For the ladies out there, what’s the first item of clothing you remove after you arrive home? If you’re like me, it’s your bra! I usually take mine off in the car, on the way home from work.
Let’s look at the history of the bra or brassiere as my grandmother called it. According to the “internet”, the bra was patented in 1914. This was during the time of the constricting corsets. They were created for support, and appearance, but somehow became a requirement based on societal standards.
I got my first bra in 4th grade. Yes folks, I was an early bloomer, but trust, that’s where the blooming ended. It was the old school little white bra that came in a little box, it was my very first “training” bra. I’m not sure what it was training because the AA cup I was rocking for sure stood for absolutely absent. You couldn’t tell me nothin’ though, I had a bra! I had graduated from the classic all white undershirt. I wanted to wear shirts that showed off my new bra. Not in a fast tail way, but in a braggadocios way. Then, I didn’t realize how good I had it in those undershirts. I even remember young girls wearing bras to bed, believing it would prevent sagging 🤷🏽♀️.
After having children, those once perky breast began to sag and resemble tongues. Where they once stood, they now disappeared underneath my arms when laying down. When sitting up, they become stomach warmers, and I mean that’s great during the winter, but it’s a nuisance during the summertime. Who wants pickle scented boobs? Y’all know that smell you get underneath after a hot day or a rigorous workout! I know I’m not alone! Now don’t get me wrong, I appreciate them and the fact that they’re healthy. I also appreciate that these same breast fed and nourished all four of my children with no problems. I don’t take the fact that I get to wear a bra for granted! But those once size 32B’s that sat so perky, braless, in a cute tank top or maxi dress now needed a bra…or kickstands.
Society scoffs at the woman who allows her breast to hang freely. Some stare in utter disgust at the sight of sagging breast whispering “eww” under their breath as if it were something unnatural. While others turn their noses up at at erect nipples, an uncontrollable response, and others ogle in delight. Unfortunately we live in a society where breasts are highly sexualized.
If I’m honest, there are some days where I don’t want to wear a bra. Funny story, one morning while getting ready for work, I followed my normal routine. I got dressed, grabbed my backpack, badge, and keys and headed to the car. I was driving but I felt like I forgot something. I felt a little too free. I remember I was wearing a turtleneck lol, I looked down and noticed that I had on no bra! I had got dressed, left the house, and forgot my damn bra! I guess my subconscious was saying, “resist resist resist.” Yes, I went back home to put it on.
Are bras really necessary? I think it’s a matter of preference. For my big busted girls, the answer is probably yes. But as the poster child of the itty bitty titty committee, it’s a resounding NO! Your breast, your choice!
Until next time…💛
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