2020 was the year that forced most of us to stay in our homes. With millions of women being locked up in their houses to self-isolate, one common thing that women across the world welcomed was the opportunity to go braless. Women share a complicated relationship with bras. Most might agree that taking off your bra at the end of a long and hectic day is one of the most rewarding feeling, but for some that might not be true.
There are many conflicting reports about whether wearing a bra is good or bad for health. Here, we look at scientific evidence and explore what effect, if any, wearing or not wearing a bra has on a person’s health.
While a good, form-fitting bra can offer support and elevate a woman’s breasts, it can also be a cause of pain and discomfort. Several studies over the years have perceived that wearing a bra might not be necessary physically or anatomically and is not beneficial to health in any major way (i.e., keep the breasts young and healthy). While choosing to go braless is a personal choice, in the long run, there are certain changes that take place once bras are abandoned (apart from all the money saved). Going braless can be a rewarding experience.
Wearing a bra can often trap dirt and sweat against the skin of the breasts, which can lead to clogged pores and irritation, especially under the breasts. By going braless, the skin is able to breathe better and remain clear and free of any possible irritants, which may clog pores.
Wearing a bra for hours on end can feel constricting, suffocating and uncomfortable. Bras can reduce blood flow to the back and chest muscles, which can cause aches and pains. By abandoning the bra, a better circulation to upper body and be achieved. Not wearing a bra can also lead to better sleep quality.
One major reason due to which many women dissuade from forsaking their bras is that they are afraid their breasts will begin to sag without the extra support provided by wearing a bra. Female breast ptosis or sagging is a natural consequence of aging.
The rate at which a woman’s breasts droop depends on many factors like old age, gravity, skin elasticity, genetics etc. There is no scientific data claiming that wearing a bra prevents sagging.
Contrary to what is believed, several studies say that not wearing a bra greatly enhances women’s breasts. Long-term results of not wearing a bra have proved that more muscle tissue evolves to provide natural protection.
This is because the body needs to use the pectoral muscles against friction to firm up the breast tissue. So, going braless can actually strengthen the pectoral muscles in the chest to help support the breasts, ultimately giving them improved muscle tone and shape. While more research is needed on the same, not wearing a bra may be actually helping breast growth.
Many women are so habituated to wearing a bra that when they go braless for the first time, they feel completely exposed. But once accustomed to the comfort, going back to wearing real bras could be tough.
Women with bigger busts can experience shoulder and back pain if they don’t wear a bra for extended periods of time, while others who always wears one can feel ‘naked’ without them.
Sagging of breasts is a natural thing that most women eventually experience with old age, gravity, skin elasticity and several other factors.
All in all, wearing a bra depends on a woman’s breast size and her habits. For women with heavier bust wearing right sized bras can improve posture and prevent a lot of spine problems and back pain.
Wearing a supportive bra (mostly sports bra) can lessen the strain on the breast ligament while performing physical tasks like going for walks, working out or performing any strenuous activity. Other than putting a strain on the ligaments in your bust, there aren’t major science-backed health impacts of not wearing a bra.
Ditching the bra entirely or hanging on to the brassieres and taking a break from them periodically, it is a matter of personal choice. But it is advisable to give the breasts a break every once in a while, and relishing the many benefits of going braless.
