Is It time To Bin Your Bra? Stars Hang Loose - Now Go Braless

Bras???? They don't need no stinking bras!These actresses have left their over-the-shoulder boulder-holders behind for a sleek and STUNNING look!

Mariam Carey made sure she had everyone's attention, donning a dangerously low cut dress when she hit the stage at the BET honours at Warner theatre in Washinghton. It's wonder how the diva avoided a wardrobe malfunction. She put up quite a show when she put up seductively atop a piano and belted out her vocal chords.

But rather than being an anomaly, such public ditching of one's support act has become a recent trend among tars including Mariam carey, Rihanna, Slena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Miranda Kerr and Gwyneth Paltrow e.t.c

And while we've all heard horror stories of what will happen if we plump for bralessness - breasts that swing down below our knees, back pain that could land us in hospital - new research suggests that wearing a bra could actually contribute to these problems.

More photos after the cut:

Contrary to popular belief, wearing a bra doesn't prevent sagging or relieve back pain at all, according to a study carried out over fifteen years in France.

Researchers at the University of Besançon found that not wearing a bra increases the strength of the breast muscles, which results in them sagging less over time.

Professor Rouillon, who led the study, said he believed the 'absence of a bra could keep breasts in shape' and prevent back ache.

He explained: 'The decision not to a wear a bra appeals to women in terms of comfort and aesthetics. Contrary to popular belief, the breast does not fall, but tightens and lifts, and the quality of the skin improves.’'

Professor Rouillon said 42 per cent of the women 'felt discomfort' for the first three months of not wearing a bra, but then it disappeared. None were in pain, however, nor were they hampered from doing daily activities, including sport.

But don't set your bra alight just yet. Despite his findings, Professor Rouillon said women should not get rid of their bras. His study only involved a small number of women, and the long-term effects of not wearing a bra are unknown.

Indeed, previous research has shown that women who do not wear a sports bra while exercising could be damaging their breasts.

The ligaments which support the breasts are not elastic, and can be irreversibly stretched when the breasts bounce during repetitive or high impact sports.

(Luckily, high-energy activity at award ceremonies is kept to a minimum, so celebrities remain safe when they go braless for the red carpet.)

And aside from health effects, a lack of support can do damage to your career: research carried out by the Centre for Talent Innovation discovered that those who go braless at work are less likely to be promoted to high executive levels. (Unless, of course, said role is as a presenter on Ground Force.)