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A recent ‘New York Times’ report, titled “Why Are Everyone’s Bra Straps Showing These Days?”, highlights how bras, once considered private, have now become a global trend
During a performance, renowned singer Gwen Stefani wore a white tank top with her bra clearly visible underneath. (The New York Times)
Visible bra straps are no longer just an accidental wardrobe mistake, they have become a style statement. A recent The New York Times report, titled “Why Are Everyone’s Bra Straps Showing These Days?”, highlights this trend with an image of world-renowned singer Gwen Stefani wearing a white tank top with her bra clearly visible underneath. According to the report’s author, Vanessa Friedman, “Wherever I go, I see bra straps,” signalling a wider acceptance of undergarments as a fashion choice.
Pop Culture Influence
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The trend has its roots in the 1990s, when pop culture began embracing visible bras. Designers and celebrities helped popularise it: in 1990, Jean Paul Gaultier integrated corsets into outerwear, while Madonna made her bullet bra a global phenomenon. By the late 1990s, bra straps were appearing everywhere on celebrities and fashionable women, according to innerwear historian Cora Harrington.
Fashion brands now intentionally design visible straps and stylish undergarments. Many interpret this as a symbol of women asserting control over their bodies. Historically, undergarments were private, and exposure was considered embarrassing. Today, society and fashion norms have shifted, turning undergarments into bold style statements. Runway models frequently pair sports bras with crop tops or lace bras with sheer outfits, demonstrating both style and empowerment.
Social Media and Cultural Shift
Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok allow celebrities and influencers to showcase bras as part of their outfits. Red carpet appearances by stars like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner have normalised visible undergarments, making them socially acceptable and even aspirational.
This change in perception reflects a broader cultural shift. What was once considered inappropriate is now a form of self-expression and confidence. Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Generation Z, challenge the idea that undergarments must remain hidden. Feminist movements have also influenced this shift, advocating for women’s autonomy over their bodies and choices.
Celebrity Endorsement
Celebrities including Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga frequently integrate undergarments into performances and music videos, transforming them into fashion symbols. Today’s designs prioritise both comfort and aesthetic appeal, though critics debate whether this visibility risks objectifying women. The trend is also emerging in men’s fashion, with stylish boxers and branded underwear gaining attention.
Historical Perspective
The history of undergarments spans thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians (around 3000 BC) wore linen loincloths, while Greeks and Romans used light undergarments such as tunics and strophiums, which supported the chest. These were private items, never meant for public display. Even during the medieval period, showing undergarments was socially unacceptable.
Modern bras emerged in the late 19th century. Mary Phelps Jacob designed an early version in 1893 using handkerchiefs and ribbons, patenting it in 1914. Initially controversial, bras were seen as immoral, with society associating them with sexuality. The First World War helped popularise bras as women sought more mobility while working in factories. Feminist movements in the 1960s and 1970s reignited debates, and by the 1980s and 1990s, undergarments became increasingly incorporated into mainstream fashion.
Today, visible bras are a fashion norm, a symbol of empowerment, and a statement of confidence, showing how cultural perceptions around clothing and the female body have evolved over decades.
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Author: News18
