Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that little bow in the middle of your bra is condescending

268 replies

Moomoomango · 29/03/2016 20:46

I got two new nursing bras today and noticed they both had little ribbon type bows in the centre cleavage.. I thought why on earth do I need a small bow between my boobs? Went to check all my other bras and every single one (even the most unsexy utilitarian bra) has a bow. Aibu to think a grown woman does not need a ribbon bow between her breasts? Or have I got too much time on my hands?!

OP posts:
AGnu · 30/03/2016 00:42

I hate bows too. I refuse to buy clothes with unnecessary embellishments but I can't avoid them with bras. They get chopped off as soon as I get them home!

RedOnHerHedd · 30/03/2016 00:44

Maybe it's so we know which is the front and which is the back. Some of us could get mixed up with knowing our boobs from our back boobs. Blush

houseeveryweekend · 30/03/2016 00:49

No YANBU I also find them really annoying... even on underwear that's supposed to be sexy or for a special occasion... I like actual ribbon on sexy underwear like those knickers that tie at the side and stuff but those tiny bows on bras just look ridiculous.... I think they remind me of the tiny bows that used to be on my M&S vests that my mum used to buy me as a child. They do seem sort of childlike. Like you need to twee up your genitals or something. Better cover all that stuff with bows! And don't get me started about use of cartoon characters like Minnie Mouse on grown womens underwear....... I was in H&M once and saw a thong with tinkerbell on it..... wtf.

MrsS1990 · 30/03/2016 00:55

I like it. Think it's pretty. Can never have enough bows or pink or glitter

madein1995 · 30/03/2016 01:02

Seriously? What a daft thing to get offended over. YABU, OP.

I have some bras that have bows on, some that don't. Can't say I've ever considered bows on bras before, so certainly haven't had to hunt the non bow bras down, they're out there if you want them. It seems like such a silly thing to get annoyed over, if you don't want a bra with a bow then don't buy it, no one is making you. If bows on your bra is the biggest problem you have then you must have a pretty easy life.

Honestly ladies, why waste your energy getting annoyed over bows on bras. If you don't like bows buy bras without them on. I really think you're overthinking the whole thing

SilverBirchWithout · 30/03/2016 01:11

I never thought about it before. Now I'm got another thing to be bloody irritated about. Thanks OP Grin

QueenofLouisiana · 30/03/2016 07:34

I get more annoyed by bras made with blobbly lace material which always shows under my clothes. Bows on smooth tshirt bras irritate me- why would I buy a very smooth bra and have a lumpy bow?

Other bras with bows don't bother me.

Catsize · 30/03/2016 07:36

Is it to tie your boobs together?

ingenvillvetavardukoptdintroja · 30/03/2016 07:37

Ha! I always cut mine off when I was a grungy youth, felt they were patronising!

SausageSmuggler · 30/03/2016 07:43

I don't like them either but I just cut them off.

MrsMook · 30/03/2016 07:53

now considering sewing bows on all of DS's pants and trousers to help him dress himself...

I shall save my ire for the infantile characters on most maternity nightwear. Another reason to keep my pregnancy days on the past... Grin

WanderingTrolley1 · 30/03/2016 08:02

I like hows.

PestilentialCat · 30/03/2016 08:02

I use the bow to get things centred then my bigger boob pulls everything to one side anyway

What annoys me about the bows is that often they twist round & end up at a weird angle, because they're attached at a single point like a button Hmm

splendide · 30/03/2016 08:02

I have never thought about this before and it is a bit weird. I don't mind exactly but it's strange that it does seem to be an almost absolute of bra design!

whats4teamum · 30/03/2016 09:12

Last time I had a fitting at R&P the trainee brought a selection of bras one of which had a metal revolver, pistol, hand gun type charm in the cleavage.

Erm no thanks ....

SlinkyVagabond · 30/03/2016 09:17

Do you think the queen has them whats?
What's everyone's opinion on lace on undies then?

borntobequiet · 30/03/2016 09:18

The little chest pocket on your nightie is for your hankie, of course. Or is it hanky?

Sparklingbrook · 30/03/2016 09:22

Why do you need a hanky when you are asleep? Confused

I have slept on the bow issue and still can't summon up any angst about it.

leelu66 · 30/03/2016 09:24

I wear those no-underwire, sporty, 'As seen on TV' ones, so no bows. But I think bows are cute. I think they're meant to draw your eyes to the cleavage.

Wearing a proper, underwired bra is something I have to talk myself into these days.

Elle80 · 30/03/2016 09:26

Bows are patronising AF!

gotthemoononastick · 30/03/2016 09:27

The bow helps my failing eyesight.
The bow still turns DH on.
We are in our twilight years.

borntobequiet · 30/03/2016 09:27

You might wake up and need to blow your nose/wipe dribble off chin/whatever. I think it's a thoughtful touch.

Sparklingbrook · 30/03/2016 09:28

I have a box of tissues on my bedside table. Grin

Trickydecision · 30/03/2016 09:32

During the years of the Commonwealth, i.e. Oliver Cromwell, the Puritans banned Christmas , football and bows on bras. Ye olde Marcus and Spenders were put in the stocks for flouting this law. They were so pleased when Charles 11 turned up that they have be-bowed their bras ever since in remembrance of their deliverance.

grapejuicerocks · 30/03/2016 09:33

Meh. Hadn't thought about this issue and won't again after this post. Unusually for me I have no opinion.