IS IT BAD TO NOT WEAR A BRA?
Well, if you’re going without a bra on the regular, it just might be that you’ll want to rethink that decision. We know that bras aren’t everyone’s favourite thing to wear (who doesn’t love the relief of removing it after a hard day?) but research shows that getting the right support from your lingerie is very important.
Get clued up on the side effects of not wearing a bra, what biology has in store for our busts, and how to keep yours feeling full, perky and lifted for the longest time. Hint; it depends a lot on the bras you choose, their quality and how well they fit…
SIDE EFFECTS OF NOT WEARING A BRA
It’s the age-old question; does not wearing a bra cause sagging? The answer? Not exactly - but it can speed up the process considerably.
Here’s the science bit: We all have ligaments that sit behind the bust, and these act as a hammock to support and shape our breasts. Once they stretch, the bust starts to sag. As we go through life, there’s no avoiding this stretch - called ‘breast ptosis’ - yes, it’s irreversible, but we can slow the process down. Gravity is forever pulling everything downwards, but wearing lingerie that supports your bust properly, offers lift and has a beautifully fitting underband will help keep everything in place that little bit longer!
You can help slow down the rate this happens by wearing a bra with a correctly fitting underband ensuring it keeps your bust in place. It is important to ensure you’re wearing the correct bra size as 80% of the bra support comes from the underband.
Knowing how to correctly measure your bra size can help you ensure you’re always wearing a correctly fitting bra, helping to put off sagging that little bit longer…
WHAT ELSE CAN CAUSE SAGGING?
Not wearing a bra as often as you should isn’t the sole reason you might find your boobs sagging though. Women with larger breasts tend to be more prone to breast ptosis, and life events such as breastfeeding and pregnancy, genetics and weight loss can all contribute to sagging breasts at a younger age too.
Outside of wearing a well-fitting bra staying hydrated and avoiding smoking can also help ward off premature sagging as they will help your skin maintain elasticity.
DOES WEARING A BRA PREVENT SAGGING?
In a nutshell, it can certainly help! A well-fitted, high-quality bra can slow mother nature in her tracks and help prevent boobs from sagging, reducing the need to deal with ptosis early on.
Invest in comfortable, close-fitting pieces - and get measured regularly (here's how)! Our bodies change and evolve over time, and so should your bra collection. Whether you’re partial to a plunge bra, a beautiful balconette bra or a timeless lace bra, these are the must-have bras that’ll keep things pert and lifted, and ptosis at bay:
The Mollie lace padded plunge bra is a comfy, lightly padded plunge style whose lace has been updated to keep this classic fresh and functional. Currently available in stunning, limited edition pastel colourways for the summer season, this is a bra you’ll reach for daily.
The Tatiana cotton plunge t-shirt bra is unbeatable for everyday breathability and gorgeous lifting and shaping. Delicate lace and bows add a luxe touch to this staple. And for a more luxurious style this season, the Aliyah plunge push-up bra is the perfect addition to your outfit.
Want the lift but love a natural look? Choose the Gracey sheer balconette bra and enjoy clever construction that lifts and separates. Non-padded bras are just as effective at preventing sagging as padded bras. Did we mention this super supportive bra has dropped in 10 different colourways too? Get them before they’re gone!
Feeling clued up on how best to stop boobs from sagging? Share with us your top tips and favourite bras, or find more inspiration on Instagram.