Is Your Bra Making Your Breasts Sag?

Breast sagging is something that none of us want to deal with, but we all know that it can come with age, pregnancy, breast feeding, weight gain and genetics. However, are there some ways to slow it down?  I have spent a significant amount of time trying to come up with that answer and the only thing I have really figured out is no one really knows, but there are definitely some different theories on the subject.

Theory # 1
Wearing a bra can cause sagging.
Breasts do not have muscle in them, they have ligaments and connective tissue. One study with this claim was in Japan over a 3 month period.  Women aged 22-39 did not wear a bra for three months and measured, then wore a bra constantly for 3 months and the results were that during the bra wearing months the breast hung lower when measured. This was regardless of the women weight.

Another study in France with 250 women who practiced sports regularly stopped wearing a bra for an entire year. At the 6 week check up most of the women reported discomfort with not wearing a bra, but after the study was finished, 88% of the women reported improved comfort, even felt better than before the study started. The study showed perkier, more elevated and firmer breasts. However, another study with jogging showed that the bouncing can tear the ligaments so it is recommended to wear a sports bra for that type of exercise.

Theory #2
Wearing an ill-fitting bra is what causes the sagging.
If your bra does not fit and your breast hangs out the on sides, or the wires or fabric is digging into your skin then that will contribute to tearing of ligaments, and can cause stretching.

It is important that you wear the right bra size. Here is an important article: How To Find the Right Bra Size at Home.

Conclusion

• It is recommended that you don’t wear your bra for more than 12 hours a day. Your breasts need to have circulation which helps with elasticity.
• Wear a sports bra when doing any exercise that involves your breasts bouncing.
• Moisturize and exfoliate morning and night to help elasticity, stretch marks, and keeps your skin healthy.
• Try not to wear a bra unless you have to, if your breasts depend on your bra it won’t use it’s own ligaments to hold its own and they can deteriorate.
• Tone up pectoral muscles. Simple push-ups against the wall, or using free weights will help.
• Lose weight.
• Get a bra that fits you correctly.

I personally hate wearing a bra, but I might be in denial like most women, of what my real size is. I need to get a good fitting bra because I will look better in my clothes, and I don’t want it to contribute to the sag!

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