For this week’s health talk, shikha duggal consulted experts to find out the pros and cons of wearing a bra and to know whether we really should be giving our breasts some respite by going braless.
Countless memes about the lack of requirement of wearing a bra for women — chap, for some of us women it really is no less than a health crisis. Research carried out found that nearly 46% of women ditched their bras at least once a week in the name of comfort, and almost two in five women spend up to four hours a day in discomfort due to their underwear. We really don’t want to be bothered by boob sweat! On top of that, they may be harmful. That’s why we consulted a range of experts to find out the pros and cons of wearing a bra and to ask whether we really should be giving our breasts some respite by going braless.
Dr. Atul Kumar Shrivastav, a senior oncologist from Dharamshila Narayan Super Speciality Hospitals, describes the agony as, “While bras provide support and comfort, excessive and prolonged use can potentially lead to certain health issues. One concern is that constant pressure and tightness from bras may restrict proper blood circulation, potentially causing discomfort, skin problems, or even breast pain! Moreover, wearing an ill-fitting bra can lead to shoulder and back pain, especially if the straps are too tight or the band is too loose.
Constantly wearing a bra contributes to reduced muscle tone in the chest area. This can result in weakened breast ligaments and potential sagging over time. To maintain optimal breast health, allow the breasts some breathing time by going braless at home whenever possible.”
But there are pros to it too. These are especially important for women with larger breasts, as the weight of the breast tissue can cause discomfort and even pain without proper support. Furthermore, wearing a bra can help prevent sagging and maintain the shape of the breasts over time. Without a bra, the breasts are more likely to experience gravitational forces that can lead to sagging and loss of firmness.
It can also result in premature sagging of the breasts. Some women may feel more confident and comfortable wearing a bra, as it can provide a sense of security and modesty. For those who prefer to go braless, it is important to ensure that they are still practicing regular self-examinations and routine check-ups to monitor for any changes or abnormalities in the breasts.
“Wearing bras is a personal choice that should prioritise comfort. If a woman is uncomfortable wearing a bra and wishes to forgo it, there are alternative options to consider. Choosing bralettes, soft-cup bras, or going braless at home can provide comfort while still offering some support. It’s important to prioritise proper breast hygiene to prevent skin irritation. Engaging in regular breast self-exams is essential, irrespective of bra usage, to detect any changes. Wearing bras with underwire has been a topic of discussion, particularly concerning potential health impacts and the broader context of female objectification.
Physically, underwire bras can cause discomfort and pressure and, in some cases, contribute to skin irritation or even blocked lymph nodes.The emphasis on wearing certain types of bras for aesthetic reasons may perpetuate societal norms that prioritise appearance over comfort and well-being.
This dynamic contributes to the broader issue of objectification, where women are often judged or valued based on their physical appearance. It’s important to promote body positivity and choice when it comes to clothing, including bras. Women should feel empowered to make decisions about what they wear based on their comfort and personal preferences rather than societal expectations,” adds the doctor.
Studies also estimate that more than 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. To make matters worse, 70% of us are wearing bras that are too small, while 10% are wearing bras that are too big! “There’s evidence that larger breast and cup sizes can be a contributing factor to changes in your posture, which in turn may lead to musculoskeletal pain. It’s important to note that scientific research on this topic is limited, and the following points are based on anecdotal evidence and clinical experience.
Chest expansion is compromised due to tight bras, which can make you a shallow breather, which in turn invites most of the deadliest diseases! A tight-fitting bra is predicted to be a potential risk for cancer. As it restricts the lymphatic drainage of the breast tissues, it builds up on the metabolites around it, posing an increased risk of cancer. The discomfort and pressure of wearing a bra all day might also have psychological effects, contributing to stress and body image issues for some people,” explained Dr. Palak Dengla, the chief physiotherapist at Aster RV Hospitals.
The band of the bra provides 80% of the support for the breasts. It should ideally lie just underneath the tissues. A well-fitting band should sit straight across your back and be parallel to the ground. Underwires can compress the chest and hamper circulation and breathing to a great extent. It can also chaff the skin.
If you do regular exercise, it’s important to have some support; otherwise, you risk damaging the internal structure of the breast. When you don’t wear a bra during a workout, your back, neck muscles, and trapezius are also going to have to work a lot harder to balance out your weight.
Dr. Sapna Lulla, a gynecologist from Aster CMI Hospital, shared, “Brassieres are important clothing, and women can’t imagine daily life without this garment, and its effect on our body’s image is indisputable. While this garment has umpteen benefits, it does have several side effects.
An ill-fitting bra can cause fungal infections, body acne, skin irritation and inflammation, back and shoulder pain, and restrict the growth of breast tissue. In certain situations, for a longer duration, it may cause unnecessary tension on the shoulder, causing irritation and leading to nagging headaches. Wearing a bra at night could negatively impact your sleep cycle as well! Women and men have ambivalent feelings.
For women with heavy boobs without any support, going braless may become uncomfortable, straining the back and shoulders.However, you can forgo wearing the bra at night and observe a “no-bra day,” which may give you a break from the uncomfortable feeling. However, one does have the liberty to choose whether to wear a bra or let it go.”
