Brassiere

A brassiere or bra is a foundation garment for women which covers and supports the breasts. Bra types are quite varied, depending on style, function, and materials. Styles include front-closure, back-closure, strapless, convertible, push-up, demi-bra, full-cup, three-quarters cup, half-cup, longline, underwire, padded, triangle, soft-cup, shelf-bra, and T-shirt.

Brassieres and breast sagging

Breasts naturally sag as women grow older. Bra manufacturers, however, have promoted the belief that wearing a bra will help preserve the youthful shape of breasts. There are now claims that this is a misconception since some researchers have found that breast movement stimulates the lymphatic system and helps removes toxins from the body (see the external link below for detailed information).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

While a woman may choose to wear a bra for social reasons or comfort, there is no proven medical reason to do so. Neither is there evidence to support the notion that a woman's breasts will sag lower over her lifetime if she doesn't wear a bra.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

:"…wearing a bra…has no medical necessity whatsoever... Except for the women who find bras especially comfortable or uncomfortable, the decision to wear or not wear one is purely aesthetic--or emotional... If you don't enjoy it, and job or social pressures don't force you into it, don't bother."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

:Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book, by Dr. Susan Love

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some medical professionals believe that wearing a bra can actually increase breast sagging later in life. This is because the chest muscles that support breasts are used less and atrophy from lack of use, just as our leg muscles are weaker if we do not run regularly. Health benefits of breast sagging have also been suggested but not substantiated.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~