5 bra myths you must stop believing

From wearing bras causing cancer to back pain, here we're busting 5 such myths about bras because it's high time you know the truth.
myths about bras
Wearing or not wearing a bra is a personal choice. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Published: 3 Sep 2022, 11:30 am IST
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Haven’t you heard this before that wearing an underwire bra might cause breast cancer? Well, according to a doctor, these kinds of misconceptions only serve to increase confusion among people. So, let us bust some myths about bras.

So, do you really need to wear a bra? Or is there a scientific reason behind wearing bras? Well, this is the subject Dr Tanaya Narendra aka Dr Cuterus has touched upon in one of her Instagram videos.

Check out her post here:


According to her, “Wearing or not wearing a bra does not really have an impact on your health. It’s more of a fashion statement.” To understand this in a better way and to bust myths around bras, Health Shots got in touch with Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gyneacologist, Obstretician and IVF Expert- Nurture Clinic.

Here are 5 myths about bras:

Women all over the world share a love-hate relationship with their bra. Some wear them 24×7 because they simply like them, others feel obligated to use them and there are others who go completely braless, challenging societal expectations. According to Dr Bajaj, “Whether you decide to wear a bra or not is a personal choice, however, sometimes their decisions seem to be influenced by certain myths about bras which are not true.”

So, don’t let these myths allow you to decide whether to wear a bra or not. Let us learn more about some common myths about bras here.

1. Underwire bras increase your risk of breast cancer

Some research in the 1990s had claimed that underwire bras raised the risk of breast cancer by trapping toxins in the breast. Underwire bras can be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time, however there is insufficient proof to substantiate this myth, and the claim has never been proven to be true.

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Also, read: Go braless without guilt! 7 great things that happen when you stop wearing a bra

2. The right bra can prevent back pain

A common myth that a right bra can improve your posture or prevent back pain is largely untrue. The benefits of wearing a bra are mainly cosmetic and are not known to have any effect on back pain.

myths about bras
Bra is not responsible for back pain. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Bra straps can cause back pain

This is a myth because a right size bra will only offer comfort, while a wrong size bra may cause some discomfort. So, if you feel your bra is giving you back pain, it is time to check your bra size.

4. Wearing a bra when going to bed causes breast cancer

There is no evidence that wearing a bra to bed increases the risk of developing breast cancer. If you feel comfortable wearing a bra to bed, you can do so knowing that it won’t cause cancer. You shouldn’t be concerned until you detect any changes or lumps in your breast.

In fact, Dr Cuterus has also said that “Underwear bras and black bras will not give you cancer. It’s genuinely a matter of choice and less a matter of complicated algebra problems.”

myths about bras
Bra and breast cancer have no links. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Not wearing a bra causes saggy breasts

It is a common belief among most women that not wearing a bra causes your breasts to sag. But this is not really true, because going without a bra just brings your breasts to their original shape and does not cause sagging.

Takeaway

To sum it up, whether you choose to wear a bra or not is your personal choice and there is not enough evidence which suggests that bras have a negative effect on your health. So, go ahead and live your life the way you want – with or without a bra!

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About the Author

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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