Bra Fashion!
May. 12th, 2004 02:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
zdashamberSo, this is going to be a much easier question than the last few, and I expect you all to have an opinion, because in this post I'm going to be talking about fashion!
Yep, I'm under the impression that, unlike most forms of underwear, bras impinge enough on the conscious of society that there are meanings attributed to the various wearing a bra/not wearing a bra choices. But I don't know what the heck those meanings are. I get the impression that bra meanings have changed in the last 50 years, perhaps several times, and I'm not sure what's currently in ascendance.
What is is that you're saying when you don't wear a bra? Is it "I am a skank", or "I am not a skank"? At what point does the plausible deniability engage--is it ok to go braless if people would have to be looking to notice, like if you were wearing a silky shirt that would normally show the bra back when you folded your arms? Is it good, or bad, to wear a bra under one of those tank tops with thin straps that won't hide the bra straps?
Is the purpose of a bra (leaving aside the "holding up boobs" thing) to disguise the fact that you have nipples? I'm confused about how terrible it is to have nipples. I've gotten catalogs that offer fake plastic "always pointy" nipples... On the very same page as nipple-flattening sticky things. On the other hand, I get catalogs that offer underwear with pockets for you to add butt enhancements. I just can't trust the fashion consciousness of the catalogs that come to my zip code.
But I'm sure I can trust you, my wise and perspicacious friends. When is it ok to not wear a bra? Speak, I entreat thee! [hee hee hee hee...]
Yep, I'm under the impression that, unlike most forms of underwear, bras impinge enough on the conscious of society that there are meanings attributed to the various wearing a bra/not wearing a bra choices. But I don't know what the heck those meanings are. I get the impression that bra meanings have changed in the last 50 years, perhaps several times, and I'm not sure what's currently in ascendance.
What is is that you're saying when you don't wear a bra? Is it "I am a skank", or "I am not a skank"? At what point does the plausible deniability engage--is it ok to go braless if people would have to be looking to notice, like if you were wearing a silky shirt that would normally show the bra back when you folded your arms? Is it good, or bad, to wear a bra under one of those tank tops with thin straps that won't hide the bra straps?
Is the purpose of a bra (leaving aside the "holding up boobs" thing) to disguise the fact that you have nipples? I'm confused about how terrible it is to have nipples. I've gotten catalogs that offer fake plastic "always pointy" nipples... On the very same page as nipple-flattening sticky things. On the other hand, I get catalogs that offer underwear with pockets for you to add butt enhancements. I just can't trust the fashion consciousness of the catalogs that come to my zip code.
But I'm sure I can trust you, my wise and perspicacious friends. When is it ok to not wear a bra? Speak, I entreat thee! [hee hee hee hee...]
no subject
Date: 2004-05-12 07:50 pm (UTC)If I had to come up with a set of rules, I'd say wear one if you're larger than an A cup, going to work or any formal sort of setting, and/or if you're wearing anything sheer or tight-fitting and you don't want guys staring at your chest all day. You could probably get away without one in very casual settings or underneath anything that would effectively hide the evidence.
I definitely wouldn't wear one underneath anything that's strapless or has thinner straps than the bra itself. Unless you're talking strapless bras, which to me are an entirely different question.
As far as the skank/not skank issue, I don't automatically assume a woman not wearing a bra is skanky, but being without a bra when one obviously *needs* the support and/or coverage does raise my eyebrows a bit. As a rule of thumb, if I (female, straight and married) can't take my eyes off your chest because of your lack of a bra is so painfully apparent, then you should be wearing one.
I've personally never been able to understand what bras have to do with feminism or womens' rights. It's a functional piece of clothing that is essential in some situations, for some people, and not for others. Wearing or not wearing one should not be a statement--merely a decision.
no subject
Date: 2004-05-13 03:43 pm (UTC)Do you just avoid wearing strappy tank tops? (Strapless bras-- I hear they're horrible. I'm quite grateful I've never had to use one.)
no subject
Date: 2004-05-13 04:40 pm (UTC)Myself, the only truly comfortable bras I've ever found (and even they don't fit perfectly) are a certain variety of Underscore bra made by JCPenney. I badly need some replacements...hope they haven't stopped making it since last time I stocked up. O.O