Do you think it inappropriate

[The Orchid]

Cultural upbringing really does make a difference. My parents are European immigrants, so I spent a good part of my childhood at European beaches visiting the relatives. Tops were pretty much optional at the beaches I visited as a kid. Some of my aunts and cousins rarely wore tops while sunbathing.

I am in my 50's and was just watching some home movies at my mother's house. I was at Jones beach in NY in the 60's, around age 6, playing in just a bikini bottom, no top. Nowadays, I can just imagine how the other Americans were looking at my parents back then having their 6 year old running in the waves topless But this was perfectly natural on the European beaches I was accustomed to playing on. Although, it was shortly after that my parents realized that maybe in this country, it wasn't such a good idea

So, that said, I think sports bras are perfectly acceptable and much more supportive and attractive than the midriff peasant blouses and hip huggers we wore in the 70's.

I wish Americans were more like Europeans. I get tired of how scared we are of skin. The problem is, Americans sexualize naked skin. If a man sees a woman walk down the street topless, he gets aroused. In many/most European countries, it's the sex act that is arousing, not naked skin. They think nothing of nude bodies, it isn't something to hide from, giggle at, or blush over and certainly not something to take offense at!

All that aside, a sports bra covers way more than a bathing suit top. Even the sports bras that are more "bra-like" cover more, and in a more secure way.

 

[ozarkmom]

I wish they were called something else like athletic top. No I don't think its inappropriate. That's what you see the women wearing in track meets. I have a good friend that runs all the time and when she's running around town or competing that's what she wears.

 

[redlight]

My first thought was what torch and pitchfork neighborhood committee member is sitting there typing in questions like this to message boards so they can pass some sort of bizarro obcenity rule for the neighborhood .

I asked because a friend of my mom's was complaining about it the other day.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

I asked because a friend of my mom's was complaining about it the other day.

She needs a better hobby than complaining about other women's ****s.

 

[lg3]

I asked because a friend of my mom's was complaining about it the other day.

She needs a better hobby than complaining about other women's ****s.

It is a valid question -What is the big deal in asking it?
Personally I think it depends on the coverage of the sports bra itself - some really do look like tops, others don't.
Semi OT: I also detest when women (usually teens) have their bra straps showing. Attention: IT DOESN'T LOOK GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! You look ridiculous as if you couldn't figure out what type of bra to wear with your outfit.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

It is a valid question -What is the big deal in asking it?
Personally I think it depends on the coverage of the sports bra itself - some really do look like tops, others don't.
Semi OT: I also detest when women (usually teens) have their bra straps showing. Attention: IT DOESN'T LOOK GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! You look ridiculous as if you couldn't figure out what type of bra to wear with your outfit.

Well, it's fun for the disboards.

I think it's really sad for real life that people care about stuff like this. Dress any way you like and enjoy yourself, and thank goodness we can, here.

 

[Scurvy]

Personally I think it depends on the coverage of the sports bra itself - some really do look like tops, others don't.

I agree. The type pictured on this thread are fine without being covered in my opinion - they just look like belly-baring tank tops. I don't think they are great to wear while you are out shopping or going to school, but for running or other exercise they are perfect. But I've seen some styles that look much more like actual bras, and I really think it isn't appropriate to be out in public wearing something that looks like a bra without another shirt on top.

 

[C.Ann]

No.. Actually it's less revealing than some tops I see women walking around in..

 

[Mrs.Reese]

I asked because a friend of my mom's was complaining about it the other day.

She'd probably get a kick out of what I wear to run. Little top with little shorts. It's Florida, August and I've got ten miles to run. I'm not wearing it to show-off. I wonder what she thinks of the beach....

 

[goofy!]

Sports bras look better than the Daisy Dukes and the short midriff tops of the 70's. This look has been around for ages, but didn't have "bra" in the name. Lots of skin with those midriffs and hip huggers!

 

[Deb in IA]

sports bra...as in

No...I don't think its inappropriate. Its hot! (hot in temperature, not as in sexy) lol

I would much rather see that than fat topless men with man-breasts.

So, no, that type of sports/running bra is not inappropriate at all.

 

[HOGFAN]

I hope not because Ive been out running in those for months and will continue to do so while it is hot.

 

[Aisling]

It's a BRA. A sports bra, yes......But the key word is BRA. Women wear bras UNDER their tops, not AS their tops. There is a reason is is called UNDERwear.

"A brassiere (pronounced UK: /ˈbræzɪər/, US: /brəˈzɪər/; commonly referred to as a bra /ˈbrɑː/) is an article of clothing that covers, supports, and elevates the breasts."

Doesn't say it's specifically underwear.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Heck no, jog away!