I have NEVER been able to go braless but this item really holds the girls up well. I am 5'2", 115 lbs, 52 years old, size 34 D bra, and I breastfed 3 kids for 2 years each. I wear a bra always, even a soft one while sleeping, for support. This shirt I bought in size small, it was tight but not too tight, and it was comfortable on a cooler night. It looked amazing and I had a gentleman walk up to me and say I "was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen". Sooo, this is a great shirt. I love it ...