Materials used to support the breasts have been used for hundreds of years. Today’s basic bra has been in use for several decades, however. It’s both a functional and stylistic piece of clothing that’s worn nearly around the clock. Because of its widespread use, the bra also has many myths associated with it. Fight off those common bra myths by learning a few facts about this supportive wonder.
Bras Don’t Cause Cancer
In the 1990s, there was some speculation that bras could contribute to cancer. This claim isn’t true, and scientists have tried to prove or disprove it for years. The idea that you’re cutting off the lymph system and mutating cells near the breasts just isn’t true. You simply want to wear a bra that’s comfortable. It shouldn’t feel too tight or loose. A gentle hug around your chest is the sensation that you want to feel.
Your Breasts Won’t Flatten Out
Your breasts are made of several tissues, including fat, mammary glands, ligaments, skin and muscle. When they develop during puberty, the breasts grow to a certain size that’s dictated by your genes, lifestyle and environment. A standard bra cannot flatten out the breasts if you wear it too much or sleep with it on. The only feasible way to flatten the breasts out on a semi-permanent basis is by wearing an old-fashioned corset. No modern woman, however, wears these items anymore.
Nude Bras Work For Concealment
Many women are under the impression that the white bra works perfectly under sheer clothing. By choosing this bra color, you’re actually highlighting the breasts rather than concealing them. Wear a bra that closely matches your skin’s color. This strategy is how you conceal your bra under a sheer or thin-white blouse. Ideally, women should have at least one or two nude or skin-tone bras in their closet. You’ll be able to walk into the office or other formal setting without showing off your undergarments.
The Bra’s Band is the Hardest Worker
Most women are convinced that their straps or cups are the hardest working parts of the bra. Whether you’re wearing a standard or yoga bra, it’s the band that supports most of your breasts. This band might bend slightly under your arms, but it remains in a fixed position for most of the day. It holds your body and the material in place with a little elastic to maintain that perfect, comfort level. Although the straps may appear to stretch over time from stress, they don’t hold the bulk of your breasts’ weight.
Your Bra Size is Permanent When You Reach Adulthood
Your bra size will waver through the years, especially when it comes to brand differences. You might be an entirely different cup or band size when you compare various bra styles. Over a lifetime, you might gain or lose weight. Becoming pregnant also changes the breasts. Try to put on any new bra before buying it. Your body and the bra’s style will vary with each shopping session. A comfortable fit and supportive shape are the features that you want in any bra.
Wash Your Bra Frequently
The myth of preserving your bra by not washing it is a huge myth among women. In fact, you should wash your bra as often as your other clothes. Sweat, stretched material and dirt will quickly break a bra down when you wear it repeatedly over the workweek. It’s preferable to have four or five different bras so that you can rotate them into use each day. Washing the bra by hand or in the washing machine will only extend its life.
Regardless of the type of bra that you prefer, it’s not normally designed to be the centerpiece of your outfit. Try to match a bra’s color to your body so that the outfit has a classy appearance. When you wear the right bra, you’ll have a supported look that remains natural and beautiful as you move through your day.
