The right bras for preventing sagging and maintaining breast shape can make a world of difference.
Sagging is a natural phenomenon that almost all women have to endure. A woman’s breast may undergo sagging due to age, pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, weight gain or weight loss, and gravity.
Yes, there are so many factors acting against your breasts all the time. The heavier and fuller your breasts are, the more they are prone to sag, because of the gravitational pull. So, if there is a lack of proper and long-term support, your breast tissues will stretch and become saggy.
Wearing the right bra provides your breasts with the necessary support and helps prevent sagging. The keyword here is ‘right bra’. Studies reveal that 80 per cent of women in India, including urban women, wear the wrong bra size.
Role of Bras for Preventing Sagging and maintaining breast shape
Your bra offers support against gravity
Wearing a bra offers you the right support. A woman’s breast is made of fats and it is supported by weak ligaments called Cooper’s ligaments. Since this force is not very strong, you need to provide extra support to your breasts by wearing the right bras for preventing sagging.
Your bra offers support against movement
Not wearing the right bra during workouts can also lead to sagging. This is because most workouts involve vigorous movements that can stretch your breast tissues, and make your breast ligaments lose. Wearing a high-impact sports bra can control the bounce of your breasts and prevent sagging.
Wearing the wrong bra can lead to saggy breast
One of the most common factors contributing to saggy or deformed breasts is wearing the wrong bra or band size. Since most of your bra’s support comes from the band, though most people think it’s the strap offering you support, it’s actually the band. Thus, finding a bra with the perfect band fit is very important.
If your band is too loose, then the weight of your breasts will pull it down due to gravity, resulting in sagginess over time. Also, the band should sit parallel to the ground. It should not form an arch in the back.
A Sports bra can prevent sagging
Wearing sports bras for preventing sagging is one of the most recommended breast tips. A sports bra can improve breast firmness and help in maintaining the shape of your breasts. Studies have found that sports bras can play an important role in shaping your breasts and maintaining their firmness.
Young girls in their adolescence should be introduced to sports bras because they are more comfortable, breathable, and perfect for supporting their active lifestyle. Today, many young girls are training in one or more sports, as such, having the right support for their breasts is crucial.
A sports bra is a perfect choice for you if your daily routine involves vigorous movement. This could be from a sport, vigorous exercise, walking, running, or cycling on the road. Wearing a sports bra from an early age is very important to develop firm breasts. It is one of the best kinds of bras for preventing sagging of your breasts.
Can wearing a bra to bed reverse sagging?
Once your breasts become sagged, they cannot come back to their original form. However, taking the right measures can help in maintaining their firmness. Many of my patients have asked me this question, whether they should or shouldn’t wear their bra to bed.
Ideally, you should be wearing loose and airy clothes to bed. So, wearing a bra to bed is not a good idea as it can restrict blood circulation and result in swelling of your breasts, pain, tenderness, or skin irritation. In addition to this, bras are meant to provide vertical support, but when you sleep, you don’t need vertical support for your breasts.
Thus, wearing a bra to bed cannot prevent sagging. But if you still want to wear one then go for a very comfortable sports bra that fits well and does not constrict your body. Opt for a cotton bra if possible.
Other Tips to Prevent Breast Sagging
Breast massage
One of the best and safest ways to prevent breast sagging is massaging your breasts with a good breast-firming oil like almond oil or olive oil. Use different techniques like circular motions, rolling massage and gently kneading. Massaging your breasts improves blood circulation, boosts collagen production, and increases breast strength and firmness. Massage each breast for about five minutes daily before or after bathing. You can also try ice massage.
Exercise regularly
Performing regular workouts that focus on your chest muscles can help in preventing sagging and improve breast firmness. Some of the exercises that work great for your breast are – push-ups, chest presses, cobra poses, and chest flies. In addition to this, make sure to maintain the right posture while sitting at your desk.
Chest flies, also known as pectoral flies, are a type of exercise that targets the pectoral muscles, commonly referred to as the “pecs.” This exercise is typically performed using dumbbells or a cable machine and involves lying on a bench or a flat surface with arms extended out to the sides, and then bringing the weights together in front of the body as if hugging a tree.
Chest flies can help to strengthen and tone the chest muscles, as well as improve overall upper body strength and posture. This exercise is often included in strength training and bodybuilding workouts and can be modified to suit different fitness levels and goals.
Maintain a healthy weight
Extreme weight fluctuations can also result in saggy breasts. This is because increased weight can take a toll on the elasticity of your skin. Eating a healthy diet, and avoiding sugar, alcohol, and processed foods can help you in maintaining a healthy weight.
Avoid smoking
Smoking is proven to accelerate the process of aging. This is because smoking can increase the number of free radicals in your body which can cause irreversible damage to your cells, speed up aging, and reduce the level of collagen.
Tips for choosing the right bra
- Always invest in a good quality bra that offers the best blend of quality and comfort.
- A good-fitting bra should support the breast without pinching or pulling.
- The underwire or band of your bra should not be too tight or too loose. It should sit flat against the chest and the whole breast should fit comfortably into the cups.
- Work out regularly to keep the pectoral muscles healthy and strong.
A full-coverage bra with good support is an excellent choice for sagging breasts. You can choose a T-shirt bra, push-up bra, sports bra, and underwired bra. You can try different bras and find the one that suits you best. Always remember that different brands will offer you different fits and not every brand will fit you right. So, keep experimenting until you find your brand!
Ayurvedic Doctor’s opinion
I have seen firsthand the importance of maintaining proper breast health through the use of a well-fitting bra. Not only does a supportive bra provide comfort and prevent pain or discomfort, but it can also play a crucial role in maintaining breast shape and preventing sagging.
Several studies have shown that wearing a bra can help to support the breast tissue and prevent it from stretching and sagging over time. One study conducted by the University of Portsmouth in the UK found that women who did not wear bras had a higher degree of sagging over time, while those who wore a bra had more lifted and supported breasts.
Additionally, research has shown that wearing a bra during exercise can help to reduce breast discomfort and pain. One study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that wearing a sports bra during exercise reduced pain and discomfort in women with large breasts.
However, it is important to note that not all bras are created equal. It is crucial to find a bra that fits properly and provides adequate support for your specific breast size and shape. A poorly fitting bra can actually exacerbate sagging and discomfort, rather than prevent it.
In Ayurveda, we believe in the importance of nurturing and supporting the body in a holistic way. This includes caring for the breasts with proper clothing and support. I often recommend that my patients opt for comfortable and supportive bras made from natural materials, such as cotton, to avoid irritation or discomfort.
In conclusion, wearing a well-fitting and supportive bra can play a crucial role in maintaining breast health and preventing sagging over time. By paying attention to your breast health and investing in a good bra, you can support your overall well-being and feel confident and comfortable in your body.
