When a person buys a bra, the first thing they think about is comfort. It seems that the push ups and underwired bra versions are over to make way for sportswear. But, are there really problems in its use?
According to various reports, sales of sports bras have skyrocketed, with people assigned female at birth keeping them on all day rather than just while exercising. Meanwhile, brands specialized in wireless support are appearing little by little.
While many people are turning to soft cups for that relaxed feeling, some are also concerned that underwire could be unhealthy, primarily because this type of underwire bra could cause breast cancer.
What is an underwire bra?
There may be people who are not familiar with this term, so we will quickly review everything about this type of bra.
An underwire bra is one that uses a thin, semicircular strap of strong material that is inserted under the fabric of the bra. The wire that is inserted is usually made of plastic, metal, or resin. What is the purpose of this hoop? It is made to lift the breasts, somewhat molding the natural shape of your breasts.
Regarding its origins, the concept of underwire bras dates back to 1893, with a patent describing a chest restraint device that uses a rigid plate under this body part. It then evolved in the 1930s and gained popularity in the 1950s. To this day, it is one of the best-selling types of bras on the market. However, some myths have suddenly arisen, stating the problems that underwire bras cause for health.
neck and head pain
Wearing an underwired bra that doesn't fit perfectly can lead to neck and back pain, especially if you have large breasts. These areas of the body work hard to make up for the lack of structure provided by the bra. The same happens if we carry the same underwire bra for years without investing in new bras. The underwire and bra stretch and tamper with each wear and wash. It should be a priority to check your bra size every few years (which may change) and consider buying new bras as an investment in your health.
If we always suffer from headaches and can't figure out why, the underwire bra could be the culprit. Unless we're wearing a bra that fits us perfectly (and most women go years without realizing they're wearing the wrong bra), one with underwire bad fit can make the neck and back muscles work harder to support the breasts, which can result in something called cervicogenic headache. The symptoms of this type of headache appear on only one side of the head and seem to originate in the neck and move up to the front of the head or behind the eyes.
Could they cause breast cancer?
For decades, there have been rumors of a link between the underwire bra and breast cancer. The theory is that the rings can block the flow of lymphatic fluid, so toxins are not properly eliminated and instead build up in the body, leading to cancer.
The lymphatic system is made up of lymphatic vessels, which are similar to blood vessels, lymphatic fluid, and lymph nodes. Lymphatic fluid circulates through the lymphatic vessels and is rich in an immune cell known as a lymphocyte. This substance is important in the body's response to bacteria and viruses. Lymph nodes, which are present throughout the body, serve as filters for lymphatic fluid. Additionally, this system maintains fluid levels in the body and transports nutrients from the intestines to the bloodstream.
Lymphatic channels are also where the body gets rid of bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells. Lymph nodes in the armpit filter this waste, similar to how the strainer covering your sink drain catches hair to keep it from falling down the pipe. So the immune system attacks anything in the lymph nodes that isn't supposed to be there.
So could a tight, rigid underwire bra obstructing the critical passage of fluid to the lymph nodes? People are concerned that lymphatic fluid can get stuck in the breast. And if the body is harboring unhealthy fluid that contains abnormal cells or waste products, it could eventually contaminate the breast and cause problems such as cancer.
After all, the underarm lymph nodes They may be the first place breast cancer spreads. But don't be too alert, the fact is that lymphatic fluid remains in circulation, even when wearing clothes that press against the lymphatic channels. In fact, one study found that no type of bra – including cup size, the number of hours per day worn, and whether it was an underwire bra – was associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Can they be used while breastfeeding?
Many lactation specialists say it's best to skip the underwire. The recommendation is not to wear an underwired bra, as these can put significant pressure on the milk ducts and cause clogging, which can lead to mastitis. This, in turn, can decrease your milk supply. Mastitis can also cause pain, swelling, flu-like symptoms, and possibly an infection.
The breasts change a lot as the milk comes in, so the wires, or even the tight elastic, can move around and lie on the breast tissue instead of being held from behind. There are many supportive bras available without wires, and the fit is actually the most important thing.
Therefore, a self-check should be done before buying a bra. We will raise our arms and move them to see if the bra is comfortable. We have to be sure that it does not go up, move or put pressure on the breast tissue. Even nursing mothers should avoid wearing sports bras super tight, even during workouts. If a bra constantly compresses breast tissue with milk-producing glands, it can destroy the milk-producing cells and decrease supply.
Underwired bra alternatives
When you have large breasts, shopping for bras can be a real challenge, especially if you're looking to say goodbye to underwires. The best non-wired bras for large breasts use various combinations of stretchy fabric, wide bands, and clever strap placement. This will keep them contained and comfortable.
Although there are times when we may feel like unleashing our inner Sophia Loren, underwire bras are not the only option if we have large breasts. You can choose lace styles, strappy yoga bralettes or sports bras. Whatever the choice, there is a non-wired bra that fits perfectly on anyone. We just have to make sure to look for the best one with the help of a professional or specialist, if we don't have much idea which one to choose.