Gillian Anderson is ditching the bra. 'I'm not wearing a bra anymore. It's just too f**king uncomfortable' she said in a recent Q&A live on Instagram. 'I'm so lazy and I don't wear a bra anymore. I can't wear a bra. I'm sorry, I don't care if my breasts reach my belly button.' That's all well and good when you have tiny boobs Gillian, but not everyone can afford to say sayonara to support.
I confess, speaking as a woman that has carried a H-cup for most of her adult life, I'm really quite envious of Gillian's decision. There is nothing more I would love than to wake up one day knowing I will never have to hoist my boobs into my industrial constructed bras again. Even to have the option of wearing a backless dress! But such is life, and unfortunately I don't have the privilege of ditching the bra without consequences.
Considering the average UK cup size is a DD I don't think I'm alone when I say our bras are there to support us, not to hinder us. Yes, there’s nothing more satisfying than taking your bra off after a long day’s work, but if I ceased to wear one the strain on my back and shoulders would become worse over time - not to mention my posture.
Frederika Zappe, Wacoal’s US Fit Specialist agreed. ‘Not wearing a bra can affect the stretching of your Coopers Ligaments in your breast that causes breasts to sag when unsupported.’ ‘It can also impact your posture, and your posture can directly impact your energy levels,’ she added.
Although I would never ditch my bra as a fuller busted woman, that doesn't mean to say that you can't, and even feel empowered by doing so. Author Chidera Eggerue AKA theslumflower created the #SAGGYBOOBSMATTER hashtag to normalise natural breasts that don't defy gravity. However, I find to hard to believe Gillian will ever have this problem, despite what she says about her boobs reaching her belly button...
By all means Gillian, you do you, but if anyone is sticking with their bra and is in need of recommendations, take a look through 24 of the best bras to buy if you have big boobs– and thank us later.
SHOP: The Best Bras To Buy If You Have Big Boobs
1 of 27Maison Lejaby Paris, Flora Bra, £81
Reassuring, uplifting shape for women who like to feel well supported, but prefer the light, airy look of embroidery. Up to a G-cup.
2 of 27Marks & Spencer, Flexifit Bra, £16
This sleep bra provides gentle support throughout the night. Full cups are non-padded and unwired, for a soft, natural fit. Clever Flexifit™ technology means your bra moves with you and holds its shape, for an endlessly comfortable wear.
3 of 27ATTOLLO, emelie longline bra champagne, £46
Lingerie e-tailer womanhood have now increased their size offering to cater for ladies with 30-38 back and A-HH cup, like this Attollo longline bra!
4 of 27HONEY BIRDETTE, Whitney Pink Sapphire Bra, £100
When you have bigger boobs design modifications are necessary, that's why Honey Birdette has included firm front straps to minimise bust movement and offer extra support in their G cups.
5 of 27Lindex, Attract unpadded bra, £24.99
Aligning with their continued ethos of inclusivity, Lindex has further developed their bra offering following customer feedback, to include cup sizes up to H.
6 of 27M&S, Allure Embroidered Underwired Balcony Bra, £25
Available in F-H cup, this Autograph emerald green bra is specially designed for fuller busts and is finished with supportive underwire.
7 of 27Attollo, Emelie Longline Bra, £45
These longline designed bras means more support from the back and less strain on the shoulders. Available from an E-HH cup.
8 of 27Edge O'Beyond, Barbie Bra, £95
Have you ever seen such a beautiful bra that goes up to a GG? Because I haven't. The Barbie bra is crafted from luxurious triple A grade silk.
9 of 27Elomi, Matilda Plunge Bra, £42
With decorative embroidery details, this bra has elasticated edges, sectioned cups and versatile J-hook strap converter for a racerback placement.
10 of 27Agent Provocateur, Paige Full Cup Underwire Bra, £80
Ranging from 32A-32G, Agent Provocateur's new All Hours collection has been engineered to support and redesigned to take you from day to night comfort, all day wearing. And the best bit: pretty much the whole collection can be worn under a T-shirt. Music to my ears.
11 of 27Azaira Intimates, Charis Longline Bra, £165
This bra is a modern twist on a design classic, with plunging unlined cups and a structured cradle that makes a real statement.
12 of 27Freya, Awakening Plunge Bra White NEW Awakening Plunge Bra White Awakening Plunge Bra White Awakening Plunge Bra White Awakening Plunge Bra White Share PinterestFacebookTwitterEmail Awakening Plunge Bra, £34
With delicate floral embroidery, this style has a low centre front for a plunging neckline and a sweet keyhole detail.
13 of 27Fantasie, Rosemarie Side Support Bra, £36
This bra featuring a side support is great uplift and forward projection.
14 of 27Empreinte, Melody Underwired Seamless Bra, £83
Perfect if you want to feel secure but sexy. Plus the thick and padded straps are heaven. In cup sizes C-H.
15 of 27Figleaves, Pulse Lace Underwired Balcony Bra, £28
The Figleaves Pulse Lace Balcony bra lifts and supports the bust up to a GG cup - yes a GG cup bra really can be this sheer and sexy yet supportive.
16 of 27Louisa Bracq, Elise Full Cup Bra, £66.95
From a D to H-cup, this underwired Full Cup bra is a timeless classic with excellent support, perfect coverage and shape with ultimate comfort.
17 of 27Curvy Kate, Victory Balcony Bra, £33
This bra has been my staple going out bra for quite some time now. Available in five different colours ways from sizes D-K.
18 of 27Wear My Freedom, The Freedom Bra, £55
It's true, bras without underwiring are super comfy, but can be unsupportive...That's why the Freedom Bra is specifically designed to solve this common problem, being wonderfully wire-free and supportive. Plus, its moulded cups for great shape, but with no extra padding.
19 of 27Bravissimo, Flora Bralette, £34
OK, it might not be as supportive as the others, but this bralette is perfect to wear around the house. Or, underneath a sheer top for the night perhaps? Available in sizes D-J.
20 of 27Panache, Dana Balconet Strapless, £44
I've gone through a lot of strapless bras in my time, but none have been as good as this Panache one. Trust me, if you buy it you'll never look back. Available from sizes E-J. Read more here.
21 of 27Beija, Sripes Z Bra, £65
This non-padded (and very sleek might I add) Beija bra is the perfect wear-under-everything bra. Available in sizes from DD-H.
22 of 27Fantasie, Impression Bralette, £28
Available in up to an H cup, this Fantasie bra is ideal to wear as a t-shirt bra, or as a minimising bra. It includes a wide elastic under-band and thicker straps for support. Read more HERE.
23 of 27Edge o' Beyond, Zuzia Bra, £135
This 3-piece-cup is crafted in Wales in the most beautiful embroidery, offering a natural lift. Also, the fully adjustable strapping allows you to find your perfect fit.
24 of 27Freya Fancies, Balcony Bra, £28
This soft cup bra is perfect for encompassing your bust, avoiding any spillage. Not to mention, the thick straps work wonders – goodbye shoulder strain.
25 of 27Pour Moi, Amour Non Padded Bra, £26
With non padded, underwired cups, this feminine style features stunning soft floral lace overlay. Its 3-section cup gives great lift and support that will give your curves an uplifting shape. Up to a J-cup.
26 of 27Sugar Candy, Basic Bralette, £39.90
Support AND comfort mind blown. This bralette is essentially track-pants for your boobs. Need we say more?
27 of 27Freya Sonic Storm Sports Bra, £40
Freya also has a great range of wire free sports bras that are perfect for a full cup, and a reasonable price. The specially designed sports bras feature mesh panels to allow your skin to breathe, built up padded straps, and a firm bottom band for good anchorage, comfort and support. Sign us up.