Is going braless healthy?

Is no bra a safe choice for your health? Do ample breasts always need additional stabilization? We explain!

Are we saying no to bras?

In September 1968, during the No More Miss America! protest , participants in the event demonstratively threw several products and items of clothing commonly associated with the female gender into the trash. Among them were bras , which were then described as instruments of female torture .

This symbolic event became the foundation for decades of ongoing discussions about wearing a bra not only in the context of patriarchal social norms , but also in relation to the health of bra wearers around the world.

Is wearing a bra healthy?

Susan M. Love , an American surgeon and member of the National Cancer Institute, clearly stated in Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book that wearing a bra has no effect on health - neither positive nor negative . Wearing or not wearing a bra is an individual decision of each person related not to health issues , but only to aesthetics and feeling good in one's own body. This is one of many voices confirming that going without a bra is and should be a decision dependent on one's own comfort .

Also read our article on breast structure and development .

“We recommend that women wear a bra” – what does the research say?

In 1991, a study was conducted to assess incorrect cup size and bra wearing style as possible risk factors for breast cancer . Data from 2,323 cases and 7,008 follow-up visits from four centers were used. It found that the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women who did not wear bras was as much as half that of those who wore bras every day .

Can a poorly fitted bra really be a risk factor for breast cancer ? Although the conclusions of the above-mentioned study undoubtedly influenced the decision to give up bras in the case of many people, scientists and scientists from the American Cancer Society in 2014 stated that wearing a bra has no connection and does not increase the risk of breast cancer . This thesis was officially confirmed by the American National Cancer Institute and later studies, including those conducted at the Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

We recommend reading an article written by our gynecologist friend Karolina Rasoul about the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer .

Wearing a bra and sagging breasts

There is a belief that wearing a bra minimizes the risk of sagging breasts, especially when it comes to large breasts. However, giving up a bra does not have a negative effect on the appearance of the breasts, quite the opposite . It should be remembered, however, that a properly selected bra can significantly improve the comfort of owners of larger breasts - large breasts do not have developed muscle tissue , so the lack of a bra in this case can actually affect the comfort of everyday functioning and cause pain .

Often, sagging or not sagging breasts are considered a result of anatomical structure. However, it is worth remembering that sudden and significant weight fluctuations , high BMI or smoking can cause certain problems - not only in the context of chronic diseases, but also in the case of noticeable changes in the appearance of the breasts.

Sports Bras – Necessary or Not?

Do you play sports and wear a bra designed for physical activity? Or maybe you decide not to wear a bra and your boobs don't bounce when you run?

While going braless in most cases has no impact on your health, a properly designed, not too tight sports bra that allows for free blood circulation is crucial when engaging in physical activity .

The main task of a sports bra is to absorb vibrations and limit the movement of the breasts . During intense exercise, the breasts move in a very dynamic way - Cooper's ligaments , i.e. fibrous bands of tissue surrounding the breast and supporting the fatty and glandular tissue , can be stretched as a result of these movements .

A properly fitted bra is essential

Of course, everything depends on the specific case, but research conducted by the Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth indicates that pain (especially in the back area), often perceived as a consequence of physical exertion, may be caused by a lack of appropriate support .

Cups that are too large or too small, and an ill-fitting underbust band, can also cause back pain . It’s not just people with large breasts who need support, such as a sports bra – we exercise more effectively in a sports bra . Research conducted in Portsmouth inspired an Adidas campaign focused on proper chest protection and providing support for breasts of different shapes and sizes .

Psst, do you know how many benefits there are to sleeping naked ?

The benefits of going braless

"You have bigger breasts? You can't not wear a bra!", "Are you breastfeeding? Without a bra, your breasts will reach your belly button - wear a bra!"... These are just some of the arguments often mentioned in discussions in favor of wearing bras. They are unfounded, because they are based on stereotypes unsupported by facts.

Are you thinking about giving up wearing a bra, but you're afraid of judgmental glances? We understand that, going braless is still a taboo for many. Do you feel more confident in a bra and don't want to give it up? There's nothing wrong with that, but remember to choose a precise fit. Do you treat a bra as an unnecessary element of clothing and like the natural shape of your breasts? Great!

At Your KAYA, we always stand on the side of your comfort.

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