I waited two years to write this post. I just couldn’t find a visual that could express my feelings. I took pictures of breast cups, I did research, but I didn’t like any of them. I saw this image on @halkekmag and said, “This is it!” I took this image from him.
Until 2.5 years ago, I was one of those who wore bras without questioning it. As soon as my breasts started to grow, my family would buy one for me and tell me to wear it. Maybe the current generation questions it, but I never asked “why.”
2.5 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had the surgery that changed my life. The mass in my left breast was large, and I was shocked when I came out of surgery. I never thought there would be such a large incision, that my breast would, so to speak, “fall apart.” For two weeks, I wore a very tight, constricting bra. I wore it in pain, and I’m so glad I did. Now, if I’ve recovered a bit, it’s thanks to that bra and the careful surgery my doctor performed.
When I no longer needed to wear that constricting bra, I instinctively put on my old classic underwired bra. That underwiring hurt my surgical scars so much that I thought, “Why am I wearing this? My dear breasts, I’m going to take better care of you now,” and I stopped wearing it. You know that squeezing feeling a bra gives, right? Why? What would have happened if it had just stayed put? Every cell in our body that’s compressed is very unhealthy for blood circulation. I mentioned this before regarding leggings, if you remember. It puts incredible stress on the body. Especially underwiring? Why am I carrying metal on me? I go through security with that metal on, what’s accumulating on it? With that logic, I first gave up the underwired bra. There are very nice seamless, underwired bras. They’re relatively more comfortable. I lived with them until my scars healed and the painful cuts from gravity stopped hurting, and then I threw them away completely.
Long Live Freedom!
This might seem extreme to us in terms of our norms, but it’s catching my attention more now that I’m abroad. Most women don’t wear them and live with this freedom. Especially in winter, what a relief with thick clothes. In summer, if the nipples are a problem, there are nipple covers that can be used, but why this hardship for the body?
I have sisters with very large breasts that weigh down their shoulders. Of course, the situation is different for them. For them, a bra is a necessity, but maybe they could at least switch to a wire-free bra. I think wires are just for making them look sexy and higher. My feminist side, the side that values the female body and doesn’t objectify it, can’t accept that. I only wear those wire-free bras when I exercise, just to note that. Because it hurts when I move.
Of course, our opinions and needs may differ, but I get asked a lot about this bra issue. I let go, and I said, “Ah, what a relief!” There are two things I regret not doing until I’m 40: Why didn’t I give up the bra sooner? Why didn’t I switch to a menstrual cup earlier and endure the torture of pads/tampons for years?
The aim is to inspire, motivate, exchange ideas together, and say let’s normalize this. It’s not about arguing, condemning, or being condemned. I’ll briefly invite those who are willing to do this to join me. 🙂 May women always be a haven and a support for each other 💗
Lots of love 🤗
