During ancient times, the female form was often admired. This view lasted until the Victorian era. Art often showed women with breasts, partially or completely bare. Even religious art, like the Sistine Chapel, included bare female breasts. During the Victorian era, art freely displayed seminude women. Society also accepted women's clothing that revealed much of their breasts. For centuries, full, voluptuous breasts were fashionable. However, in North America during the 1920s, a flat, boyish figure became popular. This trend did not last. As brassieres became popular in the 1930s and 1940s, women's breasts were once again enhanced. In the latter half of the twentieth century, female breasts became highly idealized.
Two cultural icons, Playboy magazine and the Barbie doll, fueled this fascination. Playboy shaped men's views on sex and the female body, particularly the breasts. This promoted the idea that young, firm, large breasts were the ideal. Barbie, with her large breasts, represented the figure that young girls were taught to desire. Men knew what they wanted, and women knew it too. Advertisements reinforced these ideals. Media, such as television, cable, and the Internet, became a huge part of the lives of North Americans. One message was clear: sex sells, and young, large-breasted women sell best. The female breast became a symbol of female sexuality.
Despite the women's movement, calls for equality, and protests against sexual harassment, many women still worry about breast size. About one million women get breast implants each year. Most of these surgeries are elective, meaning they are not due to mastectomies. Instead, they are for breast augmentation. Many women dislike men's ideal image of the female breast, which they feel unable to achieve. Nevertheless, they still try to achieve it.
Not all cultures share North America's view of the female breast. Many cultures respect the female breast, especially when breastfeeding, for its beauty and purpose. In Western Europe, topless beaches and public baths are common. In some African cultures, women rarely cover their breasts.
Genes determine the general appearance of breasts. But, other factors within your control affect breast health. These factors include pregnancy, breastfeeding, diet, stress management, and exercise. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consider how those times affect your breasts. Understanding these changes can reduce fear and build confidence.
