Bra or No Bra: The Truth About Long-Term Effects
Is it harmful to go without a bra for an extended period?
For those who wear bras, the feeling of unhooking them after a long day is incredibly rewarding. However, I didn’t experience that relief for over a year due to being able to work and socialize from home during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. This meant that I was fortunate enough to go braless during that time, except for when I exercised or ran errands (and even then, I sometimes went bra-free). Despite this, I couldn’t help but wonder about the rumors I’ve heard about the effects of wearing a bra, such as whether it prevents breast sagging or whether not wearing one trains your breasts to not need one.
Additionally, there are rumors of a link between wearing a bra and an increased risk of breast cancer. To find out if there is any truth to these claims, I researched what experts have to say about the long-term health effects of not wearing a bra.
Is It Safe to Go Braless for a Long Time?
According to Dr. Deanna Attai, a breast surgeon and associate clinical professor of surgery at UCLA, it is not harmful to go without a bra. However, let’s delve into each rumor to provide a more detailed answer.
Sagging
According to Dr. Attai, breast sagging or “ptosis” can occur with or without wearing a bra. This is largely due to the natural aging process, where the dense glandular tissue of the breast is replaced by fat, as well as the stretching out of supportive ligaments over time. Other factors like genetics, weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and smoking can also contribute to breast sagging, as noted by Dr. Sahni. However, Dr. Sahni suggests that wearing a bra may help reduce some of the sagging, especially for those with larger and denser breasts. Without proper support, micro-traumas can occur in Cooper’s ligaments, which may hasten the sagging process.
For individuals with larger breasts who wish to prevent or minimize sagging, going braless for prolonged periods may not be advisable, as it can lead to increased strain on the glands and overlying skin. However, the exact duration it takes for sagging to occur is uncertain and depends on various factors, according to Dr. Jacobs, chief of plastic surgery at Mount Sinai Downtown in New York City. For others, going braless long-term is unlikely to have a significant impact on sagging.
Training Your Breasts
The idea that not wearing a bra can lead to perkier breasts in the future is a common misconception, according to Dr. Sabrina Sahni, a family medicine physician, and women’s health expert. She explained that the breast is mainly composed of fat and glandular tissue, which cannot be strengthened in the same way as muscles.
Therefore, going braless doesn’t “train” your muscles to provide more support for your breasts. While strengthening the pec muscles in your chest through exercise can make your chest appear more toned, it won’t prevent the sagging of the breasts.
Breast Cancer
According to Dr. Sahni and the American Cancer Society, there is no evidence to support the claim that going braless or wearing a bra increases or decreases your risk of breast cancer. Many other factors come into play when assessing your breast cancer risk, but whether or not you wear a bra isn’t one of them.
Ultimately, the decision to wear a bra or not is a personal choice and unlikely to have a significant impact on your overall health, as stated by Dr. Sahni.
Is there anyone who should avoid going braless?
While going braless is generally a personal choice, some healthcare providers may recommend wearing a bra in certain cases. Women who experience breast pain or discomfort, whether related to ptosis or other factors such as hormone fluctuations, may benefit from wearing a supportive bra, according to Dr. Attai. Additionally, those with larger breasts may find a bra helpful for additional support and alleviating strain on the back, neck, and shoulders, says Dr. Sahni.
Back pain is a common complaint from people who go braless. For those with these concerns, finding a supportive and comfortable bra that fits their body shape is recommended.
Options other than going braless
While going braless might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there are alternatives to traditional bras that can provide both comfort and support. According to Cora Harrington, the founder of The Lingerie Addict, a blog dedicated to intimate apparel, there has been a shift towards soft clothing, including undergarments, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. People are opting for wire-free bras, bralettes, sleep bras, and lounge bras over traditional underwire bras for at-home wear, Harrington told Health. Comfort is the key factor when purchasing a bra for home wear. People want something that is comfortable and feels good but also works for video conferencing and everyday activities around the house, Harrington explained. For those who still want support, a sports bra can be an excellent alternative to an underwire bra, according to Dr. Jacobs.
Wearing a properly supportive sports bra can be as effective as an underwire bra in preventing ptosis in the long run for those at risk. Dr. Sahni also noted that wearing a supportive and comfortable sports bra as a daily bra is perfectly acceptable. It’s crucial to find a bra that fits well and feels comfortable to avoid dermatologic issues such as rashes or skin irritation. Dr. Sahni emphasized that finding something that fits well and feels comfortable is critical to preventing these problems.
The Bottom Line
In summary, the decision to wear a bra or not is a personal one as there is no evidence suggesting that either choice is beneficial or harmful to your health. However, if you are at risk for ptosis, it may be wise to opt for a comfortable, supportive bra.
If you have any concerns regarding your breast health, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.