Facebook Pixel
Q: 

Should I wear a bra all the time?

By August 29, 2008 - 2:20pm
 
Rate This

I know this sounds like a really odd question but when I was growing up, wearing a bra all the time (including in bed) was considered unhealthy. I'm not even sure why!

Now that I have breastfed several children and am a grown woman, I read that it's actually good for breast support and to keep breasts as, well, perky as possible!

I tend to be more comfortable with as much support as possible and tend to always wear a bra (cute ones!)unless I am in the shower -or fooling around but I won't realy go there :)

Is this ok? Why would it not be?

Add a Comment24 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

The belief that you need a bra to prevent sagging is simply a myth. Your breasts have ligaments attaching them to your chest muscles. When you are wearing a bra you end up letting those ligaments weaken and in turn your breasts can sag MORE!

I recommend reading this article on bra's, and the link to cysts and breast cancer caused by wearing a bra for a long period of time. It also highlights the points I have made on sagging.

A lot of people find that after a few months of wearing no bra, or wearing a bra for as little time as possible, they find their breasts "perk up" as the ligaments strengthen.

http://www.breastnotes.com/aware/aware-bra.htm

October 4, 2008 - 3:22pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

"I recommend reading this article on bra's, and the link to cysts and breast cancer caused by wearing a bra for a long period of time. It also highlights the points I have made on sagging."
It's not the bra per se but the carcinogenic substances that accumulate in the breasts when lymph movement is restricted that is suspected in cancer and fibrocystitis of the breast. If we ingested no toxic substances at all, the bra would not have such bad effects. But even then, natural waste products are caused to accumulate and may not be good for the breasts - getting them out is why the "drainage" system is there to start with.

"A lot of people find that after a few months of wearing no bra, or wearing a bra for as little time as possible, they find their breasts 'perk up' as the ligaments strengthen."
Of course the breasts will never naturally be as high on the chest as a bra can lift them, even when one is a teen.

January 16, 2011 - 2:38pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I have a higher C cup, actually I am probably a D cup but don't want to admit it and I know that if I go without a bra, oh boy! I think everyone knows. I also love sports bras and tend to wear them more often than not. Mine tend to stay perky but as time goes on, I think we all will have the sagging.

One thing I wanted to share is what I heard on the Tyra Banks Show one time. She said that keeping lotion or moisurizer on your breasts will also prolong the dreadful sag.

Hope this helps.

August 30, 2008 - 9:46am

Perky goes out the door with pregnancy and breastfeeding; no amount of bra wearing will bring that back. All the same, a well-fitted brassiere (not to be confused with brasserie) will help support the mammaries and prevent excessive pull on the underlying chest wall muscles, while enhancing the girls (if that's what you're going for).

Personally, I like to go without a brassiere, every now and then. It was easier when I didn't have such a matronly figure. As a runner, I spent a lot of time in sports bras, which are very comfortable; but, I'm so happy to get out of them after my run.

If you need the extra support, wear a bra. If you want your girls to hang down around your knees when you're my age, don't wear a bra. Going without one every now and then will probably not be an issue; anything in moderation is usually okay. I think it depends upon your body, because some women simply cannot go without the support of a bra.

Guess it's up to you!

Read all you ever wanted to know about the history of the bra

August 29, 2008 - 4:29pm
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.

Breast Conditions

Get Email Updates

Breast Conditions Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!