Am I Wearing the Right Bra Size?
We often forget the importance of choosing the right bra, but then we see the consequences: our skin suffers, and we can experience breast pain, discomfort when moving and even difficulty breathing. Are you wearing the right bra size? If you experience these struggles, then probably not.
You should check the fit of your bra. If there are empty spaces, it is too big for you, and if you notice that it leaves marks on your skin, it is too small. Choosing the wrong size can have a direct impact on the overall function and comfort of the bra, so it's not just about whether it looks good or not.
"There are several problems that may develop from wearing a bra that does not fit properly, including skin rashes from rubbing, or if the bra is too tight, pain in the breast or ribs due to bra tightness or the underwire not fitting properly, or pain due to lack of breast support," said Deanna Attai, M.D., an associate clinical professor of surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.
The most common mistake
When it's time to go shopping, some people seem overwhelmed. Many times they are more inclined to choose a pretty piece of clothing rather than something that is comfortable and well fitting. With bras, people tend to make other mistakes as well, such as not picking according to the activity for which they'll be wearing the bra or not buying the right size.
"Choosing the wrong size is the most common mistake. Research has found 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size," said Brogan Jones, a senior research associate at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom and head of the bra testing unit in the school's Research Group in Breast Health.
"For example, she may select a high-support sports bra for running, which is great, but if it is bought in the wrong size, it will not perform as well as it should and may also rub and chafe during the activity," Jones added.
What should a good bra have?
Not everyone has the same bra requirements, due to physical differences in size, shape and age. The bra should meet your individual requirements.
"The best bra is one that fits properly and provides a comfortable level of support. For some, that is an underwire bra; for others, it is not," Attai said.
"Someone wanting a sports bra has different requirements to a nursing bra," said Tracey-Jane Hughes, a bra fitting trainer based in Lancashire, U.K.
"In general, a good bra for everyday wear will have a band that can be adjusted around the rib cage and on the shoulder straps," Hughes said. "A good bra is one that fits the body and breast well with the cup supporting breast tissue and nothing pressing on the breast tissue, including seams of a soft cup bra."
Bra wearers must also remember that the size of their breasts may change during the menstrual cycle. Additionally, the bra changes due to washing and wear.
"We need to be able to adjust the bra to keep it firm and supportive for longer. A good bra will generally last fitting and supporting well for about six months," Hughes said.
Over time, breasts gradually change, too. "Am I wearing the right bra size?" may have a different answer as the years go on and you grow older.
"A mistake I see often is when a woman is wearing the same brand and size bra that she wore at a much younger age. Just like with other items of clothing, size and style may need to change as the body changes," Attai added.
Sports and bras
It is important to buy different types of bras depending on the exercise and activities you do and the support you need for each occasion.
"If engaging in vigorous exercise, a supportive bra can help to reduce breast discomfort because breasts are not moving excessively," Attai explained.
You shouldn't think that a super-tight bra is the right solution, either. Attai explained that not making sure of the fit can be detrimental and lead to increased breast, rib and muscle pain.
A good sports bra can help with freedom of movement, improving performance. However, if you choose poorly, it can have a negative impact, too.
"There has been evidence to show that wearing inadequate breast support can have a negative effect on sports performance," Jones said.
Some examples of these negative impacts include:
- An increase in perceived exertion, so exercise feels more difficult when wearing inadequate breast support.
- Increased ground reaction forces, meaning greater forces go through the lower extremities, which may increase the risk of injury.
- Increases in upper-body muscle activity. Muscles in the chest and back may need to work harder when wearing inadequate breast support, which may mean you fatigue more quickly.
- Decreases in stride length of up to 4 centimeters per stride when wearing inadequate breast support, which, over the course of a marathon, could mean you feel like you've run an extra mile.
Let's talk about myths and truths
Over the years, bras have been erroneously linked to different health problems.
"It was thought that the 'compression' of the breasts by a bra might lead to a backup of fluid or an interference with normal lymphatic drainage, leading to an increased risk of cancer," Attai noted, however, "there are no credible studies suggesting a link between wearing bras and breast cancer."
Moreover, sagging—or ptosis, according to medical terminology—is related to a number of factors, including genetic makeup, use of hormone therapy, breast size, weight gain and more, Attai added.
Mainly, you must take aging into account, because the breast becomes fattier and less glandular, and fat is very susceptible to the effects of gravity. Another influencing factor is the gradual stretching of the supportive ligaments of the breast (Cooper's ligaments) during the normal aging process, according to Attai.
The main problem comes down to breast anatomy.
"It does not contain any muscle or bone within it, so its movement is not within our control like other areas of the body," Jones said.
'A good bra is one that fits the body and breast well with the cup supporting breast tissue and nothing pressing on the breast tissue.'
Wearing a bra may delay sagging in some women, but breast changes occur with age in most cases, even in small breasts.
Breast size, density and weight vary for each woman. Heavy breasts tend to move more, as well as put more pressure on the muscles of the chest, back, neck and shoulders.
"The main natural support of the breasts is the overlying skin, which is delicate and if overstretched can become irreparably damaged, [for example,] stretch marks. Even activity like walking or going down stairs can increase the strain on the skin beyond its natural limit," Jones said.
One of the main discomforts is breast pain.
"[It's] reported by women of all sizes and can simply be the result of not wearing a supportive enough bra," Jones explained. "Therefore, by not wearing a bra at all, breast pain may become more prevalent."
These days, many women have decided not to wear a bra. It's a very personal decision, but considering that each body is different, the choice may not benefit everyone. The important point is to choose the best option for you, one that satisfies your overall health and doesn't create major problems in the long term. Getting fitted for your breast size can make choosing the right bra size a whole lot easier.
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