For five decades, Hollywood actor Whoopi Goldberg has lived free of underwires, adjustable straps, and padding. In a recent episode of The View, which she co-hosts with Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, and Alyssa Farah Griffin, during a conversation on how bras should be worn, Goldberg mentioned her bra-free existence. “I don’t wear one. I haven’t worn a bra in 50 years,” she said, adding, “It’s too uncomfortable, and I don’t mind if they hit the floor. They’re mine.” This came after Behar, 82, said she feels like “letting these girls loose,” and, turning to Goldberg, said, “She liberated those girls a long time ago.” Hostin, then, called bras “torture devices”.
These comments illuminated a truth many women whisper about in fitting rooms but rarely discuss openly – the complex, often fraught relationship between women and undergarments that the society insists they need. From boardrooms to suburban playgrounds, some women are questioning whether the discomfort, cost, and daily ritual of wearing bras serves them – or simply uphold outdated ideas of propriety and femininity.
As we peel the layers of myth and reexamine early conditioning, a more nuanced picture emerges of what women actually need, want, and deserve when it comes to supporting their bodies on their terms.
Freedom or a cage? What women really think
“I hate wearing bras. They’re extremely uncomfortable and restrictive,” Vatsala, 25, told indianexpress.com. “That said, I do think they’re sometimes necessary, especially for back support.”
For Garima Johar, the relationship is more complex. “Bras are empowering, especially as someone with a fuller bust,” she said. According to her, the right bra gives structure to her outfit and boosts her confidence. “A well-fitted bra shapes my silhouette. It makes me feel put together –– even sexy,” she admitted, adding, “But underwires can be awful, and comfort is hard to find.”
At home, however, it’s another story. “I go braless most of the time since I work remotely. It’s liberating to be free of straps and underbands when I don’t have to wear them,” said Johar.
Shruthi, 32, expressed her dislike for the garment. “Bras are quite uncomfortable, especially for heavier chests. The straps dig into the shoulders and cause pain. But they’re also necessary when you’re active because they provide support and help prevent discomfort during movement,” she said.
The struggle of finding the right size and fit
According to Pooja Vaidya, vice president, product development at SOIE, a women’s innerwear brand, most women wear the wrong size — “usually too-loose bands and too-small cups.” She said, “It’s not their fault. Most of us were never taught how to fit ourselves properly. And many women continue wearing the same size for years, despite body changes.”
“Growing up without a mom and being raised by my grandmother – who never wore a bra herself – I struggled to figure out the right bra size and material,” said Shruthi, mentioning that shopping for one felt intimidating and overwhelming. “I was also very active in sports, but because I wasn’t wearing the right size or fabric, I ended up with a jogger’s nipples, which caused bleeding and a lot of pain,” she said.
Bharti, on the other hand, was luckier. “There’s a woman in Gurugram who runs a bra store. She helped me find my correct size, and I still go to her whenever I need a new one,” she said.
Garima’s experience was different. Growing up, no one really sat her down to explain how to find the right size. “Even today, I feel awkward buying bras in physical stores. Online shopping gives me more privacy and options, and I find that much easier,” she said.
Dr Kekin Gala, consultant obstetrics and gynaecology specialist at Narayana Health SRCC Hospital, Mumbai, told indianexpress.com, “Wearing the wrong bra size can lead to poor posture, neck and shoulder pain. A bra that’s too tight can cause skin irritation and even breathing difficulties.
How society still polices women’s choices around bras
Bharti admitted to feeling societal pressure to wear bras in public. “Living in a small town in Haryana, it’s not acceptable to go braless. I don’t let it affect me much, but if I have to open the door for a delivery, I quickly change into something ‘decent’,” she said.
For Shruthi, the stigma around bras was more about things like the straps showing and making sure it stayed hidden entirely under the clothes. “A lot of the stigma was so normalised that I didn’t even recognise it as a stigma.”
Johar recalled how the stigma was reinforced in her own home. “My mother would openly pack my brother’s vests for holidays, but when it came to bras and panties, she’d lower her voice and call them ‘UGs.’ It was always hush-hush,” she said.
These experiences aren’t limited to a few – they echo the stories of countless women across India.
Doctors weigh in: What bras actually do – or not do – to your body
When it comes to wearing a bra, there’s been much debate about whether it affects hormonal health, breast development, or menstrual discomfort. Questions also arise about whether certain phases in a woman’s life — such as pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause — make bra support more essential.
Dr Rahul Manchanda, honorary senior consultant, endoscopic gynaecology at PSRI Hospital, said no: “There is no evidence that bras affect hormones, breast growth, or menstrual pain. These are governed by internal factors like hormones, genetics, and lifestyle.” He also said that during pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause, many women do opt for softer, more supportive bras due to tenderness or sensitivity, but it’s a comfort-based choice.
A common concern among many women is sagging of the breasts if they don’t wear bras regularly. Dr Gala clarified: “Scientifically, bras are not necessary to prevent sagging. Sagging is largely influenced by genetics, skin elasticity, and ageing, not by wearing or not wearing a bra.”
However, he also said that when it comes to back pain, especially for those with larger breasts, “wearing a bra can provide support and reduce strain on the back and shoulders.”
No, your bra won’t give you cancer: Busting the biggest myth of all
Dr Mandeep Singh, chief oncologist at Art of Healing Cancer, said, “There is no scientific or clinical evidence to support the claim that wearing or not wearing a bra increases the risk of breast cancer. This has been a common myth, but large studies, including those by reputable cancer research organisations, have found no link between bra usage and breast cancer development.”
The decision to wear a bra should depend on personal comfort and the activity involved, according to Dr Singh. “During exercise, especially high-impact activities like running or aerobics, a well-fitted sports bra can minimise breast movement, reduce discomfort, and prevent strain on the ligaments. While sleeping, wearing a bra is not medically necessary, but some women may choose a soft, non-restrictive bra for comfort especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s important to avoid tight, underwired bras during sleep, as they may cause pressure or skin issues over time,” he said.
How the bra is finally evolving
“I’ll admit, the industry used to prioritise aesthetics over comfort. But that’s shifting. Today, more brands are listening to real women and designing for real bodies. Comfort, inclusivity, softness, flexibility — they’re no longer afterthoughts,” Vaidya said.
The process of this, according to her, involves listening to real feedback from real wearers. For those who prefer light or no support, it’s about soft, breathable fabrics and stretch that moves with the wearer.
If you must wear one, make it the right one: A simple guide to finding your perfect bra
Despite the growing comfort of ditching the bra at home, many women still feel compelled to wear one in public or during workouts — whether for support, confidence, or social norms. If you’re still in a team bra – whether for public wear or exercise – fit matters. Vaidya provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide to finding a bra that fits you perfectly:
| Step | What to Do | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Find Your Band Size |
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| Step 2 | Calculate Your Cup Size |
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| Step 3 | Choose the Right Fabric |
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| Step 4 | Select a Shape That Fits Your Life |
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| Step 5 | Recheck Regularly | Bodies change with time, weight, hormones, and life. Measure yourself every 6–12 months — because your comfort should always come first. |
news sources: https://indianexpress.com/