Experts reveal whether wearing a bra really stops your boobs sagging – and their answer might surprise you
THE “no bra club” movement has fully entered the mainstream since Covid lockdowns saw us swap stilettos for sweat pants.
Not everyone’s a fan – detractors say boobs will sag without the trusted support of an underwire and back clips.
But those “freeing the tatas” say the opposite, and insist going bra-free is the secret to perfectly perky boobs.
Determined to get to the bosom of the issue, we spoke to two experts about whether your bra will really stop your boobs sagging.
Their answer? Probably not.
Lalitha McSorley, the owner and lead physical therapist at Brentwood Physiotherapy Calgary, spoke exclusively to The U.S. Sun.
Lalitha works with a lot of post-op breast augmentation patients.
Giving her two cents on the hot topic of debate about whether or not wearing a bra affects the girls, Lalitha said the scientific evidence on the subject is limited.
According to Lalitha: “There are conflicting studies and opinions on whether wearing a bra or going bra-free significantly impacts breast perkiness.
“Proponents of wearing bras argue that they provide support to the breasts and help maintain their shape, which may contribute to a perkier appearance.
“On the other hand, some proponents of going bra-free argue that wearing a bra can weaken the muscles that support the breasts, leading to decreased muscle tone and potentially contributing to breast sagging.”
Essentially, it’s believed that allowing the breasts to be unsupported can strengthen the breast muscles and promote a natural perkiness. However, “there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims,” said the physical therapist.
Lalitha stated that it’s important to note that right now the only factors we know that can impact breast perkiness include age, genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and overall breast tissue elasticity.
“Breast perkiness is influenced by various factors, and the decision to wear a bra or not should be based on individual comfort, personal preference, and body anatomy,” she said.
Samantha Ryder, who is the founder and CEO of the breast tape business Perky Pear and a leading figure in the bra market, also chimed in on the bra discussion.
The bra expert has weighed in on the topic and went into detail about the specific factors that affect the perkiness of the breasts, and also shared with The U.S. Sun what to do when your breasts begin to sag.
AGEING
“Time can really do a number on your cleavage. The older you get, the longer gravity has to work against you – even those with breast implants can’t contend against natural forces. Your body also changes as you age,” Samantha said.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association says your skin will lose about 30 percent of its collagen (the bounce factor) during the first five years of menopause.
“That’s a major loss of support for your boobs,” Samantha explained.
GENETICS
Your body’s natural breast density, skin elasticity, and boob size can all affect how your breasts look. Everybody has a different breast tissue ratio, says Samantha.
“Some people have fatty boobs, while others have firm, fibrous melons.
“Heavy, pillowy boobs are more likely to sag than small, firm boobs thanks to your connective tissue.
“Of course, it’s not all about breast tissue – genetics also affect your skin’s strength and elasticity.
“The skin you’re in might be thinner and less supportive, or maybe you’ve got strong skin that holds your pair high and tight.”
WEIGHT FLUCTUATIONS
Samantha said if you just went through drastic weight loss, you might notice your boobs have gotten smaller and your skin is looser. Unfortunately, losing body fat also means losing boob volume.
“You might go down a bra size or two, and experience sagging or nipple migration to the south – this is all normal,” said Samantha.
“Wearing a supportive bra can help hold things in place, but it won’t promote or prevent true sagging.”
HOW CAN I PREVENT SAGGING?
If you’re looking to completely prevent breast sagging, unfortunately, there’s no real way to stop the girls from drooping over time, according to Samantha.
But using items like breast lift tape can have a real confidence-boosting effect without any unnecessary bulkiness or the compression of a bra, making it a far more comfortable way to help your chest defy gravity for as long as possible.