I Don’t Wear a Bra

It wasn’t until recently, through a few random blogs and a group of mean girls at the thrift store, that I started noticing the powerful feelings Americans have about wearing a bra. In a shock to no one, we don’t like braless women very much. I don’t understand what this pearl-clutchy attitude is about because I haven’t wore a bra in years and I doubt anyone even knows the difference.

bra

As a proud member of the Itty Bitty Titty Committee and a grandma that told me “all you need is a handful,” a bra serves no functional purpose for me outside of style. I totally get that for non-IBTC board members a bra can be very necessary for comfort, health, and keeping things together, but I don’t need any of that unless I’m running or at a trampoline party. They are uncomfortable, restricting, hurt my shoulders, and whenever I wear one, I can’t wait until I can go home and take it off. It is delusional for me to wear a bra for no purpose other than to shape my boobs in a way that is considered tasteful by the majority of people because it’s not something I care about anymore.

I didn’t stop wearing one for any sort of political statement or say one day “OK, I’m done wearing a bra forever now,” I just stopped doing it over time because it feels better and I never really knew why I was wearing one in the first place. I have never thought of it as rebellious or a thing anyone would recognize or care about. It’s like freaking out that everyone in public is naked under their clothes. I think people are confused if they find out I don’t wear one because I don’t have the stereotypical “dirty hippie” or “angry hairy feminist” look they assume every braless lady has to have. Look at me, combing my hair and wearing the clothes I want to wear! It’s like I make my own decisions or something.

One of the only problems I’ve faced with not wearing a bra, other than people looking at me like I have a dick on my forehead when they find out I’m not wearing one, is that now I notice everything is uncomfortable. Shoes are like feet bras, socks are too warm, jeans dig into too many places, zippers are cold, wedgies are agonizing, and purses that require any effort to keep over my shoulder are not even an option. Basically, women’s clothing is terrible unless we’re talking about leggings and tank tops. If I become president, that will be my cabinet attire. Leopard print, of course.

I don’t really know what I’m getting at here, just that it blows my mind that bras are still a thing that people expect to see on a classy lady. It sounds so ’60s to think that some companies require them in the dress code or that women will look at each other in disgust over this when we all know how much they suck. I think it’s time to direct our attention elsewhere, toward something that is ACTUALLY terrible, like my constant misuse of commas or the first 2 seasons of Breaking Bad. I think we can all agree on that one.


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23 Responses to I Don’t Wear a Bra

  1. carissajaded says:

    I for one, would never look at you with shame. I would look at you with envy. The first thing I do every day when I get out of public is rip mine off. And I only wear them when I absolutely have to. I purposely buy clothing that doesn’t require under garments.

  2. Hails says:

    Yeah, I am just jealous as well because I cannot walk down the stairs without having to hold ‘em down with my hands if I go braless. Bigger is not always better. And lol at when I have to work out. Sports bras hurt like hell and I am STILL flopping around. Any girl who says shit to you is just jealous.

  3. lauryn says:

    It’s funny to me that anyone would make a big deal out of this, because OMG who cares what’s happening with someone else’s boobs? If it’s better for you to set your girls free, then more power to you my friend.

    I wish I could get away with that! I’ve actually been struggling with a weird chest pain for years and am starting to wonder if I’m wearing the wrong size bra… I really need to go get measured. If you do wear one, it’s important to wear one that fits! That’s one thing I know to be true.

    Happy Monday!

    • Mandy says:

      That could be it, I always had a really hard time trying to find the right size that didn’t cause ridiculous pain in my chest, back, or shoulders, and when I did find one that fit well it was WAY too expensive for me to afford. I’ve heard several people say that they never found one that felt good until they tried a fitting and some styles from Nordstrom, so it might be worth a shot!

  4. Sarah says:

    I’m not currently wearing a bra and I’ve also been wearing the same pjs for two days, but when I do manage to shower and get dressed I like to know I have some sexy-ass lingerie on under my clothes.

  5. Kristan says:

    Hm. Good food for thought. I have to admit, I’ve seen some women and thought, “Why are you not wearing a bra??” Mostly for support reasons, but occasionally for aesthetics (sagging or nipping). And that’s despite knowing many women (myself included) who don’t really “need” to wear them. So, I dunno, am I just completely brainwashed by society? Possible… (Note: I don’t make any sort of judgment about what “kind” of woman it is that wouldn’t wear a bra; I just think, “Those boobs look like they would like some cushion/cover.”)

    • Mandy says:

      I’ve totally done the same thing, haha. I think most of us see anything boob related and think it’s gross, I know I was definitely brought up to see it that way but it doesn’t bother me much at all now.

  6. Anthony says:

    can i join?
    yeah, you’re right… my girlfriend same with you,,not wearing a bra..

  7. Diana says:

    Half the time I got out, I don’t wear a bra. I am definitely not part of the IBTC, but hooray for freedom!

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  9. Chelsea says:

    I am definitely one of those people who ALWAYS wears a bra. well, not when I’m at home lounging, but anytime I go out. I am also in the itty bitty committee, like reppin the A’s over here, but I have enough that I look like Madonna’s cone boobs if I don’t wear one! how do you deal with the nips coming out to party!?

    • Mandy says:

      Yea I used to wear one to improve the shape, then I figured no shape is worth the discomfort it gives me, haha. As far as nip parties I usually wear a camisole that helps smooth things out, and I never wear anything that would actually be see through. See through is where I draw the line, for sure.

      It also helps that I tend to wear a cardigan over things when it’s chilly, and my hair is long enough to cover things up when I wear it down haha. So I usually get lucky and avoid giving any major nip shows.

  10. Tania says:

    Hehe, I don’t wear a bra either! On the rare occasion that I do put one on for some reason, I’m always so eager to rip it off as soon as I get home. I don’t know how some women can wear them all the time, even to sleep!? Sooo uncomfortable!

    I do usually wear bralettes though, especially if I’m wearing a thin layer.

  11. Lynne says:

    I am a 58 year old woman who has average c cup (now that I am older, somewhat sagging) breasts, and I have not worn a bra for over 20 years. Of course some occassions and outfits require a bra, but I think I have those down to about 3 to 4 times a year. Humans are animals, and animals don’t require bra’s. If we “needed” them – then bra’s would grow on trees!
    Fashion’s with undergarments started in the dark ages, to help women attract a man. Now we know bra’s contribute to breast cancer and regular breast and back pain, so why would we continue to wear them? Be smart gal’s and think for your self and your health.

    • Mandy says:

      You are so right! My food motto has always been that if it doesn’t grow in the ground we can live without it just fine, and I love how you extended that :)

  12. I need to always read your entries. Brilliant.

  13. Pingback: Wearing a Bra Probably Makes Your Boobs Saggier, New Study Shows | Sustainable Sass

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