An in depth look at bras!

A brassiere, or “bra,” in its simplest definition, is an undergarment that covers and supports the breasts.  The bra has become standard amongst females and has long since replaced the corset.  Bras are more practical than corsets, but when used as an item to identify culture, a bra is anything but practical.  A close look at this mysterious undergarment reveals many implications of cultural standards.

                It is important to first identify the purpose of the bra.  Based on the initial definition, a bra’s main purpose can be viewed as the protector of the breasts.  Breasts need to be protected so that the female can use them to nourish their young.  This is not the only reason females protect their breasts.  The support offered by a bra is used to alleviate stress created by gravity which causes breasts to eventually sag.  In present day society, sagging breasts are viewed as a telling of age.  By delaying this process, women are making an effort to uphold a young figure.  This says our culture does not wish to show old age.  The secondary protection offered by a bra is to cover the breasts.  This coverage is an instinct to protect the nipples during periods of lactation.  However, women also use the protection of a bra as a source of empowerment.  Breasts are widely revered as a sexual symbol.  The bra allows a female to hide these symbols of attraction in order to gain power over perusing males (or other females.)  However, this deduction raises a deeper philosophical question.  Are breasts covered because they are sexual symbols, or do they become sexual symbols because they are covered?  The answer to this question might be found by taking a closer look at the bra.

                Bras have a very unique shape.  In fact, the shape of the bra cannot easily be compared to any other existing objects.  With the stretch of an eye, a bra tends to have the same basic shape as a pair of goggles. Goggles are used to protect the eyes while still allowing a person to see.  The shape of a bra tends to allow a female basic protection of her breasts while still allowing her breasts to be seen.  Females use the shape of their breasts as a method of attracting a mate.  Like goggles, a bra is used to show off the shape while keeping the breasts protected.  Bras also come in a variety of colors.  Females have the ability to wear a bra that matches the rest of her outfit.  As an undergarment, a bra is not generally seen in public.  By offering a wide variety of colors, this says females view the bra as more than a tool, but also a statement of fashion.  This statement seems to advocate the mystery and sex appeal of breasts.

                In addition to color, bras offer a wide variety of styles and sizes.  Some bras offer padded cups which are meant to enhance the assumed size of the breasts.  This says that females are concerned about their breast size and use the bra as a method of deception in order to attract a mate.  Some bras are designed to push up the breasts, and force them closer together to enhance cleavage.   This reinforces the ideology that females yearn to look young.  This type of bra forces the breasts into a position that appear to make them seem perky and well proportioned.  Some bras are elaborately decorated with lace and frills.  This, again, reinforces the ideology that a bra is used as an attractor as well as a protector.

                The bra is a tool that is used by women in a variety of ways.  Its main objectives are to both protect and enhance the breasts.  With all the methods of deception a bra can provide, what does it say about our culture and our expectations?  This deception might explain that females in our culture understand that the bra is a stronger method of attraction than the breasts behind it.  There are many more mysteries that can be unraveled by taking a close look at bras, but sometimes, they are just too hard to unhook.