Underneath It All: The Stories We Wear

My everyday bra is a black bralette. This was the first bra that fit my cup size. I have trouble finding bras that don't create gaps between my chest and the bra cup. It’s very comfortable. I can wear it from morning to late evening and forget I have it on.

Society judges because women specifically have been taught always to cover up and to present themselves in a non distracting way. Society has been conditioned to see them as inappropriate because they sexualize it. I don't think anyone has to wear a bra (I'm not as educated on binders, so I won't speak on that). I don't have to wear a bra since my cup size is small. I don't wear it to appease anyone; I do it for myself.

My everyday go-to is a soft gray bralette, but my favorite piece is my old GC2B binder. It helps ease my gender dysphoria—even if it's a bit uncomfortable—thanks to its flattening front, breathable back, and wide, supportive straps. I can’t wear it every day, so the bralette is my comfortable, low-support alternative that still feels cute and affirming.

There’s so much pressure on AFAB people to present their bodies a certain way, and the way society sexualizes breasts is ridiculous. It’s just a chest—not even genitalia—yet visible nipples cause outrage. I’ve felt ashamed for going braless, even though there’s nothing wrong with it. Support makes sense for comfort, like in sports bras, but wearing one should be a personal choice, not about making others comfortable.

My binder helps me feel good in my appearance, while my bralette helps me feel good physically. Choosing comfort doesn’t make me any less masculine. Boobs don’t define gender, and they aren’t inherently sexual. I wear what feels right for me, not for anyone else’s expectations.

My go-to bra is a green sports bra from PINK I got two years ago—it’s supportive, super comfy, and a great alternative to wired or push-up bras, which I’ve never liked. I’d go braless if I could, but this one’s the perfect middle ground, especially since finding cute bras for a larger chest is tough.

Society often judges people who don’t wear bras or binders due to deep-rooted expectations tied to femininity, modesty, and professionalism. Not wearing one challenges beauty norms, and with binders, it’s even more layered, touching on gender identity and expression. A lot of this comes from the male gaze and rigid gender standards.

I believe no one should feel pressured to wear a bra or binder to fit in. Changing that narrative would help more people—especially women, non-binary, and trans folks—feel free to express themselves without judgment and focus more on comfort and self-love than outside approval.

My garment is a black lace bra. It doesn’t have padding and is lightweight. I wear my bra every day because it makes me feel confident and empowered in my skin. The delicate lace reminds me of my femininity, offering a sense of grace and strength that aligns with how I want to carry myself. It’s not about anyone else’s perception, but rather a personal ritual that connects me to my sense of beauty.

Society judges people who don’t wear bras or binders due to traditional gender norms and expectations around modesty. People wear them due to cultural pressure or personal comfort. A shift toward accepting individual choices, free from judgment, would promote body autonomy and allow everyone to feel comfortable and confident.

My garment is a bralette with no underwire. I gravitate towards this style because, as someone with sensory issues and sensitive skin, it irritates me the least. I don't always wear a bra, but when I do, it’s always something comfortable with no underwire.

I think people have been made to see bras and binders as a “must” for people who have breasts, and it’s sort of breaking the social norm if you don’t. I feel like it’s deeply personal.

I got a sports bra at Victoria's Secret  4 years ago and it’s comfortable.

I think people consider chests visually unpleasant in some cases. I think it is a social condition. Some people wear bras for support/comfort, but also because it is the social norm. For binders, I see it as a gender affirming necessity for some people. I guess I would like to see less judgment when a woman is braless. The societal opinion about binders leads to a debate about trans identity. For me, bras and binders are two completely separate garments. As a cis woman, I cannot speak on the binder experience.