Gillian Anderson, Icon, Explained Why She Stopped Wearing Bras

"I don't wear a bra anymore. I don't wear a bra. I can't wear a bra."

us actress gillian anderson poses on the red carpet upon arrival at the bafta british academy film awards at the royal albert hall in london on february 2, 2020 photo by tolga akmen afp photo by tolga akmenafp via getty images
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
  • Gillian Anderson said she's bid farewell to bras in an Instagram Q&A with fans Tuesday.
  • "I don't wear a bra anymore. I don't wear a bra. I can't wear a bra," she said.
  • "I'm sorry, but I don't care if I reach my belly button, my breasts reach my belly button. I'm not wearing a bra anymore. It's just too fucking uncomfortable," Anderson continued.
  • The X Files icon also shared her daily ensemble of choice, in and out of lockdown: "Comfortable black track pants and a black matching hoodie. Every day, if I could." 

If you're a bra wearer who found respite from the tyranny of the underwire during lockdown—and dreads the prospect of returning to daily underwear-induced discomfort as things begin to open up—you might look to the iconic Gillian Anderson for inspiration. The X Files legend spoke to fans on Instagram Live Tuesday, revealing she's renounced bras altogether.

Asked about her preferred lockdown ensemble, Anderson responded, "I don't wear a bra anymore. I don't wear a bra. I can't wear a bra. I can't, no. I can't." She continued, "I'm sorry, but I don't care if I reach my belly button, my breasts reach my belly button. I'm not wearing a bra anymore. It's just too fucking uncomfortable."

Anderson, who was recently nominated for an Emmy for her role as Margaret Thatcher in The Crown, revealed her outfit of choice, in and out of lockdown, is "probably the same." And comfort is key: Anderson said she'd wear "comfortable black track pants and a black matching hoodie. Every day, if I could." Sounds good to me!

Emily Dixon
Morning Editor

Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.