The Case Against Wearing a Bra and Embracing #SaggyBoobs
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Just like wearing leggings as trousers, going braless in public is a polarising topic of the fashion conversation that it seems every single person has a strong opinion on. We're all acutely aware of the relief that comes with flinging your bra across the room the moment you walk through the door after a long day, right? But I have a feeling that far fewer among us would seriously consider leaving their bras at home on purpose.
No matter if you champion going braless as an act of female empowerment or if you sit squarely in the camp of being potentially embarrassed, I'm certain we could debate the topic at length. But if there's only one voice you lend an ear to in this ongoing discussion, it's the game-changing Londoner behind #SaggyBoobsMatter. Meet Chidera Eggerue, the woman who's started an internet phenomenon, leading the charge for radical self-love in all aspects of life, but especially when it comes to freeing the nipple.
No, she's not the tree-hugging stereotype you've likely conjured up the moment I ushered the phrase "going braless". She's the crazy-stylish millennial communicating in hilarious memes and serving up braless outfit inspiration in droves. I'll let the caption of this Instagram post below speak for itself.
"Remember not to care. We are all dying." Okay, if that doesn't serve as your bra-free/fashion/life mood for the rest of 2018, I'm not sure what else will. It's a mood that translates to way more than your fashion choices, as Eggerue proves in her forthcoming book What a Time to Be Alone.
I, for one, am alarmed at the thought of going braless without the insurance of wearing a smoothing skin-tight bandeau top or the like. I used to think the practice was reserved for those who are privileged with smaller (and perkier) chests. Now though, inspired by each of Eggerue's fearless outfits, I feel inspired to go forth and bury my bra in my bottom dresser drawer.
#SaggyBoobsMatter reminds me of a philosophical nugget I've seen floating around Instagram lately. In 2015, the NYC-based artist Caroline Caldwell tweeted "In a society that profits from your self-doubt, liking yourself is an act of rebellion," and I think the sentiment captures the heart of Eggerue's movement. For being such a simple stylistic choice, forgoing your bra is a completely rebellious act.
Now shop pieces that will inspire you to leave your bra at home
