On the heels of International Women's Day and #DayWithoutAWoman, I want to give a shout out to the much-maligned bra.

Contrary to popular belief, women in the United States didn't burn their bras at any public protest or demonstration. We've come a long way since the invention of the first modern bra, too. Back in those days, we didn't even have the right to vote.

Despite pay inequality and lack of paid family leave, there isn't an industry or field of education today where you won't find women. The bra continues to evolve with us. And with greater support comes liberation from the constraints of the female body. We have the freedom to move in the world; with advances in bra design and technology helping us run faster, throw farther, and achieve our physical potential.

Beyond all of that, bras do something else for women. They change up our mood, lift our spirits (insert pun here), all the while helping us meet professional and personal goals. I'm not talking about a well-made sports bra, either. A decadent lace cup motivates as much as one of my oldest and fondest bras, albeit in a different way.

And what is it about that one ragged, overworn but much-loved bra that every woman can't throw out? We know its expiration date is long gone. But putting it on is like a visit from an old friend. It's the bra that knows you well, fits like no other, and embraces your curves in all the right places. That's the one I'll turn to when I feel I've lost my place in the world. It's my comfort and self-care bra.

Others in my wardrobe bring out different aspects of my personality. There's the set I strap on when I'm feeling a little frisky and sassy. And I'm fond of t-shirt bras when I don't want any distractions (a good choice to wear on stage or to a march). Thankfully, sports bras inspire me to organize paperwork, do the dishes, or take out the garbage, even when I'm not going to the gym. I've also got plenty of sensual and exotic styles to remind me that, even at my age, I'm still plenty hot.

These options for women---as in society--didn't always exist. What I appreciate about today's lingerie market is the choice. Still, some bra wearers won't find all their needs met; but sizing and styles have expanded dramatically. Whether it's new designs and materials for casual, boudoir, maternity, post-mastectomy, luxury, vintage-inspired, and sports bras: there's something for everyone.

As The Lingerie Addict recently pointed out in a Twitter thread, there are plenty of female entrepreneurs continuing to develop new lingerie opportunities. Guess I'm glad that I live in a time when bras are made to inspire and reimagine life, every day in a new way.

Now if only the rest of the world would catch up to all this feminine bra power, innovation, and progress---instead of working to keep us down.

What do you think? Do you rely on bra power? How does it inspire or motivate you?

Featured Image: Simone Pérèle

All images copyright The Breast Life.