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

[Moomoomango]

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?!

There are degrees in lingerie design?
And you learn that adding little features like bows makes them more expensive?

BTW, what do they teach about bra fitting?

Just moaning to dp about the cost of nice bras for my fulsome norks, he compared justifying the cost of a well fitting bra to justifying the cost of a properly fitted pair of trainers.

His feet compared to my norks have killed the mood a bit, I'm not sure bows can save it.

Jesus Christ it's a bow people. How is it condescending???? Get a life

nowayjose1

You realise this is MN?

Why are you even posting to complain about it?

A-ha! The people who struggle to find bowless bras are buying expensive bras, aren't they? Hence the extra parts which in my case I have not got*.

*(I apologise to Henry Reed.)

I am a man, but would side with Wdigin2this on this one. Bows are just cute, there should be more bows in the world! Bows on bras and knickers, yes please! Get your underwear looking as great as it can! (Sorry ladies who don;t like bows, but you can just snip them off…)

The idea that we "need" bows on our undergarments is condescending. Bows and unnecessary embellishments that show or make lumps under clothes are annoying. Why should that be the default position - the implicit assumption is that women MUST look cute and pwetty.

the implicit assumption is that women MUST look cute and pwetty
Nothing wrong with that.

The best bows are the ones on suspender belts. They are real nice.

A-ha! The people who struggle to find bowless bras are buying expensive bras, aren't they?

Not necessarily. My 30Es don't have bows. My 28F does. They are equivalent price ranges.

RandomHusband

Are you campaigning for bows in male underwear?

Way too much time on your hands!!!

My bra is bow-free!

Either that or I have it on backwards.

RandomHusband Get your underwear looking as great as it can!

That's a bit form over function, surely? Besides, I think many a specimen of undergarment would look less attractive with bows on. Just like many of their outer cousins do. I don't expect each t-shirt and pair of trousers you own features a bow apiece, eh?

Lweji

Another bright idea of mine bites the dust!

It might be fine having all these bows on things, but where does the woman keep her arrows?

I love the bows. They are so tiny and perfect!

Yes they do have degrees in lingerie design, it's known as contour fashion. Working in the industry taught me about the perceived value.
The degree teaches you how to design and make bras and knickers, they teach you about different wires needed, which fabrics to use.....
Bra fitting is an integral part of the course, i know how to fit one properly. We had to show our work on models so had to get the fit right.

Haven't read the whole thread but my suggestion is that if you don't like them get a pair of sharp scissors and cut them off. Not a major problem really.

Dexterjamesmummy

The key question is, do you add 4 inches or not?

And more to the point, do you know why most of the industry has such limited ranges?

We were taught to add 4 inches yes!
Do you mean limited as in only smaller sizes? If so it's a cost thing, bigger bras require more engineering basically. Stronger wires, thicker straps, more fabric and it all costs more money.

TaraCarter I would have bows on everything! I also get though that underwear is all somewhere on a line between functional and erm… bedwear. And that there's nothing with pitching your preference anywhere along that line.

Lweji not sure most men would stand for it. Imagine their faces buying boxers with a white bow astride the front of the waistband. Hilarious.

I just love bows on F underwear. Cute cute cute. But not for everyone.

We were taught to add 4 inches yes!
Ask for your money back, then.

I like bows and sparkly things on my bras - the prettier the better! If you don't like them, cut them off!

You can't just take scissors to a bra, that's like saying 'if you find labels itchy, just cut them off' - no, if you get it wrong the garment will unravel! Well, maybe not unravel, but something dreadful will happen (for the better endowed among us, the wiring will burst out, poke is in the eye, and we'll be thirty odd quid down).

I've decided bows are fine on knickers as they ARE useful for making sure you have them in the right way round. I have knickers with printed washing instructions rather than labels, and I probably would put them on back to front without the bows. DH has pants with a button on for similar reasons (although you'd think the whole, um, shaping and/or opening for male pants would be a giveaway).

Hate bows? Try Tittens!