Too Much BRAma and the Truth About Women’s Breasts & Link Up On the Edge #116
I am sure you are all well aware by now that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or more accurately, National Breast Health Awareness Month. One of my favorite companies, Ruby Ribbon, which specializes in developing comfortable and supportive alternatives to uncomfortable bras, has recently conducted a nationwide survey to discover women’s personal views, loves, and disappointments about their breasts and their options in bras. These survey findings are perfectly timed in conjunction with promoting breast health awareness this month.
Ruby Ribbon’s first annual “What’s Your BRAma?” survey reached 3,000 respondents who let us know how they really feel about their breasts and bras.
Here is the thing about bras and women’s breasts. Our breasts are a life sustaining force upon giving birth and they should be treated with the respect they deserve in that role. After child rearing has come to end, however, we are left with these annoying masses of fat and muscle hanging from the front of our bodies like pendulums that can entice with hypnotic effects. We love them, we hate them, we never quite know what we are supposed to do with them. But what I do know is this…the female breast was never meant to be confined and restrained and smooshed all up flat inside confining torture chambers crafted so devilishly from pretty lacy bits covered in flowers and bows. Oh, remember the days of puberty when those dainty buds begin to appear. What girl wasn’t excited to go shopping for her very first bra adorned with a pink bow right in the middle? I always think of that Who’s the Boss? episode when Tony buys the wrong training bra for Samantha. Does anyone else remember that episode?
Speaking of that, why the hell are our first bras called training bras anyway? What are we training for? A lifetime of discomfort and malcontent as we do the most unnatural things to make our breasts appear more natural…or so we think? Women’s breasts were meant to experience the freedom of hanging loose of these torture chambers. An example of this natural state of the female breast comes from a story that my grandfather used to tell…(*Note: I have never validated the accuracy or truth of this story. It could be completely false. But my grandfather told it with conviction. Whether or not it is 100% true, it still serves to illustrate my point.)
My grandfather was in the Navy and stationed on the Japanese island of Okinawa during World War II. His unit was living amongst the indigenous tribes of that island. The women in the tribes went topless. Always. It was their only natural way of existence. But alas, American sailors were afoot and natives must never offend nor tempt an American service member…because that will always result in some kind of trouble. So to prevent such temptations, such as sailors gawking at topless native women, a commander of the United States Navy took a load of military issued undershirts to the local tribal chief and demanded that all of the women in the community wear these undershirts. He apparently did not explain the reason behind this order (or it simply was not understood) because the next thing my grandfather witnessed was an entire tribe of native women wearing military issued undershirts (because they were told they must) except they had all cut two holes in the front to allow their breasts to hang loose and experience the freedoms they were accustomed to. Proving my point that women’s breasts were never meant to be confined. Bras are unnatural, not free hanging boobs.
Yet, sometime throughout the history of civilization, it has been determined that breasts must be contained…and here we are in 2018 still trying to find the perfect bra that offers comfort and support. However, it seems that we spend our entire lives on this wild goose chase of sorts, coming up short (and uncomfortable) time and again. Enter Ruby Ribbon with their award winning camisole alternatives to restrictive bras.
If you are interested, I have included the complete press release about the survey right here:
Ruby Ribbon Asks 3,000 Women “What’s Your BRAma?”
First Annual Survey Reveals that Women Think Bras Are The Worst
BURLINGAME, Calif., Oct. 11, 2018 — Just in time for “National No Bra Day,” which occurs this year on Sat., Oct. 13, Ruby Ribbon—the Silicon Valley-based intimate apparel company known for its revolutionary bra-replacement camisole—has released the findings of its first annual “What’s Your BRAma?” survey. With over 3,000 respondents, the survey is the first to allow women to get their true feelings about their bras “off their chests.”
Respondents – including general consumers along with Ruby Ribbon customers and independent sales representatives – were asked how they felt about their bras and their breasts. The data complements the mission of the National No Bra Day initiative, which happens yearly in October to call attention to National Breast Health Awareness month.
Your Bra: Friend or Foe?
The bra is not winning many fans. Asked how she would rank her bra, respondents rarely chose “Lover” (4%), “Friends” (14%) or “Acquaintance” (16%.) Rather, she is often “An Enemy – I wish I had never met her” (21%). Nearly half chose the response: “A Business Partner – I put up with her” (46%).
What do women really want in a bra? The data reveals that 92% of respondents rank support (49.25%) and comfort (43.37%) over practicality (4.63%), versatility (1.21%), sex appeal (1.14%) and color (0.39%) when choosing a bra. Nearly all (86%) said assistance would be helpful when choosing a bra, although in an open-ended question most said they typically do not receive adequate help. Although comfort is what they want most, when asked to choose one word to describe her bra the most popular term was “uncomfortable.”
The survey also showed that women who are uncomfortable in their bras take action. When asked in a multiple choice question what she does within 30 minutes of arriving home, as many women reported “taking off their bras” (52%) as “kissing their husband or child” (52%), while fewer “scanned the refrigerator for food” (38%). When choosing the FIRST thing that happens when entering the house, 25% said they take off their bras.
Their Bras and Bodies
Respondents shared how much they spend on bras, how they feel about their cup sizes and provided insight into their experiences with Breast Cancer.
Most respondents have cup sizes of C or higher (89%) and nearly two thirds (66%) reported having a D cup or higher. The majority of women (75%) have over 4 bras in their drawer and most (80%) spend more than $50 per year on bras, with 50% spending over $100 per year.
Asked if they were satisfied with their cup size, only 54% reported satisfaction. When asked what action they would take if they could alter their cup size, more respondents said they would reduce (29%) than enlarge (7%).
Ruby Ribbon’s survey also found that 45% of respondents have been affected by breast cancer personally or through a family member or close friend.
RubyRibbon: Supporting the Girls
These findings validate Ruby Ribbon’s mission to replace every bra in a woman’s drawer with wire-free products that provide support without a trade-off in comfort. The company has pioneered the use of performance fabrics and variable compression to create new products and product categories that deliver on this promise and has sold more than 500,000 of its flagship bra replacement Camisole.
“The findings of our BRAma survey show us that women are poorly served by the apparel item that is literally closet to their hearts,” said Anna Zornosa, CEO and founder of Ruby Ribbon. “They also show us that our vision of a world without bras is more relevant than ever. We’re committed to creating high-function and high-style wire-free intimates for women of all ages, shapes and sizes that ensure they’re not just well-supported, but comfortable, stylish and confident.”
The survey findings show that nearly half of all women have had breast cancer or have experienced it through a family member or close friend. Ruby Ribbon, in concert with its nation-wide network of Independent Stylists, is dedicating its October activities to the search for the cure. During October, the company will make donations for every Ruby Ribbon Event (virtual or in-person); for every new stylist who joins; and through the sale of Limited Edition items, of which the company will donate 10 percent of the sales.
The October special edition items include:
Lace Full Support Cami in Sweetheart Print
Lace Classic Cami in Sweetheart Print
Lace Demiette in Sweetheart Print, Blush, and Kiss
Original Demiette in Blush and Kiss
Bust a Move Tunic in Cherry Bomb
For more information, visit Ruby Ribbon. Or contact Ruby Ribbon Stylist, Carol Tsacoyeanes, directly. She will be more than happy to help you!
About Ruby Ribbon
“Ruby Ribbon is an apparel company, focused on intimates, that sells its products nationwide through a technology-empowered network of Independent Stylists. True to its mission of supporting all women, Ruby Ribbon’s award-winning intimate apparel and on-trend fashion are designed for comfort, style and fit. The company supports female entrepreneurship by enabling each Stylist to operate her own business. Ruby Ribbon is backed by leading investors including Trinity Ventures, Mohr Davidow Ventures and DBL Partners.”
What is your bra of choice? Or have you ditched the BRAma and gone natural and free?
And now your favorite posts from last week’s link up.
Jodie, Nancy, and Charlotte of Jodie’s Touch of Style are at it again with brilliant styling…this time with some gorgeous flat shoes for fall in How to Wear Flat Shoes for Women with Different Outfits.
Susan of Over 50 Under 20 shared some adorable fall outfit options and a funny story in her post, How I Spent Money “Shopping My Closet”.
Stephanie of Glamorous and Geeky shared a cute fall outfit option when you are still feeling the heat and humidity of summer hanging on in her post, A Fall Outfit for Warm Autumns.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.
40 Comments
Deborah Stinedurf
I absolutely despise bras…I’ve been known to take mine off under my shirt while driving home from work…lol!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my goodness, Debbie! You should try Ruby Ribbon camisoles! I think they may be exactly what you need!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna Shirley
I can’t tell that I love bras. But I can’t imagine to be without thous. If I had smaller breast – maybe. But absolutely not with my size. I love your grandfather story. o)
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Anna, thanks so much for sharing your bra story! I definitely need support of some kind and the Ruby Ribbon “braless” camis offer the comfort and support without an actual bra!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
Finding the right bra is so important and it’s the number one problem my clients have. They are all wearing the wrong size! Thanks for sharing all this info and loving all these beautiful pieces.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Kathrine, thank you for sharing your experience with women and their bra issues! Have you tried Ruby Ribbon at all or recommended it to clients? I love the smoothing and shaping effect of the camis especially under certain clothing.
xoxo
Shelbee
Carol Tsacoyeanes
Shelbee, Thank you so much for sharing all this history and BRAma survey information from the company I work for! You said it so well. 😊 Our no-bra camisoles are a comfortable and amazingly supportive replacement to bras. After working for Ruby Ribbon for almost 4 years and fitting hundreds of women of all sizes and shapes in our products I can say this with confidence. It also gives women the confidence needed when everything in the closet looks better!💃 Anyone interested may contact me directly. 860-205-2372 or order off my website.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Carol, thank you so much for all of your support and for introducing me to Ruby Ribbon! My Ruby Ribbon experience began with you and I couldn’t be happier!
xoxo
Shelbee
Susan
Shelbee, thanks so much. Have you tried any of the camisoles? Have you done a post on them before? Would love to read reviews.
http://www.overfiftyunder20.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Susan, thank you! I have written a few reviews on the camis and the demiettes. I love them! If you type “Ruby Ribbon” in the search bar on my page, it will bring to all of the posts I have written.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kim
Most of the time my bras don’t bother me. At my age now, however, I need to look for one that addresses back fat–oh my!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I hear you, Kim! The Ruby Ribbon camis absolutely smooth out the back fat! You should definitely look into them for that purpose! Thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Julie | This Main Line Life
Love the story about the native women…. that’s great. I hate bras too and never wear one when I’m at home. I think the teens of america have it right… my daughter really only wears those lacy little bralettes. Way more comfortable than underwires.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Julie, thanks so much! My grandfather’s story is one of my favorite stories of all time and I am glad that I had an opportunity to share it! That is how we make stories live on, after all. I do love bralettes, but they don’t give me enough support at all. Which is why I go for the supportive Ruby Ribbon camis when I want to ditch the underwire nonsense!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
I am going to sound like a dumb male hear but I found this very informative. Thanks for the information. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Nah, you don’t sound dumb at all, Patrick! While men may not need the information about bras so much, the information about breast cancer awareness is important for both genders since men are not immune to it. While the percentage is low, still 1 in 1000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. So it’s never a bad thing to be armed with information! Thanks for reading, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennie
This was a very interesting read and I loved the story from your grandfather! A few years ago I switched to Bali double support minimizer wireless bra and it has made all the difference. I still feel plenty of support without those darn uncomfortable wires. As much as I think it might be nice to go braless, my clothes look so much better on me when the girls are standing at attention!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jennie, thank you for reading and sharing your bra story with me! I agree with you completely that our clothing does look better when the girls are upright and stable! But that is only because we are conditioned that way…to think that’s what looks better, right? Those tribal ladies in Okinawa think there boobies look fabulous swinging free! And I am sure their men agree with them, just as our men like to see perky supported breasts! Well…they like to see more than that…but that is a topic for a different place and time!
xoxo
Shelbee
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies
I have a love hate relationship with bras – I adore pretty ones, but that feeling when you take them off at the end of the day – you just can’t beat that!! xx
https://www.passionfruitpawsandpeonies.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I think this love/hate relationship is common among many women, Maria! My boobs certainly look nicer all hoisted up and covered in pretty lace, but then the feeling of releasing them into their natural free state is so glorious as well! Thanks for reading and sharing your bra experience!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rachael Thomas
These bras and tanks are so cute! It’s hard to find a cute bra when you’re larger chested. I’m actually more comfortable wearing a bra than not.
Rachael
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks for reading, Rachael! I don’t like to be braless either because I am so large. I am definitely more comfortable with the girls lifted and supported than just hanging free. But the RR camis are an amazing alternative for support without the discomfort of underwire.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy Baten
I’m always pulling, hate it. What a story! Have a great weekend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks for reading, Nancy! I hate that moment in the day when I suddenly become very aware of the existence of my bra and then I start pulling at it, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tina von Tinaspinkfriday
Oh oh my bras hate me. A great “zwick zwack” every day. I think I need a camisole! 😉
Thanks for this post Shelbee! XOXO Tina
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh no, Tina! I don’t know what a zwick zwack is, but it sure does sound unpleasant! You definitely need a more comfortable option! Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
Is there a better feeling than taking your bra off at the end of the day? I think not! That said, once I found the right size, I was way less uncomfortable. It’s important to be properly fitted!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree with all of this, Cheryl! Once I found the correct size bra and started purchasing better quality bras, it was life changing for my level of comfort as well as my wardrobe. But I do love the RR camis under certain clothing items as well as a bra alternative.
xoxo
Shelbee
Rosie Doal
Such cute lingerie! Love the pink vest and black bottoms the most #linkup
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much for reading, Rosie! I love that a portion of the proceeds from these items is being donated to breast cancer research.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nailil
Bras are not a friend. And I can totally relate to some of the results on the survey.
Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Nailil, thanks for sharing your bra story! Have tried Ruby Ribbon before? You may love the camis as an alternative to bras!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura
I love the pink pattern in honor of this month! It’s a wonderful way to support breast cancer research too!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! I am hoping to add one to my collection to share on the blog with you all!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laurie
I can remember women burning their bras back in the 1970s. Whatever happened to that movement? (No pun intended!)
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I have no idea what happened with that movement, Laurie! Probably bras are too expensive these days to burn! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Liz Klebba
I’m the odd woman out. I love my bras. I can’t stand going without. I decreased in size with nursing our boys, and the change in shape and firmness means they flap about untethered. I also prefer not to feel the sweat building up between the underside of my breast and my lower ribcage. Most of the camis I try are either not supportive enough, or are too blinking hot to wear in our Georgia heat… I’ll have to give your friends Ruby Ribbon a look-see!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I hear you, Liz! I don’t like mine swinging free either nor do I appreciate the sweat fest that can occur in the recesses beneath free swinging breasts! Ruby Ribbon does have the demiettes which aren’t so bad in the heat, plus the fabric is moisture wicking!
xoxo
Shelbee
Alicia OBrien
There comes a time when I know a bra has worn out it’s welcome. There is no better feeling that I am fully supported than when I put on a new bra lol. Interesting reading the statistics and nodding along in agreeance 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Alicia, thanks so much for reading and for sharing your bra experience! I definitely am in need of some new bras. My existing ones are looking like they have definitely worn out their welcome. But gosh, they are so expensive! I have been wearing my Ruby Ribbon camis a lot more frequently now.
xoxo
Shelbee