Lynn

Just curious....I was watching a Rick Steve's video and noticed that many European women seemed to go without! I know they are less uptight about nudity and the human body than we Americans are...what's the deal?

Sara

<BR>I am an American woman and I have not worn a bra ever since about 1972. They are the most uncomfortable things in the world and I have no idea why anyone would want to wear one except for maybe Dolly Parton.

John

If I was more prudent, I wouldn't touch this question, but then again, why not. My experience is that french women are built more like Audrey Hepburn than Dolly Parton. <BR> <BR>And they are less uptight about nudity than we Americans are, especially at the beaches. A good part of it is just comfort which Sara points out and has nothing to do with being risque. It is a sight to see and I don't mean for the obvious reasons. You will see women of all ages from small children to grandmothers running around topless on the beaches. And it is in a family envrionment, not just single women. So their children are exposed to nudity at very young ages and learn that it is very healthy and has nothing to do with sex. <BR> <BR>On that point, I think I will stop before digging a deeper hole for myself.

Caryn

Yes, they do wear bras. In fact, I tried to buy one in Madrid and the saleswoman was so helpful and ran all around the floor for me looking for one without lace. Unfortunately, she couldn't find one. The European women are more likely to go without and you wouldn't fell uncomfortable or stand out if you didn't wear one. <BR> <BR>I remember on my 1st trip to Europe that I noticed the Hungarian women in particular didn't seem to wear bras. I finally figured out why when I got so hot and sweaty that I couldn't stand to wear mine anymore and took it off. <BR> <BR>We may have the Bill of Rights, but in many ways, the Europeans are a lot "freer!"

Al

What a fascinating topic! Certainly worthy of scientific investigation, don't you think? In order to make a general statement, someone must volunteer to conduct a personal survey of a large body (no pun intended) of the European female population. My wife keeps me (even at 72) on a tight tether, so my services are unavailable. From personal observation, however, I would suggest that a large bit of the surveyed group wears -- or should wear -- industrial-strength bras of substantial material and should wash them more often. Other, more diminutive members of the group certainly appear to let matters drop. Or, failing that, will drop in time. As Gypsy Rose Lee said on one of her later birthdays, "I have everything I had 10 years ago, only two inches lower." Now... in order to conduct our survey, do I hear any volunteers?

RB

Nice to read some interesting responses, besides the obvious. I lived in Europe for a number of years and had the opportunity to adapt to French culture, to reach that point where their culture made a lot more sense than the American culture (the point being that there is no right or wrong culture, just what fits your current circumstances). <BR>One of my key observations of France as compared to the USA is that, as individuals, they express themselves more freely and seek, particularly the women, to have their own personal style. The notion of freedom among the French is more seated in one's individual expression, whereas, as a group they are more socialistic than Americans. <BR>Americans seem to me to be the opposite: as individuals we tend tosubmerge our individuality, to conform; whereas, as a group, we opt for much less government, much more local say in things, than the French. <BR>So what does this have to do with bras? Not a thing.

Robin

Lynn: <BR> <BR>I never gave this much thought, but since I'll be going to Paris next month I'll have to keep my eyes peeled. As for myself, I'd planned on packing a bra or two, then again, maybe I should save the space in my luggage? Despite everyone's agreement that Europeans are freer about bodies/nudity than Americans, aren't the very words "lingerie" and "brassiere" originally French words ??? <BR>

Catherine

I read a long time ago that French males think that the perfect breast fits into a champagne glass. <BR>I think that if a woman can fit a breast into one of those German tankards,she should definitely wear a bra.

Sara

<BR>Well I'm more of the tankard size myself. I'm normal weight but "well endowed" as they say (though not a Dolly Parton or anything) but still you can't get me to wear one of those uncomfortable things called bras that just dig into your flesh. I also gave up wearing underpants about 5 years ago (unless I have on pants with zippers that is, but I try not to wear those). They seem too confining also to me. Give me a loose flowing long skirt and that's comfort.

Jay Frank

Unreal ... <BR> <BR>Best I can tell, one of two things are likely: <BR> <BR>(1) You'll choose to wear a bra. <BR> Few people will notice. <BR> Fewer still will care. <BR>(2) You'll choose not to wear a bra. <BR> Few people will notice. <BR> Fewer still will care. <BR> <BR>

Tony Hughes

Well I have only been on this planet a mere 28 years so I am no expert BUT all the women i have come into contact with HAVE worn bras. Some had those really hard-to-remove double clip things on them, boy were they a challenge.

Al

Tony, I must presume that you used your fingers, not your teeth. Not a problem, son, not a problem.

wes fowler

To Al,whose delightful witticisms have made my day, I can only say BRAvo!

Rosemary

This discussion is hilarious. At 68 it is difficult for some of us to go braless. They get in the way when fastening our jeans. My husband thinks we all have too much time on our hands

Al

Great Heavens, Rosemary! Do you mean to say that they (or at least one of them) can get caught in the zipper? Zounds!!! With that kind of equipment I can get you a booking at Munich's Hofbrauhaus for a fortnight!! (See, this is a travel-related subject, after all!) : -

Rosemary

Al, <BR>Not the zipper, only the waistband. Sometimes gravity is hell! <BR>R.

Joanna

Wow, what a topic! Must say I didn't notice bralessness particularly in Europe, but then I usually travel in the spring/autumn when people are more covered up than summer. I think its a personal thing. Personally I could never go braless - I would end up with saggy, stretch-marked boobs : yuck! The not so well endowed are lucky, in my opinion. I would love not to have to.

matt

Two thumbs up for Sara and Joanna!

D. Spiegel

How about those sport bras? They're the only kind I've been wearing for some time now. Very comfortable -- no chance of those stupid straps from slipping, yet keeps me in place. Also, I gave up pantyhose two years ago. I either wear long dresses or pants. Now that the baby boomers are getting middle-aged, I think we're going to see a fashion trend here in the States towards more comfort.

Meri

Well, I was in Italy. I didni't notice bralessness; in fact, Italian women are better dressed than American women. <BR> <BR>But, at the beach, many women go topless. That's right; naked from the waist up. The general rule seems to be, the older the woman and droopier certain body parts are, the more apt the woman is to go topless. Pretty young women cover up. <BR> Just one of those things to wonder at.