Bra Myths you need to Stop Believing Right Now!

We love them, we hate them, and we love tossing them in the laundry basket at night. We’re talking about bras also referred to as brassieres. It’s a seemingly straightforward undergarment. However, there is a certain amount of taboo associated with it. If we’re comfortable talking about our hips, arms and waist, why not our breasts? Owing to this limitation in conversation, there are several myths and misconceptions revolving around bras. This misinformation only adds to the confusion. Thus, we decided to clear the air and literally “bust” all those bra myths that are doing the rounds.

Top 9 Bra Myths Busted

• Myth #1 – Wearing a bra to bed can cause breast cancer

Wearing a bra to bed or not has been a popular topic of conversation. Honestly, it is an individual choice. Also, there is no evidence that wearing a bra can cause cancer. Some people believe that wearing a bra at night can impair one’s sleep. There is no link between wearing a bra and developing breast cancer. However, experts suggest that if you do choose to wear a bra at night, opt for a properly structured or non-wired bra. Underwire bras can sometimes close the skin’s pores, and increase the toxin and sweat build-up. Besides this, there is no reason why you shouldn’t wear a bra to bed. In fact, certain women with larger breasts prefer to wear a bra and sleep as it increases their comfort. As we said before, it’s a personal choice.

• Myth #2 – You need to wash your bra only once a week

If you’re someone who washes their bra only once a week, you need to stop this habit right now! Believe it or not, not washing your bra after every wear will only weaken it. When you wear a bra, your breasts tend to release natural body oils because they’re tied-up 24*7. When this happens, the fibres in your bra are broken down. These oils also make the cups of the bra smelly. Therefore, you should wash your bra after every wear or every other wear. The more you wash your bra, the longer it will last. If you alternate between 3 or 4 bras in a week that is also okay.

• Myth #3 – Bras can be machine washed

In your defence, you might say there is a cycle on your machine only for delicate garments. Well, even the gentlest cycle can be too harsh on the delicate fabric of your bra. It can completely ruin the padding and underwire too. Thus, we recommend you hand wash your bras whenever possible. If you have no time, collect them and wash them when you get time. Machine wash should be avoided as far as possible. However, if you’re someone with absolutely no time, you may toss them in the machine. Remember to put them in a small mesh garment bag to prevent the straps from getting tangled or the hooks from causing snags. Do all that you can to extend the life of a bra!

• Myth #4 – The bra size stays the same for every brand

Every brand and every style will fit differently. Your band size and cup size will vary from brand to brand. Always remember that bra sizes are not universal. You may be a 34B in one brand and a 34C in another. Thus, never blindly shop for a new bra. Always try and buy.

• Myth #5 – Padded bras will make my breasts look even larger

Women with large breasts literally run away from padded bras. They feel like it will make their boobies look double the size. Honestly, it is a very common myth. Padded bras will not make you look larger. Instead, it will support your breasts better and give it a round shape while concealing the nipples. It is also less likely to make you feel conscious in public and in places with cold temperatures. The only bras that can make your breasts look bigger are those with graduating pads.

• Myth #6 – A white shirt calls for a white bra

 Another misconception women have is that a light coloured bra won’t show under a white shirt or pastel-hued garment. In fact, a white bra will be accentuated more under a white shirt. It’s nothing but a faux pas. If you’re looking for a bra that should be invisible under your shirt, opt for something that gets as close as possible to your skin tone. A light beige or nude bra works perfectly. It’s definitely more flattering than a white bra.

• Myth #7 – The shoulder straps support the bust

Contrary to popular belief, the support actually comes from the band and not from the shoulder straps. While it does provide a certain lift when you tighten them, it is actually the band that carries the majority of the weight. 80% of the weight is distributed across the back and only 20% on the shoulder straps. If you keep tightening the shoulder straps to support your sagging breasts, you can end up with shoulder indentations and serious back and neck pain.

• Myth #8 – A good bra will last forever

Well, NO! The life of a bra is one year only. It’s something you wear every single day. If you rotate between three bras every week, and take proper care of them, they might last you a little longer. However, don’t push it more than that. When you feel the hooks have become weak and the underwire is going to pop, it’s time to toss it into the dustbin.

• Myth #9 – If you don’t wear a bra, your breasts will sag

A lot of women believe that not wearing a bra can cause the breasts to sag. Well, this isn’t true. A bra only lifts your breasts and gives it shape. When you don’t wear a bra, your breasts only go back to their original shape and will not sag.

These were some of the common bra myths. Know of any other? Let us know in the comments below. Buying, wearing and caring for a bra isn’t as challenging as it seems to be. If you’re struggling to find a bra that fits well and feels good, a bra fitter at any lingerie store might be able to help you.