I would say that I have relatively small breasts compared to most women I know.
On that note, I recently purchased a bathing suit for summer — and came across the same issue I have every single year.
The bra pads that come inside the swimsuit.
These strange, stiff, space-age-looking pads come with almost every bathing suit I’ve ever bought along with all the regular bras and sports bras I’ve purchased.
I understand how perhaps these pads might be useful to some women but, for me, staring at myself in the mirror with somewhat lopsided, larger-than-usual, and blatantly padded breasts doesn’t make me feel comfortable or the least bit appealing at all.
These pads seem to look the most awkward in bathing suits.
I’ve tried to make a go of leaving the pads in while wearing my bathing suit but it just doesn’t feel right at all. I’d rather have my breasts look more natural and a bit droopy than puffed up like an inflatable doll.
Not only that but, as I alluded to earlier, the temperamental pads rarely stay in place and that’s pretty obvious when you’re wearing them out in the real world or if you happen to — you know — get wet while swimming.
Standing around with one boob pointed one way and the other pointed in another direction is a visual awkwardness that I’m okay with skipping.
I can’t be the only one with this opinion. And I wonder about larger-chested women. Do they get irritated by the pads too? Are the pads just for smaller-chested women or women of ALL sizes? What is their purpose and do we really, legitimately need them?
I understand that these pads are made to be ‘removable’ for a reason. To be able to remove them if you want. (By the way — good luck getting them back in the right way after you’ve taken them out!)
However, I’m still curious about the practicality of bra pads.
In my internet search for the original purpose of the bra pad, I discovered that they are designed to ‘give the bust some lift.’
I suppose my question here is—are there any women out there who actually get any regular use out of these bra pads? Do they give you that ‘lift’ as intended?
I’m by no means flat-chested, but I can get away with only wearing a light sports bra a good amount of the time. When I was about 40, I got rid of all my fancier bras because they were getting increasingly uncomfortable. Many of the bras I had in my collection also came with those pads which I would immediately remove and throw away.
I have a whole drawer filled with unused bra pads. I reckon I could probably use them for — something…?
I’m comfortable with my breasts. At my age, I’m okay with wearing a bathing suit that plainly shows that I don’t have bigger breasts nor feel like I need to look like I do. I’m okay with not having that breast ‘lift’ like the manufacturers of swimsuits seem to assume I might want.
Other women may want that padded ‘lift’ or feel they need it for their reasons. That’s fine and totally their own business.
Sometimes, the fabric on the suit — especially when it’s a cheaper brand or wet — can make my breasts look a bit nipply without the pads. But finding a good bathing suit with a great quality fabric that isn’t see-through or even has an added layer of fabric inside usually does the trick.
I think the natural shape of my breasts is a lot sexier than the padded look. And more importantly — a hell of a lot more comfortable!
I’m okay with my breasts looking the way they do naturally without extra padding. They’re my breasts and that’s how they look.
Do you agree or disagree? Please leave me your thoughts or experiences with bra pads!
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