Male bra
Male bra – also known as a compression bra, compression vest, or gynecomastia vest – refers to brassieres that are worn by men. 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 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.[8][9]
Although some bras for men have been developed, they often differ only superficially from their female counterparts.[10][11] There is sometimes no medical necessity for men to wear bras, and the same considerations for and against apply to both genders.[12]
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 fetishism
- Breast binding
- Breast reduction
- Growth hormone treatment for bodybuilding
- Klinefelter Syndrome
References
- 1 2 Cox, Therese Smith. (August 1, 2000) Charleston Daily Mail Men who develop breasts more numerous than people realize. Section: News; Page 1D.
- ↑ Read, Genevieve. (July 15, 2007) The Mercury (Hobart) The curves men hate. Section: 1; Page 16.
- ↑ Tober, Bruce (August 2004). "Boys With Breasts". BBC Four. Retrieved 2007-09-22.
- ↑ Watrous, Monica (August 26, 2007). "A Masculine Taboo". Seattle Times. Retrieved 2007-09-22.
- ↑ McGivern, Mark & Main, Jill (January 23, 2002). "Men Are from Mars...". Daily Record. Scotland. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
- ↑ brassiered: a complete guide to brassiere discipline
- ↑ Brassiered Husband
- ↑ "A Sports Bra for Men? YES!!". bigbustsupport.com. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
- ↑ Timmons, Heather (29 May 2014). "It’s not a man bra—it’s a wearable technology optimization device". Quartz. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
- ↑ Bumgardner, Wendy (July 26, 2007). "Men Who Need Chest Support". About.com. Retrieved 2007-09-22.
- ↑ Enell Sports Bra: for men
- ↑ Female Intelligence Agency: Men and bras