What are the Pros and Cons of Wearing a Bra to Sleep?

It’s the age old question – should you wear a bra to bed? If you’re like most women, you will have tried wearing a bra to sleep at some point in your life, and you might still be undecided about which option is best for you. Despite the many myths you might have heard, there’s actually no medical evidence that wearing a bra to bed is better or worse for your breasts. However, if you are thinking of wearing a bra to sleep, it’s important you choose the bra that’s best for bedtime. We break down the pros and cons below.

Should I wear a bra to bed?

It depends what is most comfortable for you! For some women, wearing a bra to sleep can help limit breast movement and make tossing and turning more comfortable. It can also be helpful if you have sensitive breasts, such as during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, if you adore the feeling of being free of all restrictions at night, then bra free is a perfectly good option and doesn’t have any negative impacts on your bust.

Does wearing a bra to bed help prevent breast sagging?

Wearing a bra to sleep won’t stop your breasts from sagging. It won’t make them more likely to sag either. Breasts sag when the ligaments that support your breasts stretch over time. This happens naturally as you age, and wearing a bra at night won’t affect this process. If you want to reduce the rate your breasts sag, you’re better off wearing a well-fitting comfortable bra during daytime exercise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and even working out your pectoral muscles.

Are there any side effects from sleeping in a bra?

That depends on the bra. Wearing a tight, compression bra or a wired bra to sleep can cut into your skin or press down on your lymphatic system. This can cause a number of issues, including poor circulation, skin irritation, and even breast inflammation. Along with this, wearing the same bra every night can lead to a build-up of sweat and oils which can result in fungal infections or acne breakouts.

However, wearing a clean, well-fitting wirefree bra has no documented negative effects. So you don’t need to worry about any downsides when you’re getting your beauty sleep.

Tips on wearing a bra to bed

If you plan on wearing a bra to sleep, it’s important to choose the right bra. Pick an option that is loose, soft and flexible, and doesn’t rub against your skin when you move. Most comfortable sleeping bras will be wirefree bra styles or bralettes. Soft and seamless options like our Sloggi Zero Feel range can be ideal for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Instead of a traditional bra you can also opt for a close-fitting top. Options like our Sloggi Go Top are made with lycra that adapts to your body, allowing easy movement while also providing support.

Even though you’ll be wearing a looser style, the perfect fit is still important. This is so the bra you choose tucks under your breasts and provides proper coverage, to prevent skin rubbing against skin. Wearing a bra to sleep that is too tight can cause skin irritation or poor circulation, while a bra that’s too loose won’t provide much benefit. You can use our bra size calculator to find the right size for you.

The pros of wearing your bra to sleep

Comfort

Some women just feel more comfortable covered up. If this works for you, it may help you sleep better. Wearing a bra can also limit your breast movement as you toss and turn at night, so if you’re always aware of the weight of your bust shifting this can also add to your comfort.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

When pregnant or breastfeeding, your sensitive breasts may ache and change as they grow. A soft, elasticised bra can help you feel more comfortable and supported overnight and prevent your breasts from rubbing against fabric as you sleep. It can also be convenient if you need to move around at night to feed your baby.

Back pain relief

Wearing a bra to bed could help relieve some variations of back pain, particularly upper back pain, leading to a more restful sleep. If you’re someone who sleeps on your side, it prevents your bust pulling you forward while you sleep so you don’t wake up sore in the morning.

Improved sleep

For some women, sleeping in a bra is a regular habit as it helps them get a better night's sleep. Many women, especially those with larger breasts, feel better when their breasts are supported by a comfortable bra.

The cons of wearing the wrong bra to sleep

We’ve already talked about how important it is to choose the right bra for bedtime. If you’re wearing a bra that isn’t right for sleeping, here are some of the problems you might experience.

Circulation issues

There's a lot going on in the way of important anatomy around the chest area. If your bra is too tight, you may restrict the blood supply to your breasts and surrounding areas, which can cause arm pain or numbness.

Skin irritation

Hooks, lace or other parts of your bra can rub, even more so when you’re tossing and turning at night. This constant rubbing on the sensitive skin around your breasts can lead to severe irritation and rashes. Ouch.

Hyper pigmentation

Skin can become darker and appear sore if it’s under constant pressure, like that from a bra band or strap. This is because it stimulates melanocyte which is the pigment that determines the colour of your complexion.

Breast fungus

Excess sweat provides a breeding ground for breast fungus, an aggressive skin infection that needs medical attention. Wearing a bra to bed can magnify this risk. This is especially true if your bra is ill-fitting, leading to skin touching against skin, or if your bra is too tight.

Restlessness

Skin irritation can impact sleep and cause restlessness, leading to longer-term bad sleeping patterns. Similarly, an underwired bra can have a significant effect on your quality of sleep, whether or not you realise it.

So, what’s the verdict?

Ultimately, it’s a personal decision. There’s no evidence that wearing a bra to bed makes your breasts any perkier, one of the main reasons women choose to sleep in their bras. If you do decide to wear a bra to bed, comfort is key. So, make sure you choose a seamless, wireless sleep bra like one from the Sloggi Zero Feel.