Some women have shared why they no longer wear bras and experts have responded to their reasons.
According to findings by PUNCH Healthwise, some women cited comfort, health concerns, and personal freedom as major reasons they are choosing to go braless.
For the increasing number of women abandoning the undergarment, the decision reflects a shift away from long-held fashion norms towards prioritising body comfort and self-expression.
It was also revealed that while some women opted to ditch their bras to avoid skin irritation and tightness, others attributed the change to lifestyle adjustment.
The women noted that returning to bras afterwards felt unnecessary and restrictive.
Beyond comfort, some women disclosed that going braless has boosted their body confidence and helped them challenge societal expectations around women’s appearance.
They added that their choices are not only about fashion but also about health, freedom, and redefining personal comfort.
Speaking with PUNCH, a 28-year-old woman, Glory Joseph, said her decision was influenced by her breast size, adding that going braless has been more comfortable.
According to her, I stopped because of how painful and tight it is for us with bigger boobs.
“I stopped for comfort. The pain of wearing a bra and not feeling comfortable for someone with big boobs is enough to influence my decision. Nothing makes me happier than being comfortable and more relaxed.”
Joseph noted that while the reaction of people around her for not wearing bras had been “bad”, she encouraged other women to choose the option if they felt the need. She said:
“They should do whatever makes them feel comfortable and more relaxed.”
Also speaking, Oladele Omowunmi, said the iron inside the braiser had made using it uncomfortable. Omowunmi said:
“I stopped wearing bras when I started feeling uncomfortable between my breasts when the iron inside the bra came out, so I stopped, and I feel very comfortable.
“I feel very comfortable dressing or going out without a bra, but some dress requires a bra, that’s when you see me in a bra.”
She said that while going braless had given her the needed comfort, the look from people when she’s going out made her uncomfortable in her skin. Omowunmi added,
“They try to look straight at my nipples first.
“Those who intend to stop should only think twice about whether they are comfortable with it or not.”
On her part, Abigail Oluchi said since the day she summoned the courage to go out without a bra, she had never looked back.
According to her, I believe everyone has their own choices.
“I feel lighter and more comfortable without a bra. I had never gone out without wearing one before, but the day I finally did, I felt a bit uneasy, and the looks from people weren’t very pleasant,”
Oluchi said:
Also speaking, 32-year-old Oluwatosin Abayomi said she opted to ditch the undergarment wear for body confidence.
“I stopped wearing bras because of comfort, body confidence, and lifestyle changes.
“And I feel freer and happier, though experiences differ based on body type, environment, and confidence level,”
Abayomi said.
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For Hussain Adenike, she said her decision followed medical advice from her gynecologist, adding that though people’s reactions are embarrassing, her health remains important. She added:
“Yes, I feel very comfortable, healthy, and free. My decision is based on advice from my gynecologist.
“To be sincere, how people react to it sometimes is embarrassing and annoying.”
On her advice for women considering going braless, the 32-year-old said,
“What I would say to them, especially for those who have tangible reasons, is that for as long as they feel comfortable and they are confident, regardless of how people feel or what they say about them, they’re good to go.”
Experts react…
The debate on whether women should wear bras or abandon them for comfort continues to stir public conversations.
But medical experts have warned that while bras provide physical and psychological benefits, ill-fitted ones may lead to discomfort, infections, and long-term health problems.
The experts, who spoke PUNCH, explained that bras support posture, prevent sagging, and improve confidence, but poor sizing and unhygienic use expose women to skin irritation, infections, and pain.
They advised women to prioritise comfort, correct fitting, and hygiene to reduce risks associated with bra usage.
They also stressed that women with sensitive skin should pay particular attention to the materials used in their underwear.
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A Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Chris Aimakhu said that bras were designed to offer multiple benefits, especially for women with large breasts.
“If you look at it that way, you will know that bras provide a lot of benefits. For women with very big breasts, not wearing one can cause pain and discomfort, especially during physical activity, even when just walking,”
the don said.
According to him, bras improve posture by distributing the weight of the breasts uniformly, thereby reducing back pain, sweating, and physical strain.
He added that well-fitted bras also relieve pressure and prevent excessive bouncing of the breasts.
“When you see a woman wearing a bra, you can notice that her body looks uniform because the breasts are properly supported. Additionally, they boost confidence. Whether a woman has large or small breasts, bras help her feel more confident because she knows she looks good,”
the consultant obstetric gynecologist said.
On long-term benefits, Aimakhu said bras help prevent sagging and provide firm support during periods such as breastfeeding or milk engorgement. He said:
“Breasts are made up of tissue and ligaments. If you wear a well-fitted bra, it supports the breasts and helps maintain firmness.
During breastfeeding, when breasts are heavier and more likely to sag, wearing a firm bra helps to reduce drooping.”
However, the gynaecologist warned that the benefits of bras could easily turn into risks when they are not well-fitted.
The don said,
“If a bra is too big, it won’t give proper support. If it’s too tight, it can cause pain and irritation. Some tight bras may restrict blood circulation.
Others may cause skin irritation, dryness, or limit free movement. So, it’s about wearing the right size for your body.”
Also speaking, a Consultant Physician/Dermatologist, Dr. Roli Madubuko, highlighted how bras could trigger skin problems if worn improperly.
“When bras are ill-fitted—especially tight ones—they increase the tendency for friction. With friction, the skin begins to rub against the material, and that could lead to redness, chafing, and soreness,”
she explained.
She noted that moisture build-up under bras creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, predisposing women to infections such as boils, folliculitis, and fungal rashes. She added:
“Sometimes, some people may also be sensitive to bra components like metallic clips made from nickel. That predisposes them to itching and scratching, which then allows infections to enter the skin.”
Madubuko, who is also an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, further warned that poor hygiene habits worsen the risks.
The dermatologist said,
“Some people could wear bras for one week without washing them. When that happens, there is a build-up of bacteria and fungi, and that could also lead to infections.”
She advised women with sensitive skin to opt for breathable cotton bras, avoid nylon and polyester, and wash their bras daily.
Madubuko advised women to balance comfort, proper fitting, and hygiene to enjoy the benefits of bras without exposing themselves to unnecessary health risks.
Jumoke Simi
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