Why Do Men Love Breasts So Much?
By: Hakima T A N T R I K A
Tags: Health, Relationships, Sexuality, Breasts, Men

Babe, have you ever wondered why breasts are so powerful and mesmerising? People around the world love them. But what’s the big deal?

We’ve seen the most disciplined men fall to their knees in awe. Not to mention magazines and calendars. It’s no secret that they make money using this part of the female anatomy. And with things like Instagram’s “no nipple” rule, the taboo and excitement is further fuelled. So what is it about breasts that’s so appealing?

Well, I did the research. Turns out, there’s an actual scientific reason.

Why Do Men Love Breasts So Much?

Anthropologist, Owen Lovejoy, has a theory. He believes that women have breasts to promote pair bonding. This is also why men have prominent penises, according to Lovejoy.

Another reason why men love breasts, according to Lovejoy, is because they are a signal of youth. It led men to believe that a woman was a good mate. Think about puberty, for example. During this time, an adolescent girl’s breasts begin to grow as she becomes ready to bare children.

And that elusive hourglass figure? Yep, men enjoy feasting their eyes on this kind of body shape. Why? Because it too symbolises fertility.

Interestingly, women with bigger breasts may be more fertile. This is because they have higher levels of estradiol in the middle of their cycle. And this hormone has the potential to increase fertility.

With this, men tend to love big breasts because it means a higher chance of becoming pregnant.

Some men also believe that big breasts equal a woman who is well-fed and ready to have a healthy pregnancy.

Breasts: Does Size Matter?

Speaking of breast size, does it really matter? A survey of 52,227 adults gives us a bit of insight. This study showed that 56 percent of men were happy with their partner’s breasts. It also showed that only 30 percent of women were satisfied with their own breasts.

Interestingly, this is also a trend with men and the size of their penis. Women are often satisfied with their partner’s penis while men feel it could be bigger.

Let’s circle back to breast size. It turns out that women in different phases of life have different concerns. As per the survey, many younger women believe their breasts are too small. Older women however tend to worry about their breasts sagging.

But, instead of lying down defeated, countless women take action. From plastic surgery to padded bras, women work hard to create breasts that they’re satisfied with. Inevitably however, it appears that breast size and shape isn’t all that important for many men.

Breasts: From Nourishment to Sexualisation

Let’s jump back to breasts as a sign of fertility. If you really think about it, the main function of breasts is to feed offspring, right? And during feeding, the hormone oxytocin is released. This hormone encourages bonding and feelings of safety and happiness. But how could something so innocent be sexualised?

Well, professor of psychiatry, Larry Young, has a theory. He says that the bonding between mother and child is translated to bonding in general. Men’s brains have been hardwired to see breasts as a means of bonding in general. The result? Babies and men love breasts!

And so, when a woman’s nipples are stimulated, by whomever, oxytocin gets to work. What does this mean for men who enjoy nipple play? A woman who’s filled with happiness and uninterrupted attention on him. This makes the man appear even more desirable. Basically, winning the lottery for a man.

But when is the switch made? When do boys start to see breasts in a sexual way as opposed to a source of nourishment?

According to Young:

“Evolution has selected for this brain organisation in men that makes them attracted to the breasts in a sexual context, because the outcome is that it activates the female bonding circuit, making women feel more bonded with him. It’s a behaviour that males have evolved in order to stimulate the female’s maternal bonding circuitry.”

Basically, a boy does not simply wake up one day with a sexual fascination for breasts. It’s more of an evolutionary unconscious pattern of thought.

Breasts: The New Butt?

Let’s look at a different perspective. Evolutionary psychologist, Jeanne Bovet, argued that the butt and thighs are the number one sign of fertility. And biological anthropologist, Bobbi S. Low, has a theory on this.

She believes that the butt has “evolved in the context of females competing for the attention and parental commitment of powerful resource-controlling males.”

This idea, according to sexologist Alfred Kind, has changed over time. He believes that breasts have similar properties to one’s buttocks. For example, they both store fat.

Interestingly, Kind argues that the obsession has moved from a woman’s butt to their breasts. He says this began when humans started having face-to-face sex. (It’s said that early humans would have doggy-style sex.)

Breasts: A Naughty Taboo

Evolution aside, there’s another reason why men love breasts so much. As I mentioned earlier, they’re a taboo! In many cultures, there’s a belief that a woman’s nipples are considered nudity. And this makes them even more attractive and sometimes fetishized.

A woman showing her breasts in public is naughty. It’s something that should be kept under wraps. Take Miley’s pasties and Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” in 2004, for example. These acts are scandalous. They’ve created an even bigger buzz and near obsession for breasts.

Bringing this topic to a close, I thought I’d end on a lighter note…

Top Five “Free the Nipple” Wins

To end the stigma and taboo surrounding breasts, many celebs have decided to “free the nipple”. Here are the top five occasions.

1. Kendall Jenner

In a gorgeous sheer white dress, Kendall Jenner proudly showed off her breasts. The event? A screening of “Girls of the Sun” in 2018.

2. Rhianna

In 2014, Rihanna stood boldly in a crystal-like dress without a bra. Peering through? Her breasts and nipples. Erotic, yet tasteful.

3. Miley Cyrus

Miley rarely disappoints when it comes to pushing the boundary. And this was no different in a 2019 photoshoot for Vanity Fair. In it, she rocked a chain-link top, exposing her breasts.

4. Anne Hathaway

Talented actress, Anne Hathaway kept things cool and classy in 2003. For “The School of Rock” premiere, she wore a sheer dress and a beautiful smile.

5. Nicole Kidman

Oozing style, in 2014 Nicole Kidman wore a see-through white dress with embroidery. She attended the CMA Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, and looked fabulous doing so.