Busted: Chest Size In The Office

Credit: Rolling Stone

Today I’m thinking about breasts–all the misery, anxiety, pride and power that come with them. I remember undressing by the pool at age 12 or so, secretly throwing glances at the other girls’ chests and nervously comparing my own. Did I have enough? Too much?

Many years later, I’m more often at work than by the pool, but the same questions of measuring up endure. Clearly I’m not alone. A New York Times story today claimed that throngs of A-cup women, proud of their small chests, are discarding padding for a more natural look.

Meanwhile, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that women are 91% of cosmetic surgery patients, and breast augmentation has been the most popular procedure since 2006. In the last ten years, the number of breast augmentations increased by 36%. Not exactly the picture of contentment.

The issue becomes particularly confusing in the workplace. For those who have, questions arise about how much to show. For those who have not, feelings of inadequacy or loss of sex appeal abound. Others who have too much struggle to appear professional rather than distracting. How can you win?

Former Citigroup employee Debrahlee Lorenzana typifies the busty woman who isn’t taken seriously in the office. She filed a lawsuit claiming that she was fired for being too good-looking. Despite trying to hide her curves with turtlenecks, she says she was reprimanded for appearing too sexy. On the other hand, I’ve spoken with women lacking in that area who worry their appearance projects “unwomanliness” rather than power. Some even accentuate other areas—legs or hair and makeup—to compensate. Of course, this can have the opposite effect and cause people to take you less seriously. Is there an office booby bias? Many are left wondering,

How much is too much?

Not to mention the mixed messages in the media. The pages of most women’s magazine solidify the ideal: Size 0 waist, size DD chest. The few times that I’ve really committed to regular exercise, I’ve rejoiced the loss of five or so pounds only to lament a noticeable gap in my bra. I didn’t want to lose weight there! Must we be skinny and busty?

Even women in Hollywood–often considered among the most beautiful in the country–can’t seem to satisfy beauty expectations. Kate Hudson, who for a long time flaunted her flatness, received waves of criticism after suddenly appearing fuller. Heidi Montag, who went under the knife to attain a G-cup, announced recently that she was miserable and will be going back to the doctor for a breast reduction.

For women, body issues are a way of life and are sure to get in the way at work. How can we move past this no-win situation? We’ve compartmentalized beauty into body parts.

Writer: Jenna Goudreau – Forbes
 

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