Unsupported

Can we talk about bras? Gentlemen readers, unless you’re very empathetic to the fairer sex, you may want to skip this month’s post.

I debated writing this one. Probably isn’t appropriate. Half of my readers (the male half) can’t relate. Totally unprofessional. But hell, I’ve never been afraid to go out on a limb for a worthy cause, and this topic needs some time in the spotlight. So… bras, brassieres, over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders, or whatever term you like - those uncomfortable contraptions that society tells us we must wear.

I’m going to be honest, during the heart of COVID when none of us were leaving our homes, my bra got zero wear time. And it was heavenly. I can totally understand why the bra burning era was so popular. If I’m not going out in public, or planning on having company stop by, I’m probably not wearing a bra (a/k/a manmade torture garment).
It feels so good to throw on a nice soft t-shirt without putting on anything underneath. It’s so freeing. When I decide to leave the house and step out into public, my initial thought is, “This better be worth having to put on a bra”. I know wearing a bra is not a written law, but societal pressure makes it feel like one. Plus, I guess we do look better…umm…supported?

I did some research because I thought for sure the bra must have been invented by a man – someone who would never have to wear one but could make a ridiculously uncomfortable constricting garment for the opposite sex. But alas, I was wrong. (Again). The bra was invented by Herminie Cadolle, a French woman who reportedly made a fortune with her lingerie business. According to Wikipedia, she filed a patent for the invention in 1889, and it was originally called a corselet-gorge, a new alternative to wearing the traditional one-piece corset. 

I’m pretty sure Herminie was thinking her invention would make life more comfortable for women. And I’m sure it was a huge improvement over a traditional corset, but friends, it’s been 137 years, it’s high time for us to pump up our comfort level once again. 

I’ve tried so many different bras and not even one has been super comfortable. My favorite bra is the least uncomfortable one I own and even that one doesn’t feel great. I’ve come to the conclusion that a truly comfortable bra is a unicorn – it simply doesn’t exist. Could we convince society that bras are no longer necessary and it’s okay if your breasts hang down to your bellybutton, waist or knees? Probably not likely.

So, in the meantime, I’ll be aligning to the societal demands and wearing my least uncomfortable bra. But if anyone out there wants to start a braless revolution, sign me up. I’m your girl! I’ll be happy to be the first one to toss my bra into the fire of our future. 

​Until then, friends, love each other, be kind, and men...know that if the woman in your life seems a little grumpy, it’s probably because her bra is cutting into her skin, her bra straps are slipping down her arms for the hundredth time, and she’s stuck wearing an additional layer of clothing in this heat. Take my advice and tread carefully.