The term male bra (or compression bra or vest or even Gynecomastia vest) refers to brassieres that are worn by men. Adolescent boys and middle-aged men who develop breasts (sometimes referred to as man-boobs or "moobs") are more numerous than many people realize[1][2] and the estimates of those with the condition are presented as a range "because the definition [of gynaecomastia] 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, muscular development,[6] 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. Petticoat discipline may also involve male bra wear.[7] Although some bras for men have been developed,[8][6] they differ only superficially from the female counterparts. There is no medical necessity for men to wear bras, and the same considerations for and against apply to both genders.[9] Another name commonly used for this garment is the "bro."[10] This appears to be a play on words that draws on its roots in romance languages, where the suffix "a" refers to a feminine object and "o" to a male object. It's also possible that the nickname "bro" came from the word used to refer to other males in camaraderie (or in reference to one's brother). An episode of the TV sitcom Seinfeld, called "The Doorman", had the character Kramer invent a male bra for Frank Costanza, who had very large breasts, which he had called a "bro". 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". It's possible the term "bro" originated from this episode.
References
- ^ a b 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) Sunday Tasmanian The curves men hate. Section: 1; Page 16.
- ^ Tober, Bruce (August 2004). Boys With Breasts. Channel 4. Retrieved on 2007-09-22.
- ^ Watrous, Monica (August 26, 2007). A Masculine Taboo. Seattle Times. Retrieved on 2007-09-22.
- ^ McGivern, Mark; Main, Jill. (January 23, 2002) Daily Record Men are from Mars ..
- ^ a b Bumgardner, Wendy (July 26, 2007). Men Who Need Chest Support. About.com. Retrieved on 2007-09-22.
- ^ Brassiered Husband
- ^ Enell Sports Bra: for men
- ^ Female Intelligence Agency: Men and bras
- ^ Lemonick, Michael D. (September 19, 2007). Men's Breasts: No Joking Matter. Time (magazine). Retrieved on 2007-09-22.
See also
- Breast binding
- Breast reduction
- Brassiere
- Growth hormone treatment for bodybuilding
- Klinefelter Syndrome
- Pituitary
