A study performed by a breast biomechanics research team at the University of Portsmith in the UK has revealed that nine out of ten women may be damaging their breasts by wearing the wrong size bra. This affects literally millions of women, according to the study.
Scientists in the Department of Sport and Exercise Science say that “fragile ligaments” may become irreparably stretched, and that the damage may come due to ignorance or embarrassment. Under the leadership of Dr. Joanna Scurr, the team tested 50 different bra designs over the last three years on hundreds of women. They found that during exercise, breasts move up to 21cm (that’s a little over eight inches to you Yankees), and they move up and down, side to side, and in and out. Most sports bras are designed to only allow vertical movement.
Style and Stigma
Wendy Hedger, a researcher with Dr. Scurr, says that most women have a certain preference when they choose a bra based on the style, and won’t wear anything else. “In sports bras…many women won’t buy a bra that resembles their everyday bra and does up at the back – they think if it can’t be pulled over their heads like crop top, then it’s not a real sports bra,” she says. Hedger states further that there is a certain social stigma about bra size, and that most women don’t want to be seen in a bra that might be considered too big or too small, and that they’ll buy a bra they consider “normal” even if it doesn’t fit right. Others simply don’t realize they are wearing the wrong bra size because they have always worn that same size – even if it’s wrong.
The breast biomechanics team has helped to design a new sports bra for women who play high-impact sports. They have also worked with a New Zealand bra manufacturer overhaul their existing high-impact bra, and will go on sale in Europe sometime this summer.
It is important for women who have had a breast augmentation to be fitted for the right size bra. While many people may find this embarrassing, the Portsmith study has shown just what kind of damage can occur.
If you are interested in breast augmentation, or are curious about what size bra you should be wearing, please contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon in your area.
Leave a Reply