View Full Version : Okay, what about boobs?
Blackdog Lin
1-2-12, 8:56pm
Curious now. We were talking about the necessity, or not, of wearing bras. And/or even the benefits of or not of having a bustline. I personally, even though a small size, think bras are the devil's invention. Never met a comfortable one. Can't even imagine having to deal with NEEDING them. But that's only 'cause I've never had to deal with them: I think I would ADORE having to deal with boobs. They're sexy, you know?
What say you, simple women? Boobs or not? Are you happy to have 'em, or are they a simple-living detriment? Do they take maintenance that you'd as soon have go away, or something that you'd spend (or do spend) money on maintaining? Enhancment? Would love to hear thoughts from any of you who have gone for enhancement. I always wanted to, but never did.
Okay, any thoughts?.....
i feel about my breasts the way i gather parents feel about their children -- i love them and couldn't imagine not having them, but they are a pain in the ass sometimes!
mine are massive, up into the realm of the middle of the alphabet, and the only bras that i find comfortable to wear are north of $100 each. not fun! and don't get me started about mammograms. and it's not really that comfortable for me to just hang around braless very much.
but on the plus side, they are fun, and they do look tremendous in the right clothes!
[ Don't think too much about them except when foods like tomato sauce spill on them when being transferred from plate to mouth. They were great for feeding the babies without a lot of fuss.
Once I had to look up decolletage for some article to see the history and found this on wikipedia. History has a very different view prior to the Victorian era. Today's fascination with boobs is contrived, manipulated and exaggerated. It is sad to see the chemicals that women inject to increase breast size and the males who think that they are responding to natural urges. It wasn't that long ago that women's ankles were the ultimate sexual symbol. It is also sad to see what society and its clothing is doing to sexualize young girls from almost infant age.
See the rest of the story:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9colletage
Gowns which exposed a woman's neck and top of her chest were very common and non-controversial in Europe from at least the 11th century. This fashion continued through the Victorian period in the 19th century. Ball or evening gowns especially featured décolletage designed to display and emphasize cleavage.[4][5] The wearing of low-cut dresses which exposed breasts were considered more acceptable than they are today; with a woman's bared legs, ankles, or shoulders being considered to be more risqué than exposed breasts.[6]
However, in 15th century Agnès Sorel, mistress to Charles VII of France, is credited with starting a fashion when she wore décolleté gowns which fully bared her breasts in the French court. In the 16th century, women's fashions featuring fully exposed breasts were common throughout society,for women of all social statuses.[7]
Décolleté styles were popular in England in the 17th century and even Queen Mary II and Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I of England, were depicted with fully bared breasts; and architect Inigo Jones designed a masque costume for Henrietta Maria that fully revealed both of her breasts.[7][8]
In aristocratic and upper-class circles the display of breasts was at times regarded as a status symbol, as a sign of beauty, wealth or social position.[9] From the Renaissance onwards, the bared breast even invoked associations with nude sculptures of classical Greece that were exerting an influence on art, sculpture, and architecture of the period.[8]
After the French Revolution the décolletage become larger in the front and smaller in the back.[10] During the fashions of the period 1795-1820, many women wore dresses which bared the bosom and shoulders. Towards the end of the Victorian period (end 19th century) the full collar was the fashion, though some décolleté dresses were worn on formal occasions. (See 1880s in fashion.)
From the Victorian period onward, however, social attitudes shifted to demand a woman's breasts to be covered in public. For ordinary wear, high collars were the norm for many years.
madgey, I could have written that! All of that! Minus the $100 part. I do have some around the $60 mark that I find just great. I had one mammogram once. It was awful! I'd have a colonoscopy first if I had to pick! And yes, I've had both so I can speak from experience on that one! :)
I would not change them, though. I must be built to carry them, really few back problems to speak of, and they are really caused more by inactivity than the girls.
Funny thread . . . :)
jennipurrr
1-2-12, 11:06pm
I have to admit I don't think too much about my boobs! I have a very average bustline and accept what is with contentment. I've never considered getting any kind of enhancement surgery. I am able to find bras easily on the clearance rack, which other's have told me is something to be quite thankful for. I wear a bra to work and mostly out, but ditch it most evenings when I get home.
Fairly recently though I forgot to bring a sports bra running and decided, well I will just wear the regular bra...um, no, my breasts certainly reminded me they were there and did not appreciate such treatment. So, for the athletic stuff I am quite happy they are not any larger. For the sexy stuff, I have been known to keep a push up bra or two stashed away as necessary. I do rather like that my breasts are still youthful and 'perky' - one day I suppose they won't be, but I'm already accepting my grey hairs so I guess I will deal with it.
LOL. I feel the same as madge. I have large breast that have been getting a bit bigger with all of the baby making I've been doing lately. I don't think I'd feel like me without them, but they are kind of a pain sometimes.
Happy with my A's. Hate wearing any kind of bra but can go braless with minimal sagging, if any. If I want to look like I've got something, I'll wear an underwire (the devil's handiwork, IMO). When I was younger I was always more underdeveloped than most girls my age, but now I probably look more fit and youthful than they do now. I'm thin and they suit me.
My clients who are well-endowed are always complaining how uncomfortable they are. While lying flat on their backs, I sometimes wonder how some of them aren't suffocated by them---they're ready to tumble onto their face!! Sometimes they'll tell me "You don't know how lucky you are, being so small". Yes, I do know I'm lucky.
Now, my belly pooch, that's another story.
I hate men staring at them. One of the good things of aging is that is stopping, finally. I like being female, and that includes breasts. Since I am childless by choice, it has kinda' felt like a waste to own a pair that are only ornamental. I have been a rebellious hippie all my life, but going braless is painful, so I rebel by being as butch as I can much of the time.
I am well endowed now, but was small before having kids. I am/was happy either way. Somedays it would feel better for my back to have smaller breasts again, but I feel very feminine with larger ones now. Have to admit DH loves them and that is fun for me too. Hope that is not TMI. :|(
I'm an old hippie and have rarely worn a bra through out my life, but feel the need to now when I leave the house....
Mighty Frugal
1-3-12, 7:33am
I've got a GREAT rack:). It is my best body feature by far! They are a B or C (depending on my weight) and still pretty perky since having 2 kids (I could pass the pencil test but sadly, no longer.
I love my boobs. Just love them. They are perefectly proportioned and a nice round shape and just 'wow'. When I am feeling unattractive I will wear something that shows cleavage or a tight fitting top that shows the goods.
I have a drawerful of push ups and lace bras and ones with all sorts of accouterments.
I wear a bra if I go outdoors. None of them are so uncomfortable that I 'feel' them but of course, not wearing one is the more comfy. When I get home from work I immediately change into my pjs and whip off my bra
:cool:
Large DD and always underwire and most nights I even wear a light sleeping bra for a bit of support. Thankful that breast cancer doesn't run in my family, the thought of losing one or both scares me.
Hmmm........curious thread.
I had a first recently, which was having my cleavage seriously eyed by... a nursing baby! It was too funny. Her mom is a neighbor, and I hadn't met her baby yet. When I walked up to meet her, her 8 month old leaned put of her mom's arms almost directly into my v necked sweater, staring. First time I have ever been ogled and felt complimented! (I chose to not bear children, so never nursed.)
anyone ever thought about having a breast reduction?
anyone ever thought about having a breast reduction?
Have contemplated it, probably will never do it though. Went so far as to look up package costs at the big international style hospital in Thailand. Still pretty expensive and there are other things I'd rather spend the money on. Main reason I started looking last year was my new running habit. My old sports bras were NOT cutting the mustard and it was really annoying me. Invested in some new body armor type sports bras that really hold things in, problem more or less solved. I still think I would look better if I weren't quite so top heavy, and it would definitely be more comfortable, but maybe losing a few more pounds will help with that. Seems to be the LAST place I lose weight though -- I guess I should be happy about that wierd feature of my body chemistry.
lhamo
Simpler at Fifty
1-3-12, 3:04pm
I think of reduction often. I am also overweight and if I lose weight I will get poked in the knees because I lose weight there first and then will need one for sure. I look well proportioned now but if someone came to me tomorrow and said they would pay for it, I would do it. I pay $40 for my bras and have worn the Wacoal brand but cannot spend that much now on a bra. They did fit the best though. I would highly recommend a bra fitting at a higher end store. I went to Nordstrom and had a wonderful woman assist me. That is where I learned about Wacoal.
ApatheticNoMore
1-3-12, 3:06pm
I like them, definitely not big enough to get in the way.
Fairly small breasted here. No kids or weight gain over the years to make them grow any bigger or become a problem - of which I am glad! I like smaller breasts - both for comfort (especially because I play alot of sports and big 'uns would be an irritation and discomfort) - but also looks wise. I think they look better on me (small framed person) and also on other women. Sometimes big breasts seem to make a person look heavier rather than sexier. Especially if they are busting out all over with clevage. I know guys generally are attracted to women with larger breasts (guys weigh in here) but I think smaller breasts are more attractive. JMHO! As for bras - yes I wear them. I usually (day to day) wear jog bra type but will wear a low cut underwired kind if I'm dressing up.
I'm a DD. I was relieved that someone else posted that they only had a mammogram once. Me too. It was a traumatic experience. Someone should event super sized machines. I never go bra-less. I'm afraid I'll hurt someone if I turn around fast.
I like, no that's not a strong enough word, I love boobs.
What I don't like is moobs, and I'm developing them!
Bra-less? Must be a male invention. I love my boobs as well, nice cup D, it's a good size and I always find good bra's.
Alan........do you need a Bro?
I like, no that's not a strong enough word, I love boobs.
What I don't like is moobs, and I'm developing them!
Moobs?? Is that like Moo...bs as is cow like or is that man-boobs? Guess I wouldn't want either :-)! I found that if you take the right amount of engine oil and smear it around in stratigic places on your tee shirt it'll make you look like you have boobs (ala my album photo) :-)!,
Alan........do you need a Bro?
And I thought they were called manssiere :-)!
Well I went from a "28 A-cup" (probably needed a "bro" myself) when I was in my late 30's to a B cup now so maybe I'm finally hitting puberty :-)!
I know guys generally are attracted to women with larger breasts (guys weight in here) but I think smaller breasts are more attractive.
The plan was to remain a lecherous lurker on this thread, but I can see the smaller breasted women of the world need me. Always the white knight, doncha know! In my single days breasts were something I certainly noticed, but didn't pay a lot of attention to. My personal preferences were best fulfilled when a woman was walking away. Good thing considering how many did! :moon: DW came along and fit my mental mold to a T (guessing there could be a connection). I still have a pulse so still pause to admire the female form, but to this day, and despite all the input from every angle of pop culture, I find I still am not terribly swayed by large breasts. One real advantage is that DW's beginning of the alphabet boobs still have pretty much the same form after a few decades and three kids. Not a bad thing, even for a leg man.
Sometimes I do think bras are the work of a sadistic man, but if I go without, I'm in pain and risk seriously injuring myself if I ever have to run for a bus.
Alan........do you need a Bro?No, I actually need pecs, but somehow they grew all mushy and flabby instead of firm. I'm going with it being an age thing. Yeah, that's it.
The plan was to remain a lecherous lurker on this thread, but I can see the smaller breasted women of the world need me. Always the white knight, doncha know! In my single days breasts were something I certainly noticed, but didn't pay a lot of attention to. My personal preferences were best fulfilled when a woman was walking away. Good thing considering how many did! :moon: DW came along and fit my mental mold to a T (guessing there could be a connection). I still have a pulse so still pause to admire the female form, but to this day, and despite all the input from every angle of pop culture, I find I still am not terribly swayed by large breasts. One real advantage is that DW's beginning of the alphabet boobs still have pretty much the same form after a few decades and three kids. Not a bad thing, even for a leg man.
Ah, a man after my own (boobless) heart - leacherous or not :-)! Good things do come in small packages - and unlike Charity and Mira I don't have to worry about knocking myself, or another person, out when running to the bus ;-)!I
My personal preferences were best fulfilled when a woman was walking away.Sort of a 'I hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave" thing. I'm with ya brother!
Have contemplated it, probably will never do it though. Went so far as to look up package costs at the big international style hospital in Thailand. Still pretty expensive and there are other things I'd rather spend the money on. Main reason I started looking last year was my new running habit. My old sports bras were NOT cutting the mustard and it was really annoying me. Invested in some new body armor type sports bras that really hold things in, problem more or less solved. I still think I would look better if I weren't quite so top heavy, and it would definitely be more comfortable, but maybe losing a few more pounds will help with that. Seems to be the LAST place I lose weight though -- I guess I should be happy about that wierd feature of my body chemistry.
lhamo
Yes, I love my Enell, it's what enables me to exercise at all. About $60 but worth it. Have thought about getting a 2nd.
Alan........do you need a Bro?
LMAO!
I went to Nordstrom and had a wonderful woman assist me. That is where I learned about Wacoal.
Nordstrom Rack is where I find Wacoal's in my large size, at half price. Just don't be picky about the color!
Mammograms are also awful with small boobs because they have to pull really hard on your boobs just to get them in there. I always thought it would be much better with big ones, but apparently not! Just for curiosity, why is it so awful with big boobs?
Mammograms are also awful with small boobs because they have to pull really hard on your boobs just to get them in there. I always thought it would be much better with big ones, but apparently not! Just for curiosity, why is it so awful with big boobs?
because they are taking SO much tissue and mashing it out SO thin. it's mandated by law that they have to put 40 pounds of pressure on your breast, and when mashed out, mine fills the whole freaking plate. that's 40 pounds of pressure on a lot of skin! i have to have mammograms all the damn time, too, because my mom died young of breast cancer. doctors hear that and they want to throw every test they have at me, immediately. in fact i just narrowly escaped a breast MRI a few weeks ago.
it truly sucks. i have started requesting valium for my yearly screening.
all that being said, though i have contemplated reduction surgery, the thought of someone slicing into my body really squicks me out. if needed someday to save my life, so be it, but i'm not gonna go volunteering for it!
Blackdog Lin
1-3-12, 7:32pm
Great discussion. I've enjoyed it.
Yeah, it's a weird discussion, but hey! it's part of who and what we (females) are, at least part of what and how we perceive ourselves to be, to ourselves and others. I've appreciated hearing all the different viewpoints.
(and forgive me: the idea came to me after the 2nd glass of wine last night. I will stop at 1 glass from now on, promise.) :)
You know the German word for Bra, don't you? Its "holdsemfromfloppin".
Nordstrom Rack is where I find Wacoal's in my large size, at half price. Just don't be picky about the color!
Thank you!! Awesome tip and we have one, tho it is at the accursed Mall of America.
(and forgive me: the idea came to me after the 2nd glass of wine last night. I will stop at 1 glass from now on, promise.) :)[/QUOTE]
Tee hee ...
Sorry, but I just had to post a link to the old Fugs song: Do you like boobs a lot?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DoSmzKGBSE
Ooh -- I was psyching myself up to get an appointment for my annual exam (now much longer overdue than it should be) and a baseline mammogram but now I'm scared! As Madgeylou points out, though, better the pain of a screening test than the pain of surgery/recovery/possibly worse. No history of breast cancer in my family, but I do have fibroid issues and really shouldn't put off the screening any longer than I already have.
I think we need to drink more wine on this forum -- or else all get horribly jetlagged. I think it is messing seriously with my inhibitions. If I weren't at work I'd start the contraceptive thread I've been mulling over. Hmmmm. Maybe some wine with dinner tonight.
Maxamillion
1-4-12, 12:12am
My perspective's a little different. It just really amazes me how much women like having boobs and for the life of me, I cannot figure out why (can someone help me out here?). I'm transitioning from female to male, and the sooner I'm rid of the wretched sacks of fat on my chest, the happier I'll be (don't know when I'll have the finances for that to happen though). In the meantime, thank goodness for layers of spandex sports compression shirts.
ApatheticNoMore
1-4-12, 3:07am
Nordstrom Rack is where I find Wacoal's ....
Nordstrom RACK ... on a boob thread? Oh dear ..
lhamo: Oh, I drink plenty of wine! FWIW, I know I'm one of the "beginning of the alphabet" girls, but I've never found mammograms to be painful in the least and cannot understand what all the fuss is about. But I do understand that it isn't the same for everyone. I'm 53 so I've had several of them.
Lin: Barely There makes an extremely lightweight bra that is almost as comfortable as no bra at all. I wear these when I'm dressed casually. I wear something more structured and padded when I'm dressed for work, just so I can "fill out" my jackets a little better. Unfortunately, they stopped making the Playtex petite line, which was my favorite "serious" bra. Vassarette makes something I like, but I haven't been able to find many of them, I think they're discontinuing the style. I cannot imagine wearing anything push-up or with wires. To my mind, "wire" and "breast" just don't go together!
You know the German word for Bra, don't you? Its "holdsemfromfloppin".
That is hilarious!
I can't stand underwires, and in my D cup size, I find the selection is pretty thin on non underwires. For a number of years, Victoria Secret had one I liked with no wires, but they've since discontinued. I don't like the squashiness of sports bras for everyday. Yeah, I'm pretty picky on the girls behalf.
I find it ironic that I was a late bloomer, and always wishing I had breasts. Best be careful what you wish for! ;)
Another seasoned man here,with twenty years of marital bliss;)
I'm with the other two guys who have chimed in.Small boobs are just as attractive as larger ones.
Its the manner in which they are displayed that gets men's attention,whether large or small.This is where men's opinions vary widely.I've personally always preferred a conservative,yet confident display over a "hey,look at me" display.A thin white T-shirt with a sexy bra underneath is much more attractive to me than someone who is just letting it all hang out.
I've never understood most men's (and some women's) obsession with big boobs. I much prefer a "sporty" small breasted women.
Many years ago, before augmentations and reductions were common, a friend of mine had reduction surgery. Afterwards everyone asked her if she lost weight. Her reply, "yes 2 pounds!"
You know the German word for Bra, don't you? Its "holdsemfromfloppin".
Ha Ha! I sent a girlfriend a card for her 50th B-Day last month and on the inside it had a rendition of a song about a dogs ears:
Do your boobs hang low
Do they wobble thro and fro
Can you tie them in a knot
Can you tie them in a bow
Can you throw them over your shoulder
Like a Continental Soldier
Do...Your...Boobs...Hang...Low
:devil::devil::devil::devil:
My perspective's a little different. It just really amazes me how much women like having boobs and for the life of me, I cannot figure out why (can someone help me out here?). I'm transitioning from female to male, and the sooner I'm rid of the wretched sacks of fat on my chest, the happier I'll be (don't know when I'll have the finances for that to happen though). In the meantime, thank goodness for layers of spandex sports compression shirts.
While I like my "little girls" :-) I wouldn't miss them much if they were gone. But I am glad they aren't huge. I had a very brief time when I hit puberty around age 14/15 when I pretty much went from a tall skinny gangly kid to some sort of Marilyn Monroe look-alike body almost over night. I gained about 40 lbs and grew big boobs, a butt, hips, etc... and just hated it! Not only because of the unabashed leers of the teenage boys who had previously been only uninterested friends (I raced motorcycles - dirt bikes - then and hung out almost exculsively with boys), but because those boobs just got in the way of everything! I had a hard time playing sports, running, heck even walking. Fortunately I lost that puberty weight and with it the boobs et al. And they never returned. I had a more fully female body at 15 then I've ever had since and never wanted it back. While I like curves, I'm not a fan of the full busted lush volumptous body that many find sexy. But to each his own - and I am glad that there are some men here that appreciate less-than-full-figured women. Also, Maximillion, good luck with your transition!!
I haven't read all of this thread but will come back and check it out.
After 2 kids and an unfortunate 12 yr. weight gain which just MUST be addressed.... my bra size is closer to my monogram than the abc's.
:(
WAY TOO MUCH! and WEIGH TOO MUCH!
I have to go to a specialty bra store and pay a fortune for good, solid undergarments.
They totally limit my wardrobe and activity.
Enell bras are a god send for big boob exercise - that and water aerobics.
I so miss my 36Ds, they were so lovely.
Another seasoned man here,with twenty years of marital bliss;)
I'm with the other two guys who have chimed in.Small boobs are just as attractive as larger ones.
Its the manner in which they are displayed that gets men's attention,whether large or small.This is where men's opinions vary widely.I've personally always preferred a conservative,yet confident display over a "hey,look at me" display.A thin white T-shirt with a sexy bra underneath is much more attractive to me than someone who is just letting it all hang out.
Along these lines, I once heard a Heavy Metal rock star interviewed, and the subject of his manhood came up. His line: "It's not how long your pencil is, it's how you write your name." I fell on the floor laughing at the goofy yet very memorable metaphor.
Nordstrom RACK ... on a boob thread? Oh dear ..
:devil::D:laff:
Simpler at Fifty
1-4-12, 4:55pm
Kelli- that is where I had my fitting. MOA.We do not have a Nordstrom's close in WI and we happened to be at the MOA. I had told DH if we ever near one I would go have that done.
Maxamillion: Yet another reason why I love this forum, so amazing to hear so many different perspectives discussed in a civilized way!
Another seasoned man here,with twenty years of marital bliss;)
I'm with the other two guys who have chimed in.Small boobs are just as attractive as larger ones.
In conversations with my male friends in the 30->60 year old range, the consensus is that all sizes and shapes of breasts are just fine, and all combinations have their own appeal. And that we as men are heavily pressured by marketing and media to "prefer" specific configurations, but that's just a bunch of nonsense.
I feel dreadful for women who decide they need to have elective surgery to "improve" the size/shape of their body parts to conform with social expectations.
Blackdog Lin
1-4-12, 8:23pm
Rosarugosa: tell me more about Barely There. The problem with me is, when going out in public, I want a, as you said, "structured and padded" , but COMFORTABLE, contraption to fill out my clothing and look better. The rest of the time, I don't care as I just go without.
Back in the 80's they still made comfortable padded bras for we early-alphabet girls. Haven't been able to find one in years. I've often wondered if I'm a throwback, and there are no women anymore who have a need for a nice comfortable padded bra. HAS EVOLUTION MADE WE SMALL-BREASTED WOMEN A THING OF THE PAST?
:)
bae: I never felt my wanting for more boobs was a result of social expectations, but.....it may be. I've looked deep, and really, it was always just a wanting to fit better into clothing and have a (little) cleavage, and.....okay, I always wanted to feel more sexy. And now that you mention it, where else could that come from than social expectations? Damn. Going away to think this through some more.....
Blackdog Lin
1-4-12, 8:58pm
And P.S. Might Frugal: I just re-read the entire thread, and you may just be the luckiest female in the entire world. I am so jealous. The perfect B-C cup, requiring not only no maintenance but no enviousness either, and that you are secure and happy with your girls being neither too small nor too large: geesh, it sounds too perfect. Enjoy.
I feel dreadful for women who decide they need to have elective surgery to "improve" the size/shape of their body parts to conform with social expectations.
I feel the same way.That was the reason I posted on this thread.
. HAS EVOLUTION MADE WE SMALL-BREASTED WOMEN A THING OF THE PAST?
I think it has!!! Seriously, I see more physically mature-looking 15 year olds now than I remember when I was that age. There may be some truth to the rumors about hormones in food and early puberty and development.
When I was young, up until about age 30, I was always very thin and boy-shaped. Now that I'm 45, I've gained weight above (and unfortunately below too) so although I'm still a bit small, I can fit into normal bras, like a 34A. I prefer lightly-lined over padded, as the padding usually makes me look like there's two rockets on my chest.
Glad to hear there are some men who prefer us women with 'exquisite miniatures'. During 'that time of the month' when they're a bit larger than usual, gosh they're uncomfortable. Can't imagine staying that size all the time.
Bae: Well said, and I think the fact that DH loves my modest figure helps make it possible for me to be happy with it as well. Because really, who else's opinion matters?
Lin: I PM'd you with Rosa's favorite petite bra reviews and links.
I'm sure the emphasis on women's breasts has to do with them being a food source to infants and maybe we're hard-wired to respond to them, but I find it so strange that this culture has gotten so obsessed with them. Why not earlobes or elbows?
In fact it was even mentioned earlier that maybe the "Fight for the Cure" for breast cancer is so over-done because of our obsession with breasts.
Seems like this culture always chooses certain things and then makes them much too important. I'm really tired of it.
Why not earlobes or elbows?
That might have something to do with 100% of the planet having earlobes and elbows and only 50% having breasts. There are a few other body parts not shared by everyone that seem to also garner quite a bit of attention these days.
Sometimes the U.S. seems like just a very cheap/tacky carnival to me.
I feel dreadful for women who decide they need to have elective surgery to "improve" the size/shape of their body parts to conform with social expectations.
Me too. I don't really understand why some women feel the need to cave to the social pressure and expectations of media hype. The hype that tells them unless they do all this stuff they will not be desirerable. But I guess it's the same reason they will totter about in 6 inch spiked heels, wear seriously confining and uncomfortable under garments and clothes, spend a fortune on clothes, hair, make up, nails, grooming, jewels, and books (ad nauseum I might add) that instruct them on "how" women should behave and what they need to change about themselves to be desirerable. Not to mention the often dangerous and expensive cosmetic surgury. Will we really be so undesirerable to men (or a lesbian partner) if we don't do all that stuff and just be our natural selves? I don't think so. Basic, simple grooming, clean well fitting clothes that you are comfortable in - and feel attractive in, a touch of make up maybe, a good haircut, etc... I personally think women are at their most attractive when they are in a more natural state, especially if they are comfortable with themselves and confident in their sexual allure. You don't need ginormous breasts and Lady Gaga stilletos for that.
Will we really be so undesirerable to men (or a lesbian partner) if we don't do all that stuff and just be our natural selves?
No. In fact a lot of us prefer a simple, clean, natural look. I know I do. (Guessing the answer from many lesbian partners might be similar.)
Maxamillion
1-7-12, 2:13am
Also, Maximillion, good luck with your transition!!
Thanks. :)
No. In fact a lot of us prefer a simple, clean, natural look. I know I do. (Guessing the answer from many lesbian partners might be similar.)
A lot of works goes into a clean natural look.
As for bras - the original topic. I don't wear 'em. Or not really anyway - I wear these tank tops with an inner thingie.
A lot of works goes into a clean natural look.
Not really. Yes, for dark haired women there is probably more grooming needed then for us blondes who are basicly like hairless cats :-) and don't have to do much. But I think there is a big diffrence between shaving your legs and plucking your eye brows occasionally compared to full unneeded plastic surgury to get bigger boobs solely based on some arbitary societal standard that says women should have big boobs to be attractive. I personally think that women are just as beautiful and sexy coming nekkid out of the shower with wet hair and no make-up as they can be when glamed up.
Not really. Yes, for dark haired women there is probably more grooming needed then for us blondes who are basicly like hairless cats :-) and don't have to do much. But I think there is a big diffrence between shaving your legs and plucking your eye brows occasionally compared to full unneeded plastic surgury to get bigger boobs solely based on some arbitary societal standard that says women should have big boobs to be attractive. I personally think that women are just as beautiful and sexy coming nekkid out of the shower with wet hair and no make-up as they can be when glamed up.
Let me rephrase. Clean and natural is a lot of work FOR ME
Me clean and natural:
- nappy, frizzy hair.
- monobrow
- the mustache of a 14 year old boy
- overgrown hair in armpits, nether regions and on legs
- dark circles under eyes
- uneven skin tone
- zits
- glasses
- thin lips
- yellow toenails
anyone ever thought about having a breast reduction?
I thought about it ever since I was 12 I was a 32 DD I had it done when I was 43 and was the best thing that I have ever done I had horrbile back issues having large breasts riding horses, several riding accidents and being bent over for my job as a dental assistant. I had been mananging it with expensive bras, Chriopractics, massage therapthy and even 10 sessions of Rolfing. Insurnace paid for it as it was a health issue and my co-pay of 15.00 plus 250.00 for some things that insurnace did not cover... Best bargain NO more pain, Perky boobies ( I can pass pencil test ) No expensive bras no back mangement issues I can wear cute tops and have eye to eye converations with men instead of me looking at them, while they stared at my chest >8) I would recommend it and I would do it all over again if I had to
Maxamillion
1-11-12, 10:42pm
I had to google pencil test, I'd never heard of it before.
fidgiegirl
1-11-12, 10:47pm
Not really. Yes, for dark haired women there is probably more grooming needed then for us blondes who are basicly like hairless cats :-) and don't have to do much. But I think there is a big diffrence between shaving your legs and plucking your eye brows occasionally compared to full unneeded plastic surgury to get bigger boobs solely based on some arbitary societal standard that says women should have big boobs to be attractive. I personally think that women are just as beautiful and sexy coming nekkid out of the shower with wet hair and no make-up as they can be when glamed up.
Fellow hairless cat here! My mother and I did battle regularly as a teen as I was NOT ALLOWED to shave my legs. And once I got over it, I never have needed to! Never once. I hate to admit it, but Mom was right.
I've never, ever thought of mine as "girls." They're harpies, plain and simple!
Neck pain, back pain, shoulder arthritis of the joints under the straps, muscle spasms between my ribs and shoulder blades, aching from fibrocystic disease... never mind them requiring upholstery-level amounts of fabric to cover and always being in the way and hogging attention. (And tomato sauce, chocolate syrup, tea...)
... never mind them requiring upholstery-level amounts of fabric to cover and always being in the way and hogging attention. (And tomato sauce, chocolate syrup, tea...)
That made me laugh out loud!
Thanks for morning funny!
Mighty, what is the pencil test? If I wore a bra, it would be size B or C, but I don't ever since I read Dressed to Kill about bras keep toxins from draining to lymph nodes. I like my breasts, but when I go out I wear shirts with a pocket over each or a loose overshirt over t-shirt, because they move around. I'm glad I don't spend money on bras.
I had a lover for many years who had such big breasts is really hurt her back and the few bras she could find cut into her shoulders. Around her mid-60's she had breast reduction and chose size C. She looks and feels great.
Mighty Frugal
2-8-12, 9:33pm
Mighty, what is the pencil test? If I wore a bra, it would be size B or C, but I don't ever since I read Dressed to Kill about bras keep toxins from draining to lymph nodes. I like my breasts, but when I go out I wear shirts with a pocket over each or a loose overshirt over t-shirt, because they move around. I'm glad I don't spend money on bras.
I had a lover for many years who had such big breasts is really hurt her back and the few bras she could find cut into her shoulders. Around her mid-60's she had breast reduction and chose size C. She looks and feels great.
Get topless. Stand up straight. Tuck a pencil (horizontally) beneath your breast. Does it stay or fall to the floor? If it stays, wear a bra. If it falls, you can go bra-less. After 2 pregnancies..the pencils stays
I watched a health program this week that stated there have been studies done that women who wear bras have a 60% more chance of getting breast cancer. Also, that women who live in the north or colder sections of the country have a higher risk of breast cancer. It also mentioned that wearing vests is also a problem because the heat of the body is dispersed improperly. Thought this was interesting.
I watched a health program this week that stated there have been studies done that women who wear bras have a 60% more chance of getting breast cancer. Also, that women who live in the north or colder sections of the country have a higher risk of breast cancer. It also mentioned that wearing vests is also a problem because the heat of the body is dispersed improperly. Thought this was interesting.
Several years ago I took a Cancer Massage class taught by a nurse who also teaches Healthy Breast Massage. Being constrained in a bra stops breasts from moving, which limits the amount of lymph flow in the armpit area. She recommended "phluffing" your breasts; basically, you just cup them underneath with your hands and sort of bounce them up and down. Here's a video of her demonstrating: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbQ4AOLUy3g
You can also do dry brushing on your body or jump on a trampoline to increase lymph flow.
I'm about a 34A and haven't been wearing a bra much lately. At work I wear a spa smock, which I remove when I'm working on a client. They're asleep and don't see me w/o a bra so I don't care.
I also believe that antiperspirant is bad for you too---it stops you from perspiring in the lymph gland area under your arms. Now I make my own deodorant, which removes odor but allows me to sweat.
...Being constrained in a bra stops breasts from moving...
Don't I wish! More like reduces the movement to a stately sloshing, and prevents whiplash injuries. ;) And that "Pluffing" is something I have to do every couple hours anyway to encourage the little darlings to quit fraternizing with gravity and climb back in where they belong. What I really need is an escape-proof band...
cow-hi
Get topless. Stand up straight. Tuck a pencil (horizontally) beneath your breast. Does it stay or fall to the floor? If it stays, wear a bra. If it falls, you can go bra-less. After 2 pregnancies..the pencils stays
And if you can't even find it until two days later, consider reduction?
Wildflower
2-10-12, 3:20am
I had 3 breast lumpectomies about 15-17 years ago. My doctor at the time told me to stop wearing underwire bras because they were too constricting and helped cause these precancerous and cancerous lumps to form. I took the advice and haven't had any new problems since. And I never wear a bra at home, only when I'm going out in public...
I wear a sleep bra so turning over isn't a hassle... and an underwire one during the day if I need to go out & be presentable. However, working at home means I can go without most days, and that feels really good. I get my sleep bras from Decent Exposures. Just a simple one.
She recommended "phluffing" your breasts; basically, you just cup them underneath with your hands and sort of bounce them up and down. Here's a video of her demonstrating: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbQ4AOLUy3g
I had to check it out purely in my role as a concerned husband. Suggested phluffing to DW (even offered to help phluff). She said I'm spending too much time on the internet.
Mighty Frugal
2-10-12, 1:28pm
I had to check it out purely in my role as a concerned husband. Suggested phluffing to DW (even offered to help phluff). She said I'm spending too much time on the internet.
:laff::laff::laff::laff::laff:
Blackdog Lin
2-10-12, 7:56pm
Oh yeah, ditto the :) :) :).
You are a modern concerned thoughtful and health-conscious husband, Gregg.
(and phluffing. what a great word. I will never know the sensation, being a member of the French-variety smaller-endowed tribe.....)
I had to check it out purely in my role as a concerned husband. Suggested phluffing to DW (even offered to help phluff). She said I'm spending too much time on the internet.
She's right. You can tell her I said so! And... You're a very considerate husband!
mtnlaurel
2-10-12, 11:24pm
Holy smokes - now that's funny!
I am growing to increasingly hate bras, but no way in my hidebound company I could get away with not wearing one to work. Lately as soon as I get to the car to drive home I whip it off.
After giving up on underwires I was still uncomfortable because regular bra bands dug into my ribs. I found a wide band, stretchy Warner bra that I liked for awhile, but the extra fabric is hot in the summer, and with more age and weight changes it is no longer comfortable as it increasingly rolls into a bunch under my breastbone. I am thinking a camisole layer for the colder months since I keep pulling the bra down to try to get it from bunching up.
Other cultures wrap the breasts, but all I find on this are products for female to male transgender people who want to suppress the breasts altogether, uncomfortable and not my goal.
My grandmother got to an age when no one cared. The nursing home residents never wore bras. Something to look forward to!
iris lilies
7-17-18, 9:31pm
Camisoles are good for this. When I was working that’s what I wore wi5 a kacket over it.
Of course, being retired,
I seldom wear a bra or equilivent, and when I do it is a sports bra
I have a new trick for gardening: i grab my v neck t shirt in my teeth when facing the street, bending over to weed. That way no boobs are exposed to innocent onlookers.
Up until recently I wore only crew neck t shirts when gardening, but I ran into a stack of nice cotton V neck
t shirts in my size at rhe thrift store, and I always prefer V neck shorts anyway.
This new trick seems to work. The front of my shirt is always wet from saliva but that is fine, Tjis hot weather causes all kinds of sweating and shirts are not wearable for more than a day.
Teacher Terry
7-17-18, 10:36pm
IL, that was my laugh for the day. Being large means I wear an underwire bra until I put on my pj’s.
My bra comes off as soon as I am home. Having "cups that overfloweth" means underwire. I wear $65 Wacoal ones, but nothing else holds the girls up. I have something Goddess sports bras I found online. I wear those when working out and when out and about in hot weather. They give one the "uniboob" look, but they're comfy and no wires.
I have a new trick for gardening: i grab my v neck t shirt in my teeth when facing the street, bending over to weed. That way no boobs are exposed to innocent onlookers.
Up until recently I wore only crew neck t shirts when gardening, but I ran into a stack of nice cotton V neck
t shirts in my size at rhe thrift store, and I always prefer V neck shorts anyway.
This new trick seems to work. The front of my shirt is always wet from saliva but that is fine, Tjis hot weather causes all kinds of sweating and shirts are not wearable for more than a day.
IL, you grab your shirt in your teeth? OMG, I am laughing so hard here! :D
What are V neck shorts? I know you mean shirts, but that is a VERY funny typo! :D
messengerhot
7-18-18, 12:34am
Curious now. We were talking about the necessity, or not, of wearing bras. And/or even the benefits of or not of having a bustline. I personally, even though a small size, think bras are the devil's invention. Never met a comfortable one. Can't even imagine having to deal with NEEDING them. But that's only 'cause I've never had to deal with them: I think I would ADORE having to deal with boobs. They're sexy, you know?
What say you, simple women? Boobs or not? Are you happy to have 'em, or are they a simple-living detriment? Do they take maintenance that you'd as soon have go away, or something that you'd spend (or do spend) money on maintaining? Enhancment? Would love to hear thoughts from any of you who have gone for enhancement. I always wanted to, but never did.
Okay, any thoughts?.....
Hi, I also have a small size but I'm already contented with what I have...No plans of having an enhancement. I'm reluctant to do so because it might have a negative effect on me and the procedure is kinda expensive.
ToomuchStuff
7-18-18, 1:43am
I saw the title but not the thread location, and figured this was a thread about some politicians.>8)
I saw the title but not the thread location, and figured this was a thread about some politicians.>8)
Thanks for starting my day out with a laugh.
iris lilies
7-18-18, 10:18am
IL, you grab your shirt in your teeth? OMG, I am laughing so hard here! :D
What are V neck shorts? I know you mean shirts, but that is a VERY funny typo! :Dyeah, V neck shirts is what
I meant.
My teeth are a very handy 3hand, I find muself carrying things in my teeth rather often.
HappyHiker
7-27-18, 3:41pm
Nordstrom Rack is where I find Wacoal's in my large size, at half price. Just don't be picky about the color!
Finding bras at Nordstorm Rack seems quite appropriate -- and even a bit funny/ironic.
Okay, what about boobs?I'm in favor of em!
Ultralight
7-27-18, 5:45pm
I'm in favor of em!
Haha!
ToomuchStuff
7-28-18, 12:35pm
I'm in favor of em!
Of course you are, you host a forum, for all of us.
Was smaller when I was younger and bras didn't bother me. They got bigger as I've gotten older, sometimes love em, sometimes hate em. Can't stand underwire, so constricting. And I don't like that it constricts the lymphatics from doing what they are supposed to. Only wear underwires when absolutely necessary in public as they seem to only make padded ones my size with underwire. But most days I wear a stretchy comfy one with no underwire. The fold underneath bothers me if it's hot and gets sweaty, so this type of bra is a godsend. It's either that or a tank top with the shelf bra in it. I did go a year once when I was not working wearing no bra, it was awesome!! That was years ago, and as I've aged the bit of gravity has helped with the under touching that drives me insane. Feel like if I were smaller I wouldn't have that bit of under fold that sweats, but the hubby is a fan of the D's, so it's all good.
Have 2 sis's that have had implants, both went too big, of course, and both wish they had picked a smaller size. Live and learn.
I was just on retreat, so more all natural hippy types. There were 2 women who had not worn bras in decades i think. It really didn't look comfortable. One had her boobs down to her belly, and the other was just really low. It was my retreat obsession
Maybe being a larger breasted and active person myself I just can't imagine that it is comfortable. Even if i do a sports bra, the only way to avoid underwire at my size, i still feel better knowing I can move and run.
You can now see the outline of a few of my ribs, but I am not losing the breast weight, which drags me down. A study showed that women who wear bras have more sagging because the body relies on the bra rather than developing muscles. And here the bra industry had me convinced otherwise all these years.
I just read about bras and why they may not be necessary, it is not as conclusive as it seems. Breast tissue is not made out of muscle, so while muscle can support breast it seems that larger sizes would not be affected by underlying muscle so much.
If people don't feel like wearing them that is great, i am kinda jealous of having that option, but really necessary for me to feel comfortable moving actively
After years of trying a variety of bras, last month I took the plunge and ordered four bra-lettes called "Coobies," which is the cross between a cami with shelf-style support and and a training bra but for an adult woman. I am fairly average-sized as a "C" cup, I can go bra-less easily around here in my hippy town but it is more of a comfort thing for me. It just feels a little weird to me not having at least some support but it is really hot here in the summer and wearing a regular bra is miserable. I gave up underwire bras years ago. The Coobie is a great alternative and it comes in many colors so you can coordinate them with your shirts if they peak out a little in the cleavage area (like a cami) and they are easy to wash and like I said, comes in great colors! I ordered the ones for the fuller figure and even though they look tiny, they are very stretchy.
Here is the link to their website: https://shopcoobie.com/
I love Coobies, but I'm a little long from tip of shoulder to base line / band and would appreciate an adjustable strap.
ApatheticNoMore
8-3-18, 12:35pm
I long since gave up underwires, they are horrible. Sometimes it's more comfortable to wear a bra, sometimes not, more often not. Yes muscle can support breasts, pec exercises matter. I don't really think I need that much additional support with B cups, other than if running etc..
would appreciate an adjustable strap.
Coobie does have some models with adjustable straps. (Big Coobie fan here, lately its all I wear, except when really hot/hiking when I wear a wool bra from Ibex).
I love Coobies too and that is all I wear. I am on the very petite end of the spectrum. I just wish they had some in cotton for really hot weather. Please tell us more about Ibex, Herbgeek!
Well Ibex went out of business. :( You might be able to still find some of these bras at outdoor stores. You'd think a wool bra would be dreadfully uncomfortable, but its the lightest, most comfortable thing ever.
Okay i am at least a DD, that may make a difference. Natural D and above tend to be really soft and droopy already. I keep trying the bralette styles but by the time i get the cup size the band is so large it just slips up. Sports bras are about the only ones that come without wires. I love them but sometimes the colors are so bright that you can't wear them under everything. I just got 2 bras with soft cups, still underwire, but they are super comfy. One black, one white.
Do you think the bralettes would be hard to sew?
SQ thank you for posting the Coobie link. I ordered one camisole with the shelf bra to try out. I am now wearing another brand similar to their stretchy bras, but the thicker bottom band rolls up under my bustline repeatedly over the course of the day and is annoying.
Teacher Terry
8-3-18, 7:38pm
That’s the reason I love underwires is because nothing rolls up. I am uncomfortable without a bra but also am large. I was hoping when I lost weight I would lose some there to but no such luck.
I cannot believe you people like the Coobie products. The shelf in the shelf bra part of the camisole is too thin so you can see the outline of your nipples through the top you wear over it. They also sent a complimentary bra with weird padding that bunched up giving me a lumpy, irregular bustline.
When I go the supermarket I am going to look for round bandaids to use as nipple covers on the weekends at least. I am so tired if being uncomfortable.
The shelf in the shelf bra part of the camisole is too thin so you can see the outline of your nipples through the top you wear over it.
I only wear the models with removable pads.
Yppej: It's probably a matter of different things working for different body types. I've never gotten the camisoles, only the bras, and I like the v-neck lace edged bras the best. But I am really small - about 34A - so what works for me might not work well for someone else. They say these bras are one size fits all, but I know some really large-busted women, and there is no way you can convince me that the same bra would work for all of us!
I am still on my quest. This evening I went to Target. They have no limit on items in the changing room so I tried on 32 garments and settled on a bra of the type RR describes (they only had one in my size), another one of minimal fabric that reminded me of a training bra but is in an adult size and has a velveteen band I am hoping is comfortable for all day long wear, and a black camisole that will hold me in place but only be workplace appropriate if I wear a heavy fabric over it since it has no lining, so that will be for winter.
I am growing increasingly outraged that guys can go around with man boobs flopping around and that is socially acceptable but women's bodies are judged more harshly.
They say these bras are one size fits all, but I know some really large-busted women, and there is no way you can convince me that the same bra would work for all of us!
I have to go to the "larger" size they offer. The regular one size fits all didn't work for me.
I found an all cotton camisole at Sears for only $4.00. Yesterday the temperatures were cool enough I could wear a shirt with some heft to it over this, and for the first time in a long time I had a workday without discomfort and pain.
Because everything in our culture is medicalized there is a term for breast sagging, pitosis. This does make wearing bras much more uncomfortable, but my generation is not leading the fight to get rid of them.
Kudos to the younger generation, especially Chidera Eggerue with her Saggy Boobs Matter campaign.
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