Why My Tank Top Is Controversial

By: Diya Bisht

The dictionary defines fashion as “a popular trend, especially in styles of dress and ornament or manners of behavior.” My interpretation of fashion is one’s way of choosing to express themselves in whatever way they want. Fashion evolves along with everything else. However, the controversy about women’s fashion in today’s date has stirred up a major argument within society. Should women be allowed to wear revealing clothing?

Society does have a lot to oppose when it comes to different types of clothing. In some places, people claim that revealing clothing goes against their cultural and religious views. For others, revealing clothing is used as an excuse to label females as “attention-seeking” or “desperate.” These views have to be thrown out of the equation. The only person that should have a say on what a girl wears is the girl herself.

Some girls feel confident in revealing clothes compared to baggy clothes that hide their figure. However, most of these girls constantly get judged based on their personal style choices; especially by older generations. I have had my grandmother come up to me and tell me not to wear shorts to a family event as it won’t be viewed as respectful. I was tempted to challenge her beliefs but my mum shushed me with a “don’t you dare look” and I simply complied. However, ever since that instance, I have always questioned her statement, thinking: why is my clothing used as a symbol of disrespect when I am the one in ownership of it?

Why does society always manage to blame a girl for the problems she finds herself in? If a girl gets rejected from a job interview, she didn’t dress professionally enough. If a girl doesn’t go on any dates, she doesn’t put enough effort into her appearance. Society’s standards on women are solely based on her physical appearance. We, as women, need to get to a position where we can embrace our bodies and wear whatever we want without society turning it into a personal debate.