Self-Proclaimed Breast Expert Writes Guide to Cleavage
There's a lot of women who don't know about their breasts, expert says.
May 29,2007 —, 2007 -- Elisabeth Squires is a self-professed expert on cleavage, cup sizes, breast health and style. She has written short stories and a play, been featured on "Good Morning America," produced a Web site and recently published a book — all on the subject. In her research, she has probably seen more bare breasts than could be found at an '80s rock concert.
"Breasts are beautiful, powerful, nurturing, multifunctional," Squires said. "We see breasts all the time in society, but we don't talk about it."
Ever since she began her research, Squires has set out to change the way breasts are seen and talked about.
Her new book, "Boobs: A Guide to Your Girls," is described as a "humorous and informative owner's manual" of personal stories, known as "mammoirs," along with advice from fashion, health and medical experts on keeping "the girls" healthy and comfortable at every stage of life.
According to Squires, the book began as a short story, her original mammoir, and evolved through friendly, personal discussions and research with professionals.
"There's a lot of information that women don't know about [breasts]," she said.
For instance, according to Squires' research, many women don't realize that their breasts can change sizes up to seven times in a lifetime. No two women have the exact same sized breasts, even on the same body.
"Women come in all shapes and sizes," Squires said. "We're all different and unique, it's hard when we're forced to buy [bras] off the rack for our racks."
Much of Squires' informal research came from feedback and discussion featured on her Web site (www.booksonboobs.com), which was started in the spring of last year.
With no shortage of breast-related puns, the site allows users to post their own mammoirs, "mamorialize" their most beloved or despised bras in the "brasoleum," join the forum, answer a research-oriented questionnaire or explore the many, often humorous resources in order to educate themselves.
"There's one thing called the 'bounce-o-meter' that can predict how your 'girls' will bounce based on size and shape," she said, chuckling. "It's hilarious."
Squire hopes to make additions to the Web site soon, including a personal "[breast] journal" which would allow users to keep track of any breast-related appointments or simply express their thoughts or concerns.
Along with the book and the Web site, Squires also travels to speak about breasts to audiences like middle school students in health classes to educate them on a variety of breast-related subjects, including the history of breasts and the dangers of sexual harassment.
"Younger girls are developing and nobody discusses how that feels to them," Squires said.
She plans on writing another book, "Boobies," aimed directly at educating developing 8-to 14-year-old girls.
Recently Squires hit the national stage when she was featured on "Good Morning America" to discuss cleavage etiquette.
"When you have an asset you should show it," said Squires, "but appropriately."
Squires stresses wearing cleavage "for your age and place," especially in the office.
"You have to recognize that it is powerful and can be a distraction. Unless it's in your job description, it's inappropriate for the workplace," she said.
Despite having helped so many women, Squires does not want to neglect men.
Squires is considering writing an additional book, "Guys Guide to My Girls," to educate men on what they should know about breasts, bras and appropriate behavior around them.
For her, the most interesting part of writing her first book was the sheer volume of information available on breasts.
"Who knew there was so much to say about [breasts]?"