Bras: A necessary evil, or just another invention we could live without?
Do they give you cancer and ruin your posture, or keep you fresh and perky? Let’s find out.
Happy Tuesday, health heroes!
Today’s letter is for the ladies… although, gents, if you have any women in your life, it’s worth taking note that they’ll very likely relate to this article. Share what you learn with the lovely ladies in your life!
You know I love to debunk health myths and get people thinking about what’s best for their health.
Health and healing are not one-size-fits-all situations. There are so many options when it comes to living better, feeling better, and pursuing better well-being that fall outside of traditional healthcare structures (or asking Dr. Google).
Sometimes the path to healing involves the small, day-to-day ways we live our lives. And today, we’re talking about… the humble bra. It's one of those things we women probably didn’t think twice about as kids until one day, society told us, "It's time."
And then, suddenly, we’re strapped into this contraption that’s both a symbol of womanhood and, for many, an uncomfortable reality.
But where did bras even come from? And are they doing more harm than good, or is it time to *bust* some myths? (Pun intended— sorry.)
A brief history of bras: who’s to blame?
While modern bras as we know them have been around for about a century, support garments for women’s breasts have existed in various forms for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks wore apodesmos—a type of breast band—and in the Middle Ages, corsets took over the heavy lifting (literally).
However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the bra as we know it came into being. Many people believe the French invented this garment, but not so. The term "brassiere" does indeed have French origins, but the story of bras is a bit more nuanced.
"Brassière" originally referred to an upper-arm protector in French, and by the late 19th century, it began to refer to a woman's undergarment that provided support to the breasts. The word was eventually shortened to "bra" in English, and it became the commonly used term in the U.S.
As for whether the French invented bras, that’s a common misconception. It’s more accurate to say that France helped refine and popularize elegant lingerie styles over time, but the modern bra owes its official start to American innovation.
The modern bra as we know it was actually patented in the U.S. by Mary Phelps Jacob (also known as Caresse Crosby) in 1914. She created the first modern bra using handkerchiefs and ribbon because she found corsets too restrictive. Her design is considered the precursor to today’s bras.
So, ladies, you can thank a woman for the bra’s existence—but you can also curse her for it when those straps start digging in after a long day. (Which arguably is better, perhaps, than being stuffed into a corset.)
Discomfort is a reality.
A significant number of women report issues with ill-fitting bras. One survey by the British retailer Marks & Spencer revealed that about 90% of women have experienced discomfort due to a poorly fitting bra at some point. This includes issues like straps digging into the shoulders, underwires poking, and cups that don't properly support. Phew, I’m not alone!
The discomfort associated with ill-fitting bras can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain and, in some cases, poor posture. Many women are unaware of how to get properly fitted for a bra or may struggle to find one that fits well, which contributes to the widespread dissatisfaction of undergarment comfort.
An ill-fitting bra can even cause breast pain, according to Dr. James Namnoum. This leads me to the question…
Are bras actually healthy for you?
Now, let’s get into the juicy part: are bras good or bad for your health? As mentioned before, they can cause muscle and breast pain, so in that instance - no, they aren’t healthy in this aspect. But if you have a bra that does not cause discomfort, it’s probably not causing damage. It could actually be beneficial if it’s providing necessary support, especially for women with larger breasts or during physical activity.
A quick note about bras preventing breasts from sagging — this idea is debatable. Many women wear bras to prevent sagging (ptosis), but research has shown that bras don't necessarily stop the natural process of breast ptosis.
In fact, some studies suggest that going braless might actually strengthen the natural ligaments in the breasts, which can help maintain their shape. A 2013 French study found that women who did not wear bras actually experienced less sagging over time because their breasts became more self-supporting.
(Note: I could not find the actual study; there were only articles that alluded to it, like this one.)
The most important factor seems to be ensuring that the bra fits well, as ill-fitting bras can cause discomfort and other minor issues. For some women, especially those with smaller breasts, going braless may be just as comfortable and potentially more beneficial in the long run.
The issue I struggle with the most—those deep shoulder divots from tight straps—is a common complaint. The pressure from poorly fitted bras can cause discomfort, shoulder grooves, and even back pain.
It’s the equivalent of carrying a small backpack on your chest all day! Perhaps I need to get resized—yet again. Yet, I have forever failed to find a bra that does not cause me shoulder divots, so is this even possible?! (Ladies, share your recommendations if you have them in the comments section.)
Onto the more serious myth.
What about the more serious claims—like bras causing breast cancer? Well, the good news is, there’s no scientific evidence that links wearing bras to an increased risk of breast cancer. No correlation, no causation.
This myth likely started because some believe that bras, particularly underwired ones, restrict lymphatic drainage, which could theoretically lead to toxin buildup. However, research has found no connection between bras and breast cancer risk.
Underwire bras: support or sabotage?
If you've ever wondered whether that sneaky metal wire in your bra is doing more harm than good, you're not alone. The debate rages on in fitting rooms and lingerie aisles everywhere.
First, let’s address the big concern: can underwires mess with your health?
The short answer is no, not really. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no scientific evidence that wearing an underwire bra restricts lymphatic flow or causes breast cancer. So, while that underwire may leave an angry red mark by the end of the day, it’s not secretly plotting to sabotage your health. You can thank research (and breathe a sigh of relief) for clearing up that myth.
(However, I’m not going into the mental anguish bras cause some women. Admittedly, that would be a health hazard.)
But let’s not give the underwire too much credit. Just because it isn’t causing long-term damage doesn’t mean it’s a dream to wear. If the underwire digs into your skin, rubs your ribcage, or feels like it’s out to puncture a lung, you might be dealing with an ill-fitting bra. Here we go again - is it the fitting of the bra, or is it the manufacturer? I think that the person who has the perfect bra has the same body shape as the mannequin that was used to fit and measure the bra in the first place. Many might wish that we were that person. Sadly, most of us aren’t.
In fact, a poorly fitted underwire bra can cause a range of discomforts—from shoulder strain to back pain, or worse, turning you into a human pincushion. If you’re wincing every time you sit down, it’s time for a fitting — it’s not supposed to cause discomfort, or add any unnecessary stress to your day.
What about those rumors that underwire bras offer some magical support that’s good for your health? Well, while they can provide better support for larger breasts, especially during high-impact activities, the “health benefits” end there. Mostly, underwire bras are about aesthetics—creating that perky, lifted look that’s become the gold standard in U.S. media. But comfort? That’s a whole different story.
In short, underwires aren’t out to ruin your life, but they also aren’t a necessity for breast health. If they work for you, you go girl and sport it! If not, you have plenty of wireless, comfortable alternatives out there. So feel free to give your underwire a day off (or more) and see if life without metal is just a little less restrictive.
What about cultures without bras?
So, what about women in other cultures, particularly in places like Africa, where bras aren’t as commonly worn? Are they better off health-wise?
It's difficult to compare these groups directly because of various lifestyle differences, from diet to environmental factors. No strong data suggests that going braless reduces breast cancer risk, though women who don’t wear bras may benefit from avoiding the physical discomfort associated with bras. However, attributing breast cancer rates solely to bra-wearing is too simplistic—it’s a complex disease influenced by genetics, diet, and environment.
Beauty vs. comfort: why do we still wear them?
Here’s the thing: bras undeniably shape a woman’s appearance, making her look more like the stereotypical “beautiful” woman often portrayed in U.S. media—lifted, supported, and often enhanced.
From a biological standpoint, no, women were not "meant" to wear bras. Bras are a social construct—a Western invention that has become ingrained in our daily lives, like high heels or lipstick. So, do they serve any purpose other than aesthetics? That’s debatable.
For many, bras provide comfort and support, particularly for women with larger breasts. But that “support” comes with a price. Aside from the physical discomfort, bras are expensive. A good quality bra can set you back a pretty penny, and the cheaper ones? Let’s just say you get what you pay for.
What if we stopped wearing bras?
What if, as a society, we all collectively decided to ditch bras? Would our health improve? Would our perception of beauty change?
It’s hard to say. Some studies suggest that going braless can improve breast firmness over time, as the ligaments in your breasts have to work harder to support themselves. In other words, your boobs might actually get stronger without the artificial support of a bra. Imagine that—boob workouts!
Many women wear bras to prevent sagging (ptosis), but research has shown that bras don't necessarily stop the natural process of breast ptosis. In fact, some studies suggest that going braless might actually strengthen the natural ligaments in the breasts, which can help maintain their shape. A 2013 French study found that women who did not wear bras actually experienced less sagging over time because their breasts became more self-supporting. (Note: I could not find the study; there were only articles that alluded to it, like this one.)
But what would really change is our view of women. Without bras, women would be more free to embrace their natural shapes. Our perceptions of beauty might broaden, and maybe—just maybe—we’d care less about how “perky” or “perfect” breasts look and more about how women feel in their own bodies.
The bottom line? Bras are not destiny.
At the end of the day, bras are a cultural norm, not a biological necessity. Whether or not you wear one should be up to you and your comfort, not societal expectations. If they make you feel good, wear them! Maybe it’s time to loosen the straps—or ditch them altogether if they don't.
After all, we weren’t born with bras. We invented them. And as with any invention, maybe it's time to reevaluate their purpose in our modern lives.
And who knows? In a braless world, we might all stand a little taller—literally and figuratively. I write on this topic after being inspired by unabashedly hanging my bras to dry in the brisk fall breeze…
That’s it for today’s letter, I’ll see you on Thursday. Take care of yourselves this week!
Dr. Alice
A little more about Dr. Alice Burron and The Health Navigator Group:
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