Should We Be Wearing Bras At Home?

But when you don’t have to leave the house, all bets are off.  Anything fancier than a jersey crop top has been relegated to the bottom drawer. It feels liberating … but does it come at a cost? 

There is a whole department dedicated to it!  The aptly named BRA (Breast Research Australia) at the University of Wollongong, NSW, looks into the effects of sports bras.  Who is running and jumping without one of those, I ask you??

Essentially, research shows conflicting results. While bra fitters give you the low down on the key elements of support you should never compromise on – vertical at the back, not creeping upwards; centre sitting against your chest bone; straps you can get one finger under, not digging in to your shoulders – others urge you to give your boobs a break. 

French professor Jean-Denis Rouillon, at the University of Franche-Comté, believes that bras have the opposite of the desired effect. In his 15-year study of 300 women, participants found that those who did not wear bras developed more muscle tissue to provide natural support. 

So the jury’s out, girls.  You can stow your lace numbers on WFH days and Zoom in a comfy crop top – the choice is yours...