Personal Piece: Ditch The Shirt, Wear the Bra

The Free The Nipple Movement was not just a movement to me. I religiously don’t wear bras for a number of reasons, but my biggest one is comfort. However, in professional settings I do choose to cover up. Why is that the norm? It’s silly to think that men can flaunt around shirtless but a woman has a hard time letting her chest breathe under polyester. 

If you aren’t on fashion-tok, let me update you: Fashion boobs are the new rave. Now, if you’re wondering if you fall under this “fashion” category, the label belongs to a smaller chested woman who can get away with wearing everything. Lily-Rose Depp for example, has fashion boobs. Although it’s amazing that small chested girls aren’t being nicknamed “mosquito bites” anymore or anything equivalent, why favour one over the other? 

In my opinion, boobs are an outfit accessory, and there are many bras that can help elevate your outfit. Recently, a style choice I’ve made is wearing mesh tops with no undershirt. Just as I was on this roll of only wearing mesh going out, I stumbled across a TikTok of a girl in baggy jeans wearing a silk bra with lace detailing– lightbulb moment. 

Her outfit was chic and clean. It made me want to start wearing bras. However, instead of fighting for the title of fashion boobs, it made me think about how women should own it collectively instead of picking and choosing. 

I also thought about the Burning Bras Protest in New Jersey from 60 years ago. Women protested at a beauty pageant by burning bras because of the gender inequalities and restrictive beauty standards women go through. Let’s hold onto our torches, but not burn our bras yet. There are many ways to style a bra!

Personally, a classic and favourite of mine has been the Shine Strap from Victoria Secret. The push up feature makes the girls look amazing no matter the size! The sparkly strap adds a kinky flare to simple, comfy, outfits. I’ve found it’s best styled with casual off-the-shoulder sweaters or shirts in which you’ve cut the neckline off. You might want to pair it with some jeans, and layer with an open shawl or lace top to make this a true staple.

For a full overview of styling just a bra, think of a summertime bikini and shorts combo while walking on the beach. Now, take that vision and apply it onto casual, everyday-wear. Imagine you’re doing a grocery run on a beautiful summer day. Your hair is in an effortless, Pamela Anderson updo, with a tote bag to match, and your outfit is a flowy maxi skirt with a matching bra. This also works with a satin skirt, bralette, and some sunnies!

We can take this same idea and think of a stroll downtown with friends. Baggy jeans, a lacey bra, a belt, and top it off with a jean jacket or a statement throw-over. My biggest advice is to get a cool vintage jacket; timeless and tops off the outfit. Consider fur, bomber, peacoats; have fun with it!

Before I sign off, my last proposal of rocking a bra is a sexy night out outfit! Picture Kate Moss, Tate McRae, and Christina Aguilera. Skinny jeans, heels, lace bra, big blow out. Or, alternatively: mini skirt, knee-high boots, and a leather jacket. With these two outfits, I can guarantee you’ll feel and look your very best no matter the setting. 

As a final reminder: all boobs are fashion boobs. Wear the bra or don’t! But, the biggest take away is that it doesn’t matter what your cup size is, you are what makes your boobs fashion boobs!