So many of us ditched our bras during lockdown, and what a huge relief it was, especially if you have heavy, pendulous breasts like mine. When I was in the office every weekday pre March 2020, the first thing I would do when I got home would be to free my chest and let everything hang out.  

Since we’ve been mostly working at home for the last eighteen months or so, bras have not been worn in this household on a regular basis, but now that I’ve started going out a little more as well as wanting to look just a bit more put together on Zoom, I decided it was time to look for a bra that was supportive but super-comfortable. Enter the “bralette”.  

So what is a bralette?

According to Woman & Home, a bralette is a wireless, unstructured bra which tends not to have padding or underwire – and hurrah for that!  

If, like me, your boobs are large and saggy, a bralette will be perfect for you, but purchase with caution.  Organic Basics, all over social media at the moment, make very nice looking bralettes, so I thought I’d give them a go. I tried their Basic bralette   and the Tencel Light  The former didn’t provide much support and the racer back straps showed through my summer dress. The latter gave me under boobs!  

So I went back to my darling Uniqlo, whose bralette I had bought at the beginning of lockdown in a larger than normal size, just to provide a modicum of uplift. But this time I bought my regular size – 3 of them, in fact. I bought them all in Small, as my under bust measures 30 in/76.2 cm – and they give me sufficient support without me needing to pull them off on downing tools at 6pm. And, they all retail for just £19.90!  

The first one is, confusingly,not actually called a bralette by Uniqlo – they simply call it a light wireless bra but that is essentially what it is. It’s soft, comfortable and is virtually undetectable under a T-shirt.  The straps are not adjustable but for me the straps are just the right length, not too tight so they dig in and not too loose so they slip down my shoulder.

The second one is a camisole, which is a bralette with a long body, kinda!  This one has adjustable straps and has the added benefit of keeping your body warm.

And, ok, this one is more of an actual bra, but wireless and all the more comfortable for that.

Now this is one that I covet and is definitely on my wish list!  It’s £50.40, though, although there is 20% at the mo if you’re quick. I am sorely tempted! 

Never Say Never Extended Sweetie Bralette

So bras – if you don’t want to ditch’em completely, try a bralette – it’s support, but not as you know it, Jim.

PS – it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so while you’re checking your measurements before purchasing your bralette, please check your breasts. In fact, check them regularly – and if something doesn’t look or feel right, get them checked by your doctor. A friend is going through treatment right now because she checked and found something and it turned out to be cancer. Visit Breast Cancer Now for information and support.