Archive for February, 2008
Can wearing bras make breasts smaller?
A parent of three teenage daughters writes, “Several articles I have read on the web seem to suggest that bra use should be limited or even avoided entirely while the breasts are developing, because of the damage that can result from pushing, lifting or otherwise deforming them in this formative period. So I’ve encouraged my daughters to go braless unless necessary (sports or formal occasions) until they are fully grown. Although reluctant at first, they have adopted this practice, but because of conflicts with school administrators over dress code issues they have since been required to wear them at school.
I have also heard, although this may be a myth, that not wearing a bra during the growth phase of breast development can significantly increase the size of the breasts. Granted, this is of secondary importance compared to their health, but it is still of course a concern for young women. Is it possible that their breasts will grow larger if they don’t wear bras until they are fully developed? And if not, are there any types of bras that can assist in growing larger breasts during adolescence? I realize it is a cosmetic issue but I’m sure my girls would like to be bigger, if it is naturally possible.
Since they are forced into a brassiere into them all day, I’m concerned about the possibility of tissue damage, but I am at odds with our family doctor on this. He seems to believe that there is no cause for concern, and in fact has recommended that the girls wear them at home, which they currently do not.
Who is correct and what is the best way to try to minimize the negative effects of wearing them when they have? Of course, when they are finished developing I expect them to wear bras for support. My oldest is turning 15 shortly and although she was last fitted as 34C she appears to be outgrowing it so is probably going to be a D. The middle child recently turned 13 and is fitted as 34B but appears to be growing rather quickly, and the youngest is 11 and is just starting to fill a 32A.”
Always wear a bra
Your doctor is right on this one. A bra, no matter how tight, cannot restrict body’s natural growth. If that were the case, we could all wear tight clothes, eat all we want, and never need a tummy tuck or liposuction.
All bras are designed with just one functionality: support against gravity. Otherwise, as we all know, a bra today is a very flimsy piece of garment that can do no other harm or provide any other benefit.
In fact your doctor is also right about wearing bras as early as possible almost all the time one is in a sitting or standing position. Even as breasts are forming, the gravity is still acting and most girls start see sagging happen in their teens even before they are fully developed. These are myths similar to if underwire bras cause cancer.
If that myth were correct, women could simply be braless during their teens and we would have no one with small breasts. Scientific data shows that breast size is determined primarily by a girl’s genetic makeup and to a small extent by her diet and lifestyle, and putting or skipping a small piece of lace or satin makes no difference.
Shelf bras
And in answer to your question “Are there any types of bras that can assist in growing larger breasts during adolescence?” the answer is No. However, a great design is called a shelf bra, an alternative to those who believe that wearing a bra can restrict growth. It provides the support, which all doctors agree is a must from day one, but otherwise lets the breasts unrestricted — in other words, the best of both worlds.