Kimmay on Rachael Ray: To Bra or Not to Bra

Feb 8, 2022 | Hurray for Lingerie, Hurray Kimmay TV, Hurray Media, Outside, Personal Style, Rachael Ray | 0 comments

Hurray! Back on Rachael Ray and back in the studio! With so many folks staying indoors or working from home, going “braless and lawless” during the pandemic became a new norm. Now, as the world reopens, people are asking themselves: “to bra or not to bra?” Going braless is totally up to each person! The truth is you get to decide what you wear over your heart each day – whether that’s a super supportive bra or no bra at all! Hurray!

Below, I’m recapping some of the cozy options (one isn’t a bra at all!) to give you some mild to secure support so that you can decide what makes you feel comfortable and confident (and say hurray!). These are the style you wear when you don’t really want to wear a bra. Shop the styles I shared on the show (plus more options that didn’t make it to air)!

Psst! Some of the brands linked here are proud partners of mine (so grateful to share them with you!) or I may get a small thank you if you purchase through me. Your purchase through those links like these helps a lot in keeping articles like this coming your way. Either way, I always share items that I truly love and can help you say hurray!

Watch the recap video clip on the Rachael Ray website!

Casual Bra-Free Support Top

First up was Aja, who is 22 and very cool. She wanted some low support to go with her chill vibe, for hanging out with her friends and lounging around, or maybe running errands around New York City. I had just the thing for her (and many of you!) The Bra:30 is for the person who is ready to take off their bra but doesn’t want to go completely braless and wants SOME support. They call this an “after bra”. What time is it? Bra:30!

I’m currently obsessed with these amazing ribbed tank tops! I’ve worn these to lounge, work from home, sleep, travel, run errands, you name it! As mentioned on the show, I wore one without a bra (and just a blazer over it) on an overnight flight from NY to London. Easy and comfortable! PS: this does NOT have any built-in front coverage so if you want some, try some nipple covers.

JJ Winks screenshot

Bra:30 by PJ Harlow

  • The ribbing has just enough compression to keep things gently in place without a shelf bra, wires, or bra band. So cozy!
  • Light support (so do not expect your regular bra level support or coverage). That said, even my colleagues with a VERY full bust love these for lounging!
  • They’re amazing.
  • They come in several colors and lengths. My favorite is the Sporty or Hipster! Aja wore the Strappy in tie dye on the show.
  • Made in the USA
  • Sizes S-XXL
  • Price ranges $35-$39
BY THE WAY: Save 20% off of the entire PJ Harlow website, including the whole Bra:30 collection with code HURRAY20

Other Tops to Buy & Try

Uwila Warrior – The Braless

Honeylove – LiftWear Cami (10% off with this link)

Maidenform – Cami
JJ Winks – Sunrise Top

Buttery Smooth, Wire-free Bra

Next up is Amber! Amber has returned to the office and wants something comfortable, wire-free, easy to move in, and can even be worn for teaching a movement class after work. This True & Co. bra was a hit because of its smooth shape and optional coverage (removable pads!). I’ve worn this little number myself and it provides a clean, moderate support look. This bra option is for the person who wants ultra smooth, second skin, no wire support that disappears under clothes.

JJ Winks screenshot

The Body Lift Scoop Neck Bra by True & Co

  • Buttery soft fabric – feels like being naked, but better
  • Keeps shape and retains stretch – all day, every day
  • Wirefree support, no hardware
  • Removable modesty pads included
  • Pull over with ease (not too tight!)
  • Easy sizing XS-2XL INCLUDING standard and full bust options!
  • Price: $58

Other Wire-Free Bras to Buy & Try

Honeylove – V-Neck Bra (10% off with this link)

Floatley – Cozy Bra
Underbares – The Mesh U Bra
AnaOno – Monica Full Coverage Bra

Super Soft, Comfortable Underwire Bra

Finally, the lovely Karyn says she works from home in her studio and WANTS an underwire. She loves the support and shape she gets from an underwire bra but is skeptical that a comfortable option exists. Good news for Karyn (and ya’ll!). This Chantelle underwire bra meets the moment, as folks seek a new level of comfort, support AND style. Wire-free or low support isn’t actually as comfortable for everyone so this is a great option! This is for the full busted person who wants COMFORTABLE underwire support or shape. Underwire bras can be comfortable too (especially if they fit well, and depending on how they are made), and this one has comfort in the name for a reason! I’ve worn this and my bra colleagues rave about it! Shop it at a local boutique or pick it up online.

JJ Winks screenshot

Norah Comfort Underwire Bra by Chantelle

  • Underwire and soft seamed support (those inner seams are like support beams!)
  • Seamless lace overlay so you get support and a smooth look
  • Sexy sheerness at top, lined for support and modest opacity at the bottom.
  • Adaptable to most bust types because of the hybrid construction and stretch fabrics! So great if your body is changing shapes (um, everyone in the pandemic)
  • Knit fabric and stretch lace with yummmmmmmy softness and comfort around the band and straps.
  • Amazing size range 32-42 and C-H cup!
  • Price: $74

Other Comfortable Underwire Bras to Buy & Try

Le Mystere – Seamless Safari Smoother Bra
Wacoal – Surreal Comfort Underwire Bra
Montelle – Muse Full Cup Lace Bra

Natori – Bliss Perfection Contour Underwire Bra

Remember that even the best bras out there need to fit in order to feel comfortable, and that comfort will provide you with all day confidence! If you wear bras, grab a spot in my Free Bra Class to check on the fit of your bras and take your first step toward saying hurray inside, outside, and underneath™!

Free Bra Class

Want to wear a bra without ripping it off at the end of the day? Watch How to Find a Comfortable Bra Fit For Your Body WITHOUT Wasting Your Money on Bras You Dread Wearing! Plus, you'll also get Kimmay's Bra Fit Guide, and a taste of Bra Confidence & Comfort™. Watch now and don't spend another minute feeling uncomfortable in your bra.

Personal note: This taping was really emotional for me, as in person filming had been on hiatus since March 2020. It filled my heart like no other to work with them again and to get to share my heart in a BIG way again. These aren’t just cozy undergarment options I’m sharing here. This is my opportunity to help people support and adorn a sacred part of themselves – right over your heart, and to help millions of people say hurray inside, outside, and underneath™. Hurray!

Your turn: Do you prefer to wear a bra or not? In which occasions do you go with and when do you go without? Do you have different bra styles for different days? Do you prefer underwire or not? How do your bras feel after time indoors during the pandemic? Share it all with me over @hurraykimmay on Instagram!
Credits: Thanks to the Rachael Ray staff and crew (and amazing producers), the viewer volunteers (who are so brave and such good sports), and to my brand partners for making this happen: PJ Harlow, True & Co, and Chantelle. And a hearty hurray to the brands that shipped samples and didn’t make it on air. Rockstars! PS My dress was thrifted from Poshmark! I love to buy and sell second hand since it’s so good for the environment (and wallet). You can shop my Poshmark store here.