Celivia,
It was me,Banjo, that questioned the difference in the nipples of humans and of other animals and asked why? Your mistake probably had something to do with that good WA red. I understand perfectly.

I also asked why it is that breast growth occurs in humans prior to her first pregancy and the breast still remain large after lactation ceases.

I would not question your knowledge of human milk production in relation of small breasts to those of large. All I can say is that in domestic animals the presence of a large udder indicates higher milk production. This is obvious in, say, breeds of cattle that have been bred for milk production or goats when compared to those that are bred for meat.

So whether it is correct or not, I think the attraction of breasts for males has a definate relationship to aassessing a females ability to nurse a child. I also think that males do not realise why we find larger breasts more attractive.

Poor Proxy, still has not got an answer as to why some women like to display their breasts, but i think Individual is right. Its a womens inbuilt 'desire to be desired'.

I think dress fashion follows on from that.

As a young woman, I was always a little embarrassed at the generous size of my chest. I rarely displayed more than the very upper parts above clothing!

Even so, I still had plenty of interest in my chest, as shown by men talking to my chest rather than my face!

I believe men are conditioned from birth to be attracted to breasts, whether they are 'on display' or not. It is nature's way of attracting men to mate with women.

As an older woman, I feel more comfortable showing a little more flesh, but I always believe in 'less is best'!

Dear Banjo,

I've done a little bit of research on the
web and came up with the following facts
for you:

1) Breast baring fashions, according to
one website have been traced to the 15th
century courtesan - Agnes Sorel, mistress
to Charles VII of France, whose gowns
in the French Court sometimes exposed one
or both of her breasts.

2) During the 16th century, women's fashions
displaying their breasts were quite common in
society, from Queens to prostitutes and were
emulated by all classes.

3) Similar fashions became popular in England during
the 17th century by Queen Mary II, and Henrietta Marie,
wife of Charles I, of England.

Today - women expose as much or as little as they wish.
Although most women as Suze stated - prefer the "less is
more" look, although it's an individual choice.
As Sophia Loren once said,

" Sex appeal is fifty percent what you've got
and fifty percent what people think you've got!"

Foxy,
Thank you for that. I just knew that you, being a lady of taste and style, would have information on the history of fashion in
your library.

So the bare breasted look was in fashion for three centuries, and no doubt existed in other European countries as well? Very interesting!

I had thought it was mainly in the upper classes as I assumed the lower classes (point 2) would be normally covered because of cold and protection from the manual work they did. Special occassion dress maybe?

Excellant quote from Sophia Loren. Now she would know. That lady oozed sexiness from every poure in her lusious body. Every young mans dream.

“So for all those women who though that men did not look after their health, we so do.”
Hehehe RObert- I’m glad that you’re so health conscious, just like me, with my red wine! I never knew that, about the health benefits of staring at breasts. I did read something similar, but not as much fun. Looking at pictures of ill people, e.g. people with the flu or with pox can boost your immune system! Hmmm… Poxy breasts must therefore be healthier to look at than foxy breasts?

Banjo, banjo, I’m sorry that I got your name wrong! No it wasn’t the wine, I must’ve been under the influence of my hair colour.
“I think the attraction of breasts for males has a definate relationship to aassessing a females ability to nurse a child.”
It sounds plausible, who knows what goes on in men’s heads, hehehe.

I think there is a place in Africa where mothers bind their daughters breasts, and even roll hot stones over them (which must be extremely painful!) as soon as the breasts start to grow. They figure that she’ll have a lower chance of being raped, if her breasts are smaller. I wonder what it does to her future ability to breast feed- I am afraid that if one kneads and rolls them with hot stones, the milk glands will become permanently damaged.

Another OUCH! Hasbeen and CJ… Piglets?
You’re right about convenience of breast feeding, Hasbeen. No need to sterilise bottles, and freshness and the right temperature always perfect!

That’s really interesting, Foxy. I have an uncle who had an art and framing shop, specialising in antique prints of European fashions, and old world maps. He recently sold his shop when he retired.