To Bra or Not To Bra

Women as a collective have come a long way since the early 1900s. However, there are still many challenges that we may face in the day to day of our lives. While it is claimed that we have equal rights with men, there are still those who will treat us differently and who have different expectations from our gender.

In school, many girls are faced with a far more strict dress code than that of the boys. For instance, not being able to wear spaghetti straps, as if their shoulders would be too much of a distraction to the males in the room. In a workplace environment, many women are still faced with the challenges of a harsh dress code.

Take my workplace for instance, where the dress code is very laid back. During day shift, we have company t-shirts that we must wear, with the option of casual pants and shoes. Jeans are preferred, without rips or holes of course, and any shoes of the employee's choosing (except house shoes). We can wear shorts or skirts if we choose as long as they are a certain length. The exception that is not allowed is leggings and sweat pants with cuffed ankles, and no sagging pants. The night shift is even more relaxed with the company shirt not being required. Any shirt is allowed as long as it is not offensive, vulgar, or revealing, and not a tank top (unless it has a covering over it). This is the same for males and females, regardless of gender. Keep in mind we have a whole 3 males working in our company, plus the visitors that come down from related organizations.

However, I have recently come across a hiccup that is not specified in our manual.

Ever since my first child was born, I have made the bold decision to not wear a bra daily. Perhaps once in a while for a special occasion (a push up, wired bra, with multiple extenders added), but not on a regular basis. Bras are not required in public, they are considered a cosmetic choice that has shown health benefits. I have had the most difficult time finding a bra that fits appropriately (as I am very thick around but with a smaller cup size). Every size or brand that I have tried always ends with the same result: feeling claustrophobic, chest pains, and trouble breathing. Therefore, I have a strong preference against wearing what some may call a "boulder holder".

When it has been especially cold in the work room, my lack of undergarment has come to some of my supervisors' attentions. Typically after explaining my situation, they are understanding.

But recently, one of my female supervisors brought it up again. She followed me into the bathroom on my break and proceeded to tell me that it appeared I was not wearing a bra. I pointed out that I am not, and informed her of my difficulties with the garment. She then mentioned that it is highly inappropriate and she would "hate" for me to get wrote up. I cried in the bathroom for the rest of my break.

Would they ask a male to wear a bra because his nipples could be seen through his shirt? Could this be considered discrimination based on sex? Some men's "bulge" can be seen through their jeans even with boxers on. Why isn't that being addressed?

I have attempted to do research on this matter, and have found that while there could be a modification made to the dress code that would not target a specific gender, it would have to be worded very carefully. It could, for instance, say that "nipples may not be visible through clothing", but it can not specify that females must wear a bra.

Is this something I should pursue, or wait and see if my work tries to take a disciplinary action against me first? Do I give in and start wearing a bra even though it is highly uncomfortable? What rights do women really have if even our comfort can be regulated?