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A brassiere (''Brit.'' ; ''U.S.'' , commonly referred to as a '''bra''', ) is an article of clothing that covers, supports, and elevates the Breast s. The bra is considered a Foundation Garment , as well as an Undergarment , because of its role in shaping the wearer's figure. It was originally developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to replace the Corset , and has now become, in many parts of the world, the most popular form of undergarment for the upper body, although Camisole s and Chemise s are becoming more popular. The bra may be worn to support and enhance breast shape during everyday activities and a specialized bra, the Sports Bra to support and restrain breasts during exercise. Some wearers believe that wearing it will prevent their breasts from sagging later in life. However, there are no reports in the scientific medical literature that support that notion. In fact some reports have suggested that wearing a bra will promote ligament atrophy, which contributes to sagging, so the matter is open to debate. http://www.007b.com/bra_sagging.php The bra may also be worn to observe modesty or to present a certain image of femininity. Bras are typically designed to lift the breasts into a particular position, for a more youthful look or for Enhancing Cleavage . These roles are sometimes conflicting. Some designers aim at producing a garment that fulfills a practical role as well as making it look attractive. Bras are also used during pregnancy (when breasts are enlarged and more sensitive), and for nursing (see Nursing Bra ) to support and provide access for breastfeeding. Many have questioned the practical need for the bra. Some women prefer not to wear a bra and go braless on a regular basis. In many nations, a bra is often not worn. Some have suggested that a bra does little to prevent the effects of aging on the breasts, and some have claimed that breasts are healthier when left free to move rather than being restrained. Susan Love, Karen Lindsey, Marcia Williams. Dr Susan Love's Breast Book. Paperback: 632 pages. HarperCollins Publishers; 3rd Rev edition (September 20, 2000) ISBN 0738202355 Also, the bra has become charged with political and cultural meanings that overlay its practical purpose. Traditionally it is viewed as symbolic of a young girl's coming of age, one of the tokens that indicate that she has become a young woman. It can also be interpreted as a feminine icon. On the other hand, some may see it as a symbol of the repression of women's bodies. ''Uplift: The Bra in America.'' Jane Farrell-Beck and Colleen Gau. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2002 xvi, 243 pp. ISBN 0-8122-3643-2. All of these debates mean that the bra has assumed a cultural significance which far outweighs that which is normally accorded to an item of clothing. ETYMOLOGY The French word ''brassière'' refers to a baby's vest (undershirt) or lifebelt, underbodice or harness. The word brassière derives from ''bracière'', an Old French word meaning "arm protector" and referring to military uniforms (''bras'' in French means "''arm''"). This later became used for a military breast plate, and later for a type of woman's corset. The current French term for brassière is ''soutien-gorge'', literally, "held under the neck" or "throat-support". In French, ''gorge'' (throat) was a common euphemism for the breast. This dates back to the garment developed by Herminie Cadolle in 1905. The term "brassiere" seems to have come into use in the English language as early as 1893. Evening Herald (Syracuse) March 1893. “Still of course the short waisted gowns mean short waisted corsets and those ladies who wish to be in the real absolute fashion are adopting for evening wear the six inch straight boned band or ''brassiere'' which Sarah Bernhardt made a necessity with her directoire gowns.” Manufacturers were using the term by about 1904, ''Vogue'' magazine first used it in 1907, and by 1911 the word had made its way into the Oxford English Dictionary. Michael Quinion: World Wide Words In the 1930s, "brassiere" gradually came to be shortened to "bra". In the French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec , both ''soutien-gorge'' and ''brassière'' are used interchangeably. The claim that the brassiere was invented by a man named ''. Brassiere (origin of name) Snopes.com Urban Legends HISTORY See Also: History of brassieres During recorded history, women have used a variety of garments and devices to cover, restrain, or elevate their breasts. Brassiere or bikini-like garments are depicted on some female athletes in the seventh century BC during the Minoan Civilization era. Similar functionality was achieved by both outerwear and underwear. From the 16th century onwards, the undergarments of wealthier women were dominated by the -like restraining device for the lower torso, and devices that suspended the breasts from the shoulder for the upper torso. By the early 20th century, garments more closely resembling contemporary bras had emerged, although large-scale commercial production did not occur until the 1930s. Since then, bras have replaced corsets (although some prefer Camisole s), and bra manufacture and sale has become a multi-billion-dollar industry. Over time, the emphasis on bras has largely shifted from functionality to fashion. In China during the Ming dynasty a form of foundation clothe complete with cups and straps drawn over shoulders and tied to the girth seam at the lower back called a Dudou was in vogue among the rich women. (Oriental Clothing and Modern Fetishism, various authors, ed. Partho Shanner, 1996, Yeti, Hong Kong). While they first arose in the Ming Dynasty, were also common in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). In English they are known as 'stomach protectors' or 'tummy covers' {Link without Title} CONSTRUCTION AND FIT A brassiere usually consists of two cups for breasts, a centre panel, a band running around the torso under the bust, and a shoulder strap for each side. Brassieres are typically made of a Fabric , such as Cotton or Polyester . Spandex and Lace are also often used for various parts of the bra. The cups for the breasts may be reinforced by ''underwires'' made of metal originally, but mainly plastic now. The bra is usually fastened with a hook Fastener on the band, typically at the back. In some bras the fastener is in the front, between the cups. Others are pulled on over the head and have no fasteners at all. Some bras contain Padding , designed either to increase comfort, to conceal the nipples, or to make the breasts appear larger. Breast pads, commonly known as " Falsies " or "cutlets", are sometimes worn between the breasts and the bra to create the illusion of a larger cup size. Push-up bras in particular are designed to enhance the Cleavage and use padding and the cut of the pattern to achieve this effect. Fitting The backstrap (band) and cups should provide most of the Support , rather than the shoulder straps, which are responsible for a number of health problems (see ''Mechanical principles'', below).
Mechanical principles A pair of breasts can weigh several kilograms. For instance a pair of "D cup" breasts may weigh 15–23 pounds (7–10 kg),[http://www.discover.com/issues/nov-05/departments/physics-of-bras/ Anne Casselman. The Physics of Bras. DISCOVER Vol. 26 No. 11 November 2005.] dependent on band and cup size. One of the principal functions of a bra is to elevate and "support" the breasts, that is, to raise them from their normal position lying against the chest wall. The bra's shoulder strap should bear little weight. This is considered the defining characteristic of the bra: supporting the weight from the back and shoulders, as opposed to lift from below (as corsets do). Over-reliance on the platform (backstrap) for support will lead to undue compression of the breasts, so much of the weight tends to be carried by the shoulder strap, particularly for larger breasts.Ryan E. Pectoral Girdle Myalgia in Women: A 5-year Study in a Clinical Setting Clinical Journal of Pain 16(4) December 2000, pp298-303 The major engineering weakness of the bra is that it acts as a Pulley , transferring the Weight Of The Breasts from the lower chest wall to higher structures such as the back, shoulder, neck, and head. This can result in pain and injury in those structures, especially for women with pendulous breasts.Tyrer, John. cited in Seigel 2003 q.v. SIZE AND MEASUREMENT See Also: brassiere measurements The comfort and function of any given bra is highly dependent on the correct size and fit. A large range of sizes are available to cater to the wide variety in the size of women's breasts and bodies. Bra sizes typically vary in two ways: the volume of the cups that fit over the breast, and the length of the back strap that goes around the body. It is essential that the bra fit correctly in both of these dimensions. There is typically some ability to adjust the band size, since bras usually have three or four alternative sets of fastening hooks. The shoulder straps of a bra are also almost always adjustable. The Size of women's Breasts is often expressed in terms of her usual bra size. Measurement systems Although all bras are labeled by size, many women find that the only way to obtain a bra that fits properly and achieves the effect they want is by Trial And Error with each bra type, model and brand. This method is the most reliable. Though many countries use the Metric System , the majority of nations still use Imperial Unit s to determine the underband size of the bra itself. There are several methods which may be used to provide an approximate size by taking measurements.A. R. Greenbaum However, bra sizing systems differ widely between countries, between manufacturers, and between brands and designs, which can create many Problems . Many researchers have demonstrated that these problems arise because fit requires knowing the breast volume, not the body circumference (the distance around the body), which is what is actually measured. Although bra sizing uses the circumference to estimate the volume, this has been shown to be highly unreliable. The size of a bra is commonly described by two values. The first is the ''band size'' (underband), a number based on the circumference of the chest under the bust, excluding the breasts. The second is the ''cup size'' given by a letter of the alphabet, and relating to the volume of the breasts themselves. For example, a 30D bra is for a 30-size band and a D-size cup. Cup sizes typically start with A, the smallest, and increase alphabetically. A double lettering system may also be used, e.g. DDD for F or AA for a size smaller than A. Band size is usually determined by measuring body circumference under the breasts as tight as possible. A second measurement is a loose fit taken of the chest circumference over the fullest part of the breasts (''overbust''). The cup size can then be calculated with tables or a conversion tool from the difference between these two measurements. The mean underband circumference in the UK is 34 inches (86 cm). For the overbust measurement, this is 40 inches (101 cm), for women 18–64 years.L. Peebles and B. Norris. Adult data: the handbook of adult anthropometric and strength measurements, Department of Trade and Industry, London (1998). Fitting difficulties Women often find it difficult to find the correct bra size. To achieve perfect sizing consistently, a bra would have to be custom made, because a "one-size-fits-all" manufacturing process is fraught with difficulties. Breasts vary in the position on the chest, and in their diameters. A number of stores have certified professional bra-fitters specialists. However, even bra fitters have been shown to be quite variable in their recommendations. Buying "off-the-shelf" or "online" bras is unwise if the buyer has never tried on the brand and type of bra that they are interested in buying. Some bra manufacturers and distributors state that trying on and learning to recognize a proper fit is the best way to determine a correct bra size, much the same as with Shoes . Some critics observe that measuring systems such as the one described above often lead to an incorrect size, most commonly too small in the cup, and too large in the band. For anyone, especially cup sizes larger than a D, one should get a professional fitting from the lingerie department of a clothing store or a specialty lingerie store. King, Stephanie A short history of lingerie: Doreen the bra that conquered the world The Independent June 2 2005. For comment, see Victoria Hiley Bra-burning a myth June 4. Commentary on Stephanie King A short history of lingerie June 2 Some women intentionally buy larger cups and pad them, while yet others buy smaller cups to give the appearance of being "full". Finally, the elastic properties of the band make band size highly unreliable, and in one study the label size was consistently different from the measured size. greenbaum Fashion and image drive the bra market, and these factors often take precedence over comfort and function. Bras and Pants. Mintel International Group Ltd., 2001, 2005 As already noted, there is no agreed standard across all manufacturers for measuring and specifying bra size. Obtaining the correct size is further complicated by the fact that the size and shape of a woman's breasts fluctuate during her Menstrual Cycle , and also with Weight gain or loss. Even breathing can substantially alter the measurements. It is frequently stated, from the results of surveys, that between 70 and 100% of women are wearing incorrectly fitted bras. Playtex Fitting GuideBoyes K. Buying the perfect bra. Good Housekeeping. August 1996 p50Lipton B. Are you wearing the wrong size bra? Ladies Home Journal March 1996 p46Hinds J If the bra fits, buy it. Ganett News Service May 25 1994 Oprah Winfrey: Oprah's Bra and Swimsuit Intervention This may be partly due to a lack of understanding of how to correctly determine bra size; it may also be due to unusual or unexpectedly rapid growth in size brought on by pregnancy, weight gain, or medical conditions including Virginal Breast Hypertrophy . As breasts become larger, their shape and the distribution of the tissues within them changes, becoming Ptotic and bulbous rather than conical. This makes measurements increasingly unreliable, especially for large breasts. Similarly the heavier a build the woman has, the more inaccurate the underbust measurement as the tape sinks into the flesh more easily. Finally, most women are asymmetrical (10% severely), with the left breast being larger in 62%, especially when the breasts are large. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=16327452&dopt=Citation Losken A., Fishman I., Denson D., Moyer H., Carlson, G. ''An Objective Evaluation of Breast Symmetry and Shape Differences Using 3-Dimensional Images'' Annals of Plastic Surgery Volume 55(6), December 2005, pp 571-5] Many of the health problems associated with bras are due to fitting problems and are discussed further below, under ''health Problems'' . However, finding a comfortable fit is described as very difficult by many women, which has affected sales. Jessica Seigel. Bent out of shape: Why is it so hard to find the perfect bra? Lifetime Magazine May/June 2003 Phillips, Jeanne. (Van Buren, Abigail) Dear Abby: Women tired of shouldering burden of bad bra design. May 11 2004. Medical studies have also attested to the difficulty of getting a correct fit. McGhee DE, Steele JR. How do respiratory state and measurement method affect bra size calculations? Br J Sports Med 2006 40: 970-974 TYPES OF BRA A wide range of styles of brassieres now exists, to be worn in a variety of situations, and with a variety of outergarments. For instance ''strapless'', ''backless'' and ''multiway'' bra styles specialise in being invisible underneath less than full coverage garments whereas ''push up'' and ''plunge'' focus on shaping the bust and cleavage. The degree of shaping and coverage of the breasts varies between styles, as do functionality and fashion, fabric, and colour. Styles range from the purely utilitarian to the sensual. Others include various accessory structures such as padding and underwiring. Many bras will fall into more than one category, such as a maternity bra designed for facilitating access to the Nipple , but that is also designed to provide support to heavier lactating breasts. Definitions are not always very accurate or exclusive (e.g. shelf bra). Sports Bra s have more recently been developed with the primary purpose of restricting breast movement to aid comfort. THERAPEUTIC ROLE OF THE BRA Countering the aging process See Also: Breasts Anatomically, the Breasts are non-rigid areas of glandular tissue, with few support structures, such as Connective Tissue . Breasts are composed of the Mammary Gland s, which remain relatively constant throughout life, as well as the Adipose Tissue or fat tissue that surrounds the mammary glands. It is the amount and distribution of adipose tissue that leads to variations in breast size. In addition, the breasts contain internal Ligaments , although their exact function as related to breast support is controversial. These ligaments, and the overlying Skin (referred to as the ''dermal brassiere''). Female Intelligence Agency: Basic breast anatomy help determine the resulting breast shape. As the breasts mature, they fold over the lower attachment to the chest wall (infra-mammary fold), and their lower (inferior) surface lies against the chest wall when vertical. In popular culture, this maturation is referred to as "sagging" or "drooping", although plastic surgeons refer to it as Ptosis , and recommend Mastopexy (breast lift) for correction. emedicine: mastopexy Dr. R. Scott Smith. Fuller Breasts: A Woman's Guide to Breast Augmentation Although the exact mechanisms that determine breast shape and size remain largely unknown, Page K.A., Steele J.R. Breast motion and sports brassiere design. Implications for future research. Sports Med. 1999 Apr;27(4):205-11. it has long been claimed that this occurs because the normal anatomical support is inadequate, especially in older women and those with larger breasts. Norah Alberto (Maidenform): Why is wearing a bra important? Hence the bra is often proposed as a means of providing artificial support, based on the presumption that the breasts cannot support themselves. Female Intelligence Agency: Why do women wear bras? Health professionals have, however, found no evidence to suggest that the bra changes the natural process of aging of the breasts. Female Intelligence Agency: What causes sagging of breasts? Bra manufacturers have also stated that bras only affect the shape of breasts while they are being worn.Bras, the bare facts 2000 ''vid. inf.'' Indeed, there are indications that wearing a bra may have an effect opposite to that which was intended. In a Japanese study, 11 women were measured wearing a standardised fitted bra for three months. They found that breasts became larger and lower, with the underbust measurement decreasing and the overbust increasing, while the lowest point of the breast moved downwards and outwards. The effect was more pronounced in larger-breasted women. This may be related to the particular bra chosen for the experiment. There was some improvement after changing to a different model. K Ashizawa Breast form changes resulting from a certain brassiere Journal of Human Ergology, June 1990 19(1): 53-62 These findings were confirmed in a much larger French study of 250 women who exercised regularly and were followed by questionnaires and biometric measurements for a year after agreeing not to wear a bra. While there was some initial discomfort at the first evaluation, this gradually disappeared and by the end of the year nearly all the women had improved comfort compared to before the study. The measurements showed firmer, and more elevated and youthful breasts. One example of a woman who had breasts that were uncomfortably large, and who had improvement after two years of being without a bra is given. Le soutien-gorge en question [http://www.lepays.fr/jdj/06/09/17/RP/1/article_1.html Le port du soutien-gorge déconseillé par un médecin bisontin] While some may dispute the reasons why breasts change in shape with age and argue over whether or not the process can be delayed or reversed by wearing a bra, it is a natural process of bodily change. Health ethicists are concerned that plastic surgery and implants have altered our concept of what is "normal" and medicalised women's bodies by making a normal process a "disease." Meredith Schwartz: Choice and Autonomy - Ethical issues in women's health. Case study: breast implants Pain relief and comfort Wearing a bra can offer relief of breast pain ( Mastodynia , mastalgia), particularly when women are performing strenuous physical activity or exercise. Indeed, the Sports Bra is an example of a bra which has been specifically designed for this purpose. Hadi MS. Sports Brassiere: Is It a Solution for Mastalgia? Breast J. 2000 Nov;6(6):407-409 [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WC6-48V7X3M-5&_user=10&_handle=V-WA-A-W-WY-MsSWYVW-UUW-U-AAZCYCZEAW-AAZBVBDDAW-ZWEVAEZE-WY-U&_fmt=summary&_coverDate=04%2F30%2F2003&_rdoc=5&_orig=browse&_srch=%23toc%236730%232003%23999439996%23439634!&_cdi=6730&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=6c49ce77d9e07e7839304093070e3af8 A. R. Greenbaum, T. Heslop, J. Morris and K.W. Dunn, An investigation of the suitability of bra fit in women referred for reduction mammaplasty, Br J Plast Surg 56 (2003) (3), pp. 230–236] An underwire bra can also help support breasts and keep them from bouncing (for example, during running), which is painful whether the breasts are large or small. Recently the requirement for a bra during exercise at all has been questioned following extensive studies on athletes and sportswomen. In the specific case of larger breasts, the bra lifts the breasts away from the chest and can prevent two skin surfaces from rubbing together. Without the bra, Maceration (loss of skin), Intertrigo (rash) and fungal infections are possible. This does, however, depend upon a correctly fitted bra that performs as intended. greenbaum CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE Feminist comment Many feminist writers have interpreted the bra as an example of how women's clothing has shaped and even deformed women's bodies to historically aesthetic ideals, or shaped them to conform to male expectations of what is desirable. of bra-burning ceremonies.http://www.snopes.com/history/american/burnbra.htm The bra as a fashion item Breasts which have not undergone sagging, and which present a "pert" or "perky" appearance, are widely considered to be a marker of youth. Bras are therefore used, particularly within Western cultures which place great value upon youth, to promote what is considered a more desirable youthful appearance by lifting the breasts from their natural position. Furthermore, the modern bra is often more decorative than its predecessors, and therefore has become both a fashion statement and an adornment, and even an icon of sensuality. The design of bras which aim to be fashionable, rather than functional, has been driven by changing fashions in outerwear, which has often dictated what could be worn underneath. Hence its shape has evolved through flat, round, pointed, conical, to "natural". Although in popular culture the invention of the bra is frequently attributed to men, in fact women have played a large part in bra design and manufacture, accounting for half of the patents filed. SOCIAL PRESSURES AND TRENDS The average American woman today owns six bras, one of which is a strapless bra, and one in a color other than white. While reliable data are hard to obtain, it is thought that in the Western world about 90% of women wear bras. Some women wear bras based on modesty; others because they believe that it is part of their cultural norm and that not wearing a bra would lead to Ostracism . Norah Alberto (Maidenform): Why is wearing a bra important? Bras are a relatively recent invention and are by no means universally worn around the world. In a cross-cultural study of bra size and cancer in 9,000 in the 1960s, a Harvard group found 93% of women wore bras (from 88% in the UK to 99% in Greece), but could not find enough women in Japan with bras to complete their study. Hsieh CC, Trichopoulos D. Breast size, handedness and breast cancer risk. Eur J Cancer. 1991;27(2):131-5. In a number of cultures, women are quite comfortable to Sunbathe or swim without any external support. The prevalence of the bra, and perceived social expectation to wear one, does not imply that openly displaying it is encouraged. On the contrary, it is often not considered suitable to expose one's brassiere in public in Western Cultures , even partially, despite the fact that it is similar in appearance to the upper part of a bikini; to do so may be considered sexually provocative. However more young people are doing so, and bra straps are a common sight. Occasionally they may wear a bra as outerwear. An attractive bra can be considered partly as an accessory, just as a Camisole might; more women, particularly in Eastern Europe, are now wearing translucent tops which reveal the underlying bra. Even considering this relative cultural taboo, being seen in one's bra is still more socially acceptable than exposing the bare Breasts , except at the beach. Indeed, women may choose to be seen in just a bra to make a specific point. For instance, bras have recently been used by organisations like Breast Cancer charities to raise money, either by sponsored walks BBC News 19 June, 2005: Bra walkers tackle night marathon. or to sell bras owned or decorated by celebrities. An increasing number of women GoingBraless.net: A bra freedom support group for women and health professionals Dr Elizabeth Vaughan, M.D. Brafree.org Dr. Robert Mansel. Bras, the bare facts. Channel 4 ''vid. inf.'' are challenging the traditional values that suggest that that bras are either medically necessary or required socially and are adopting bralessness (also known as brafreedom, or breast freedom). Dickinson, Amy. It's a wonder why women still wear bras. ''Chicago Tribune'' October 27, 2006 The Breast Site: Going Braless One survey found that 20% of women over 50 were not wearing bras (Farell-Beck and Gau p.171). Some men also choose to wear bras. This may because they have large breasts due to a condition known as Gynecomastia or simply obesity. Many entertainers, actresses and members of the fashion industry have chosen not to wear bras. Susan Stranks who presented the Thames TV children's programme, '' Magpie '' between 1968 and 1974 chose not to wear a bra, even on camera. Another well known woman who regularly appears braless on TV is the presenter of BBC Gardening's ''Ground Force'', Charlie Dimmock .[http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/tv_and_radio/presenterbiogs_d.shtml BBC Gardening Presenter Biographies: Charlie Dimmock] HEALTH PROBLEMS Many of the statements about the benefits of bras are actually situations where they can make things worse, because the vast majority of women wear bras that are ill-fitting. For instance, rather than keeping the breasts away from the chest wall, bras that are too tight can actually compress them against the chest even further. This also pulls the upper thoracic and cervical vertebrae (spine) forward and down, interfering with back, shoulder and chest movement. greenbaum As they did with corsets, health professionals have also had concerns about the constricting effects of brassieres, although this varies considerably with design and the relative size of the bra and the breast. While at least sports bras do not usually cause any significant impairment in respiration,1 some bras may put pressure on nerves.23 Others believe that wearing a bra can actually increase the downward movement of the breasts with age, because the chest muscles ( Pectoralis ) that support breasts are used less and atrophy from lack of use. Myalgia Use of a properly fitting bra is regularly recommended for reduction of mastalgia (breast pain) from exercise or other activities which cause the breasts to bounce, or for pain related to fibrocystic breast disease.45 A trial comparing the effectiveness of danazole versus use of a sports bra for treatment of mastalgia found the sports bra to be much more effective, and avoided the side effects experienced by 42% of those taking danazole.6 Sports bras were also found most effective at reducing mastalgia caused by exercise.7 When the shoulder straps Transfer Most Of The Weight Of The Breast , a deep groove can be seen over the shoulder.Dr Simon Cawthorne. Bras, the bare facts. Channel 4 2000 ''vid. inf.'' Use of thin straps, such as spaghetti straps, can exert pressure on the Trapezius muscle, resulting in temporary symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain; numbness and tingling in the arm; and headaches. Dr. Karen Kowalske. Bra Straps Health Watch. Office of News and Publications & the Library at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas August 2006 This seems more common in women whose activities require them to lift their arms above the shoulders. In a study of 100 women with painful shoulders, they were asked to not wear their bras for two weeks, by which time their symptoms had improved but returned within an hour of replacing the bra. 84% did not elevate their arms, and in these symptom relief was complete. Three years later, 79% of the women were still bra free; the remainder preferred pain to not wearing a bra. 16% worked in occupations requiring elevating their arms, and only achieved partial improvement. 13 of the 16 decided to become bra-free, and by six months all were cured.Ryan E. Pectoral Girdle Myalgia in Women: A 5-year Study in a Clinical Setting Clinical Journal of Pain 16(4) December 2000, pp298-303 ) for pain, one woman never wore a bra, but of the remaining 102 ''all'' were wearing an incorrect bra size. The underband was too tight and the cup size too large. The larger the woman, the worse the fit. The result was a bra that compresses the breast and distorts it by compressing the breast against the skin of the chest wall. Based on their research, many physicians believe that bra size is meaningless, when breast volumes are calculated accurately. "''The current popular system of determining bra size is inaccurate so often as to be useless. Add to this the many different styles of bras and the lack of standardization between brands, and one can see why finding a comfortable, well-fitting bra is more a matter of educated guesswork, trial, and error than of precise measurements.''"Pechter EA A new method for determining bra size and predicting postaugmentation breast size. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998 Sep;102(4):1259-65Ringberg A., Bageman E., Rose C., Ingvar C., Jernstrom H. Of cup and bra size: Reply to a prospective study of breast size and premenopausal breast cancer incidence. Int J Cancer. 2006 Jul 13 SEE ALSO
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