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It’s 5 p.m. You arrive home from work, drop your bags to the ground, and, of course, immediately whip off your bra. And we get it! Going braless can feel comfortable, breezy, and free.
In fact, you might be left wondering—do I really need these chest-constricting contraptions? Why do women wear bras, anyway?
Well, contrary to your after-work woes, bras aren’t torture devices.
As it turns out, these supportive and protective undergarments exist for a few reasons (not just for fashion’s sake). Whether you’ve got AA or DDD cups, let’s explore the benefits of bras and why you might need one.
#1: To Reduce Sagging
You’ve probably heard it from a friend or read it in a magazine—bras will prevent your breasts from sagging. But are they right?
Truthfully, no bra will stop the aging process forever. Ptosis, or natural breast sagging, is a completely normal and common symptom with age. Over time, gravity slowly pulls on your body’s natural breast supports, including:
- Internal suspensory ligaments
- Skin envelopes containing the breasts
- Pectoral muscles
No matter your breast size or shape, time will stretch out these physical structures. However, there is some truth to the anti-sagging powers of bras. Medical professionals agree that bras can help delay sagging, even if they can’t block it.
If any of these conditions apply, you could benefit from a bra’s lifting powers:
- High breast density – Breasts mainly consist of two tissues—mammary gland fibers and fat. Since gland fibers outweigh fat tissue, more fibrous breasts will often experience more sagging. Wearing a quality bra (like Lulalu’s designs) can help prevent high-density breasts from sagging early.
- Athletic lifestyle – Yes, strong chest muscles definitely help “perk up” your breasts. But if your vigorous exercise involves a lot of high-impact or jumping movements? Then you risk stretching out your supportive internal ligaments and skin envelopes. Secure sports bras should minimize that impact (and improve comfort).
#2: To Ease Pain
Ladies with larger busts know all too well—without support, your breasts can cause a lot of aches and pains. The heavier your breasts are on your body frame, the more likely you’ll experience neck, shoulder, and back pain. In this case, a bra is the ultimate supporting actor.
How can your bra combat any breast-related pain? It all boils down to a well-designed structure.
An unlined bralette in the wrong size won’t provide much support (in fact, it could make aching worse). But the right bra can shift up to 80% of your bust weight onto the garment itself, freeing your muscles from the job. For a bra that helps, not hurts, look for designs that fit these standards:
- Lined bras – Thin and lacy bralettes have been all the rage over the past few years. However, bra cups with no lining (padding or foam) simply offer less support. For maximum structure, stick with lined bras that reduce muscle aches and nipple chafing. And for a truly versatile option, try out a bra with removable pads.
- Thicker bands – With bra bands, it all comes down to physics. The thicker your band, the better it can distribute weight across your back (i.e., lessening the load on your muscles). Thin-banded bras are poor distributors, and their design can lead to increased pain and even bone spurs.
- Strong shoulder straps – To combat gravity’s pull, call on sturdy shoulder straps. Like with bands, the thicker the straps the better they’ll sustain breast weight. Make sure the strap material feels comfortable enough to sit snugly on the skin, leaving no marks or lesions.
Another tip for minimizing bust-related pain? Strength training and stretching. When you build and loosen up your posterior muscles, you can take some serious pain off your shoulders.
#3: To Super-Charge Your Posture
Nothing says confidence like a poised yet easy posture. If your breasts are getting in the way of that superwoman stance, then the right bra can help.
Large breasts mean a heavier front body, pulling on the back and shoulders and creating a hunchback posture. A well-fitted bra redistributes that weight, letting you stand tall and pain-free—but the keyword here is properly well-fitted. Too tight, and you risk discomfort, skin conditions, and blood flow constriction. Too loose, and you’ll receive zero support.
To get the best fit, test your bras for these sizing guidelines:
- Gore – The gore is the small band section between the bra cups. This part should lay flush against the skin, with no gaps or extra pressure.
- Cups – Your breasts should fit comfortably into the bra’s cups, with no spillage or gaps.
- Band – You should be able to fit one finger comfortably underneath the band. When raising your arms, the band should stay snug around the body rather than rise up.
- Shoulder straps – Many women loosen their shoulder straps for comfort—but that sets you up for minimal support. Tighten your shoulder straps to the point of snugness, but not discomfort. At the end of the day, the straps shouldn’t leave any red marks or cuts on the skin.
#4: For Coverage and Function
The breasts are a sensitive and visible part of the body—so it only makes sense to protect them!
For many women, going braless can feel exposed, uncomfortable, or inappropriate. Bras help transform your bust to make you feel most confident. Want a smooth, rounded silhouette under your dress? Choose a convertible strapless bra. Need comfortable coverage under a thin T-shirt? There’s a seamless bra for that. Whether you’re heading to the gym or getting dressed for work, bras shape your appearance to fit your needs.
Lulalu: Bras Made for AAA, AA, and A Cups
Bras aren’t just for heavy busts. Bras can benefit women of all bust sizes through their protective, supportive, and shaping powers. With the right design and fit, you’ll start seeing your bra as a trusty friend, not a bothersome burden.
Need a fresh start in your lingerie relationship? Lulalu’s bras are the stylish yet supportive answer for small-breasted women. Our AAA, AA, and A cups come in a wide range of band sizes—no more skin marks or too-tight fits.
Find your reason for wearing a bra with our high-quality collection.
Sources:
Huffington Post. Why Women Wear Bras Has Little to Do With Appearance. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-women-wear-bras_n_4774248
LiveStrong. Can You Tone Saggy Breasts with Exercise? https://www.livestrong.com/article/106238-exercises-tone-saggy-breasts/
Teen Vogue. Why You Don’t Have to Wear a Bra. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/you-dont-have-to-wear-a-bra
Women’s Health. Q&A: Can Running Cause Boobs to Sag Over Time? https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19984749/can-running-make-breasts-sag/
