Somebody Please Explain This To Me

[iLander]

Okay, ladies, somebody needs to explain this to me, it's been bothering me for a few years now, and I don't get it:

What's with all the cleavage?

When I was in my youth, we didn't want people looking at our cleavage. We thought it was disrespectful and tacky. We thought it was anti-feminist for people to consider our bodies instead of our minds. We used to get angry when a man looked at our chest instead of our eyes.

But now I see a lot of cleavage on women everywhere. All ages, all builds, and I don't get it. I call them "discount shirts" because they are 30-50% off. It seems like women want everyone to look there?

What happened?

Do you show a lot of cleavage? Do your friends? Why?

I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but it's been bugging me since a lot of my DD's friends have been wearing discount shirts since they were 13. And their moms wear them. And now their grandmas. What the heck?

 

[Tuckins1]

Boobs are fun

No, seriously... I have no boobs, so cleavage isn't an issue for me. I wish I did have the option of wearing low cut, revealing tops or not. If it's low cut on me, would just see more of my white, freckly skin.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Boobs are fun

Boobs ARE fun!

I am slender built and don't have much in the way of hips, so wearing push-up bras make me feel sexy. Of course, I don't show too much if I'm going to a school function, but most of the time, I wear shirts that are meant to accentuate rather than hide it all under stuffy high neck shirts.

I could care less what anyone else thinks! What I do wonder is where everyone is getting their booby shirts for 30-50% off. Huh!

And FWIW, I almost always wear jeans and then regular shoes - flats or simple dressy shoes, not heels. I think balance is key.

Now, where is DF? I wonder if he'll ask for photos.

 

[soocool]

iLander, I am with you. When I was in high school, it was a huge no-no to show your boobs. Well that is when high schools had an actual dress code that was enforced. It is rare to see a high school girl who is not trying to emulate someone in magazines or tv who are toppling out of their tops.

BTW, I still like to keep my underwraps.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

If I'm wearing a low cut shirt, it's to show off my new PS pendant, not my boobs.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Okay, ladies, somebody needs to explain this to me, it's been bothering me for a few years now, and I don't get it:

What's with all the cleavage?

When I was in my youth, we didn't want people looking at our cleavage. We thought it was disrespectful and tacky. We thought it was anti-feminist for people to consider our bodies instead of our minds. We used to get angry when a man looked at our chest instead of our eyes.

But now I see a lot of cleavage on women everywhere. All ages, all builds, and I don't get it. I call them "discount shirts" because they are 30-50% off. It seems like women want everyone to look there?

What happened?

Do you show a lot of cleavage? Do your friends? Why?

I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but it's been bugging me since a lot of my DD's friends have been wearing discount shirts since they were 13. And their moms wear them. And now their grandmas. What the heck?

ETA - didn't get the discount joke! lol

 

[TravelingGal]

MC, I think iLander is calling them discount shirts, because they are 30-50% off. As in NOT THERE.

Tasteful hooter cleavage doesn't bother me. Hey, times have changed. I'm just grateful that butt cleavage hasn't taken off.

 

[ForteKitty]

i think she meant they're called discount shirts because they are 30-50% off... of their chest! hahahaa, i thought that was funny.

 

[junebug17]

Yes! This! I'm with you iLander, cleavage seems to be, well, in style these days. My daughter is 21 and I've been an issue with us for the past couple of years. My sister has the same issue with her daughter. My daughter is really pretty, and I don't want her attracting the wrong attention from guys. But I guess it's considered trendy and "in". Look at some of the gowns that are worn at the awards shows. And the outfits celebrities wear. And the clothing that's sold in stores. I was watching tv with my 86 year old mother the other night, and she turned to me and said "what's going on with all these plunging necklines?"

I don't know, I just don't get it. Showing cleavage just seems to be pretty acceptable these days. I just don't think it really enhances a person's appearance that much. It just seems, well, unnecessary. My daughter is getting away from it, but once in a while I find myself saying to her "K, I was trying not to say anything, but that shirt is too low cut!" She tends to think I'm over-reacting and doesn't really see it as a big deal.

ETA: I just read a few of the responses, and I guess I'm sensitive to this because I have a daughter, and I worry about the undue attention she may get from wearing clothing that's somewhat revealing. And I guess because I've always been pretty conservative in my dress, even when I was younger. It's kind of hard seeing your kid doing something you're not comfortable with, ya know?

Eh, maybe it's a generational thing. Or maybe I'm just an old fart!

 

[slg47]

haha MC I think iLander refers to these shirts as "discount shirts" because they are 30-50% off...meaning 30-50% less fabric.

iLander I am with you, I don't wear turtlenecks every day but I think showing excessive cleavage is really unbecoming. My parents have commented that they see this in the workplace and do not like it. The other one I don't get is all of the wedding dresses that show cleavage...save it for the honeymoon

 

[ForteKitty]

MC, I think iLander is calling them discount shirts, because they are 30-50% off. As in NOT THERE.

Tasteful hooter cleavage doesn't bother me. Hey, times have changed. I'm just grateful that butt cleavage hasn't taken off.

i've seen some hairy female butt cleavages.. and toe cleavages. not fun.

 

[stephbolt]

Okay, ladies, somebody needs to explain this to me, it's been bothering me for a few years now, and I don't get it:

What's with all the cleavage?

When I was in my youth, we didn't want people looking at our cleavage. We thought it was disrespectful and tacky. We thought it was anti-feminist for people to consider our bodies instead of our minds. We used to get angry when a man looked at our chest instead of our eyes.

But now I see a lot of cleavage on women everywhere. All ages, all builds, and I don't get it. I call them "discount shirts" because they are 30-50% off. It seems like women want everyone to look there?

What happened?

Do you show a lot of cleavage? Do your friends? Why?

I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but it's been bugging me since a lot of my DD's friends have been wearing discount shirts since they were 13. And their moms wear them. And now their grandmas. What the heck?

Just again, how have you concluded all the moms and grandmothers are buying discount shirts? Are you asking them where they're buying them and how much they're paying. An aquaintance of mine shows some skin and shops EXCLUSIVELY at high-end shops where she's spending $200+ per shirt and I know this for a fact because I've gone shopping with her!!!

I'm not offended by this thread but it seems to stereotype cleavagy woman as cheap tramps or maybe you're saying that a $200 shirt is a 50% off-type garment?

I think it's a joke - the shirt doesn't cover 30 to 50% of the chest so it's a "discount shirt."

It does bug me to see some of the things my younger cousins wear. I hate overly sexy clothes on preteens.

I certainly don't dress like a nun, but for work I believe in covering myself. Outside of work, I might occasionally be caught wearing a low cut top, but it's because I feel like it's more flattering to me, and not to the extreme where I'm risking a wardrobe malfunction. And if I'm wearing a low cut top, I won't also be wearing a short skirt - one or the other for me.

 

[TravelingGal]

haha MC I think iLander refers to these shirts as "discount shirts" because they are 30-50% off...meaning 30-50% less fabric.

iLander I am with you, I don't wear turtlenecks every day but I think showing excessive cleavage is really unbecoming. My parents have commented that they see this in the workplace and do not like it. The other one I don't get is all of the wedding dresses that show cleavage...save it for the honeymoon

I do not think ANY cleavage is OK in most normal workplaces. I say "most" because someone here will be offended if I say "all." Maybe in Hollywood it's OK. It always weirds me out to see a weatherwoman in a overly sexy outfit with her boobs spilling out on TV. But I guess it's what sells.

 

[TravelingGal]

btw, I think some women can't help it. They have big boobs and their cleavage comes up to their chin. Can't fault them for that.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Boobs are fun

Boobs ARE fun!



Now, where is DF? I wonder if he'll ask for photos.

yes,please SMTCleavage..

 

[somethingshiny]

I wear cleavage daily. I don't like anything close to my neck so all of my shirts are either v-necks or scooped. They don't necessarily show boob right from the start, but by the time I have a baby on a hip and a child by the hand, the shirt comes down and it just has to wait. When I'm out with DH, I always bring the cleavage. He likes it that way.

When I was working, I tried my hardest not to show cleavage, but with some of the shirts we were made to wear and the size of my breasts, there was no stopping it at times. In general, I think it's tacky to have cleavage at work. I also take into consideration when I'm going to be around lots of kids (like at JT's preschool today). I chose a sweater that gives the most coverage.

Honestly, if you have big breasts, cleavage is a part of life. Unless you're a fan of turtlenecks, it's gonna happen.

 

[slg47]

btw, I think some women can't help it. They have big boobs and their cleavage comes up to their chin. Can't fault them for that.

I disagree...if you have a properly fitting bra and shirt I think you can look appropriate. Not all styles of tops will work on all body types though!

 

[TravelingGal]

btw, I think some women can't help it. They have big boobs and their cleavage comes up to their chin. Can't fault them for that.

I disagree...if you have a properly fitting bra and shirt I think you can look appropriate. Not all styles of tops will work on all body types though!

I don't have big boobs so I'll take your word for it. It seems like it could be challenging though.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

MC, I think iLander is calling them discount shirts, because they are 30-50% off. As in NOT THERE.

Tasteful hooter cleavage doesn't bother me. Hey, times have changed. I'm just grateful that butt cleavage hasn't taken off.

Hahaha oops, didn't get that one. I was too busy posting photos of my boobs on random websites.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Yes! This! I'm with you iLander, cleavage seems to be, well, in style these days. My daughter is 21 and I've been an issue with us for the past couple of years. My sister has the same issue with her daughter. My daughter is really pretty, and I don't want her attracting the wrong attention from guys. But I guess it's considered trendy and "in". Look at some of the gowns that are worn at the awards shows. And the outfits celebrities wear. And the clothing that's sold in stores. I was watching tv with my 86 year old mother the other night, and she turned to me and said "what's going on with all these plunging necklines?"

I don't know, I just don't get it. Showing cleavage just seems to be pretty acceptable these days. I just don't think it really enhances a person's appearance that much. It just seems, well, unnecessary. My daughter is getting away from it, but once in a while I find myself saying to her "K, I was trying not to say anything, but that shirt is too low cut!" She tends to think I'm over-reacting and doesn't really see it as a big deal.

ETA: I just read a few of the responses, and I guess I'm sensitive to this because I have a daughter, and I worry about the undue attention she may get from wearing clothing that's somewhat revealing. And I guess because I've always been pretty conservative in my dress, even when I was younger. It's kind of hard seeing your kid doing something you're not comfortable with, ya know?
Eh, maybe it's a generational thing. Or maybe I'm just an old fart!

Yeah, I can see the difference between a woman showing off some and a daughter.

ETA - looks like we have ourselves a 24-hour thread!

 

[rosetta]

btw, I think some women can't help it. They have big boobs and their cleavage comes up to their chin. Can't fault them for that.

I disagree...if you have a properly fitting bra and shirt I think you can look appropriate. Not all styles of tops will work on all body types though!

i also disagree. i have E cups and all the cleavage i ever want. but I don't have to wear a turtleneck to cover up, a well-fitted shirt and they puppies stay where they're told

 

[athenaworth]

I have fake boobs. They're not **** star huge, but they make me feel more proportional. I bet that makes me super tacky and slutty, doesn't it?

What I don't get is, what difference is it to anyone how anyone else dresses if it's not hurting you. If your 15 year old daughter is wearing boobie shirts, then by all means, put your foot down - you're still their parent, but if someone else is doing it and it offends you, then don't look. Easy peasy.

 

[Octavia]

Honestly, if you have big breasts, cleavage is a part of life. Unless you're a fan of turtlenecks, it's gonna happen.

TBH, I think that even though there's no cleavage showing, turtlenecks emphasize the chest area far more than shirts with a lower neckline.

As for why there's so much out there, well, that's what is in the stores. I don't particularly seek out cleavage-bearing tops, but I also don't have time to make my own clothes, so sometimes I end up in tops with necklines a little lower than I'd like. But it beats wearing nothing at all!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Honestly, if you have big breasts, cleavage is a part of life. Unless you're a fan of turtlenecks, it's gonna happen.

TBH, I think that even though there's no cleavage showing, turtlenecks emphasize the chest area far more than shirts with a lower neckline.As for why there's so much out there, well, that's what is in the stores. I don't particularly seek out cleavage-bearing tops, but I also don't have time to make my own clothes, so sometimes I end up in tops with necklines a little lower than I'd like. But it beats wearing nothing at all!

Yep, I've noticed often ladies wearing turtlenecks are wearing TIGHT ones (god forbid)!

 

[Dancing Fire]

just as i thought...all talk and no pictures.. ..time for my 2 hr nap..

 

[jaysonsmom]

I think people just flaunt what they have? I think if they are showing cleavage, that means they want you to look there because it's their best asset? I dunno, I've never had any cleavage to show.....but I wear a lot of shorts and short skirts in the summer because my assets are my legs

 

[athenaworth]

I think people just flaunt what they have? I think if they are showing cleavage, that means they want you to look there because it's their best asset? I dunno, I've never had any cleavage to show.....but I wear a lot of shorts and short skirts in the summer because my assets are my legs

If we were on Facebook now, I'd "like" this one.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I think people just flaunt what they have? I think if they are showing cleavage, that means they want you to look there because it's their best asset? I dunno, I've never had any cleavage to show.....but I wear a lot of shorts and short skirts in the summer because my assets are my legs

If we were on Facebook now, I'd "like" this one.

I'm offended by legs. Not acceptable. lol

 

[Dancing Fire]

I have fake boobs. They're not **** star huge, but they make me feel more proportional. I bet that makes me super tacky and slutty, doesn't it?

What I don't get is, what difference is it to anyone how anyone else dresses if it's not hurting you. If your 15 year old daughter is wearing boobie shirts, then by all means, put your foot down - you're still their parent, but if someone else is doing it and it offends you, then don't look. Easy peasy.

how much did it cost?

 

[junebug17]

I have fake boobs. They're not **** star huge, but they make me feel more proportional. I bet that makes me super tacky and slutty, doesn't it?

What I don't get is, what difference is it to anyone how anyone else dresses if it's not hurting you. If your 15 year old daughter is wearing boobie shirts, then by all means, put your foot down - you're still their parent, but if someone else is doing it and it offends you, then don't look. Easy peasy.

Athena, first of all, I would never think you were slutty or tacky because you've had your breasts enlarged. That's not even the topic of discussion here. No offense, but you sound a tad defensive.

But look, we're just stating our opinions here. You're entitled to yours, and I'm entitled to mine. Mine is I don't think showing a lot of cleavage is a good look. But I agree that people can dress however they want. Doesn't mean I have to like it.