Honestly, if you survived 2024 and 2025 without hearing the word "brat" at least once a day, you probably weren't on the internet. Charli XCX didn’t just release an album; she handed out a lifestyle permit. It was a permission slip to be messy, to be loud, and to stop caring if your hair was brushed. But a huge part of that aesthetic—the part that actually changed how people dress on the street—was the Charli XCX no bra movement.
It wasn't just a fashion choice. It was a whole vibe shift.
When Charli sat down with Nick Grimshaw on a BBC podcast to define the "brat" essentials, she didn't list designer handbags or expensive shoes. She kept it gritty. She said all you really need is "a pack of cigs, a Bic lighter, and a strappy white top with no bra." That’s it. That’s the tweet.
The Philosophy of the "Strappy White Top"
For a long time, the "clean girl" aesthetic ruled our feeds. You know the one—slicked-back buns, neutral matching sets, and everything looking like it was filtered through a beige lens. Charli XCX basically took a neon green highlighter to that entire concept and crossed it out.
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Going braless became the ultimate signal of this new era. It’s about being "low-fidelity." In a world where we’re constantly told to tuck, lift, and smooth everything into a doll-like perfection, Charli’s preference for sheer fabrics and thin cotton tanks feels like a radical act of laziness—in the best way possible.
- The "360" Effect: In her music video for "360," the camera captures that exact "jiggle" fans on Reddit have been calling "so brat."
- Wimbledon Rule-Breaking: Even at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, a place legendary for its stuffy dress codes, she showed up in a gothic mini-dress, looking like she’d just rolled out of a warehouse party.
- The Variety Hitmakers Look: In December 2024, she accepted her Hitmaker of the Year award in a sheer tan Saint Laurent gown. No bra. No apologies. Just the sheer audacity of a woman who knows she’s the main character.
Why Charli XCX No Bra is More Than a Trend
People get weird about nipples. It’s a fact. YouGov actually did a survey about it after Charli called out ITV for "complaining about my nipples" during a Brit Awards speech. The data showed that while 48% of men were fine with the "free the nipple" look on the red carpet, a lot of people—especially older generations—still find it "unacceptable."
Charli doesn't seem to care. In fact, she leans into the provocation. She’s pointed out that the constant demand for access to women's bodies in pop culture is "boring." By choosing to go braless in high-fashion settings, she’s reclaiming her body from the male gaze and handing it back to the rave scene.
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It’s About Authenticity, Kinda
If you look at her style evolution, she’s always been a bit of a "soft goth" at heart. From the Tumblr "grunge" days of 2013 to the hyperpop Crash era, she’s played with different characters. But "Brat" feels like the real Charli. It’s the version of her that wears the same white tank top three days in a row because she was too busy having fun to do laundry.
That's why the Charli XCX no bra look resonated so hard with Gen Z. It’s cheap. It’s accessible. You don't need a thousand-dollar wardrobe to participate in the trend. You just need a $10 pack of ribbed tanks and the confidence to leave the underwire in the drawer.
Making the Look Work (Without the Red Carpet)
Look, most of us aren't walking the "spooky black carpet" at a film premiere like Charli did for Nosferatu. But the influence is trickling down to the high street. Here is how that "messy cool-girl" energy translates to real life:
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- Layering with Sheer Fabrics: Charli often uses sheer mesh or lace. If you're not ready for full exposure, layering a thin camisole under a sheer top gives that same "brat" depth without feeling totally naked.
- The Proportions Rule: She almost always balances a tight, braless top with baggy bottoms. Think oversized cargo pants, "f*cked-up" skirts, or those baggy leather pants she’s been wearing from R13.
- Low-Key Glam: The key to not looking like you’re wearing a costume is to keep the makeup slightly disheveled. Smudged eyeliner and "last night’s hair" are the accessories that make the no-bra look feel intentional rather than accidental.
The Cultural Impact in 2025 and 2026
As we move through 2026, the "brat" influence hasn't faded; it’s just matured. We’re seeing it in the way brands like Acne Studios and Diesel are designing their latest collections—lots of distressed fabrics, visible seams, and silhouettes that don't accommodate traditional bras.
Charli herself is moving into her "acting era" with projects for A24, but her personal brand remains "High Priestess of Soft Goth." She’s proved that you can be a global superstar, a fashion icon, and a Grammy winner while still looking like you might have a cigarette hidden in your boot.
Ultimately, the Charli XCX no bra trend is a rejection of the "performative perfection" that has dominated social media for the last decade. It’s a middle finger to the idea that women need to be "contained" to be professional or stylish. It's sweaty, it's messy, and it's 100% authentic.
If you want to adopt the look, start with the basics. Get a white rib-knit tank top. Ditch the bra. Find a pair of wraparound shades that make you look like you’re hiding a hangover. The world is your dancefloor, and honestly, you've got better things to worry about than a falling bra strap.
To really nail the aesthetic, focus on the "365 party girl" mindset: prioritize your own fun over the expectations of people watching you. Whether you’re at a festival or just grabbing a coffee, the goal is to look like you’re living for yourself, not for the grid.