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A Beginner's Guide to Undoing a Bra

I enjoy giving advice to others on how to do those little tasks that require precicse hand movements, like undoing a bra.

What's that, sonny? You've never undone a bra before? Well, gee whiz! You've come to the right place!

If there's one thing I love to do, it's undoing bras. When other kids were out playing catch, learning basic social skills, and learning to read and write, I was sitting at home, having a go at various female undergarments. I know my stuff.

Lucky for you, I've decided to share my knowledge. By the end of this guide, you'll know how to remove not only simple bras but also slightly more advanced chest-supporting contraptions (because god knows, they're out there). You shall find that the process is by no means daunting, and is, on the contrary, quite satisfying and fun!

Basic Bra ATTACK!

Let's start with the basics: undoing a simple, no-frills (aside from the obvious cute bows and lace) bra. Seeing as most womenfolk are somewhat uncreative with their undergarments, you're most likely to encounter one of these.

Take a look at the basic components pictured above. Nothing to be afraid of here. What you see is two hooks at one end of the bra and three rows of eyes (to accommodate varying sizes). Seeing as you're a real sharp kid, you probably realize that the hooks loop through the eyes. Well done! Someone ought to give you a medal.

But let's address the important part: how these two ends may be separated. All this entails is a simple one-handed pinch.

  1. Place one thumb on one end of the clasp and one forefinger on the other side
  2. Pinch the ends in toward each other
  3. Before long, the hooks will slide out of the eyes

Voila! The ends of the bra will SPRING apart in a most satisfying fashion.

Level 2: The Negligee

Undoing a girl's bra is like riding a bike. Once you get it down, you've got it down. But wait! There's more! That's right—you'll find the classic bra clasp in more incarnations than just the simple bikini-like bra. Many slips and negligees, for example, utilize the same clasping system.

For the most part, disassembly steps are EXACTLY the same:

  1. Put fingers in place at either side
  2. Pinch
  3. RELEASE

But then you'll have to deal with the pull-up or step-out-of dilemma—basically whether the slip should be subsequently pulled over your dear friend's head, or whether it should be slid down and stepped out of. This depends on two factors:

  • Your lady friend's hair/makeup
  • The sort of back said slip or negligee has

If your lady friend has fancy hair or makeup going on, do not muss it up by pulling what might be slightly abrasive (e.g., lacy) fabric over it. Bad bad bad. In such cases, it is either better to pull the slip down, or to step back and let your opponent remove the rest of the garment herself.

If your counterpart happens to be wearing a negligee or slip that has a rather sizable opening in the back, it is meant to be slid down and stepped out of. If you realize that most of the back is exposed as you're undoing the clasp, by all means, feel free to just slide the thing down. If, however, there is no open back, this is most obviously a pullover style garment, so if you think you can manage and harbor the bravery, feel free (with your friend's assistance), to pull the garment over her head—shame on her for wearing something so difficult!

Same hooks- just more of 'em!

Same hooks- just more of 'em!

Getting Advanced: The Corset!

When you think of corsets, you might be reminded of the days of yore, but these convenient undergarments are still very much utilized, and make frequent comebacks.

Thankfully, unless you're dealing with specially made/particularly expensive/period costume pieces, most corsets you'll be coming up against are nothing more than amplified bras, at least when it comes to disassembly. That is to say, most utilize the same hook and clasp system that you'll find on mainstream bras.

The key to undoing these suckers, then, is just a calm disposition and a methodical approach. There are two main ways by which you can go about parting the sides of this camisole-like undergarment:

Read More From Bellatory

  1. You may employ the pinch-and-release method, starting at the top and moving downward
  2. You may utilize two flat hands at either side of the corset to squeeze each entire end together and release all the hooks from the eyes on one fell swoop (this is what I prefer).

This may take a bit of practice, but removing corsets is, in principle, as simple as removing simple bras. In my humble opinion, removing corsets, at least with hook-and-eye fastening, is easier than removing slips or negligees, because they come right off the front when undone.

You've got it so easy these days.  Look at what dudes used to be up against!

You've got it so easy these days. Look at what dudes used to be up against!

Perspective, Perspective

Having a go at undoing a girl's bra might seem daunting at the beginning, but I hope this guide has proven to you just how simple the process is. In fact, removing bras today is easier than it has been for decades. I mean, consider what the 1800s dandy was up against! Proper ladies had ATTENDANTS lace up their undergarments for them... heck, men had to practically be tailors to disassemble them! Really, you've got it easy.

Not all bras utilize the clasp system outlined above, but those that do not are either sports bras, which are simply to be removed like shirts, or have buckle-like clasps, which you're more likely to be familiar with. So rest easy.

I hope you've found this guide to be helpful. If you have any additional tips to share, feel free to leave a comment.

And godspeed, Casanova. Godspeed.

© 2011 Simone Haruko Smith

Comments

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on July 28, 2011:

Wow stugod. I want a Velcro bra. That'd be awesome. Perfect for those days when one forgets to pay the gravity bill.

stugod on July 26, 2011:

Well lets get back to the matter in hand. Given half a chance. I did buy a former girl friend a Velcro bra. It was not the fastener though. The bra itself was made of Velcro. After some minor adjustments in the bedroom I found I could stick her to the bedroom wall and have my evil way. WARNING !!! Always ask permission before engaging in such activities as the repercussions can be serious indeed.

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on July 26, 2011:

Bahahaa! True! True!

50 Caliber from Arizona on July 26, 2011:

Simone Smith, not to forget treacherous behavior, Hahahaha, 50

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on July 26, 2011:

Hahahaa! Hey, never underestimate the wisdom and experience of Old Timers.

50 Caliber from Arizona on July 23, 2011:

stugod, then it's cool for me not to get it, being an old timer and my life suits me fine and I have enjoyed the past 2 decades this way. I got internet in 2008 as a gift from my little brother so he could contact me now and then. Since I've learned how to navigate much entertainment by reading here on the pages, thank you, dusty

Stuart Goddard from Bradford on July 23, 2011:

Well 50 cal your not going to get it living way back over yonder. These city galls are a bit too slick for us old timers. Had a look around some of your stuff seems an idyllic lifestyle you have there.

50 Caliber from Arizona on July 22, 2011:

Well stuart, ???? I don't get it, I'm kinda slow that way..., 50

stuart goddard on July 22, 2011:

Well 50cal now I have been made The Heavy Weight boob inspector of the world. No gouging No biting and No scratching. Low blows and Low sucks are cool. Let's Get Ready to Fumble. !!!!!!!!!!!!

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on July 22, 2011:

Hahaa! That's hilarious! I need to see that episode. And here's to the simple pleasures of life!

50 Caliber from Arizona on July 22, 2011:

Epic and entertaining topic. It made me think of an old "Happy Days" show where the Fonze showed the rest that were practicing on a bra around a trash bin, funny then and still. I really need to think harder towards the simple pleasures of life for topics, like this one turning out so well! 50

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on July 18, 2011:

Thanks fashion! And so true, stugod. I'm glad you're clearing these things up because even my grade school teachers told me that it was Pasteur who was responsible for the glass bra. Ah, the lies that are perpetuated by our public school system!

stugod on July 14, 2011:

It's a common misconception to think that the glass bra was invented by Louis Pasteur in his early attempts at pasteurization. I can assure you this is not the case as my great uncle Seymore fitz was the sole inventor of said undergarments and as his name suggests is clearly incontestable I rest my case.

fashion on July 14, 2011:

You got unique idea.hilarious Hub! you solved a little problem.

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on July 14, 2011:

stugod, I just made the (mistake? smart move?) of Googling "glass bra."

And good god. That's one heck of an epic bra. Just consider the potential.... CONSIDER!!!

stugod on July 12, 2011:

I thought we had exhausted this subject until one of our design team reminded me of a commission we received to design a quick and efficient method for older ladies and larger types, that were struggling with conventional clasps. The design we came up with was so efficient that it had unexpected benefits as it also acted as an anti ageing product. The clasp was so fast that as it released the larger boob it had the effect of removing all the wrinkles from the wearers face. Although for the first hour the wearer did take on the appearance of a sky diver. This effect was only temporary as gravity balanced things out. But within the first few hours the lady could get some lippy on and dash down to the local bar and pull herself a guy. I did have some thoughts on the morning after breakfast scene. But clearly that was beyond the scope of our design.

stugod on July 12, 2011:

I did here a rumour that a glass bra was being marketed. No big deal to me. Smash and Grab innit.

Got previous form for it. No follow ups pleeeeeeeeease. lol

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on July 08, 2011:

LOLOLOL

stugod on July 08, 2011:

I did here that the American style was two yanks and it's off. Could not resist it Simone.lol

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on July 06, 2011:

Oh, thanks glassvisage! You're quite right- the key is in understanding how the dang things work. I'd tell guys to head off to lingerie departments and have a look themselves, but they'd probably not want the odd stares.

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on July 06, 2011:

marshacanada, I am SO WRITING THAT HUB! I've just started it. I owe you one for that!

LOL Mark Ewbie- what a funny joke. OBVIOUSLY you know that upon being sold her first bra, every woman must sign a form promising to never reveal how that trick works. Surely your wife told you this. Such are our secrets!

glassvisage from Northern California on July 06, 2011:

Haha, I love the "advanced corset" section :) The photos are helpful because I feel like a lot of people get "hung up" because they don't understand how a bra works. Now I just do it with one hand :)

Mark Ewbie from UK on July 05, 2011:

Excellent advice Simone, and I wish I had known about it when I first started wearing womens clothing. Of course not. When I first, well, anyway.

What I don't think you covered is the Houdini like trick when a woman wearing a shirt, plus pullover (or top WHATEVER!) says "I'm hot, I'll just take this bra off" and then with a couple of movements she is pulling the whole thing down one arm of her top garments.

Deserves a round of applause that, and it ALWAYS impresses me.

When I say woman, I mean my wife, so please don't think I'm having more fun than I should.

If I were to rate my technique by the way it would be fumbler.

FloraBreenRobison on July 05, 2011:

ha! I love it marshacanada.

marshacanada from Vancouver BC on July 05, 2011:

A good laugh to start my morning. Now how about a hub for teen age girls on "How to fill a bra."

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on July 02, 2011:

Oh, I'll have to check out that Hub, Chatkath! Lingerie is such fun.

And hahaa, I bet your boys are already total pros, akirchner! Thank you ever so for the kind words :D

Tehehee, thanks FloraBreenRobison. I really feel for all the frustrated guys out there. Who KNOWS how many men are losing their minds fiddling with difficult undergarments this VERY second??

FloraBreenRobison on July 01, 2011:

My favourite part is when you say "shame on her for wearing something so difficult." :)

Audrey Kirchner from Washington on June 30, 2011:

Good lord, I'm glad my boys are men now - though they may still give a look at this~ Thank goodness for your journalistic prowess in explaining these mysteries of life. I expect to see this featured as a segment on 60 Minutes soon~!

Kathy from California on June 30, 2011:

I should link to my lingerie hub, must get those basics down first and foremost! Part of the appeal! ;) Great How to!

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on June 30, 2011:

Gotta cover those important issues, Wesman Todd Shaw. Cupcakes and bras are serious social causes. I've got to bring my hard-hitting journalistic fervor to these underdog subject areas.

I've gotta tell you, CMHypno, my childhood was pretty unconventional, but it sure was fun!

And thanks fro stopping by nanospeck. Remember. It's all in the pinch. Easy as pie.

Akhil Anil on June 30, 2011:

In-sightful article!!! Thanks for sharing the tip..

CMHypno from Other Side of the Sun on June 30, 2011:

A slightly unusual way to spend your childhood Simone, but at least now you can educate our men in the ways of female underwear!

Wesman Todd Shaw from Kaufman, Texas on June 29, 2011:

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never again will I be disparaging towards cupcakes, or hubs about them.

You are truly hilarious!

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on June 29, 2011:

Dude. That would be AWESOME. I would so buy a password protected bra.

Marina from San Francisco, CA on June 29, 2011:

the new wave of bras should be password protected. adding an entirely new element of complexity to what is already such a daunting task for many. hilarious Hub!

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on June 29, 2011:

Oh, good point about the value of hilarity, LiamBean. I hadn't thought about that! Hmmm.... well, thank goodness not all bras are so easy to unclasp. Let's hope teen girls start opting for the more strangely-fastening bras!

LiamBean from Los Angeles, Calilfornia on June 29, 2011:

Sheesh! Where ARE you going with these? I don't think teenaged boys really need a cheat sheet. Part of the "rite of passage" is figuring this stuff out on their own (heh heh heh); with hilarious results (of course).

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on June 29, 2011:

Excellent, A.A. Zavala. Glad to be of service!

Augustine A Zavala from Texas on June 29, 2011:

Adding to crib notes. Thanks!

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on June 29, 2011:

Dangit!! Ed, there are tears ALL OVER my keyboard now. It's totally short circuitdoihn;erjlskdfbxivc; klnm.,rdfx;c/lvbkn lm.

Edward Zhang from Bay Area, CA on June 29, 2011:

Aw, I hope you know that you just lost your biggest fan :(

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on June 29, 2011:

LOLOL - I'm branching out to more than bras with my series! You'll never guess who recommended it. I'm hoping out to corner out a nice little niche, here XD

Edward Zhang from Bay Area, CA on June 29, 2011:

Oh boy, you have a whole series ahead for unhooking bras?? I'm totally your biggest fan now!

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on June 29, 2011:

Just doing my civic duty, Jeannieinabottle. We've all got to pitch in, right? :D

Jeannie Marie from Baltimore, MD on June 29, 2011:

You have helped many young men all over the world with this hub. You are quite generous for this contribution to society. I thank you (even if I have the whole unsnapping the bra thing under control) for sharing this information.

Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on June 29, 2011:

Thank you, ever so, Gordon Hamilton! I wish I could say it was my idea, hehee! I hope many a teenage boy finds this to be helpful. I'm all for giving them a leg up. No potential pun intended.

Thanks Peggy W. Hooooboy, I've got a whole series ahead of me. Writing is far too much fun XD

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on June 29, 2011:

You are too funny Simone!!! What will you think of next? Haha!

Gordon Hamilton from Wishaw, Lanarkshire, United Kingdom on June 29, 2011:

Fabulous idea for a Hub! Essential reading for every teenage boy, the world over. I hope they realise how lucky they are in these informative days of Internet... :)

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