Women Are Finding Better Options From Traditional Bras
For centuries, women have subjected themselves to uncomfortable beauty methods to fit societal norms, but that is no longer the case. Bras are no longer a necessity but an option many women are leaving behind.
The origins of the first bra date back to the fourth century AD, Sicily’s Villa Romana del Casale, which contains a mosaic depicting women athletes wearing bra-like garments. During the Minoan civilization, the ancient bras were defined as pieces of art; the bra consisted of linen or a soft leather garment that supported the breasts from underneath, lifting them up and leaving them exposed.
The bra is short for brassiere, a Norman-French word for a child’s undershirt. The term brassiere first appeared in America around 1904 in DeBevoise Company’s advertising. The purpose of a bra or brassiere is to cover, support, or change the appearance of the breasts. But although they are functional and have been used for ages, they are not completely necessary.
During the Victorian era, corsets were a staple piece in fashion because they gave the illusion of an hourglass figure with a tiny waist. To mold the female figure, spiral steel stays were incorporated into the corset in order to achieve an exaggerated curvy body. During the dress reform in the late Victorian era, corsets were accused of posing several health risks due to the tight-lacing practice.
It is no surprise that the corset went out of fashion once women became active outside of the home and began to work. A common bra style used after the corset was the bandeau, which was meant to cover and contain the breasts rather than support.
Since the early days of civilization, women have endured uncomfortable beauty practices because of the beauty standards at the time. Now more than ever, women are ditching their confining bras and choosing to wear an unstructured bra or no bra at all.
The invention of the bra was to provide comfort, but it seems to have had the opposite effect for some women. The pandemic allowed people worldwide to prioritize comfort over style and the shift enabled women to reconsider whether bras were a necessity.
Some of the most iconic looks in history don’t involve using a bra, including Rihanna in her famous Swarovski dress and Lil Kim at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.
Here is Rihanna in a 230,000 Swarovski Crystal gown. pic.twitter.com/XkP0OeKDOa
— badgalriri (@rihannafyp) April 26, 2021
lil’ kim at the 1999 mtv vmas. pic.twitter.com/Y3nMcbIg1W
— khalia. (@NINETIESRNB) September 12, 2021
We have come a long way from the very first bras: women now have many alternative options such as bralettes, sports bras, adhesive bras, boob tape, and so much more. These alternatives allow for coverage and support without the discomfort of wire and padding.
Yes, bras can be essential for some women who might feel uncomfortable without the support, but it does not mean that all women need or want the support of a bra.
