Do large Breasts affect Self-Esteem?

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Replies

  • AglaeaC
    AglaeaC Posts: 1,974 Member
    So many women in correctly sized bras... *wipes happy tear*
    Hmm, the awful thing is that I started out by thinking I'm 90C whatever that is in US sizes, then got measured, and learned that in a specific brand in a particular model I'm 80F. Their other models would have me measured very differently. And - here's the fun part - another brand has the same boobs in a totally different size ratio. I hate bra developers.

    This this this this this!! We hear so much about being measured correctly. By all means use this as a start but the only true way is to try a bra on - see if it fits right. If it doesn't try another size (band too big/too tight, cups too small/too big etc).
    http://images.figleaves.com/uk/images/eng-gbr/navigation/fit_book/bra_fit_book.pdf

    (My last bra I bought was a 32GG UK sizing - but I don't think it'll be long before it is too roomy. I'm probably more of a 32G/30GG at the moment depending on the brand.)
    Another figleaves user here, they are too expensive in the store.

    The challenge in my case isn't big boobs but the cup wire length, which has to be open enough to support the whole breast. Apparently I have wide breasts... So far I've found two models that fit and I just don't have it in me to go looking for new models (can't stand shopping for clothes), so I've purchased the same type over and over in different colours. Luckily it is a hot enough lacey number not to feel frumpy or boring.
  • seltzermint555
    seltzermint555 Posts: 10,740 Member
    Perhaps I'm naive...but I think it is just very extreme cases, generally, that get the kind of kneejerk reaction OP seems to be talking about...like a petite and/or slender figure with DD or above, where people are staring and jealous/catty ladies instantly whispering "Do you think those are even REAL!?" (rude)

    When you're 5'8" and 250+ lb, DD cups just fit your body and no one pays much attention unless you dress to show them off or expose them. It's kind of like being 5'3" 135 lb with a full B cup. Big, sure - but not BIG.

    I am finding though, now that I wear a size 10/12 it is a bit trickier to dress myself. Some dresses my size just don't have the space in them for DD chests so I have to be careful or risk unwanted exposure, same with scoop necklines since I am pretty active and don't want to show the world my bra or cleavage on a regular basis.

    I've never felt like I was getting unwanted attention or judgment based on my chest though. Maybe because I am just a fairly dorky kind of woman...fine by me. I feel plenty attractive and plenty sexy to my mate, which is what counts!
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
    So many women in correctly sized bras... *wipes happy tear*
    Hmm, the awful thing is that I started out by thinking I'm 90C whatever that is in US sizes, then got measured, and learned that in a specific brand in a particular model I'm 80F. Their other models would have me measured very differently. And - here's the fun part - another brand has the same boobs in a totally different size ratio. I hate bra developers.

    This this this this this!! We hear so much about being measured correctly. By all means use this as a start but the only true way is to try a bra on - see if it fits right. If it doesn't try another size (band too big/too tight, cups too small/too big etc).
    http://images.figleaves.com/uk/images/eng-gbr/navigation/fit_book/bra_fit_book.pdf

    (My last bra I bought was a 32GG UK sizing - but I don't think it'll be long before it is too roomy. I'm probably more of a 32G/30GG at the moment depending on the brand.)

    Oh absolutely, sizing changes between brands (and definitely between US to UK to various Euro or Japanese brands), but there's far too many women still stuffing themselves into 36Bs when they should be 32FFs, etc., so it's a good method to at least get properly fitted/measure yourself and go from there!

    I'm in the same boat as you, sort of. My 30E-FF bras all still fit-ish... but on the last hooks. Lost 1" off my bust, but also 1" off my underbust. Guilty of being in the wrong bra right now :sad:
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    I don't find guys are that bad for looking (some will but most are pretty considerate). And small boobs get looked at too so... I think it has more to to with how revealing the woman's top is (tight, low, sparkly, transparent) which is entirely her choice and she therefore controls her own self esteem.
  • Autk79
    Autk79 Posts: 286 Member
    I have no problem with my big boobs. I always joke that I wouldnt know how to walk if I didnt have them. I like curves.

    BUT
    Its very hard to find shirts/dresses
    I can wear the same bathing suit as my bff that is a size C at the waterpark but I get the horrible looks like I asked God to give me FF boobs
    I did have back problems and got a reduction and got pregnant 8 months later and they grew back. But back problems are gone


    But there a part of me and Im ok with it :smile:
  • Wookinpanub
    Wookinpanub Posts: 635 Member
    I had some side moob action along with regular moobs but for many years I thought the side moobs were the just extra skin/muscle since I use to do a lot of lat pull downs years ago. I guess I was refusing to accept reality. Not until I was a few weeks into my current journey I would flick the side moob and see it jiggle and realized it is fat.
  • CarolinaGirlinVA
    CarolinaGirlinVA Posts: 1,508 Member
    Thought of something else...unless duct tape is involved, I can not take a picture of my bare back without some sort of side boob peeking out. I think I have a really nice back too! :sad:
  • jnichel
    jnichel Posts: 4,553 Member
    Thought of something else...unless duct tape is involved, I can not take a picture of my bare back without some sort of side boob peeking out. I think I have a really nice back too! :sad:

    Let it stick out sister! Be proud of what you've got. :drinker: :laugh:
  • Tinyfigure
    Tinyfigure Posts: 575 Member
    I have large breasts. Sometimes I like myself, sometimes I can't stand myself. But I can never cover up and just pretend they don't exist.
  • _KitKat_
    _KitKat_ Posts: 1,066 Member
    If I didn't have mine, my hips would be too out of proportion for my body. With the weight loss, I am happy to have lost some of my bewbs....they seem to shrink in relation to hips and waist so far....


    At my smallest weight I am still a D cup or slightly larger so to me those are mine when small. It would be nice for button ups to not open between buttons, or for a button up to frame cleavage in a way that makes it so people look me in the eye without needing to be directed away from them.

    I can go braless in some outfits but it would be nice to get away with some outfits that I just can't pull off.


    and running :grumble: arms must be crossed or very uncomfortable and in a tank top I have managed to flash a little old man while running across a parking lot (tank had built in bra, didn't matter) :noway:

    As for self esteem, a bigger me in general makes me unhappy but I don't pay much mind to my boobs. Except when going out, in the right outfit those things turn heads. So my confidence is based on much more than my boobs.

    Eta:
    Halter dresses work best for mine in summer dresses
  • ehuschka
    ehuschka Posts: 47 Member
    The only time I have a problem with it is when I have to dress professionally.

    I'm 5'3" and have a full 34D, no "its almost a little big" here..(Which FYI means my boobs are about eye level with anybody sitting down.) Wearing any shirt that is close to fitted is considered unprofessional, and button downs are also out because they gap unless I safety pin in between every boob button.
    Makes me a little uncomfortable because I am constantly meeting new people that I have to receive respect from (I audit their hospitals). And it tends to make me dress frumpier then I otherwise would.

    But, I love my boobs.... as long as I can cover them in a (tight on the boobs) t-shirt.
  • SusanL222
    SusanL222 Posts: 585 Member
    I'm not really sure what OP's motivation was for creating this topic, but I'm glad to see how the conversation is going!
  • QueenBishOTUniverse
    QueenBishOTUniverse Posts: 14,121 Member
    My biggest complaint at the moment is that I can't buy tops that fit my body AND my boobs at the same time. If it fits my mid-section, it's too tight on my boobs...if it fits my boobs, it's too large on my mid-section.

    Pain in the *kitten*.

    ^^^ I think this is one that upsets me the most about my DD's-- not being able to just simply buy fitting clothes makes shopping 10x harder. Prom dress shopping was the absolute worse! My latest upset was buying a bikini from Old Navy just 3 weeks ago-- the bottoms fit but I didn't have time to try on the top so I bought a XL-- there still wasn't enough fabric to cover appropriately.

    I've learned to shield my eyes when the bikinis come out at Target. Year after year I'd try on the biggest size they carried and it was like putting a bandaid on a basketball. Just not enough coverage.

    http://www.barenecessities.com has swimsuits based on bra sizing. Currently up to 70% off. That's where I get mine; far better quality than target or old navy and offer actual support.

    *does happy dance* Thank you! I now have two new bras and a new swimsuit on the way. I've been wearing the same bras since last summer, they were still working, sort of..... but I was dreading the expense of replacing them with trimmer versions.
  • jnichel
    jnichel Posts: 4,553 Member
    I'm not really sure what OP's motivation was for creating this topic, but I'm glad to see how the conversation is going!

    Hell, even as a guy, I've learned enough to know that I need to hug my wife as soon as I get home. :drinker:
  • tristan299
    tristan299 Posts: 2,537 Member
    No, my self esteem shot sky high when i seen large breast'. I think it's myself esteem.
  • QueenBishOTUniverse
    QueenBishOTUniverse Posts: 14,121 Member
    I'm not really sure what OP's motivation was for creating this topic, but I'm glad to see how the conversation is going!

    Hell, even as a guy, I've learned enough to know that I need to hug my wife as soon as I get home. :drinker:

    Admit it, this is only so that you can squish the boobies.
  • tristan299
    tristan299 Posts: 2,537 Member
    Sorry I was getting self esteem mixed up with testosterone.
  • cakebatter07
    cakebatter07 Posts: 814 Member
    I have big boobs, very big boobs lol, and I never let it affect my self-esteem. It only affects you if you let it.
  • jendayih
    jendayih Posts: 8 Member
    I would say yes, more or less sometimes. Before I had my first baby boy, my breasts were fairly large, but nice and round. Then towards the end of my pregnancy they started sagging (and getting bigger. I went from a 32 DD to an 34 G) and not getting so nice and round. Now that I'm nursing they've completely just...flopped. I mean, they don't sag to my belly button or anything, but they are definitely not as nice and supple as they used to be. I love being able to breastfeed my little guy, but somedays I just want to cry because my boobs have started going south! I don't know why, the only person who sees them are my husband and my 7 month old haha. Ugh....the things that happen to your body after having children!
  • 20Grit
    20Grit Posts: 752 Member
    Take it for granted? :laugh:
  • amaysngrace
    amaysngrace Posts: 742 Member
    No, but having little to no breast, like I do, does. I wish I could get implants, but I don't like the idea of having to replace them every 15 years. A one time purchase would be just fine, but having to pay the price for maintenance, I will pass on.
  • ChelseaWelseyKins
    ChelseaWelseyKins Posts: 272 Member
    I feel like breasts that are proportionate to their body is PERFECT. Everyone wishes for bigger boobs (unless you have giant boobs..) :)
  • BlondeButtercup127
    BlondeButtercup127 Posts: 750 Member
    Doesn't affect mine!
  • riirii93_
    riirii93_ Posts: 475 Member
    I would not know cause mine are small but my push-up bra sure as hell does
  • TX_Thundercat
    TX_Thundercat Posts: 2,437 Member
    I have big boobs, very big boobs lol, and I never let it affect my self-esteem. It only affects you if you let it.

    :flowerforyou: Hehe...
  • Maitria
    Maitria Posts: 439 Member
    Honestly I really do feel for large breasted women. The stereotypes they have to face are ridiculous.

    Average sized girl wears a tank top, cool. Large breasted woman wears a tank top, she'll get called a slut to her face. For something completely beyond her control. Other people sexualize breasts and then put that on someone else.

    They are a collection of fatty tissue. They say nothing about a person. And what a dumb thing to judge someone for.

    :heart:
  • dhall2011
    dhall2011 Posts: 209
    It definitely can. Some days it feels like I have to choose between dressing frumpy and being treated with respect. Most days I just don't think about it anymore.
  • sixout
    sixout Posts: 3,128 Member
    I came for big boobs, I'm leaving disappointed.
  • cincysweetheart
    cincysweetheart Posts: 892 Member
    My breasts are the best things I have going for me! They make it so my shirts hang off my boobs rather than my stomach! They make it so I can get a "Damn Girl!" (the good kind! ) from a boyfriend (currently single though). I am okay with them getting smaller only if they stay proportional! I have 2 sisters that are flat as a pancake, but my grandmother was more Dolly Parton-esque. So, I have hopes. As far them getting the attention rather than me… I keep my girls properly covered and in a bra that fits, therefore I don't worry about that.
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