Male bra

Male bra – also known as a compression bra, compression vest, or gynecomastia vest – refers to brassieres that are worn by men. Adolescent boys and middle-aged men sometimes develop breasts^[1][2] and the estimates of those with the condition are presented as a range "because the definition of gynecomastia varies and the method of surveying varies."^[3] Although there are options for treating gynecomastia,^[4] some elect surgery to reduce their breasts or wear a male bra.^[1] Male bras typically flatten rather than lift.^[5]

Men who choose to wear a brassiere may broadly be divided into two categories, depending on whether or not the brassiere is worn primarily for utilitarian purposes. Some men who have large breasts as a result of obesity or gynecomastia may choose to wear a brassiere to provide support for their breasts and to flatten their appearance. Other men wear bras for cross-dressing, for sexual purposes such as transvestic fetishism or feminization, or as a form of submission to their partner.^[6] Petticoat discipline may also involve male bra wear.^[7] Additionally, some male athletes – more specifically runners – may choose to wear a sports bra under their shirts in order to prevent a common medical condition called jogger's nipple, also known as nipple chafing. This condition is caused by excessive rubbing of wet sweat-soaked material over one's nipples. The condition, often very painful, can be prevented by wearing a sports bra.

Although some bras for men have been developed, they often differ only superficially from their female counterparts.^[8][9] There is sometimes no medical necessity for men to wear bras, and the same considerations for and against apply to both genders.^[10]

In popular culture

• An episode of the TV sitcom Seinfeld, titled "The Doorman", had the character Kramer invent a male bra, which he called a "bro," for Frank Costanza, who was said to have very large breasts. Frank initially decided to market the invention, but disagreed on the name, instead wanting to call it a "Manssiere," a play on the term "brassiere".
• An episode of the American animated television sitcom Napoleon Dynamite titled "FFA", featured Napoleon revealing that he is wearing a "men's action bra" in a cutaway in which he competes in a 'speed milking' contest.

See also

• Breast binding
• Breast reduction
• Growth hormone treatment for bodybuilding
• Klinefelter Syndrome

References

External links

• Men Wear Bras