nding the right bra,
There is a good chance a woman you know is wearing the wrong bra size. It might even be you.
According to a national study by bra manufacturer Wacoal, eight out of 10 women in the U.S. and Canada older than 18 are wearing the wrong bra size. Not only can this cause clothing to be ill-fitting, but it can actually be detrimental to a woman’s health.
Wearing a bra that is too small can result in scarring of the breast tissue after the bra digs in too deeply underneath and on the sides of the breasts. A bra that is too loose or lacks sufficient support may affect posture and lead to neck and back pain.
According to Portsmouth University researcher Dr. Joanna Scurr, after studying hundreds of women, it was discovered that when women move around, the breasts move by as much as 8 inches, from side to side as well as up and down. Without a well-fitting bra, the tissue, ligaments and skin can be stretched and damaged. Bras that encapsulate the breasts from all angles are the most effective, as opposed to those that simply compress the breasts against the chest, such as sports bras.
The fact that bras are widely available and women are able to purchase them off the rack accounts for some of the mistakes in sizing. Price is another factor.
Women who go to a specialty-bra or lingerie shop can be custommeasured by a bra specialist, who will help them find a bra that fits correctly. Well-made bras are more costly than off-the-rack items, and the higher costs may deter women who are on a budget.
Other factors also come into play. Women often do not want to admit that they need a size larger than they have been used to and insist on sticking to the size they have always worn. And since a bra is a very personal item, the idea of standing in a dressing room with a stranger taking measurements and making recommendations can be off-putting.
However, there are many advantages to a properly fitted bra. It can make you look thinner and taller, as well as reduce pain in your shoulders and back. Clothing may also fit better, and you won’t have the scrunched “back fat” that we all want to avoid.
Here are some signs that it may be time to have a bra fitting: • The straps dig into your shoulders. • The back rides up. • There are red marks on your body
after you take off the bra. • You constantly adjust the bra
during the day. • The cups do not contain all of
your breast tissue. • You have bulges at the sides of the cups or on your back.
If any or all of these signs apply to you, it is time to consider getting a proper bra fitting, even if you have already had one in the past. Bra size can change, depending on several factors, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy or weight changes. Bra sizes may also be different depending on the manufacturer. Consult with a specialty-bra retailer who will measure you correctly and determine the bra size and type that will meet your exact needs.