Revolutions in fashion are always more meaningful than the basic fabric that covers skin. For every gender they signify an opportunity to change the way that one represents one's self-identity and to support other revolutions that are happening simultaneously. Fashion, the clothes you wear every day, can change the way the world looks at you. Most importantly, if they're worn with confidence, you can help to define the world with clothing.
The modern bra was originally designed in 1889 in France and advertised as a two-piece corset (which were already horrible inventions for the health of women). It has evolved into the back-pain-causing monstrosity that we have today and that women are forced to wear in order to maintain respect in society. This seems to perfectly parallel the requirement that women previously felt to wear corsets, except we now acknowledge how absurd they were. However, society hasn't yet recognized that bras are also some of the most uncomfortable garments to wear.
We ignore the imprints in our skin, the wire poking through the fabric, the layers of fabric to appear "perkier" and the pain after wearing a full underwire bra for an entire day. Yet, we all acknowledge the relief that we feel when we take off our bras. Women across the planet unite in the euphoria of not having to wear bras while we're confined to our homes.
What if? I know this is a novel concept. But what if we stopped wearing bras? What if we stopped wearing something that causes us physical pain at times, and at the least, daily discomfort? Let's not mention all the amazing money we'd save if we chose not to invest in these annoying garments.
The good news is, a small movement is moving to a big movement with bralettes helping along the way. While everybody may not be going completely braless yet, although I admire those who do, bralettes have become almost common place. Women everywhere have left behind the painful bra and moved onto a simple fabric that covers their breasts. One simple fabric that changes the way women see themselves.
Women are embracing their bodies and are not afraid to appear more natural. That is the revolution that one little piece of fabric has caused. A revolution that will continue to allow every gender to appear exactly as they want. Instead of fear of ridicule, a piece of fabric will allow freedom of expression in every facet of our lives.
