Cleavage – the sensual split between the breasts – can either be a source of pride or a point of frustration. Over the decades, society has developed a love/hate relationship with women’s cleavage; at times wanting more, while at other times hoping to make it go away altogether. Take a quick look at society’s flip-flopping view of cleavage:
Pre-1800s
Before the Victorian-era, women were all about creating breathtaking cleavage with laced corsets, boob-pinching bras, and deep necklines. Rich aristocrats were known to wear square-necked gowns that scooped as close to the nipple as possible. Everyone from Marie Antoinette to Queen Mary made sure their eye-popping cleavage could be seen by all.
The Victorian-Era
Puritanical ideals took over during the Victorian-era, shutting down any impulse to peek a lady’s cleavage. Women wore high-necked, button-up gowns that came right up to the chin. Showing any décolletage was considered shocking and could quickly ruin a woman’s good reputation.
1920s
During the late 1920s and 1930s, the ideal woman sported a flatter chest – much less curvaceous than the beautiful ladies from decades earlier. From flappers to fashionistas, the tom-boy physique became the rage, with women often using bandages or special compression garments to create a smooth, flat chest.
1950s
Everything old is new again – and this goes for cleavage, as well. After years of flat-chested fashion, big bosoms came back in style. Pin-up girls with exaggerated figures, such as Jane Russel, Marilyn Monroe, and Bettie Page, changed the beauty landscape. Women turned to new items, like the Bullet Bra, to accentuate the breasts and create deep cleavage.
1960s and 1970s
Bra-burning hippies eliminated society’s long-standing emphasis on cleavage, inspiring women to instead show off their natural breast shape. Soft silhouettes, under flowing blouses and dresses, emphasized bare breasts, not the artificial fullness once created with shapewear.
1980s
Gym-toned bodies and colorful aerobic leotards shifted sexual stereotypes during the late 1980s. Hot television dramas like Dynasty and Dallas gave the world a dazzling group of women with exceptionally toned bodies and contoured shapes. While these ladies were often sexualized and exposed, a natural-looking breast was still the norm.
2000s
Along with the new millennium came curvaceous, hour-glass bodies of Anna Nicole Smith and Pamela Anderson. Women were not afraid to create their desired figure with help from an innovative Victoria’s Secret gel or pushup bra. Shapewear suddenly became much more comfortable and affordable. During the 80s, requests for breast augmentation procedures also rose sharply.
2010 and Beyond
Today’s lucky ladies are not afraid to go for whatever breast shape they so choose, without the limiting stereotypes of years ago. No cleavage, no problem! Both big boobs and small chests are considered gorgeous. Breast augmentation procedures are safer and more effective than before, creating natural-looking proportions that can improve chest fullness while staying true to each woman’s unique body type.
Find yourself wishing for more cleavage?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to change the amount of cleavage bestowed by Mother Nature, even with a breast augmentation procedure, as this space is defined by the sternum and the chest’s natural anatomy. However, if you are unhappy with the size, fullness, or shape of your breasts, it can be beneficial to talk with a board certified, breast augmentation specialist. Dr. Paul Vitenas has 30 years of experience helping women to achieve their desired breast shape. Schedule a confidential, free breast augmentation at Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery by calling 281.407.7428. At this time, Dr. Vitenas can go into detail all you can, and cannot, expect from a breast augmentation.