Handbra
A handbra is a technique wherein a woman, typically a model or actress, prevents the viewing of her areolae by covering both breasts with her hands.
Modern Prevalence
The handbra gained iconic status with Janet Jackson 's appearance on the cover of the September 1993 issue of Rolling Stone magazine. This cover became one of the most celebrated photos ever taken of a rock artist. Rolling Stone named it their "Most Popular Cover Ever" in 2000.
The handbra was the subject of a pointed parody advertisement for "Holding Your Own Boobs Magazine" performed by Sarah Michelle Gellar and Will Ferrell on the May 15, 1999 episode of Saturday Night Live.
The handbra technique is prevalent in lad mags, such as Maxim and FHM, that prominently feature photos of scantily clad actresses and models.
Uses
The handbra technique is common in television, movies, and advertising to imply nudity or topless-ness without actually revealing nudity, which could result in censorship or unwanted ratings.
The handbra tactic allows models to appear topless while avoiding potential stigma of nudity. This stratagem is useful for:
- actresses who seek to maintain a professional reputation as a family-friendly celebrity or an igénue by shielding herself to preserve her modesty,
- non-nude models, who modus operandi is to appear as suggestive and sexual as possible without being strictly naked, or
- Underage models, for whom it would be illegal to pose nude or topless
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