Bras should be hanged on the branches

The bra has become an integral part of a woman's wardrobe in our society. However, the news about the harmful side of bras is already starting to reach Lithuanian women. It turns out that wearing a bra does not stop breasts from sagging, on the contrary, a 15-year study proves that the breasts of women wearing bras are more likely to sag because the natural support of the breasts no longer works. And by constricting blood and lymph circulation, bras cause breast cancer - this is proven by several scientific studies.

In recent years, more and more Lithuanian women have been giving up their bras for health, comfort and freer movement of vital energy in the body, the press release says. It all started with the initiative “30 days without a bra” organized two years ago by DAO practitioner instructor, DAO sexologist, and master of complementary and alternative medicine Edita Esenku Šimkutė. “I myself gave up my bra 8 years ago, I was encouraged by the Chinese qigong master Mantekas Čija, who talked about the fact that the vital energy of “chi” gets trapped in the breasts when wearing a bra. Later, I began to notice more and more scientific research on this topic, I shared it with women in my seminars, but I noticed that it was difficult for women to accept the fact that they could not wear a bra for a longer period of time. A day without a bra was a challenge for them. So I decided to bring together women so that, being very different, they would support and encourage each other not to wear a bra by their example – that is how my project “30 days without a bra” was born, which was joined by as many as 3,500 women last year. When women hear about the harmful side of bras, they are confused, but they need support so that they do not feel “like a white crow” after giving up this wardrobe item, and with group support, they become more determined. Many women who start with 30 days without a bra never go back to it,” says Edita Esenku Šimkutė.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VliuKpch3UA

The no-bra movement refers to the practice of women choosing to go braless, which can be seen as a form of feminist protest against patriarchal norms and objectification of women's bodies, rooted in the {{second-wave feminist movement}} and exemplified by the 1968 Miss America protest. It also includes a contemporary trend driven by a desire for comfort, bodily autonomy, and a rejection of restrictive undergarments, amplified by the {{COVID-19 pandemic}} and promoted by celebrities and younger generations. 

Historical Context. Second-Wave Feminism

The movement gained significant traction during the 1970s as part of the broader second-wave feminist movement. 

Symbols of Oppression

Bras were viewed by many feminists as symbolic of patriarchal oppression and a tool for objectifying women. 

Miss America Protest (1968)

A pivotal moment was the 1968 protest where feminists discarded bras and other symbols of female oppression in a "freedom trash can," bringing national attention to the issues of female autonomy and societal expectations. 

Contemporary Trends. Comfort and Choice:

Many women today choose to go braless for reasons of comfort and freedom from restrictive clothing. 

Bralessness as a Political Statement:

The practice continues to be a visible challenge to societal norms and a reclamation of bodily autonomy. 

Celebrity Influence

High-profile celebrities have also contributed to normalizing the choice to go braless, increasing its visibility. 

Pandemic Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic further normalized braless lifestyles, with many women embracing comfort and freedom from their undergarments. 

Broader Implications. Body Autonomy:

The movement asserts the right for individuals to make their own choices about their bodies and how they present themselves. 

Challenging Beauty Standards:

Rejecting bras can also be a challenge to male-defined standards of appearance and a push for broader acceptance of diverse female bodies. 

Lasting Legacy:

The no-bra movement has a lasting legacy, continuing to influence conversations about gender, body image, and personal freedom. 

The “no-bra” movement in the 1970s, part of the feminist wave ... - Reddit

Apr 3, 2025 — The No-Bra Movement was a feminist protest against restrictive undergarments, particularly bras, which many women saw as symbols of patriarchal oppre...