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, or as a part of cross-dressing. 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 regardless of gender.[12]

In sport, a male bra is often used by sporting clubs to evaluate players with real-time statistics. It contains a tracking device (similar to a woman's sports bra with a heart rate monitor) that detects heart rate, distance traveled, fatigue, and other statistics that a coach can use to evaluate a player.[13]

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. Cox, Therese Smith. (August 1, 2000) Charleston Daily Mail Men who develop breasts more numerous than people realize. Section: News; Page 1D.
2. Read, Genevieve. (July 15, 2007) The Mercury (Hobart) The curves men hate. Section: 1; Page 16.
3. Tober, Bruce (August 2004). "Boys With Breasts". BBC Four. Retrieved 2007-09-22.
4. Watrous, Monica (August 26, 2007). "A Masculine Taboo". Seattle Times. Retrieved 2007-09-22.
5. McGivern, Mark & Main, Jill (January 23, 2002). "Men Are from Mars..." Daily Record. Scotland. Archived from the original on April 28, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
6. brassiered: a complete guide to brassiere discipline Archived 2011-07-08 at the Wayback Machine
7. Brassiered Husband Archived 2007-02-02 at the Wayback Machine
8. "A Sports Bra for Men? YES!!". bigbustsupport.com. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
9. Timmons, Heather (29 May 2014). "It's not a man bra—it's a wearable technology optimization device". Quartz. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
10. Bumgardner, Wendy (July 26, 2007). "Men Who Need Chest Support". About.com. Retrieved 2007-09-22.
11. Enell Sports Bra: for men Archived 2011-05-01 at the Wayback Machine
12. Female Intelligence Agency: Men and bras