Do Bras Prevent Sagging?
Without a doubt, women are constantly seeking effective ways to maintain a perky pair. And these concerns become increasingly heightened with age. Unfortunately, there are countless rumors swirling around about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to preventing breasts from sagging.
While of course there’s no way to avoid this completely (we can’t fight gravity), there are methods that can help to slow the process down. One of the hottest topics around breast sagging is definitely whether wearing bras can play a role in this effort.
Hollywood A-lister Halle Berry famously told InStyle magazine: “If you don’t want your boobs to hit your knees by the time you’re 30, always wear a bra, even to bed.” But does sporting this undergarment around the clock really keep your breasts perky?
Read on for the skinny on this much-debated topic.
Can a bra help prevent sagging breasts?
While a bra will make your breasts look lifted while you’re wearing it, they’ll return to their natural position once you take it off. Still, sporting one can reduce some of the strain on the breast tissue that contributes to sagging. There’s no real research-based evidence that wearing a bra is linked to reduced sagging, but there’s also no concrete evidence that it’s harmful or counter-effective. So it all comes down to what feels most comfortable to you based on your breast size, lifestyle, and other factors.
Having a sports bra with adequate support, however, can make a difference. That’s because when you perform high-impact exercises, such as running or plyometrics, your breasts are subjected to far more dramatic bouncing, which wears down the connective tissue over time.
To prevent the ligaments (and skin) from stretching out, you’ll want to look for a sports bra that comes in different cup sizes, has adjustable straps and keeps the breasts in place with separated cups or seaming along the bottom and sides. Having a super supportive sports bra is especially crucial for women with a larger bust when it comes to preventing sagging. Remember that while your sports bra should fit snugly, it shouldn’t be so tight to the point of discomfort, as that can hinder the flow of lymphatic fluid and cause a number of issues.
Related: Top 5 Best Bra Styles For Big Boobs
Parfait Matilda Contour Plunge Bra P5311 in Bisque | Parfait Jeanie Plunge Molded Bra 4801 in Java | Parfait Aline T-Shirt Bra P5251 in Nude | Parfait Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra P5351 in Cameo Rose
What causes sagging?
This probably comes as no surprise, but age is one of the number one factors that contribute to sagging breasts. The Cooper’s ligaments, which is the connective tissue that maintains your breasts’ shape and perkiness, begin to gradually stretch out.
Additionally, whenever you lose weight, gain weight, or go through a pregnancy, that growth and shrinkage of the breasts make the surrounding skin and tissues lose some elasticity, which gives them a droopy appearance.
One study at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine found that the risk of breast sagging increases with each pregnancy. Smoking and having a high body mass index were other risk factors determined by the researchers.
Is there anything else that can help prevent it?
While a few extra pushups can’t entirely halt your breasts from sagging, performing certain chest exercises can strengthen the surrounding muscles and ligaments (including those Cooper’s ligaments), which may help make your breasts look perkier as a result. Try working your chest three times a week with targeted moves like incline bench presses and dumbbell flyes. For some bonus points, perform your exercises lying back on a stability ball, which gives you a wider range of motion so you can engage those chest muscles even more.
Avoiding smoking and exposure to UV rays, as well as yo-yo dieting, are all measures that will make a difference as well.
As for whether bras have an effect on sagging breasts, it all comes down to personal preferences and comfort.
Related: Is It Bad To Sleep In A Sports Bra?
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
