There have been multiple accounts created with the sole purpose of posting advertisement posts or replies containing unsolicited advertising.

Accounts which solely post advertisements, or persistently post them may be terminated.

What is the actual point of a bra?

Let me preface this by saying I am a man, and smoked a little too much, so I’m sitting here thinking… what is or was the original purpose of a bra? Weight support? Vanity? Covering the nips so people’s eyes met your eyes and you can have a normal conversation? Like what’s it all about?

frustrated_phagocytosis ,

My titties hurt when they bounce too much during hormone shifts. Plus the nipples are really irritating in A/C when they stiffen and feel wormy (dunno how to describe, like a small boner demanding attention) and I also accidentally scratch them without a bra to cover them. Was especially important to have some sort of coverage when I had piercings in them because I almost tore one out brushing my hair. Never healed right after that.

2ugly2live ,
@2ugly2live@lemmy.world avatar

Can’t speak for all, but back pain and comfort. Also, large breasts can have difficulty getting air under there which can cause irritations. Sometimes it’s just to keep your breasts off your stomach. I wear sports bras and have “special” bras, but my hatred of bras has really dimished when I accepted sports bra life.

I also just don’t like them “loose?” Like, I don’t want to bend over and have them go awol, even if I’m at home. Also, can store stuff in the bra and I have dropped my phone on the floor thinking I had a bra to catch it 😭

Bilbo_Haggins ,

Advantages of bras: Look nice (if you’re into that look, which many people are) Keep your nipples from chafing Support/containment for larger boobs Keep prudish people from being mad at your nipples Can be worn without a shirt for sports if they cover enough real estate When breastfeeding, help catch/absorb leaks

Disadvantages of bras: Uncomfortable if not fitted right Sweaty as fuck on hot days Expensive Many have to be hand washed if they are fancy

I would say I wear bras about 30-50% of the time and it’s usually for either support/chafing prevention or looks. The rest of the time I can’t be bothered. I’m also lucky to not have super large breasts. I know women who do may find a good fitted bra to be more comfortable than no bra.

When I was breastfeeding I wore them all the time though because it is super awkward to leak through your shirt in public.

AplasticAenima ,

Just wondering, but why did you use punctuation in the last half of your comment, but not the first?

That_Devil_Girl , (edited )
@That_Devil_Girl@lemmy.ml avatar

I have 38C and I wear a bra for a variety of reasons. It does help with support, they weigh a lot and having them bounce freely hurts. It’s like having two large water balloons taped to your chest. Every slight bump or jolt pulls on the skin.

It also helps with sweating. Underwood sweat is a real thing and just as uncomfortable as armpit sweat or thigh rub sweat. A bra helps to absorb sweat and moisture under there.

A bra also acts a a sort of “armor.” My breast’s are rather sensitive, and rubbing against my shirt or other stuff can be painful. Having a bra layer protects them from chaffing and rubbing.

There’s also a bit of vanity to it, depending on type and style of bra. Some are utilitarian and functional only, some are stylish, and some are designed to show off in low cut blouses.

Personally, most of my bras are entirely function and utility as I work as a welder. I’m covered head to toe in safety gear, so wearing a pretty or revealing bra just isn’t practical.

EABOD25 OP ,

I completely do not understand and completely respect all statements beside the nipple rubbing thing.

We have no comparison to who’s nipples are more sensitive, but raw nipples are the worst. Especially when sweat and exertion are the worst.

IN MY PERSONAL OPINION, nipples are just sensitive matter who you are. Weight distribution and jiggle control is something I can’t relate to though

GamingChairModel ,

Weight distribution and jiggle control is something I can’t relate to though

It’s not hard. Put on a really heavy backpack and leave the straps super loose, and go try to move around, maybe a few athletic moves that involve changing speed or direction. Compare to a tight backpack with a waistband and shoulder straps properly strapped to your body, and try to move around again. The straps help control the extra motion so that you’re in better control.

Or run around in shoes 5 sizes too big. Or go for a run with your arms loose and intentionally left limp, swinging around like pendulums.

The whole world has a million examples of why providing bracing and support makes for more efficient and comfortable movement.

Alimentar ,

Damn you really did smoke a little too much

sunzu ,

You don't want to provoke the boomers with a young woman's nips!

EABOD25 OP ,

I wish I did have nipples that offended boomers, but I’m a cis straight dude

sunzu ,

"offended"

EABOD25 OP ,

Look bro, and I apologize if any of my language seems harsh. I’m still trying to figure out if you’re trying to be instigating with your correction. So instead of an argument where we both lose, were you trying to just be corrective and respective or we’re you just trying to be a grammar troll?

sunzu ,

it was rather ambiguous, fair point

i was going for sexually uncomfortable as in predatory old man vibe

i can guarantee you one thing... me deff not a nazi grammar and my sloppy body of work is testament to that

EABOD25 OP ,

I see. You have suggestions to reword it with sou ding creepy or should I just delete the whole thing?

sunzu ,

not a suggestion for rewording, i think u/cheesymoonshadow did even better than my explanation.

Just highlighting that that "offended" is fake news for people who don't understand boomer psychie

EABOD25 OP ,

deleted_by_author

    •
    sunzu ,

    https://kbin.run/m/[email protected]/t/554981/What-is-the-actual-point-of-a-bra/comment/4772097#entry-comment-4772097

    You even responded already haha

    i think we are all aligned!

    Nice circle jerk boys! we can hit the showers now

    EABOD25 OP ,

    I sent a comment before this, but afterwards I realize I had an opinion on this. I’ll delete the first point, but would still like a link to who you were talking about. And my asking isn’t something that is going to offend me, but you feel it’s relevant thus my opinion is relevant to your opinion. Do you think I have an outdated perspective?

    sunzu ,

    If you used offended as per dictionary definition, then yes.

    Boomer behavior re younger women is a bit unsettling, I noticed when I was growing up. I am making broad strokes here obviously but large segment of male population see nothing wrong with the likes of Epstein and his clients. Also, they used to make jokes about casting couches etc... how did that age? Hollywood? Gaetz or whatever that tsex pest ordering jail bait comes to mind too, they will execute that shit.

    I have seen them acting "offended" in person, it was not offense, it was some weird power flex or in ability mange their urges. An adult man who acts like that is registered as sex pests in my mind.

    EABOD25 OP ,

    I’m neither going to disagree or agree with you with the regard of the question that I asked. Epstein and the ilk is a completely different conversation that I personally would not rather not get into ATM. And I want to reiterate that me not wanting to talk about it is neither a condemnation or a promotion.

    cheesymoonshadow ,
    @cheesymoonshadow@lemmings.world avatar

    I took it to mean they meant that said boomers were only feigning taking offense but in reality enjoying the view.

    EABOD25 OP ,

    No no no. Absolutely not! I’m assumingly speaking for most people in general. I’ll do my best to make sure I’m the only asshole in my assumptions

    Nefara ,

    Breasts can get heavy, and the sensation of gravity constantly pulling down on the skin of your chest and on your soft tissue can be very uncomfortable. If you get sweaty, moisture can get trapped underneath and cause rashes or fungal infections. Moving about, they can get in the way of your arm movements and if jumping or running the movement can be downright painful. Imagine piercing your ears with heavy weights and then shaking your head. You would want to minimize their movement!

    Historically, women have used woven cloth bandeaus, breast bands, belts, straps, stays, corsets, bralets, bodices and all sorts of things to try to minimize movement and support breast tissue. Bras are just the most common contemporary thing.

    EABOD25 OP ,

    So with all you mentioned (and please don’t misunderstand my intention for asking. I truly am unaware) does it cause damage to the actually mammary glands in the breast? Or are you just referring to skin deep damage?

    Nefara , (edited )

    It can cause some damage, in that the tissues inside the breast can lengthen and lose their firmness. It doesn’t damage function in any way but it could be considered premature aging. There’s that photo series of the white woman with the African tribeswomen and they’re comparing their breasts,

    NSFWhttps://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/cbd02829-24e7-4429-8e32-e708f0008d60.jpeg

    because the African women were so interested in how her breasts were a different shape than theirs. If you’ve seen pictures of people from cultures who don’t wear clothing that supports breasts, you can see the difference in shape that constantly fighting against gravity makes.

    EABOD25 OP ,

    I know exactly what you’re talking about, and again please excuse my ignorance and bluntness, but saggy boobs don’t necessarily mean lack of milk production?

    Nefara ,

    Correct, in fact size, shape, perkiness, all of the cosmetic factors seem to have no correlation to milk production. The major factors for an individual’s milk supply seem to be age, genetics, stress and hormone levels.

    Source

    EABOD25 OP ,

    No I have another question about Perkiness, but I’ll throw that question at my wife. Thanks for the info!

    I_Fart_Glitter ,

    I’m a small breasted woman who does not wear a bra. The reasons of practicality and comfort are described below for bigger chested people (I didn’t see mentioned that if they are really big and you try to run without serious, sometimes two sports bras on they can fly up and hit you in the face). I do sometimes accidentally hit my nipple on something, which I don’t like.

    But in my experience, people get upset at seeing boob shaped boobs. Strangers tell me I should be wearing a bra. They want bra shaped boobs. Nipples are scary.

    I haven’t worn one since middle school when it was new and fun and made me feel “grown up” (but uncomfortable). But some years back I got shingles and apparently permanent nerve damage on the nerve group that would be right under the bra band on my back and anything irritating it makes me feel like I’m on fire so it’s just not going to happen. Certainly not in the name of sparing the general public the scandal of seeing boob shaped boobs in a loose T shirt. At the very most I will use silicone tape to hide my nipples in very formal situations.

    EABOD25 OP , (edited )

    Ngl. I’ve hit my nipples on things and it sucks. My dogs have ran their nails across them and they burn for the rest of the day. I totally feel that pain

    However I’m a guy and have had to apologize multiple times to women because my eyes just trail down to the chest. I don’t know psychosomatics of it, but it’s not something I consciously intend to do.

    Beyond that, I don’t mind whether women do or don’t wear a bra. Breastfeed in public if needed. It all should truly be none of my business. However, I donate to breast cancer research every year for a reason. And that reason is I think about boobs. My wife has my favorite pair though.

    Anyway, I digress, I never really knew the original purpose of them and figured I could satiate my curiosity and have a conversation about boobs with people

    Trail ,

    Curious why you don’t just ask your wife.

    Shou ,

    I’m not busty either, but I hate the feeling of my chest moving around or hanging. Sport’s bra’s are the only thing I wear. Even while sleeping.

    TheDoozer ,

    I’m a man, and that’s how I feel about boxers and being nude. I don’t like that dangle feel of uncontrolled swaying on a sensitive part.

    Shou ,

    A kindred spirit. Saggy/floppy bodyparts man…

    1984 ,
    @1984@lemmy.today avatar

    It’s very sexy to see nipples through clothes. I don’t know why but it’s just much hotter than seeing bare breasts.

    Maybe people ask you to wear a bra because it’s making guys get distracted.

    DessertStorms , (edited )
    @DessertStorms@lemmy.blahaj.zone avatar

    A lot of replies here ignoring the obvious - patriarchy, religion, and capitalism.

    There are plenty of examples of societies past and present, for the vast majority of the time humans existed probably, where breasts are free to exist as they are. The people those breasts are attached to do all manner of work and activities without hinderance, or chafed nipples. Just like those with flat chests do.

    The reason that in (especially our western) modern world we are expected to wear bras has to do with puritanism, shame, control, and profiteering from all of the above.

    Comfort is categorically not a priority of the billion dollar bra industry, the trillion dollar advertising industry, nor those who demand we wear them to be “respectable”, lest we “excite” their, or their son’s, urges or “distract” them from their important manly duties (and if we don’t, and they attack us, it’d be our fault for not being “modest” enough and “asking for it”).

    When we have all been socialised with these demands and expectations for centuries, they become so deeply ingrained, it’s really hard to separate from our own free will, and yet ask any group of people who wear bras what the best part of the day is, and they’ll tell you it’s taking it off.

    And to be clear - this isn’t a judgment of anyone who wears a bra, I wear an underwire once in a blue moon which I hate, but am usually in a sports bra because I feel more comfortable with everything held in place (and also have nosy neighbours I’m not that friendly with), it’s about questioning why I feel more comfortable that way, and how much of that is natural vs manufactured by a society that demands I keep everything held in place, hidden (unless they’re “required” to sell something or entertain the mens), and forever impossibly youthful and perky.

    Anyway, I’m stoned too and I tend to ramble, so I think I 'll leave it at that for now lol

    EABOD25 OP ,

    I mean no offense, but after all of the work women have done to get the rights and regards that they have today (don’t misunderstand me, there’s still work that can be done), and excuse my assumption, but it would be more or less the woman’s control of whether they would/should wear a bra, so the argument (I’m going to summarize to list to a single word. I mean no offense, but it’s my perception. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong) of whether you should or shouldn’t is a feminist argument that feminist are the ones that argue about the most. However, I still believe “your body your right”. Do what you want.

    However I had 2 ulterior motives for asking: 1) to actually know where and why bras were first used 2) the vast majority of people (cis, trans, straight, gay, men, and women) enjoy boobs. There are people on the planet that sexualize boobs, but boobs are a hot topic. People enjoy talking about boobs, and to me it’s a weird phenomenon. About the only exception I think to that rule would be gay men, but they can probably still appreciate a good pair of pups.

    Again, I mean no offense. I just believe that some conversations about boobs are neither alienating or innapropriate. I hope I explained this in a way that isn’t creepy. If it does seem creep, please let me know and I’ll try to reword it

    DessertStorms , (edited )
    @DessertStorms@lemmy.blahaj.zone avatar

    A lot of replies here ignoring the obvious - patriarchy, religion, and capitalism.

    I’ll be honest, if you don’t have an understanding of how deeply these (along with white supremacy, cis heteronormativity, ablesim, classism) impact not only society at large, but our individual choices (or lack thereof), and it sounds like you don’t (E: among other reasons - the existence of feminism doesn’t negate the impacts of the aforementioned systems, if anything, it exists because those systems are still completely pervasive and need fighting against), I can’t really help at this point, there’s just too much to unpack and it’s not work I’m interested in doing for you.

    As for your ulterior motives - the first is easy to resolve by opening a search engine and looking it up, the second absolutely makes you sound like a creep, and also provides a perfect demonstration of the kind of external pressure we face that more often than not compels us to cover up - we feel you “appreciating” our “pups” (aka your “male gaze” or simply you objectifying us. And no, trying to pull an “all genders sexualise” doesn’t change the fact that cis men are who predominantly harm women and others afab). And it’s fucking gross.

    Maybe you should read my first reply again, this time try and actually listen to the experience of a person explaining to you the pressures they and others like them face from society that you never have, instead of dismissing it because it makes you uncomfortable to confront, and then invest some of your own time actually researching the topic, not of why people wear bras, but of how fundamentally social constructs impact society and all the individuals in it, and maybe you’ll start to get an idea of what the actual answer to your question is.

    But I have a feeling you’re not interested in doing any of that, so I’ll just leave you with this - boobs don’t exist for you.

    EABOD25 OP ,

    Ok well, I haven’t attacked anyone and have made it clear that my own perceptions and beliefs could use some work. I haven’t used personal attacks. And I’m very interested in changing my perception… as long as those who perceive things differently are as respectful to me as I am to them.

    So now for you specifically, here’s the deal. Your first argument to my first ulterior motive is you proving you are self-righteous because I posted this on “No Stupid Questiomlns”. Which makes you the asshole in this regard while I’m truly trying to learn. Second, you are the first person to have such an issue with my asking. So there’s a great chance that my line of asking isn’t the problem, but it’s you that’s the problem

    DarkThoughts ,

    A lot of replies here ignoring the obvious - patriarchy, religion, and capitalism.

    They're not. OP is asking the actual point of them, and you're bringing modern politics into it, which are a very recent development. "Bras" go way back, like thousands of years BCE, all with very different functions.

    NeatNit , (edited )

    I think it’s much the same purpose that underwear serves for the testicles (and penis). As a man, I honestly can’t remember any time I walked around without underwear, but I’m pretty sure it would be worse than with. Things would just flail everywhere.

    Other answers about bras are great but I thought the male flip side ought to be mentioned.

    EABOD25 OP ,

    Meh. I went without underwear for a while. It’s kind of freeing when I’m at home, but those times I have to run out and forget to put on shorts or pants without a belt, it’s a little stressful lol. The first thing my wife does when she gets home is takes her bra off, so I ultimately guess it could be the same, but there’s no social impacts if men don’t wear underwear under their trousers when in public

    UnRelatedBurner ,

    I’m a visual learner btw

    EABOD25 OP ,

    Well, best of luck to you when you speak to women in the wild

    recursive_recursion ,
    @recursive_recursion@programming.dev avatar

    it provides support and helps prevent nipple chafing

    PhobosAnomaly ,

    I am also reliably told that the removal of a bra - particularly a tight one - at the end of a working day is almost as wonderful as the feeling of taking your socks off when you get home.

    Bliss.

    SayJess ,
    @SayJess@lemmy.blahaj.zone avatar

    It is a great, great feeling.

    CarbonatedPastaSauce ,

    Wait what? I wear socks at all times unless I’m in water or asleep. Mostly because my feet are always cold.

    I do enjoy the ski sock peel at the end of a day on the slopes though!

    BlackPenguins ,

    I think taking off a pair of jeans is a better equivalent for guys. Or any piece of clothing that isn’t comfortable.

    Paradachshund ,

    Taking off the belt on your jeans.

    ShepherdPie ,

    Bro why are you wearing uncomfortable jeans? I get why people wear uncomfortable fashionable/dressy items but jeans are all about comfort.

    1984 ,
    @1984@lemmy.today avatar

    I have also never even considered taking my socks off when I get home. But if I lived in a warm country, I would.

    Mothra ,
    @Mothra@mander.xyz avatar

    Yes yes that’s exactly it. You see nipples are sensitive and boobs tend to jiggle and sway around when one moves, it can get very uncomfortable. So a bra reduces friction and accidental brushing against objects and clothing, helps support the weight and yes also helps shape the bosom. All that.

    The original purpose of the bra was to let women move freely without fearing their breasts might pop out of their dresses iirc. But I think women used to wrap their chests with a tight cloth if they had to heavy physical work before bras as we know them today. Take this with a grain of salt, I didn’t fact check any.

    bolexforsoup ,

    Similar to why many men wear boxer briefs it sounds like

    scarabic ,

    Right, like if you just rephrase OP’s question as what’s the point of a sports bra, it becomes more obvious. Everyone knows what a sports bra is for, right? Well with significant enough breasts, virtually all movement benefits from some support.

    The weird thing to me is how women with very small breasts can still sometimes adhere to a strict bra regime. Some of it is cultural programming, including the terror that your nipples might show through a shirt. This IMO is not worth the cost and maintenance and restriction of a bra.

    When people poop on Muslims for covering their women or wonder how some women could ever want to wear a veil, I like to remind them that we do exactly the same thing in the West. It’s just that our bar is set at a different level. No we don’t lose our shit if women show their faces but we still lose our shit if their nipples show.

    henfredemars ,

    Every woman will be different but according to my wife it’s mainly for the support. I appreciated this more when I had a testicular injury where I needed underwear that lifts holds and prevents unnecessary movement.

    SteefLem ,
    @SteefLem@lemmy.world avatar

    And now im holding my balls for emotional support pain… damn

    henfredemars ,

    You didn’t ask, but I was wearing some jeans and somehow one of my ‘kids’ got stuck in a pant leg and as I yanked it off it became hyper extended and tore some ligaments.

    hardaysknight ,

    Holy shit dude. That sounds awful.

    henfredemars ,

    I’ve not been quite the same since, but I’m thankful I didn’t lose it! Carelessness on my part.

    breakingcups ,

    Fuuuuuuck

    CarbonatedPastaSauce ,

    That’s why we didn’t ask.

    EABOD25 OP ,

    That’s a thing that can happen!?

    mojo_raisin ,

    A ballsière

    https://d3jf2jipiivcgq.cloudfront.net/2670612184e626c9c336639.79259648.jpg

    knacht1 ,
    @knacht1@lemmy.world avatar

    Over the shoulder boulder holder.

    sunbrrnslapper ,

    Yes, all of those things. Also it makes exercising more comfortable.

  • All
  • Subscribed
  • Moderated
  • Favorites
  • •
  • [email protected]
  • random
  • lifeLocal
  • goranko
  • All magazines
    •