Wearing the wrong size bra is not only uncomfortable, it can cause a range of health problems. Research has shown that a lack of breast support often leads to breast pain, which is reported by 50% of women. An ill-fitting bra that doesn’t give the right support can also lead to breast skin damage – usually seen as stretch marks, caused by stretching the skin beyond its recovery point.
We also see ill-fitting bras causing permanent changes to the body, such as deep grooves in the shoulders caused by pressure from the bra shoulder straps. Ill-fitting bras have even been associated with a desire for breast reduction surgery. And with 80% of women wearing a poorly fitting bra, this is potentially a significant problem. In a study that assessed the bra fit of women wanting breast reduction surgery, all were wearing an ill-fitting bra.
I remember the first time I got fitted for a bra by a real professional and not the idiots at Victoria’s secret that don’t measure properly. I went for a 34 band size, which is the smallest commonly available, to a 28 band size. It was like night and day with back pain. It was amazing. I just wish different sizes and good bras weren’t so expensive! My last bra I bought was super ugly and not all that comfortable, but it fit and it was only $65 so I bought it. The one I really wanted was $145, so I just couldn’t afford it.
I feel your pain. All the good, supportive bras are so expensive! And they’re not pretty! I’ve recently started buying the Comfy Bra by Hanes, because it’s only $7, but it’s not very supportive.
Mrs. Pixel is … busty. Her bras are upwards of $100, but I don’t complain because I’ve seen the crippling pain a cheap bra inflicts. You don’t cut corners with bras or eyewear.