Braless Brits: Expert warns of consequences as rising temperatures see half of women ditching bras

• Lingerie expert reveals that inadequate support from not wearing a bra can lead to changes in the shape and form of your breasts.

• 48% of British women are ditching their bras to alleviate discomfort in hot temperatures.

• The average temperature at which Brits choose to go braless is 25°C.

• Lingerie expert advises alternative bra solutions to opt for and which materials to look out for.

British summertime has arrived, with the UK currently experiencing a two-week heatwave where temperatures are set to reach 32C. We’re famously ill-equipped to manage the heat in the UK and regularly complain about being uncomfortable during heatwaves. A recent survey from retailer NEXT revealed that nearly half of British women (48%) opt to go braless when the temperatures rise for comfortability.

Georgina Bibby, Lingerie & Swimwear Technologist at NEXT, advises women against adopting this trend, despite the rise in temperature, and has suggested which alternative measures you can take including a variety of bra solution hacks.

Georgina explains how inadequate support can impact your body,

“We strongly advise against forgoing a bra in hot weather due to the lack of support. The primary function of a bra is to offer support to the weight and structure of the bust. Breasts consist of fat rather than muscle so inadequate support can lead to changes in both shape and form.”

The study also reveals that the most adopted bra-ditching temperature is an average of 25°C. While Georgina discourages abandoning bras, she has provided valuable insight on how to alleviate discomfort when the heat becomes overwhelming.

“While we acknowledge the temptation to go without a bra in hot weather, there are measures you can take to enhance comfort. First and foremost, it’s crucial to wear the correct bra size to ensure optimum support and comfort.”

Which materials are best to prevent excessive sweating?

“To combat discomfort in hot weather, it is equally vital to choose breathable materials. Opting for a cotton bra is highly recommended as it offers naturally cooling properties, enabling air to flow through the fabric and preventing the accumulation of sweat.”

Georgina also addresses the common discomfort of underboob sweat, acknowledging it as a natural occurrence that can be uncomfortable, often serving as an additional reason to go braless in hot weather.

Georgina recommends moisture-management finished fabrics to prevent the problem:

“Experiencing underboob sweat while wearing a bra in hotter temperatures is a common and entirely normal occurrence, albeit uncomfortable. To mitigate this, we suggest wearing a bra crafted with moisture-management finished fabric. This feature effectively wicks moisture away from the skin, facilitating evaporation and providing enhanced comfort.”

Top picks from Next:

Next Active Sports High Impact Zip Front Bra (£28)

Next Active Sports High Impact Full Cup Wired Bra (£28)

Your everyday bra vs summer friendly alternatives 

In the warmer weather, many women will begin switching up their wardrobes to include outfits that may be backless or off the shoulder, this is when they will consider ditching their everyday bras and opting for bra solutions instead.

Next’s study revealed that more than nine in ten (91%) women have struggled when trying to find options to wear under backless and strapless outfits in the summertime, whilst 86% of women have had trouble finding a strapless bra that fits them correctly.

With many women struggling when it comes to knowing what size to opt for when buying bra solutions rather than their everyday bras Georgina has explained that the myths around sizing down in a strapless bra are untrue and that you should in fact “buy the same size in a strapless or stick-on bra as you would your normal everyday bra.”

When it comes to the support that bra solutions can provide in comparison to your everyday bra Georgina explains,

“The support levels are determined by each particular style, but a full multiway bra will provide more support than a backless or stick-on bra – which is designed to hold the shape of your bust rather than to support it. If you have a fuller bust, I’d advise only using these types of bra solutions when needed, and not on a daily basis.

“If ditching your bra I would also recommend using fashion tape as an alternative when wearing low-cut or backless outfits, this helps secure the necklines around low-cut tops and dresses to help make your bra invisible. This can also be used to secure your outfit in place and avoid any mishaps.”

Watch out for silicone in the heat

Georgina goes on to reveal why you should pay attention to the silicone used on strapless and stick-on bras if opting for these alternative bra solutions as the wrong silicone could be more problematic when experiencing symptoms like underboob sweat.

“Silicone bras will use an adhesive layer to keep them in place against your skin. But you should make sure to watch out for unbranded silicone being used without disclaimers. Those with sensitive skin types may find that some stick-on bras can cause allergic reactions due to their coating..”

Find out more about the nation’s bra-wearing habits in The Bra Report, published by NEXT.