It is no secret that bras can be extremely uncomfortable. Last week I got back to my room after a long day and immediately took my bra off because it was so unbearable. It got me thinking: why do I put myself through this? There’s no rule that says women must wear bras in public, but it is expected of us. Society has made us feel like being seen without a bra on is inappropriate and unprofessional, but why?
Everyone knows that women have breasts, so why do we feel like we have to cover ourselves up by wearing a bra? Men have nipples just like women, and it is not seen as a problem when they are on display in this way. This double standard has been prevalent for centuries; women used to have to wear corsets to contain themselves and now bras are used for this same purpose.
I am not encouraging every woman to go completely bra free. I understand that it is not comfortable for all women to go braless all the time. Bras do provide support that is much needed, especially if you have bigger breasts. However, I think all women should make this choice based on what makes them feel most comfortable, not because of what society expects of them.
Women also shouldn’t have to worry about attracting unwanted attention from men just because they aren’t wearing a bra. We should be treated the same regardless of how we choose to dress, and we should feel comfortable enough to leave the house, bra or no bra.