How to Choose the Perfect Bra And Why Its Type Affects Your Breasts and Health
Underwire bras have metallic semi-loop wires in the lower part to support the breasts. They can also cause discomfort if the bra doesn’t fit you. Non-wired bras are usually made from soft cotton, so they’re softer on the breast and more comfortable than wired bras. In this article, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of every bra type, find out which is better, and whether you can live without a bra.
The pros and cons of underwire bras
Underwire bras are great because, thanks to their structure, they offer better lift and support. This is why they are perfect for women with bigger breasts but not so good for someone with smaller breasts.
Underwire bras have disadvantages too. The biggest one is that if it’s too tight, the wire may press too hard on your chest and ribs. In some cases, a tight bra can even change the shape of the breasts and lead to pain. Besides, underwire bras can cause irritation, red spots, and rash when worn for too long. Also, such bras are not good for teenagers nor for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Underwire bras and health problems
You might have heard that the wire blocks lymph drainage. This is why the toxins might not leave the body as they should, causing tumors. Fortunately, there’s no scientific ground to support this claim. Lymph continues to circulate the body, even if you wear tight clothes that are pressing on the body.
To prove this, a study published in September 2014 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention showed that no aspect of bra wearing, including bra cup size, recency, and the average number of hours/day worn, was associated with cancer. At the same time, it’s better not to wear underwire bras when breastfeeding because it can decrease your milk supply.
The pros and cons of non-wired bras
The first thing to mention is that a well-constructed, non-wired bra can support breasts just as well as a wired bra. Besides, it’s recommended for teenagers, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and also for women after surgeries.
But soft bras have their cons too. They lose their shape quickly because it’s less structured than in wired bras. And everyday activity and motion can move the cups and cause discomfort. Moreover, wearing non-wired bras can sometimes lead to saggy breasts. And women with bigger breasts need more support than non-wired models can offer.
How much a non-wired bra can support the breast shape
Non-wired bras can do it pretty well, but you should pay attention to the details of the bra and how it was made:
- The fabric should be thick and of high quality;
- The cups should be double-layered and pre-formed;
- The straps should be non-stretchy with adjustability for a good fit;
- Wide-supporting bands at the bottom are also a great addition.
Is it possible to not wear a bra at all?
Unfortunately, not wearing a bra or wearing one of the wrong size can change the look of your breasts and even lead to sagging. The right-sized bra can stop this process. If you wear a bra, the connective tissue of the breasts won’t stretch during the day, and the skin around will have the necessary support. This is especially important at an older age and if you have high-intensity workouts, like running or other exercises.
In your opinion, which type of bra is more comfortable: wired or non-wired?