wendy
as a moderately large busted older woman, living in the south - going w/o a bra in the summertime is just a very uncomfortable sweat / chafing disaster. I have even know a couple of even larger busted friends to complain of summertime yeast problems under there, what with all the excessive heat & humidity. so, it's definitely cotton sports bras in the summer for me. not too tight, but I gotta keep some moisture wicking and airflow going on....
Ive found over the years that chaffing between the legs, under the breast, even in the gluteal folds from heat and sweating can be helped by a small amount of corn starch.
I have large breast and it depends in what I am wearing if I wear a bra that has wires. I am bra free with a bralette at home. I buy my bras from one company here in the us and the rest are from the uk. i carry my weight on the cup size versus some people that carry it in the back and cup size. I have no shoulder pain at all. I even will take my straps down and tuck them. I always find ways because fashion definitely wasn’t made for large breasted woman and I love fashion. I don’t really have the nipple issue. I dont think I do but theres cool nipple covers that even stick on. I have no shame about my breast and they are a part of me. I do yoga ,I cycle and other things. You have to know and be comfortable with your body and that’s what I do everyday. I just live and dress for the occasion and take the bra off. My health is of importance. I made things work like bralettes/bandeaus lol I also have no problem sharing my size for reference . Im a 40N a 40K uk sizing. 38 depending on fit.
When my symptoms from chronic lyme were the worst I couldn't tolerate a bra. I managed with silicone covers and an extra tank top in public. My husband and I talked about it. I was concerned about being a distraction - the movement, “headlights” shining, and making men uncomfortable because a difference was noticeable if they hugged me.
He was helpful and understanding. And he appreciated that I considered his and other men's reaction to going against the status quo.
It frustrates me how much we are held back by false pillars that have been constructed. Bras are equally a modesty consideration and a sexual one. Just depends on the circumstances. I appreciate your sharing the article and opening the conversation.
Dr. Sherri, I've heard your name over the past 4 years, but this is the first time I've read your work! Great article, and I look forward to catching up on your past work, and staying current, too! I'm size 38F...just ordered several new bras, and they are a nightmare! 4 hooks in back, and my breasts are hitched up nearly horizontal! Back they go...
I was impressed enough by the article to join the bra-free movement. I work as a caregiver, and am a bit nervous about being in a position where my breasts get in the way of giving care. I imagine I'll be very aware of my position. Like many of the others who've commented, I'm modest, and don't look for extra attention. Love the great tips I've read on avoiding this! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this information!! This past September I began going, “Commando” up top (No Bra) bc I had an itchy rash which was exacerbated by my bra. At first, I felt uncomfortable but as I got used to going, “commando” I am totally comfortable now. Who knew it would be good- health-wise, for me!!
Thanks again for sharing this valuable material! ❤️🤩
OMG this article is timely. I actually have corresponded with Sydney regarding the mosquito release on Maui. He is a shining light! Being large breasted I have bound them up all thru my 40's with sports bras and tight fitting tanks combined. This was good for exercise, but has resulted in lumps in my axilla area. I have been bra free at home for 5+ years now which has been great, they do not sag and are quite robust. But I still want to go smaller to ease neck and upper back pain and considering laser liposuction which is much less invasive. Anyone have feedback on this?
Thank you so very much! It has been decades for my breast freedom! I’m older now, they are not droopy, and I am in fine health! I’ve had critics try to convince me I was wrong. Yet indigenous women never had the ‘indoctrination of media’ ( aren’t they blessed?).
Can we just talk about breast as we age? Lost all of that weight. 50+. Age & pounds.
I am a 38 H/I and absolutely need some coverage as they hang to my waist and have always worn underwire minimizers so my clothes fit. I recently found a bra that i can step into and is stretchy-doesnt bind at all and keeps the girls in place so my clothes fit. Amazingly comfortable.
At home I never wear a bra. When I choose wear a bra in public to hide my nipples from showing through my clothes I use a tank style bra that I ordered 6 sizes too big. It is very comfortable and allows movement without my breasts fully jiggling around. I love it and wish I had done this 40 years ago!
I don't wear a bra at home, either, but if I didn't wear one when I go out, it wouldn't fly. Big sagging breast me. I have limited mobility in one shoulder and need a bra with some kind of opening/hooks/closure. Would you mind sharing the brand of the bra you use when going out? Thank you.
The name of the bra is Tomboy X. It seems to be well made and has held ip to numerous washings. It is 95% cotton and 5% spandex. I got it off of Amazon and I normally don't shop there but I was desperate to find a bra. I have bought less expensive tank styles from Wal-Mart online but they are too thin.
My daughter and I have been learning how to sew and I plan to make my own bras in the near future. Frustration with the terrible bra industry has motivated me to solve my own problems!
You go, girl! Good luck with the sewing lessons. You seem like a talented and determined person and I hope you come up with just the right bras, especially for we big-breasted women!
Thank you!
There are no hooks on the Tomboy X bra. I just slip it user my head. It is easy to do because I bought it many sizes to big to avoid the tourniquet feeling of most bras!
Question: Is a Genie bra safer? I wear them at home because they’re more comfortable. No snaps or underwire. They are stretchy also. So is this a safe option?
The issues to consider are tightness, time worn, and material. IF you see marks in your skin, then it is too tight. If it is polyester, the it is too toxic. Try just wearing a camisole or loose shirt. You need to stop wearing bras for a while to feel what it’s like without one. Women who do this at first insist their bra is fine, but after being bra-free, they say they cannot wear that bra again because it’s too uncomfortable. You need to gain a sense of breast freedom first before you can properly assess your breast comfort.
Am NOT letting my big breasts hang loosely and sloppily on my belly. The perspiration between the flesh can make thing painful and raw under the breasts as one needs air circulation or rash and skin eruptions develop.
A small backed woman can NO LONGER enter many department stores to find a small back bra for large cups.
As IF we don't exist. The bra's these days are FLIMSY, offer no support and break down after a couple of washings.
This may be where the focus lies... for future research...
Men can send a spaceship to the moon, and has yet to design a decent bra, as the quality of and designs of bras have continually diminished....
I don’t like the look of braless, to be honest, but I will do it at home for comfort. Question: you wrote about the issues after having worn bras for one’s entire life.
“If you have worn a bra all your life, then your breasts have become reliant on the bra for support since your internal suspensory ligaments are not strong enough from nonuse. Your breasts are also filled with backed-up lymph fluid from the bra and its impairment of the lymphatics, which in medical terms is chronic, mild lymphedema.”
Do you have any suggestions how to reverse any of this? Or is it just too late?
From the International Bra-Free Study, where there are lots of women of all ages and sizes going bra-free, who have seen major improvements in breast health, including reduced pain and cysts and lifting and toning of the breasts. The key is to end the constriction and allow the breasts to heal. Breast massage could also be helpful.
Go for full body massage monthly, for lymphatic drainage for armpits, breasts, neck.
Try Circuit training ( pulling pushing light weights in short repetitions) to strengthen muscles in your pectoral and more importantly upper back, under shoulders to keep your body and shoulder muscles inline and strong to prevent stress on the neck and prevent upper back/ neck pain/ headaches.
Thank you
I've tried bras but for me, it actually hurts to not wear anything. I also have my nips too low so they scrape and pinch on everything u less i contain them a bit. I wish there was a way to avoid it. I try to wear fairly loose soft cotton bras that don't constrict much, has been a fair compromise.
It’s a matter of time worn, tightness, and toxicity of the fabric. Sounds like you are thinking this through. But I encourage you to try bra-freedom for one month. It will change your breasts and how they feel. And it affects more than the breasts. There are ways of protecting your nipples without a bra, like wearing a camisole or loose cotton t-shirt. Make sure there are no marks in your skin from the bra.
Dr. Tenpenny, thank you for this excellent article.
I am almost 72 (in three weeks) and have not worn a bra of any kind since my early twenties. I am small on top and simply hated the constricting feeling of being encased in a tight piece of fabric with clasps and buckles, etc. It seems so much of women's fashion is focused on the CHEST and the relentless pressure to be sexy. I am not drop dead gorgeous but neither am I repulsive. I simply do not respond to this pressure. I do feel sympathetic for women with large breasts!
I will offer two things that I do for myself. One is to wear what I call "undershirts", which are just like a tank top but somewhat more snug, not hugely tight but snug. They are rather "plain" (usually made for men but work just fine for women, different from camisoles, in that they are a bit more snug and not made to be "showy"). They help to keep me warm, as I am often vulnerable to being cold and with the moderate snugness, offer a tiny bit of "support" to my small chest and a modest bit of "cover
for my chest, in between the shirt or blouse. The other thing I do is a Chinese exercise, which is basically a circular breast massage. This is done while in the shower, once you have soap on your upper body. It involves a simple outward circular massage around the breasts. I usually do this for about 50-70 times, around in an outward manner. I place soapy hands on each breast and gently begin to do an outward massage with both hands. This for some reason, makes my breasts feel better, it seems to be a dispelling thing that eases any feeling of congestion. I am sure this could be explained in some Chinese medicine books. I think the book I originally found this exercise from was "the book of internal exercises" by Stephen Chang (I think). I believe the exercise is called "the deer". Anyway, this really helps me and I do it with every shower. I also keep my caffeine consumption modest and quit using Excedrin after having a duodenal ulcer in Sept. 2021. Excedrin has caffeine and I used it for years for headaches. I quit after the ulcer! The caffeine does seem to invoke the cystic lumps...??
Blessings on what you are doing here, Dr. Tenpenny. Wendy
Wow really?
https://www.center4research.org/can-wearing-bra-cause-breast-cancer/
I would say that wearing a tight-fitted bra most of the day is a "controllable risk factor." no bra is the way God made us.
as a moderately large busted older woman, living in the south - going w/o a bra in the summertime is just a very uncomfortable sweat / chafing disaster. I have even know a couple of even larger busted friends to complain of summertime yeast problems under there, what with all the excessive heat & humidity. so, it's definitely cotton sports bras in the summer for me. not too tight, but I gotta keep some moisture wicking and airflow going on....
Sports bras are too tight. They are not designed for daily use. Try a t-shirt, and see Wendy’s comment, above.
Ive found over the years that chaffing between the legs, under the breast, even in the gluteal folds from heat and sweating can be helped by a small amount of corn starch.
I have large breast and it depends in what I am wearing if I wear a bra that has wires. I am bra free with a bralette at home. I buy my bras from one company here in the us and the rest are from the uk. i carry my weight on the cup size versus some people that carry it in the back and cup size. I have no shoulder pain at all. I even will take my straps down and tuck them. I always find ways because fashion definitely wasn’t made for large breasted woman and I love fashion. I don’t really have the nipple issue. I dont think I do but theres cool nipple covers that even stick on. I have no shame about my breast and they are a part of me. I do yoga ,I cycle and other things. You have to know and be comfortable with your body and that’s what I do everyday. I just live and dress for the occasion and take the bra off. My health is of importance. I made things work like bralettes/bandeaus lol I also have no problem sharing my size for reference . Im a 40N a 40K uk sizing. 38 depending on fit.
Great comment Emi, about being comfortable with. your body and who you are!
Thank you!