"Wrong bra could damage breasts"

[i_am_the_scruff]

Women could be damaging their breasts without realising it by wearing the wrong type of bra, researchers have said.

The breast biomechanics research team at the University of Portsmouth said that ignorance or embarrassment could be leading women to choose the wrong type of support.

The researchers from the Hampshire university's Department of Sports Science said that wearing the wrong type of bra could lead to fragile ligaments becoming irreparably stretched.

The research team has tested about 50 bra designs on hundreds of women during the past three years under the leadership of Dr Joanna Scurr. Her research has shown that breasts move up to 21cm (8.26 inches) during exercise and they move up and down, in and out and from side to side. Most bras are designed to limit just vertical movement.

Wendy Hedger, a researcher on Dr Scurr's team, said: "Many women have strong preferences for certain styles of bra and won't buy anything else. They won't even look at anything that doesn't look like the sort of bra they are used to wearing.

"In sports bras, for example, 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 a crop top, then it's not a real sports bra.

"But this is not true and many sports bras do up at the back in the same way as a traditional bra and do a very good job of supporting women. And some women cause breast pain or discomfort by not buying the right-sized bra.

"There's a social stigma about certain sizes. Many women don't want to be seen as too small or too big and buy a bra that doesn't fit well in order to be what they consider to be a normal size.

"Many other women are unaware that they are wearing a badly-fitting bra or unknowingly wear the wrong bra size because they are routinely being sold ill-fitting bras.

"Some women forget that their shape and size change and they might have to go through several changes in bra size over their lifetime, especially after breastfeeding and the menopause."

http://women.aol.co.uk/health-news/wrong-bra-could-damage-breasts/article/20080724050427478627803

Anyone here embarrassed to get fitted properly?

What does everyone here think about this?

 

[kamikat]

For my birthday, my Mother-in-law took me downtown to a very fancy specialty bra shop. Since I have lost a lot of weight, I really had no idea what size bra to buy. It was quite embarrassing, because the saleslady did touch me and handled my breasts during the fitting, but in the end, I went out with 2 very nice, well fitting bras ($75 each) and the brand name and model so I could find them on-line for less expensive. Never in my life have I had a comfortable underwire bra before these. Yes, I was aghast at the final size(36G in one brand and 34H in another brand), but all that really matters is that they fit. I highly recommend that any woman who is an unusual size go for a professional fitting at a specialty shop, not a chain place like a department store or Victoria's Secret.

 

[pigeon toe]

I have a small chest, and one boob is a lot bigger than the other, so it can be a pain in the butt to find a bra that fits well for me. I finally found those Hanes half-size bras at Target, and they fit magnificently! However, now that I got off the pill, the boobs are shrinking again, so it's time to find another bra. :eusa_doh:

 

[i_am_the_scruff]

For my birthday, my Mother-in-law took me downtown to a very fancy specialty bra shop. Since I have lost a lot of weight, I really had no idea what size bra to buy. It was quite embarrassing, because the saleslady did touch me and handled my breasts during the fitting, but in the end, I went out with 2 very nice, well fitting bras ($75 each) and the brand name and model so I could find them on-line for less expensive. Never in my life have I had a comfortable underwire bra before these. Yes, I was aghast at the final size(36G in one brand and 34H in another brand), but all that really matters is that they fit. I highly recommend that any woman who is an unusual size go for a professional fitting at a specialty shop, not a chain place like a department store or Victoria's Secret.

That's good to know. I always hear that bras are different sizes depending on the make. When I have some money i'm going to do what you did because some of my bras seem to fit well, yet others hurt and dig in under my arm causing me pain. Yet they are all 36 F.

I think every girl should get fitted properly.

 

[Lady Day]

Being fitted for a bra is one of the best experiences Ive ever had. The people who do it do it for a living, so Ive found nothing to be embarrassed about. They make you feel comfortable and help you by getting you in a bra the can help your comfort, posture, and even size appearance.

You learn you cant go by just your bra size alone, but also the manufacturer, as with clothing, bra sizes vary. So try on lots of different styles and makers, even ones you may hate, to get an idea. Its your time, when you are getting fitted, dont rush it and make the most of it.


LD

 

[dollydaydream]

The breast biomechanics research team at the University of Portsmouth said that ignorance or embarrassment could be leading women to choose the wrong type of support.

It'svery reassuring to know that research money is being spent in this manner. I would have thought it was common knowledge that many women wear the wrong sized bra. I often see ladies wearing tops too small that you can see their bosoms poking out of their too small bras.

 

[miserabelle]

I've never been embarrassed to be fitted for a bra - better to do that than buy the wrong thing.

I've used things like this before (although I've never used this specific one - the one I used has vanished apparently)> http://www.85b.org/bra_calc.php to measure myself in an emergency xx

 

[kamikat]

I think every girl should get fitted properly.

You're right. The way I said it came out wrong. An "average" sized girl can go to a department store when they have the special fitting clinics. The salepeople who run these clinics are usually brought just for the clinic. They are fitting professionals. But if you are not an average size, they won't be able to fit you at the clinic since they have a smaller size range.

 

[Naama]

The people who do it do it for a living, so Ive found nothing to be embarrassed about.


LD

Just wat I thought.

But, I also heard that every bra brand has theire own measurments for the size. I'm an "average" size and I have bras of different size, oddly I also have a c bra which is way thighter then my b's..... Really strange.... (sure, same underbust size)



Naama

 

[crwritt]

I see a lot of women wearing poorly fitted bras, and that's just my casual observation. Most of the ones I notice are way too tight. I don't know how anyone can stand that. I have also observed, in arerobics class, just how much the poorly supported bosom can move when a woman is in motion.
The article mentioned is obviously promoting bra sales, a local bra specialty shop here uses similar wording in thier radio ads.
At least they are not making up some new ailment, like "Pitosis", which is brought on by wearing the wrong corset.
http://www.1920-30.com/fashion/1920s-underwear.html

 

[pretty faythe]

When I went in for a consultation regarding a breast lift, the doctor took his measurements, and if everyone would just use to same sizeings, I have measured myself correctly and the so called pros, and wear a 42DD. But of course since they don't, it verys.
So yes, wearing the proper bra would be fantastic, but its a pain to find.

 

[MissHannah]

I'm a 30D on one side and a 30C/D on the other. I find it really hard to get anything that fits and flatters and so I do end up wearing bras which are too small, too big or both(!). When I've tried getting measured at a department store they just pretended I was a size they stocked! It was just a sales ploy! If I could afford it I'd go to a specialist place and get them made - that way I could have the fit I need AND the style I want.

 

[i_am_the_scruff]

I'm a 30D on one side and a 30C/D on the other. I find it really hard to get anything that fits and flatters and so I do end up wearing bras which are too small, too big or both(!). When I've tried getting measured at a department store they just pretended I was a size they stocked! It was just a sales ploy! If I could afford it I'd go to a specialist place and get them made - that way I could have the fit I need AND the style I want.

I suppose saving up and going to a specialist is the best way to go. I'd say it would be worth it.
You're a 30? Petit lady eh? Lucky lol

 

[MissHannah]

I suppose saving up and going to a specialist is the best way to go. I'd say it would be worth it.
You're a 30? Petit lady eh? Lucky lol

Yup, skinny with wonky boobs - I feel well lucky lol
I bet we all feel like we are unlucky with our size though right?!

 

[i_am_the_scruff]

I bet we all feel like we are unlucky with our size though right?!

Yeah that's probably how most ladies feel unfortunatly!

 

[KittyT]

Ladies, for those of you with different sized breasts, maybe try Cameo Intimates. They will make custom bras and should be able to accommodate you. Also, I've inquired as to the cost of having a custom panty girdle made by them and was surprised to learn that it was much less than I'd anticipated, so it's worth checking in with them.

Or at least go with the size that fits the larger breast and get a silicone inset for the other!

 

[KittyT]

At least they are not making up some new ailment, like "Pitosis", which is brought on by wearing the wrong corset.

Ptosis is actually a valid medical term, although now it refers to dropping eyelid, not drooping stomach.

In fact, it was a problem for some ladies who corsetted to have abdominal muscle atrophy and other problems relating to that.

 

[Miss Sis]

I'm an awkward size too: 30DD or E. Thankfully it is getting easier to get this size now. I too have two different sized bosoms but it's not noticable when I get a bra on.

Lots of saleswomen don't believe me when I tell them my size until they see the bra on. Then they realise that even that size is sometimes too big around my ribs. Sizes do vary alot even within the same companies ranges so you just have to try, try, try.

Don't be embaressed, ladies. It's for your benefit to get properly fitted. I think specialist shops are the best. Department stores have never come up with the goods for me.

 

[MissHannah]

Ladies, for those of you with different sized breasts, maybe try Cameo Intimates. They will make custom bras and should be able to accommodate you. Also, I've inquired as to the cost of having a custom panty girdle made by them and was surprised to learn that it was much less than I'd anticipated, so it's worth checking in with them.

Or at least go with the size that fits the larger breast and get a silicone inset for the other!

thanks for the tip Kitty x

 

[Lillemor]

I used to be very busty and buying bras required planning because it was always a big expense. I never found good, reasonably priced bras. Now that I'm a 75C/34C or so, it's such a relief to be able to buy bras that fit, hold up well and last too, at very fair prices.

In the past I also made the mistake of machine washing bras. Never again! It's well worth the time spent hand washing my bras. I don't know if it's the smaller size alone or better care that's made it possible for me to keep a bra for longer than 6 months.

So far, I haven't had success with having salesclerks fit me for a bra nor do they ever have time to listen to my needs and advice me on what type(s) of bra I should be buying. Not even in the small lingerie shops where you would think that's their specialty .

After I lost a lot of weight last year, I went through a period where I thought my breasts were just small and saggy. I figured that after breast feeding three times within four years, I just had to live with that. Now they've sort of filled themselves out a bit and adjusted themselves upward. I haven't gained weight again, I don't know why this has happened . I had ½ year where I had three different sizes of bras. Now it seems like my breasts have finally "settled".