A bra to sleep in, and what suits best

Short answer: Many people sleep without a bra, while others prefer one at night. If so, choose a soft style with no underwire, tight bands or hard seams, so you can lie in any position. It is a question of what feels good for you, not of what you ought to do.

You do not have to wear one

There is no rule that you must sleep in a bra. Many sleep best without one, and that is perfectly fine. Some prefer a light bra for comfort, for example when the breasts feel tender. It is entirely your choice, and you can try both for a few nights.

Choose no underwire and no stiff parts

Underwires and stiff cups press against the chest when you lie on your side or stomach. Choose a soft bra without underwire, without stiff cups and with flat seams. The fewer parts that can press, the easier it is to fall asleep and stay still without shifting position all the time.

The band must not squeeze

When you lie down, the body changes a little, and a band that sat fine by day can feel too tight at night. Choose a soft, stretchy band that leaves no marks. If you can feel the band when you wake up, that is a reason to try one size up or a different style.

A soft and breathable fabric

At night you get warm, and a soft fabric that lets air through is pleasant on the skin. Thick layers and synthetic blends can feel clammy. Try a bamboo bra in a simple, smooth cut and notice whether you wake up more rested than usual. If you do not, switch back.

The fit in different positions

Try the bra lying on your back, side and stomach before you sleep in it all night. It must not ride up or tug at the straps and band. If it stays put without pressing, the fit is good. If it slides, it is probably too big, and if it is tight, it is too small.

Change them and wash them often

You sweat more than you think at night, so a bra for sleeping should be washed more often than one for daytime. Follow the care label, use a mild detergent and skip fabric softener. If you have two or three, you can rotate and let each dry fully between wears.

Think about the rest of your nightwear

It is nice if all your nightwear is soft and free of pressure. The knickers should sit well, and the socks, if you wear any, should not squeeze around the ankles. Look at bamboo knickers and socks for women if you want the same soft fabric all night.

Talk to your doctor if you have discomfort

If you have tenderness, swelling or pain in the chest that a bra does not change, talk to your doctor. The same applies after an operation or if you take medicine that affects the skin. Do not guess here, and follow the advice you have been given by healthcare staff.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to sleep in a bra?

No, it is a personal choice. Many sleep best without one, and others prefer a soft bra. Choose what feels best for you, and feel free to try both.

What should a bra for sleeping be like?

It should be soft, without underwire or stiff parts, with a band that does not squeeze and a fit that stays put in every sleeping position.

How often should I wash a bra I sleep in?

More often than an everyday bra, because you sweat at night. Follow the care label, use a mild detergent and let it dry fully between wears.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.