There’s nothing quite like the feeling of unhooking your bra at the end of a long day—it's a moment of pure relief and freedom. Now, imagine embracing that feeling all day long! That’s exactly what National No Bra Day is all about. Held on October 13th, this playful yet meaningful event encourages people to ditch their bras while raising awareness for breast cancer. It’s a chance to celebrate comfort and self-care while supporting an important cause that impacts hundreds of thousands of lives in the United States each year.
Breast cancer touches the lives of so many, making it vital to prioritize prevention, regular check-ups, and early detection. Whether you're personally connected to someone who has battled breast cancer or you simply want to contribute to a greater cause, No Bra Day is for everyone. And even if going braless isn’t an option for you, there are still numerous ways to get involved and make a difference.
National No Bra Day began in 2011, when two events with a shared goal of breast cancer awareness emerged. In Toronto, Dr. Mitchell Brown founded BRA Day, while an anonymous creator using the pseudonym Anastasia Doughnuts launched No Bra Day. Three years later, these two initiatives were combined and moved to October to coincide with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Despite the humorous origins of its name, No Bra Day carries a powerful message: early detection saves lives. It encourages self-examinations, routine screenings, and open conversations about breast health.
If you can’t or choose not to go without a bra, you can still use this day as a platform to advocate for breast cancer awareness. Here are a few meaningful ways you can make an impact:
If you're due for a screening, No Bra Day is the perfect reminder to book that appointment. Share your mammogram experience to help demystify the process for others, and remind friends and family of its importance.
Educate yourself on how to perform self-checks and make a habit of doing them regularly. Early detection is key to effective treatment, and self-exams are a simple yet crucial practice.
Contributing to organizations that fund research, treatment, and support for those affected by breast cancer can be life-changing. Even small donations help advance life-saving discoveries and services.
Whether you’re selling homemade crafts or hosting an event, consider donating the proceeds to breast cancer charities. Every dollar raised can help further research and provide support to survivors and their families.
From walks and runs to virtual gatherings, October is filled with events dedicated to supporting breast cancer research. Join or organize one in your community to show your solidarity.
Use your platforms to share educational posts about the importance of regular screenings, mammograms, and self-checks. Use hashtags like #NoBraDay and #BreastCancerAwareness to reach even more people.
Looking for trusted organizations to support? Consider these well-known foundations that are making strides in breast cancer research and patient support:
Whether through one-time or monthly donations, organizing fundraisers, or participating in local events, there are numerous ways to contribute to this iconic foundation. Learn More
Get involved by donating, setting up events, or volunteering. This foundation offers a wide range of opportunities to support breast cancer research and awareness. Learn More
Learn more about the history of breast cancer research, donate, or join programs aimed at spreading awareness and providing support to those in need. Learn More
No Bra Day isn’t just about the joy of going braless—it’s about raising awareness, encouraging early detection, and supporting the fight against breast cancer. Whether you're sharing information, scheduling a check-up, or simply spreading the word, every little step makes a difference. Together, we can all play a part in helping to save lives and supporting those affected by breast cancer.
