Does wearing a bra make breasts more or less perky-
Are breasts in need of support to maintain their shape, or do bras actually play a role in preventing sagging over time? To gain clarity on this subject, we reached out to several experts in the field.
A pivotal 2013 study from France ignited a worldwide debate, claiming that wearing bras had no significant benefits. The study’s author, sports scientist Jean-Denis Rouillon, even suggested that bras could weaken the body’s natural support system, potentially harming breast health. However, the findings were never officially published, and Rouillon later warned that his results were preliminary and shouldn’t be interpreted as universal truth.
Considering the intricate role breasts serve in various social, psychological, and cultural contexts, it’s no wonder this topic garners so much attention. Do individuals with breasts actually require bras? How can they find the right fit? Is it time to embrace the braless movement, or should we adhere to tradition? My own understanding of this topic began when my mother gifted me a Limited Too bralette at the age of nine, followed years later by a friend’s misguided advice that munching on orange M&Ms would enhance breast size—spoiler alert: it didn’t work.
The question of whether wearing bras impacts breast firmness has been a long-standing debate. Proponents like Rouillon argue that allowing breasts to be unconfined encourages natural firming. “Since I stopped wearing bras during the pandemic, I firmly believe my 32F breasts have become firmer,” one woman shared with the Guardian in 2021. On the flip side, traditional beliefs suggest that wearing a bra at all times—even while sleeping—can help prevent sagging.
Experts point out the lack of substantial evidence to definitively favor either argument. Dr. Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, a leading authority on breast health research at Portsmouth University—affectionately known as the “Bra Doc”—posits that wearing bras likely helps maintain breast shape rather than causing drooping. “Any type of restrictive clothing can alter the underlying anatomy if worn for extended periods,” she explains, drawing comparisons to the effects corsets and shoes can have on body shape. “It’s reasonable to think that bras can shape breasts into a particular silhouette.”
Dr. Wakefield-Scurr also observes that women who have never worn bras often experience more sagging and elongation of breast tissue. “There’s circumstantial evidence to suggest that if skin tissues lack adequate support, they are more likely to stretch,” she adds.
However, the overall impact of bras on sagging appears to be minimal. Dr. Scot Bradley Glasberg, former president of the Plastic Surgery Foundation, asserts that key factors determining breast droopiness include breast weight and skin elasticity. He notes that individuals with smaller breasts and more elastic skin generally experience less sagging, while those whose breasts undergo fluctuations due to weight changes or pregnancy might encounter more droopiness. “Ultimately, gravity takes its toll,” Glasberg states. “Wearing a bra may slightly minimize sagging over time, but it can’t entirely prevent it.”
From a health perspective, sagging breasts are not inherently harmful. Yet for individuals concerned about appearance or comfort, there are options available. “For women seeking a solution for sagging, surgery is usually the most effective route,” Glasberg explains, adding that breast reductions and lifts can help alleviate discomfort for patients with larger breasts. However, he emphasizes the necessity of thorough research and the importance of choosing a qualified, board-certified surgeon.
For those who are hesitant to consider surgical options, journalist and author Jené Luciani Sena proposes a simpler approach. “The simplest and safest solution is to find a bra that enhances how you want your breasts to look and feel,” she advises. When shopping for bras, Sena suggests aiming for a fit that places the breast halfway between the shoulder and elbow. Nevertheless, she recognizes that preferences vary greatly among individuals. “Ultimately, it’s about what makes you feel comfortable and good about yourself,” she concludes.
