Cleavage is the area between a woman's
breasts lying over the
sternum, and normally refers to what is visible with clothing that includes a low-cut
neckline. In some cultures, display of cleavage is considered aesthetic or erotic, and may be associated with garments with low necklines that expose or highlight cleavage, such as
ball gowns,
evening gowns, lingerie, and
swimwear. In these cultures, women have throughout history sought to enhance their
physical attractiveness and femininity, within the context of changing fashions and cultural-specific
norms of
modesty of the time and place. The methods practised in appropriate contexts have included the accentuation and partial display of breasts, including cleavage. In some cultures any display of cleavage may be culturally
taboo, illegal or otherwise socially disapproved.