I love cleavage.I love a décolleté’ dress celebrating womanly wonders But, does cleavage belong in the professional work place?
Though divided, most agree that although cleavage in may be alluring, enticing and sexy one thing it is not is professional.
Well-endowed women counter with the woes of finding tops that cover, especially the petite or short-torsoed. Though certainly a challenge, it doesn’t change the perception. In a professional work environment most are uncomfortable with cleavage finding it distracting, disrespectful and inappropriate.
Certainly there is more freedom of cleavage in creative fields such as advertising, fashion and P.R, but in conservative offices such as law, finance, education and politics cleavage is viewed as distasteful and impolite.
It’s been touted that average American cup size has increased in recent years, and at an earlier age. As our budding youth gain attention and appreciation socially, they are sometimes unprepared for the professional mammary mindset when joining the work force. Overt cleavage flaunting has traditionally been viewed as over-compensation for lack of ability or intellect. A bait and switch maneuver. Cleavage-baring at work may gain more attention but with it, less respect.
For some, cleavage is power. It has the power to attract and distract. But with all power comes responsibility. When in doubt as to how much to reveal at work, remember to dress for the people who pay you. Mirror your company’s dress code. If cleavage isn’t in your job description don’t bring it out.
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Carol says:
“As a woman with cleavage, it's sometimes a real hassle to make everyone else feel comfortable. Besides wearing turtlenecks in the summer, it isn't easy to find cool clothes that accommodate a bigger bust. I have camis in every color to wear under anything a little low. I'm convinced that the women that a little cleavage showing bothers, don't have any to worry about. “
Nick says:
“Work place cleave is so not right. Save your club shirts for night time.”
Nancy says:
“Age appropriate is also an issue. Cleavage with crepey skin is creepy.”
Sharon says:
‘If you have a bigger bust its difficult not to show a bit of cleavage unless you wear a very high neck, and then you look all matronly! I wear cotton camisoles under a lot of dresses if its not appropriate to flash a bit of cleavage - but a bit never hurts - its industry specific too - I wouldn't do it if I worked in a financiers office - you should see here in Asia - boobs, legs, backs - all out!’
Pamela says:
“A little is ok, but this is the midwest and we don't do that a lot unless you are 25 and want to marry your boss...”
Ruthie says:
“Not interested in seeing cleavage in the workplace! Cover up and do your job.’
Barbara says:
“I was at the dentist's office the other day and it was big cleavage and a tatoo on it. It screamed look at me! Out of place.”
Bill says:
“I just saw it in a meeting yesterday. It was distracting -- even for me -- and made me wonder if she thought she was at the bar or at work. And she had plenty to work with.”
Steven says:
“A lady always uses the 'compact test'. If it's longer than a compact case - you're showing too much.”
Barbara says:
“I used to work with a girl who was very large chested. I won't hold that against her, but she always wore T-shirts with scoop or V-necks. Even if she had worn a rounded or square neckline it would have been better. She clearly liked to flaunt it. I thought it made her look cheap. “
Wanda says:
“After having them hang around all these years I would gladly get rid of them! Besides the majority of men only look at them or talk to them and never talk to you.”
Alice says:
"I worked with a lady that it was soooooo bad (everything was very tight, low for shirts, high for dresses and everything sticking out) that our department mandated a dress code. It also looked like she was wearing her teenage daughter's clothes.”
Jodi says:
“[My workplace] has a strict dress code policy. It would not be allowed and any person sporting it would probably be sent home.”
Anita says:
“I'm not FOR workplace cleavage....and frankly, I don't have any myself. But honestly folks, it's really hard to find modest tops in the stores these days, especially for women who are short waisted. Everything is cut down to there....”
Lori says:
“I vote no. It would be too distracting, for one thing. And, im-modest. “
Tracey says:
“Coming from someone who deals with this on a personal level, I think it is distracting for both sexes, and inappropriate regardless of the workplace. For me it implies someone who is just looking for attention and not realizing that that attention is actually negative in most cases. It is often difficult to find tops that aren't cut correctly, but that is because alot of things have been designed to be layered and are meant to have a cami or tank underneath. Just my humble opinion.... ;-)”
Garrett says:
“I think it depends on weather it's tasteful or not (and there are certainly a lot of cases of "or not" running around outside) as well as the nature of the business. For example, in a high-volume, heavy competition face-to-face marketing environment, you'd probably want to grab every possible edge whereas in a funeral parlor, it wouldn't be appropriate at all. In a casual design studio, maybe a little is fine. And at Deja Vu... well, what would THAT be w/o it???”
Tammy says:
“I am a woman who has an abundant chest, I'm also 5'3, so most clothes are indeed made for someone taller. Some shirts/dresses look good with a cami under and some simply look better without a layer and/or a line across the decollete. I believe in tasteful, not too much, the right bra underneath... I am sorry if it anyone! I work at a salon that is tasteful and professional. I see some people who show some and people who show none. The hardest part for me is that I am short and have large breasts, so some people get this idea that I have to "show them off" by wearing clothes that aren't loose or drape-y. I look quite stout if I don't wear clothing that accentuates my figure. Speaking out on behalf of the voluptuous : ) I like the "not longer than a compact" idea. Hilarious to think of having it be *longer* than a compact at work! That WOULD be too much in my humble opinion .”
Kristyl says:
I think it should be measured according to the "line" the cleavage leaves visible to others. For instance, 1 inch = acceptable, 2 inches = a little daring, 3 inches = too sexy for work.
Tammy says:
“I freakin' love that we can relax enough in the salon to be able to enjoy cleavage on lovely women of all shapes and sizes! That appreciation of beauty is why I love this business and didn't love the corporate, stiff world. I am "sexually harassed" by my co-workers (typically female or GAY) and I love that too. Whew! The valley, the crevasse, the tunnel, all silly possibilities to be accentuated.”
Trish says:
“It's all about the environment. I'd love to say that because I'm in video production it's much more open. However, I'm in video production at a Fortune 100 corporation. That's not the place to be flauntin' it. The are so many ways to dress and accessories to show your femininity and beauty. A camesole hides the sexy, sexy. I like to flaunt my knowledge and know-how at work.”
Joann says:
“Obviously it depends on the work you do .... sometimes a little cleavage goes a very long way!! The fit of the bra makes a huge difference and since about 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra....that could be the problem. A wardrobe of bras is important....you really shouldn't be wearing a very low cut bra with everything..even if ... See MoreVictoria thinks so! If one just wants sexy cute undergarments...a good place to wear them often is at home where they can really be enjoyed!! Proper bra under different garments usually will display the proper cleavage...Cleavage is a beautiful thing in the right situation!”
