Is a non-wired bra better for your body?

Some people prefer an underwire bra because it offers more support, while others go all out for comfort with a non-wired bra. But is one actually better than the other? Can a bra with or without an underwire make a difference to your health?

Also read: Does my bra fit properly or not?

Underwire bras and breast cancer

“But the lymph fluid continues to circulate even if you’re wearing clothing that puts pressure on the lymphatic channels,” says Dr. Marisa Weiss, founder and chief medical officer of Breastcancer.org. Research shows that no single aspect of bra wearing — such as cup size, number of hours per day the bra is worn, or whether the bra has an underwire — is associated with an increased risk of cancer. But sleeping in a bra that’s too tight can cause certain problems, including restricted blood flow, skin irritation, and worsening symptoms of acid reflux.

Also read: Which symptoms do (not) indicate breast cancer?

The benefits of an underwire bra

• The extra support of the wire in an underwire bra provides an extra boost to keep your breasts lifted.
• Underwire bras offer more support. This can be an advantage for those with large breasts.
• Underwire bras can help relieve stress on your back and shoulders. Underwire bras help balance out the stress on your body by providing more support for your breasts than non-wired bras, especially for women who wear a larger cup size. If you regularly suffer from back or shoulder pain, try an underwire bra to see if it helps relieve some of that stress.

Also read: Should you sleep with a bra on or not?

The disadvantages of an underwire bra

• Underwire bras can be uncomfortable. While underwires provide support, it can be quite tiring to have metal on your chest all day that can pinch, chafe, or cause sore ribs. To minimize discomfort, make sure you are wearing the right size and that the bra is made of quality materials.
• Underwire bras can cause skin irritation. Especially with underwire bras of inferior quality, it is not uncommon for a wire to poke through the sides after frequent wearing. These wires can cause cuts and abrasions. For some women, uncovered wires can even cause dermatitis or skin irritation if they wear underwire bras too often.
• Underwire bras do not fit perfectly around all breasts. As many as 90 percent of women have breasts that differ in size. An underwire often does not fit well. Or if you have wide breasts, the underwires can sit completely wrong on your body.

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