To Bra or Not to Bra: That Is the Question

There are sports bras and maternity bras, backless, strapless and 18-hour wonder bras.

Bras support, shape and reduce. They enlarge, restrain and enhance. And, oh yes, they facilitate nursing. Is that not one of the major functions of the female breast? Wouldn’t nursing be facilitated by wearing no bra?

For young girls the wearing of a bra may mark the coming of age.

For some feminists it is a symbol of repression.

For most women in Western society it is considered a necessary part of the wardrobe. In fact, most women own at least six bras, often in a variety of colors and designs. It is believed that in the Western world 90% of the women wear bras.

Throughout recorded history women have covered, restricted or elevated their breasts, including female athletes depicted in art as far back as 1400 BC. The first modern brassiere was invented in 1913 by Mary Phelps Jacob, a New York socialite who wanted an alternative to the corset (which was stiffened with whale bones). Mary used two silk handkerchiefs and some pink ribbon, and her invention met with such success she sold the patent for it to Warner Brothers Corset Company for $1500.

We can thank (or not) Ida Rosenthal, a Russian-Jewish immigrant, for developing the idea of a sized bra. It was her creation during the Roaring Twenties and Thirties that led to the start of the intimate apparel company Maidenform. Her idea was to market to young girls and mature women from puberty to maturity. During the 1960s the bra industry suffered a slow down as emancipated females burned their bras in revolt. Undaunted, Rosenthal commented, “A person has the right to be dressed or undressed. But after age 35, a woman hasn’t got the figure to wear some support. Time’s on my side.”

Many women have been convinced of the need to wear a bra to prevent sagging or hanging breasts, but the truth is breasts hang and sag as a result of aging, with or without a bra.

Even though it is denied by major cancer organizations, women frequently express concern over the possibility bras cause or contribute to breast cancer. Bras constrict in a way that interferes with circulation and lymphatic drainage, and the wearing of a bra heats the breast. Is there more focus on finding a cure for breast cancer than there is for finding the cause? Who has the most to gain? Who has the most to lose?

Why do you wear a bra? Is it more comfortable than going braless? Do you believe it to be more modest or that it enhances your appearance? Does it make you feel sexy? Is it just a matter of cultural norm for you? Have you ever even questioned it? Did you burn your bra in the '60s, or would you have liked to? Do you believe a woman has the right to choose if and when she goes braless? Does going braless make you a target of insults, stares and perhaps ostracism? Does it make you feel slovenly or poor or perhaps free and unrestricted?

If I had to choose between a corset and a bra, I would chose a bra. But if I had to choose between a bra and comfort, I would choose comfort; in fact, many times I do.

To bra or not to bra: that is the question. How do you answer?

Until next time,
Ingrid

Ingrid Kincaid is an internationally known storyteller, teacher and spiritual mentor. She is an intuitive reader of ancient runes. She gently shows her clients how to tap into their own inner wisdom by weaving together creativity, spirituality and ancient knowing. Ingrid is available for interviews, private consultations and group presentations. You can contact her at ingk@ingridkincaid.com or 415.652.3990.