I stopped wearing a bra every day — and it completely changed my body image (2024)

Because heterosexual men's reactions to braless women are definitely still extremely present

With my own partner, who is anything but conservative, I initially felt downright discomfort about my breasts showing under a tight top — which he freely expressed to me.

Don't worry, the conversation about which of us was allowed to have an opinion on this topic was intense, but short.

My body, my choice.

And even when I go out, I still have the feeling that — especially if the no-bra look is accompanied by a bit of cleavage, nipples showing or a belly — you are approached much more often and offensively by men.

So, whether you like it or not, breasts are still sexualised today and bra omission is perceived as an invitation.

In my opinion, however, it is all the more important not to be intimidated by patriarchal reactions to your choice of clothing.

Because the social expectation of "decent" women is still: always wear a bra.

The bra, by the way, became a symbolic image of patriarchal oppression of women as early as 1968.

The American women's rights movement launched an action that was radical by the standards of the time: around 400 feminists burned (symbolically) "instruments of female torture," including bras.

Hardly any other item of clothing is as closely linked to emancipation, as politicised and as sexualised as the bra.

But I realise, I myself have also just written a lot about how my test affected heterosexual men — but what did it do to me?

Since I stopped wearing bras regularly, my body image has definitely improved.

I think it's because I no longer take my breasts and their perfection so seriously.

I see them much more as a natural part of my body, which has positively affected my self-acceptance.

I'm not trying to suggest that we should all do the same as the 1968 feminists and (symbolically) burn our bras.

After all, that would be another fashion dictate that prescribes a supposedly ideal look to which everyone must adhere.

Sometimes it still feels good for me to wear a bra – of course, as a fashion girlie, I don't want to deprive myself of this option.

It's more about not imposing a stereotype on anyone — and not defining a woman by her breasts.

Find out more about Fashion Editor Madeline Dangmann on her Instagram account @iammadelined

The article originally appeared in GLAMOUR DE.