National No Bra No Bra Day

Young women celebrating National No Bra Day, wearing comfortable clothing, laughing together in a park setting.. — National no bra no bra day illustration

Hey there, bra-ve readers! Today we're diving into the fascinating world of National No Bra Day. Get ready to unhook some secrets and have a good laugh while we explore the history of this liberating day!

When is No Bra No Bra Day?

It's national no bra no bra day on the 13th October.

The Origins of National No Bra Day

If you're tired of feeling restricted and just want to let the girls breathe, National No Bra Day might be your new favorite holiday. This whimsical day first gained popularity on the internet, as many of our beloved national days do. It quickly spread across social media platforms in 2011, thanks to the power of hashtags and the desire for comfort.

A Day of Comfort and Empowerment

No Bra Day encourages women to go braless for a day and embrace their natural selves. It's all about feeling comfortable in your own skin and celebrating bodies of all shapes and sizes. While some use this day as an opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote regular self-examinations, for many, it's simply a chance to shed those pesky undergarments and enjoy some freedom.

From the comfort aficionados who enjoy the relaxed sensation to those who revere this day as an act of body positivity, National No Bra Day has become a joyful celebration of comfort, unity, and self-acceptance.

History behind the term 'No Bra No Bra'

1968

The Rise of the Feminist Movement

In 1968, the feminist movement gained significant traction as women across the United States and other parts of the world started challenging the societal norms that oppressed them. This movement aimed to address the gender inequalities and fight for women's rights in various aspects of life.

1920

The Birth of the Modern Bra

In 1920, the modern bra was officially introduced to the world. The design, which included separate cups to lift and support the breasts, revolutionized women's undergarments. Up until then, corsets were the primary means of breast support, but they were cumbersome, uncomfortable, and often restricted women's movements. The invention of the modern bra provided women with a newfound freedom and comfort that had not been experienced before.

1960s

The Feminist Movement

During the 1960s, the feminist movement gained tremendous momentum, advocating for gender equality in all aspects of society. One of the symbols of this movement was the burning of bras, which was seen as a rebellion against societal expectations and stereotypes placed on women. This symbolic act aimed to challenge the notion that bras were essential for women's appearances and comfort.

1968

The Feminist Movement

The term 'no bra no bra' originated during the 1960s as part of the feminist movement. This movement aimed to challenge traditional gender roles, promote equality, and fight against oppressive social norms. As a symbol of liberation, women started to reject restrictive undergarments, including the bra, which was seen as a tool of male societal control. Going braless became an act of defiance and a statement of women's autonomy over their bodies.

1968

The Feminist Movement Begins

In 1968, the feminist movement was gaining momentum in various parts of the world. Women were rallying for equal rights, gender equality, and challenging societal norms. This movement encouraged women to question and challenge traditional expectations placed upon them, including clothing choices.

1876

Invention of the brassiere

In 1876, French corset maker Herminie Cadolle invented the modern bra, which consisted of a band that wrapped around the chest with shoulder straps. This marked a significant departure from the restrictive and uncomfortable corsets that had been worn by women for centuries. The brassiere, as it was initially called, provided much-needed support and allowed for greater freedom of movement.

1960s

The Rise of Feminism

In the 1960s, the feminist movement gained momentum, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for equal rights for women. This revolutionary time sparked a cultural shift that would eventually lead to the term 'no bra no bra.' Women began rejecting restrictive undergarments, including bras, as a symbol of liberation and the fight against societal norms.

1960s

The Feminist Movement

During the 1960s, the feminist movement gained significant momentum, advocating for gender equality and challenging traditional social norms. This period marked a cultural shift in which women began to challenge restrictive beauty standards, including the expectation to wear a bra. Some women rejected the practice of wearing a bra as a form of protest against the sexual objectification and oppression of women.

1800s

The invention of the bra

In the late 1800s, the modern bra as we know it today began to take shape. Previously, women had worn corsets to support their breasts, but a new desire for comfort and freedom led to the development of undergarments specifically designed to support the bust. These early bras were more like bustiers or camisoles, providing minimal support but allowing for greater mobility and flexibility.

1968

The Feminist Movement

The term 'no bra no bra' can be traced back to the feminist movement of the late 1960s. Women were advocating for gender equality and challenging societal norms, including the expectation that women should always wear a bra. This movement aimed to promote body positivity and reject the idea that women's bodies needed to conform to specific standards.

1968

The 'Burn the Bra' Protest

In 1968, the phrase 'no bra no bra' took on a more prominent meaning during the Miss America protest. As part of the second-wave feminist movement, women gathered outside the Atlantic City Convention Hall and symbolically threw bras, girdles, and other feminine products into a 'Freedom Trash Can.' While no bras were actually burned, this event captured media attention and further popularized the idea of going braless as an act of empowerment.

1970

The No Bra Movement

In 1970, the 'No Bra Movement' emerged as an extension of the feminist movement. This movement encouraged women to go bra-less as a form of defiance against traditional gender norms and an embrace of comfort and freedom. Women felt that removing their bras was a liberating act, breaking free from the constraints imposed on their bodies. By going bra-less, women sought to challenge the objectification of their bodies.

1969

The Birth of the Bra-Burning Myth

During a protest in September 1969, a group of feminists organized a demonstration outside the Miss America beauty pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. While there is no evidence of actual bras being burned during the protest, the media sensationalized the event and coined the term 'bra-burning' to symbolize the feminist movement's rejection of traditional gender roles.

1970

Burning Bras Protest

In 1970, a symbolic event known as the 'Burning Bras Protest' took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Miss America pageant. Although the actual burning of bras did not happen, it became a powerful image associated with the feminist movement. The phrase 'no bra no bra' gained traction as a slogan supporting women's liberation from restrictive undergarments.

1968

The Bra Burning Myth

In 1968, a historical event known as the Miss America protest took place. Contrary to popular belief, no bras were actually burned during the protest. However, the act of discarding bras into a 'Freedom Trash Can' was symbolic, representing women's desire to shed themselves from societal expectations and patriarchal control. This event became a symbol of the growing feminist movement and sparked discussions about women's liberation.

1914

Mary Phelps Jacob patents the modern bra

In 1914, Mary Phelps Jacob, a young New York socialite, patented the first modern bra. Frustrated with the discomfort and restrictions of the corsets, she created a more comfortable and supportive garment using two handkerchiefs and a pink ribbon. Her design revolutionized the undergarment industry and laid the foundation for the bras we wear today.

1913

Mary Phelps Jacob patents the first modern bra

In 1913, American socialite Mary Phelps Jacob received a U.S. patent for her design of a 'backless brassiere.' Her creation featured two handkerchiefs sewn together with ribbon and was intended to be worn with backless dresses. Jacob's invention was the precursor to the modern bra, and her patent marked a significant milestone in the evolution of undergarments for women.

1969

The Bra Burning Protest

In the late 1960s, the women's liberation movement gained momentum, and one of its most iconic protests was the bra burning demonstration. Although the actual burning of bras during protests is disputed, the symbolic act became synonymous with women's liberation. This event further popularized the phrase 'no bra no bra' as a slogan expressing women's desire for freedom from societal expectations.

1969

The Burning of Bras

One of the iconic events associated with the feminist movement is the burning of bras, which occurred throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. Although it is often portrayed as a literal act of burning undergarments, its symbolism represented a rebellion against the expectations placed on women, including the pressure to wear a bra for the sake of societal norms.

1960s

The Rise of the Feminist Movement

During the 1960s, the feminist movement gained significant momentum. Women were advocating for gender equality and challenging societal norms and expectations. In this era, the phrase 'No Bra' began to emerge as a symbol of female empowerment and liberation. It was seen as a rejection of traditional gender roles and an assertion of women's right to choose what they wore and how they presented themselves. The 'No Bra' movement aimed to defy societal pressure for women to conform to certain beauty standards and embrace their natural bodies.

1990s

The No Bra No Bra Term Origins

In the 1990s, the term 'No Bra No Bra' began to gain prominence. Although the exact origin of the term is not well documented, it is believed to have emerged within feminist circles as a rallying cry for women to embrace their natural bodies and reject the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The repetition of the phrase 'No Bra' in the term signifies the emphatic rejection of traditional undergarments and serves as a reminder of the movement's origins.

1970s

The 'Bra Burner' Stereotype

During the 1970s, the counter-culture movement and feminist activism continued to shape society. However, the term 'no bra no bra' became intertwined with the stereotype of the 'bra burner.' This stereotype misrepresented feminist activists as radical and viewed going braless as solely a symbolic act of defiance. In reality, the movement encompassed a wide range of issues and goals, including equal pay, reproductive rights, and gender equality.

1970s

The Braless Fashion Trend

During the 1970s, the 'braless' fashion trend gained popularity. Fashion designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Halston embraced the natural and free-spirited look, featuring models without bras on runways. This trend further fueled the acceptance of going braless as a fashion statement, and the phrase 'no bra no bra' became a common expression used in relation to this trend.

1970s

The 'No Bra' Movement

As the feminist movement evolved in the 1970s, the 'no bra' movement gained prominence. Women saw the rejection of bras as a way to challenge traditional gender roles and reclaim their bodies. This movement embraced the idea that women should have the freedom to choose whether or not to wear a bra, rather than feeling compelled to conform to societal expectations. It became a powerful symbol of women's empowerment and autonomy over their bodies.

1970

The Image of 'No Bra'

The concept of 'no bra' slowly emerged as a symbol of liberation and female empowerment. It epitomized the idea that women should have the freedom to decide whether or not to wear a bra without facing judgment or societal pressure. This image began to embrace the natural shape of women's bodies and challenged the notion that bras were a mandatory part of a woman's attire.

1960s

The emergence of the feminist movement

During the 1960s, the feminist movement gained momentum, challenging societal norms and advocating for gender equality. As part of this movement, some women began to reject traditional undergarments, including bras. The 'no bra' movement was born, with women choosing to forgo wearing bras as a symbol of their freedom and defiance against patriarchal standards.

1970

No Bra Movement Emerges

In the early 1970s, the 'no bra' movement emerged as an extension of the feminist movement. It aimed to challenge societal expectations on women's clothing choices and promote body positivity and freedom from restrictive undergarments. 'No bra' became a symbol of rejecting the traditional notion of femininity.

1990s

Bralessness as a Fashion Statement

Throughout the 1990s, bralessness became a fashion statement for women seeking freedom from traditional attire. Braless celebrities like Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow popularized the trend, inspiring many to embrace a more natural and comfortable approach to dressing. 'No bra no bra' became a catchy phrase associated with breaking free from the societal expectations of wearing bras.

1970s

Going Braless as a Fashion Statement

In the 1970s, going braless became a popular fashion statement, particularly among the hippie counterculture. The 'No Bra' movement took on a more visible and mainstream form during this time. Women proudly displayed their natural curves and rejected the idea that bras were necessary for proper attire. It was a rebellious and liberating act that challenged the conventional norms of femininity and beauty.

1922

Iris Lingerie introduces the wireless bra

In 1922, the French company Iris Lingerie introduced the wireless bra, which revolutionized the undergarment industry. This design eliminated the uncomfortable metal or whalebone underwires that had been used for support in previous bras. The wireless bra with its soft cups provided a more natural shape and greater comfort for women, leading to increased popularity and widespread adoption.

1990s

Cultural Impact in Popular Media

In the 1990s, the 'no bra' movement experienced a resurgence in popular culture. Musicians like Madonna and Janet Jackson challenged societal norms by flaunting their braless looks in music videos and performances. This further contributed to the shift in cultural perception, normalizing a more relaxed attitude towards wearing bras. The 'no bra' movement became seen as a statement of confidence and individuality.

1970

The Catchphrase 'No Bra, No Bra'

As the movement progressed, the catchphrase 'no bra, no bra' started gaining popularity. It became a rallying cry used by women to express their defiance against societal expectations, encouraging others to discard the burden of wearing a bra if they so desired. This catchphrase became pervasive in the feminist discourse of the time, reinforcing the message of body acceptance and personal choice.

1990s

The 'Bra Burnings' Myth

The term 'No Bra' gained further attention in the 1990s due to the perpetuation of the 'bra burnings' myth. Despite the popular belief that feminists burned bras as a statement of defiance, there is little evidence to support these claims. The myth likely originated from the 1968 Miss America protest, where feminists symbolically discarded various items such as bras, girdles, and high heels into a 'freedom trash can' to protest societal beauty standards and objectification of women. However, no actual bras were burned during the protest. Nonetheless, the idea of 'bra burning' became synonymous with the 'No Bra' movement, further cementing it as a symbol of female empowerment.

1990s

The Third Wave Feminism

In the 1990s, a new wave of feminism emerged, known as the third wave feminism. This wave emphasized intersectionality and aimed to address issues beyond traditional gender inequalities. The phrase 'no bra no bra' resurfaced as part of this movement, representing women's right to choose whether to wear a bra or not, without judgment or condemnation. It became a symbol of reclaiming personal agency and challenging societal beauty standards.

1990

Braless Celebrities Make Headlines

In the 1990s, several high-profile celebrities embraced the 'no bra' trend. This led to widespread media attention and discussions about the braless fashion statement. Celebrities such as Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani, and Madonna were often photographed without bras, normalizing the idea of going braless in the public eye.

1935

Warner's introduces the cup sizing system

During the mid-1930s, Warner Brothers Corset Company (later known as Warner's) introduced the cup sizing system that is still in use today. This innovation provided a standardized way to measure bra size and allowed women to find bras that properly fit their individual busts. The cup sizing system became an integral part of the bra industry and greatly improved the comfort and support provided by bras.

Present

Body Positivity and Empowerment

In the present day, 'no bra no bra' remains a symbol of body positivity, self-expression, and empowerment. It represents the freedom to make choices about how one presents themselves, free from societal pressures. The term continues to challenge traditional beauty standards and encourages individuals to embrace their natural bodies with confidence.

1990s

Third-Wave Feminism and Body Positivity

In the 1990s, third-wave feminism emerged, emphasizing individual expression, inclusivity, and intersectionality. This wave of feminism embraced diverse perspectives, including body positivity and the acceptance of different choices regarding personal appearance and fashion. The term 'no bra no bra' was reclaimed as a way to promote body acceptance, challenging beauty standards, and encouraging self-confidence.

Present Day

Cultural Impact

The term 'No Bra No Bra' has become widely recognized and is often associated with body positivity, self-acceptance, and the rejection of societal beauty standards. It has also sparked discussions about comfort and personal choices regarding undergarments. The term has made its way into popular culture, with songs, social media hashtags, and events dedicated to celebrating the freedom of not wearing a bra. While the term continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of empowerment and defiance against societal norms.

1968

The bra burning protests

In 1968, during the Miss America protest, a group of feminist activists gathered outside the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall to protest the objectification of women in beauty pageants. Media coverage of the protest popularized the idea of bra burning, even though no actual bras were burned during the demonstration. This event further fueled the 'no bra' movement and brought attention to women's rights.

Present

Continued Impact and Body Positivity

The concept of 'no bra, no bra' has continued to resonate with women over the years, advocating for body positivity and challenging restrictive beauty standards. It has become a symbol of acceptance, encouraging women to embrace their bodies and reject the pressure to conform to societal expectations. Today, 'no bra, no bra' serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and the freedom to choose what feels right for oneself.

Present Day

The No Bra Movement and Body Positivity

In the present day, the 'No Bra' movement continues to be a symbol of body positivity and self-acceptance. It encourages women to embrace their bodies as they are, regardless of societal expectations or beauty standards. The movement has also become intertwined with the broader concept of body positivity, encouraging people to love and accept themselves, including their physical appearance. It serves as a reminder that women have the agency to choose whether or not to wear a bra and that their comfort and personal preferences should be prioritized.

Present Day

Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance

In recent years, the phrase 'no bra no bra' has become more than just a feminist statement. It has been embraced by the body positivity and self-acceptance movements. The focus has shifted from solely rejecting bras to accepting and embracing one's body as it is, regardless of societal expectations. Today, 'no bra no bra' represents a broader movement promoting body autonomy, self-love, and the freedom to make choices without feeling judged.

1970s

The rise of braless fashion

In the 1970s, braless fashion became increasingly popular. Women embraced the natural look, and clothing styles such as halter tops, loose-fitting blouses, and flowing dresses were designed to be worn without a bra. The 'no bra' movement influenced fashion trends and challenged societal expectations around women's attire.

1960s

Shift in societal attitudes towards bra-wearing

In the 1960s, as part of the larger cultural revolution, women began challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations. The feminist movement played a significant role in questioning the necessity of wearing a bra and promoted the idea of freedom from restrictive undergarments. The saying 'no bra, no bra' emerged as a playful and rebellious slogan to express a woman's choice to go without a bra.

Present

Modern Empowerment and Cultural Discussions

Today, the term 'no bra no bra' continues to be part of ongoing cultural discussions surrounding feminism, body autonomy, and personal choice. It represents a symbol of empowerment for those who choose to forgo wearing a bra, highlighting the importance of autonomy and self-expression. The phrase serves as a reminder of the progress made in challenging traditional gender norms and the ongoing fight for gender equality.

Present

Body Positivity and Empowerment

Today, the 'no bra' movement continues to be a symbol of body positivity and empowerment. It emphasizes that women have the right to make choices about their bodies and should not be judged or objectified based on whether they wear a bra or not. It challenges beauty standards that prioritize the male gaze and encourages self-acceptance and self-expression. The term 'no bra no bra' serves as a reminder of the historical and ongoing struggles for women's autonomy and equality.

2000s

Support for the Comfort Movement

As the 2000s rolled in, the 'no bra' movement gained traction as part of a larger comfort movement. Women began prioritizing comfort over societal expectations. The popularity of bralette-style bras and athleisure wear further contributed to the acceptance of going braless, giving women more options to embrace their personal comfort.

2010s

The hashtag #nobranobra

With the advent of social media, the 'no bra' movement found a new platform for expression. In the 2010s, the hashtag #nobranobra gained popularity on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Women shared stories, selfies, and empowering messages supporting the choice to go braless. The hashtag served as a way to connect like-minded individuals and foster discussions around body positivity and personal freedom.

Present

Body Positivity and Individual Choices

Today, the 'no bra' movement has evolved into a choice that symbolizes body positivity, comfort, and an affirmation of personal freedom. While some women choose to go braless for comfort or aesthetic reasons, others still prefer to wear bras. It has become a matter of personal choice and embracing diverse expressions of femininity without judgment.

1970s

Burning of bras as a symbol of liberation

During the feminist movement of the 1970s, burning bras became a symbol of women's liberation and defiance against gender norms. While the actual act of burning bras was relatively rare, it served as a powerful metaphor for women's desire to break free from societal expectations. The phrase 'no bra, no bra' became associated with this movement and its call for greater freedom and equality.

Did you know?

Did you know that National No Bra Day is not an officially recognized holiday? It's a fun and lighthearted day created by internet users to empower women and encourage comfort. So, if you're feeling bra-velous, join in and let your inner free spirit shine!