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Bras and how they support
Bras and how they support
By Cassie (Cassiopeia.)
Did you know that women spend approximately sixteen billion US Dollars worldwide on bras each year? [source] Those who wear bras own up to nine bras on average [source]. A bra is a garment worn by people to support their breasts. Each bra is designed to meet the individual requirements of people of all shapes and sizes around the world. The average age that people begin to wear a bra is age eleven, but breast development normally starts between the ages of eight and thirteen. While training bras are good to begin with, a real bra is beneficial for comfort when breast tissue starts to develop.
Eight out of ten people who wear bras choose the wrong size bra and that is why it is important to measure yourself or have someone help you measure [source]. There are two parts to bra size: the band size and cup size. The band is the strap that goes around your back and it gives ninety percent of the overall support. The cup size is the measurement around the fullest part of your breast. Take the first measurement just below your breasts in inches. If the measurement is odd, add five. If the measurement is even, add four. This is your band size. Next, measure around the fullest part of your breasts. Please note that these are US bra sizes.
If the measurements:
- Are the same, you're an AA cup;
- Have a difference of one, you're an A cup;
- Have a difference of two, you're a B cup;
- Have a difference of three, you're a C cup;
- Have a difference of four, you're a D cup.
Be sure to keep sister sizes in mind as well. When the cup size of a bra increases, the band size decreases. When the cup size decreases, the band size increases. Therefore, different sized bras are interchangeable when they are the same cup size (even if it is unmarked). However, the fit varies in response to the band size. To calculate your sister sizes, go up in band size and down in cup size, or up in cup size and down in band size. When using sister sizes, remember that the bra is more likely to fit if you're closer to your actual bra size.
Asking your parents for a bra may seem daunting but breast development is a natural process. While it may be embarrassing, remember that you're certainly not alone. If you need a bra, there are several ways to ask for one. You can be straightforward with it by asking directly, or you can be subtle by dropping hints. If you're uncomfortable speaking about this in person you can also write a note and leave it where you know it will be found. Alternatively, you can pick out a bra and put it in the shopping cart just like you would with any other item. If you are in the position where you need to ask someone of the opposite sex about getting a bra, don't feel embarrassed! Most people know all about how the female body works from having sisters, girlfriends, or wives.
Before choosing the bra that is right for you, consider what type of bra will make you feel the most comfortable while flattering your shape. For smaller cup sizes, a push-up bra will help make breasts look fuller. A demi bra will expose more of the breasts and will enhance cleavage. For larger breasts, an underwire or t-shirt bra will give extra support.
A training bra is often worn by those starting puberty. It is designed to help people feel comfortable with wearing a bra; therefore, it provides minimal support and won't have much (if any) padding at all. They can most often be found in the children's section of a store, rather than the adult section.
Bandeau bras are worn around the breasts like a shirt. They provide little to no support or shape, and are commonly worn under large tank tops to cover breasts or add a pop of color.
A sports bra is used when people engage in physical activity. It provides support that prevents movement of breasts while exercising. When purchasing a sports bra, take your exercise routine into consideration. For instance, walking is considered a low impact activity while running is considered a high impact activity. Compression bras are ideal for those who have A and B cups. These bras compress breasts closer to the body which helps to restrict overall movement. Encapsulation bras are beneficial for C and D cup sizes. Encapsulation bras have separate cups that help provide support to your bust. While certain bras help certain sizes, it is recommended to have a combination of both compression and encapsulation bras.
Racer back bras have straps on the shoulders that come across the back in a V shape. They can be worn under clothing in which the horizontal back strap would be too exposed. Racer backs sometimes close at the front instead of the back. Some sports bras are racer back as well.
Padded bras have padding inside the lining to provide breasts with more shape. However, they do not lift breasts like push-up bras do. Padded bras enhance the bust and make breasts appear slightly larger. They are commonly used for uneven breasts.
Underwire bras give extra support to the bust with a metal or plastic support that runs underneath the bra.
T-shirt bras are seamless bras designed to look non-existent under a t-shirt or form fitting shirt. They often have some padding to ensure that breasts are appropriately supported.
A push-up bra is padded to push breasts together and lift them up to enhance cleavage. Demi bras lift breasts like push-up bras do; however, demi bras are low cut and do not provide a lot of support. They are usually worn under low cut clothing.
Minimizer bras are the exact opposite of push-up bras; they restrict the appearance of breasts to a cup size smaller (or more). They help to ensure that breast tissue is equally distributed and this makes breasts appear smaller. Minimizer bras can be seamed or seamless. A seamed bra will give you a little more shape, whereas a seamless bra will create a smooth line underneath your clothing. Minimizer bras can be worn by people who need to wear certain clothing, such as a button down shirt. They're usually worn by people who are uncomfortable with their breast size.
Convertible bras are bras that are sold with detachable straps which can be moved so the bra can be worn in a variety of different ways. The interchangeable style is an advantage; it's like owning several bras in one. The bra can be worn as a racer back, over the shoulder, or strapless. A strapless bra is typically worn under a strapless article of clothing.
Peephole bras are loosely fitting bras that offer little to no support. They have holes around the nipples and are commonly worn during intimacy.
A maternity bra is designed so the fit can easily be adjusted during the course of pregnancy. Nursing bras allow quick access to the nipples to make breast feeding easier. These bras can be purchased at department stores or online, from the comfort of your home.
A mastectomy bra is constructed to be worn by people who have had one or both breasts removed. People are generally fitted for a mastectomy bra when a doctor gives the okay after a surgery. An initial mastectomy bra is lightweight and gentle to assist the healing process as much as possible. People are then fitted for prostheses about six to eight weeks later. The bra is then customized and fitted to the patient's needs. Mascetomy bras can be custom ordered from a prosthetic facility or bought in some department stores.
Bras can be worn during the day and even at nighttime. Bras do not stunt growth if worn to bed; whether or not you choose to wear your bra to bed is up to you. It is all about personal preference. However, it is recommended to take your bra off periodically to reduce sagging later in life.
It is best to have at least two bras so you are able to alternate them. Do not wear a bra for several consecutive days; change them to increase their longevity. It is recommended to wear them twice before washing. Use a sensitive detergent and wash on a cool, gentle or hand wash cycle. Let your bras air dry; never use a dryer.
While many people wear bras, they are not completely necessary and many people choose to go braless. There are no actual health benefits from wearing a bra. Some people aren't fond of the look or how it feels, and that is just fine. Whether or not you wear a bra is a personal preference and it is not a reflection of who you are in any way. If you do decide to wear a bra, however, be sure to measure yourself! Help lower the percentage of those who wear the wrong size bra by getting measured and wearing the size that is right for you.
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