Like many girls, as a teenager I prayed every night for my boobs. I wasn’t fussy about size- I just wanted something to fill that training bra to make me feel “womanly” and because my best friend had them too. Mine literally grew overnight, around the time of my sweet sixteenth, and I went from nothing to a C cup within what felt like days. The growth didn’t stop there and in hindsight maybe I'd wished a little too hard because in my eyes and according to some stats I am now over endowed.
In South Africa the statistics say the average bra size is 34B, but in the same breath there is research suggesting 80% of women wear the wrong size. So surely we can’t be convinced the first one is accurate at all? I must admit as I look around at the women in South Africa I certainly find it hard to believe that the average is as they say. However, I’m not one to argue with statistics so I’ve just accepted that I’m apparently ‘well above average’ when it comes to my chest.
Over the years I have allowed myself to become empowered by my bosom, but as with most things in life it has it's downsides - quite literally - too.
Lets start with the simple task of getting dressed in the morning. Choosing the clothes to put on your back can sometimes be harder than you would hope. Go with a too floaty option and you run the risk of looking like a four man tent. But go with a crisp shirt and you have the war of the buttons to deal with. (Why is it that they always seem to take an explosive victory at the most inappropriate of times?)
Women of all shapes and sizes will probably agree that in the end little beats a T-shirt. The problem lies with picking the right one, especially if you have ample assets. Necklines are crucial. If you have a heavy chest and you go too high, then your breasts may look like they are swinging too low. But opt for a deep V and you leave too much on display.
So now lets say in the words of U2 that you have finally found what you looking for in you daywear, what about when it comes to working out? I struggle to find the pros of having big breasts when I’m running, cycling or just walking up a sweat.
I’ll be honest. A short dash across a busy road or a kick around in the garden with my kids can leave me feeling self conscious and weighed down!
I refuse to let it stop me from keeping in shape though. So I have to find the right bra to strap myself down for some high impact activity. I’ve resorted to doubling up to keep them from falling out during an energetic spin class.
Even low impact activities with an ample chest raise gravitational concerns. A downward dog during Yoga or just about any position where you find your head beneath your chest raises the fear of temporary suffocation or the less extreme of accidental exposure!
By 10pm - or whatever time you lay your weary head down on your pillow - you’d like to think you were safe from breasty dilemmas. But bed wear poses a problem for the well endowed too. You may go to sleep in a cute vest and shorts, or a cozy onesie (whatever floats your boat) but sleep on your side and you’ll wake up with creases on your chest that take all day to disappear, or catch some Zzzz’s on your back and your boobs will likely fall out the sides of the flimsy tank top that looked great when you were stood up.
Pregnancy only enhances the issues 'up top'! Carrying a child and then post baby life can be overwhelming, without thinking about how to contain your newfound E-cups. Then there is how to respond to the overwhelming number of people who assume that just because you have big breasts, you have enough milk to feed an army of infants. It doesn’t help that maternity underwear isn’t exactly known for being a confidence builder.
If my young children were ever asked what they loved about their mom I hope high up on the list would be cuddles. Because I have big breasts I double up as a very comfortable pillow. So this is a pro. Whether it’s a comforting squeeze to sooth post-tantrum tears or a snuggle on the sofa just - well just, because - those sometimes-bothersome boulders you heave around day to day suddenly have a new level of importance. They act as a comfy place to rest a small head!
I know there are a lot of cons here, but one simple thing all ‘above average’ women could do to curb the issues that come hand in hand with big breasts is finding the right bra. The right ‘over the shoulder boulder holder’ that not only fits but makes us feel sexy and confident. The right bra to allow us to wear that low-cut T and let us jump up and down about how good it looks afterwards.
The team behind Choose Me are proud to be the platform in South Africa that could bring your search to and end! We have teamed up with the best brands out there and are proud to launch with 15 of them to ensure you find the one that suits you! With a huge range of bras and panties to match we are confident you’ll be able to give big breasts a big thumbs up.
Check out just a few of our favourites to get you started!
Freya’s infamous Fancies collection bring a lighter look plunge bra providing full support. Offering cup sizes up to a G and starting from a 32C
Cate by Elomi is a beautiful 3 part underwire bra giving maximum lift and natural shape thanks to the side panels. Sizing starts at a 34E and goes up to a 46HH
A Chantelle best seller, available in over 30 sizes, the Hedona is a must have for everyday comfort and has a seamless finish making it perfect for wearing under tight fitting clothing.
For Sports try another best selling style from Freya. Sonic is an Underwire sports bra that offers you complete freedom of movement featured in a cool breathable spacer fabric.
