In 2018, a shocking incident occurred when a 17-year-old named Emma Johnson was pulled from class for not wearing a bra. The school claimed her attire was “distracting,” particularly to her male peers. To remedy this, Emma was instructed to don an additional shirt and was even sent to the nurse’s office, where she was handed several Band-Aids to cover her nipples. Yes, this actually took place in a contemporary American high school—an experience that underscores a troubling reality.
As a parent, I was appalled to learn of Emma’s story. Had anyone humiliated my child over her appearance in such a manner, I would have been furious. But, sadly, I wasn’t entirely shocked. Twenty-two years ago, I faced a similar ordeal.
During my senior year, I went through a “free-spirited phase” where I decided to forgo wearing a bra. I found the underwire unbearable and simply preferred the bra-less lifestyle. Despite my reasons, I too was confronted by a school authority—a female dean—who insisted that my choice was “distracting” to others. She claimed other students had voiced their discomfort, and I should reconsider my wardrobe choices.
I protested, arguing that I was equally uncomfortable with some of my peers’ clothing choices, but it wasn’t my role to dictate anyone’s fashion. Deep down, I felt humiliated and ashamed by the encounter. Like Emma, I took to social media to voice my experience, but my letter to the school newspaper was never published, likely due to administrative pushback.
When I learned that Emma was also silenced by her school on Twitter, I wasn’t surprised. Historically, when courageous individuals speak out against such treatment, they often face backlash. In both of our cases, the institutions involved knew they had no legitimate grounds to enforce their dress code regarding bras. There is no formal rule requiring students to wear them or to use Band-Aids as makeshift coverings.
To suggest that any woman—teen or adult—must wear a bra is an outdated, offensive, and patriarchal notion that we must collectively reject. Everyone is entitled to their perspective regarding bras. Personally, I resumed wearing one in college when I found it more comfortable, but the choice remains fundamentally personal. If a woman opts not to wear a bra, it is her prerogative. If that choice makes her breasts or nipples more visible, it’s not her responsibility to manage others’ reactions—it’s on them to confront their discomfort.
While going braless may not be the societal norm, the expectation that every woman must wear one is a social construct. Historically, women have bound their breasts for centuries, yet the modern bra was only invented in 1914. In many cultures today, bras are seldom worn. Thus, there’s nothing inherently wrong with a woman choosing to forego this garment. Some even argue that a bra-less lifestyle can be healthier for breast tissue.
Regardless of personal opinions about someone opting not to wear a bra—whether you find it unattractive or inappropriate—your role is to remain silent. We all have the autonomy to make decisions about our bodies, and it’s essential to recognize that every woman, regardless of what she wears, has her own insecurities and physical characteristics.
If you have concerns about a young girl’s choice to go braless, tread carefully when addressing the matter—if you feel it necessary to address it at all. Unless her clothing is completely inappropriate (which typically isn’t a result of not wearing a bra), she is not violating any dress code. If boys are distracted, the focus should be on educating them—not the girl. It’s disheartening to think that boys’ feelings towards female bodies take precedence, reinforcing the harmful notion that girls are to blame for others’ distractions. This is not only unjust but perpetuates victim-blaming.
In conclusion, it is high time we move past these outdated notions and support all individuals in making choices about their bodies without fear of judgment. Each person’s choices should be respected, and it’s crucial to create a culture where self-expression is celebrated rather than shamed. For more on body autonomy and empowerment, check out this insightful article on in vitro fertilisation, and learn more about navigating fertility journeys.