Dear Muses,
Pretty sure it hasn’t been an easy journey for you if you’re an IBTC. I know it hasn’t been for me. It’s only in recent years that I learnt to accept me and my body.
If you’re seeing this article, it means that you were probably looking for swimwear for your small or petite bust on the internet that brought you here. Well, you have come to the right place! Today I want to have a heart-to-heart about our itty-bitty journey. Let’s grab a cup of coffee (or tea, no judgement here) get comfy, and let’s dive in!
We've heard them all, haven't we? Mosquito bites. Ironing boards. Flatter than a pancake. These names, they sting with a kind of humour that's a little unkind, poking fun at our smaller curves. But can we just pause and ask ourselves: Why the harsh labels for our own bodies?
The society we live in definitely plays a significant part in this. Scroll through social media, and we're bombarded with images of ample bosoms setting the so-called 'chest standard.' It's a silent message, but it's loud and clear: size matters.
Then there’s summer. Like clockwork, I find myself searching for that mythical swimsuit that will do justice to my modest bust. But all I see is these images of the perfect body – bronzed leggy Glamazons with ample cup size that perfectly fill their skimpy bikini tops or one-piece swimsuits. It’s everywhere I look – all over Instagram, magazines, movies – you name it. But rarely for small boobs ladies like us. No food or diet can get us that so-called ideal physical beauty standard. Well not unless you’re willing to spend an exorbitant amount of money and go down the path of plastic surgery that is fraught with so many risks. Ever watched “Botched”, where Dr Terry Dubrow and Dr Paul Nassif fix plastic surgeries gone wrong. Yes, I admit these are extreme procedures, but what I’m saying is that breast surgery is very high risk.
Okay, back to what I was saying about swimwear brands. I get it. Who doesn’t like looking at beautiful looking females with flawless bodies in their skimpy swimwear. It’s marketing gold! But in reality, how many of us look like that? I know from experience, I usually either not buy anything because typically the smallest size catered for is B cup or if I buy something, they often come with exaggerated padding that is just not flattering. It’s these experiences that make me feel like I’m not enough. Okay, that does sound rather depressing. I must confess I don’t feel like this all the time. Some days I love my small bust. I can wear that low cut dress or dainty top without a second thought. But it’s those bikini days that makes me feel envious of those with ample bust size. It’s this emotional roller coaster I go through every summer – a weird mix of envy, frustration, and eventually, coming to terms with what I've got.
But here’s the truth: the 'perfect body' doesn't exist. Seriously. Those beauty standards? They change like seasons. It’s an ever-changing goal post. In the 50s, it’s Marilyn Monroe with her voluptuous hourglass figure, then in the 60s, the pendulum swung the other direction, and the focus was on the ultra-thin, androgynous look of Twiggy. In the 70s, it shifted to small hips and flat tummy like Farah Fawcett. The trend then changed from that to females with tall athletic figure in the 80s. Models like Elle Macpherson and Naomi Campbell dominated the catwalk and music videos; whilst in the 90s, the fashion ideal was Kate Moss who embodied the super thin waifish figure; in the 2000s, our magazine covers, and internet were dazzled by Victoria Secret girls. Fast forward to today, our beauty standards has reverted back to the hourglass and full curves with the Kardashians being the beauty ideal of many. You get the idea. Today's 'in' is tomorrow's 'out.' And guess what? We don’t need to conform to society’s standards now, do we? As members of the IBTC family / tribe / community, we need to step up our game and start challenging these absurd and unrealistic beauty standards. By embracing our smaller chests, we're not just saying 'No' to unrealistic ideals; we are also redefining our own definitions of beauty.
Loving our bodies is important, no doubt! But did you know there are also some pretty cool perks to having a smaller chest? Let's face it, gravity isn't quite as harsh over time, which is a nice plus. Plus, keeping our backs straight and avoiding neck and shoulder aches becomes easier because, well, there's less weight pulling us forward. Good posture is a game-changer, right?
Think about it: exercise becomes a breeze! We can run, jump, and conquer any sport without extra weight or discomfort holding us back. And that increased activity works wonders for our hearts and muscles. Oh, and those pesky rashes that sometimes happen under larger breasts? Not an issue for us!
Now, there's some talk around breast size and health risks. While studies suggest a slightly higher risk of breast cancer with larger breasts, it's important to remember that many other factors play a role. But even without diving into that, the benefits we've mentioned are more than enough reason to rock our smaller sizes with confidence – and that's just the tip of the iceberg!
And let's not forget about fashion! We can totally rock low-cut clothes without any worries about showing too much. Plus, there are so many amazing styles out there that look killer on all body types. Speaking of rocking it, who can forget all the amazing celebrities who own their small chests? Audrey Hepburn, a timeless beauty, and our modern-day stars like Natalie Portman and Keira Knightly – they're all proof that we don't need a certain cup size to be gorgeous. And guess what? These incredible ladies have not bowed down to the pressure to get surgery, even though they totally could have, especially in their line of work!
There’s undeniable triumph in choosing self-love over societal pressure, in celebrating the freedom and the distinct advantages our smaller chests afford us. Let our self-love be our guiding star, to lead us forward.
Together, I ask that we all celebrate our itty-bitty blessings. Remember you are beautiful, worthy and deserving to feel amazing in your own skin, no matter what the size tag says.
Call to Action: Now, let's go find you a swimsuit that makes you feel like the queen of the beach.
