Big Breast Archive: Janey Frawley; the brassiere

The Brassiere

A brassiere (Brit. commonly referred to as a bra) is an article of clothing that covers, supports, and elevates the breasts. The bra is considered a foundation garment, as well as an undergarment, because of its role in shaping the wearer's figure. It was originally developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to replace the corset, and has now become, in many parts of the world, the most popular form of undergarment for the upper body, although camisoles and chemises are becoming more popular.

The bra may be worn to support and to restrain pendulous breasts during exercise (especially the sports bra) or to support and enhance their shape during everyday activities. Many wearers also wear bras in the questionable belief that it will prevent their breasts from sagging later in life. In the scientific medical literature there are no reports that support the notion that wearing a bra will prevent sagging of breasts. Some reports have suggested that wearing a bra will promote ligament atrophy, which contributes to sagging. The bra may also be worn to observe modesty or to present a certain image of femininity. Bras are typically designed to lift the breasts from their normal position, for a more youthful look or for enhancing cleavage . These roles are sometimes conflicting. Designers usually aim at producing a garment that fulfills a practical role as well as making it look attractive. Reportedly, bras are particularly important during pregnancy (when breasts are enlarged and more sensitive), and for nursing (see nursing bra) to accommodate breastfeeding.

Many have questioned the practical need for the bra. Many women prefer not to wear a bra and go braless on a regular basis. In many nations, a bra is often not worn. Some have suggested that a bra does little to prevent the effects of aging on the breasts, and some have claimed that breasts are healthier when left free to move rather than being restrained. Also, the bra has become charged with political and cultural meanings that overlay its practical purpose. Traditionally it is viewed as symbolic of a young girl's coming of age, one of the tokens that indicate that she has become a young woman. It can also be interpreted as a feminine icon. On the other hand, some may see it as a symbol of the repression of women's bodies. All of these debates mean that the bra has assumed a cultural significance which far outweighs that which is normally accorded to an item of clothing.

The Need For Brassieres

The female breasts have very little internal support, being composed largely of adipose tissue. It is believed that the primary anatomical support for the breast is the Cooper's ligaments, with the skin covering the breasts offering some additional support. However, this anatomical support is usually insufficient to hold the breasts up (especially in older women), and to prevent movement of the breasts, which can cause pain and discomfort. The primary reason for wearing a brassiere or similar foundation garment is thus to provide external support for the breasts, both to increase comfort and to provide a sexually alluring figure.

Bras are believed by some to help preserve the youthful shape of breasts, (which naturally sag as women grow older), an opinion which is unsurprisngly promoted by bra manufacturers. However, there is some doubt over this amongst the medical community, and while a woman may choose to wear a bra for comfort or for social reasons, there is no proven evidence to support the notion that a woman's breasts will sag lower over her lifetime if she doesn't wear a bra.

"wearing a bra ... has no medical necessity whatsoever ... Except for the women who find bras especially comfortable or uncomfortable, the decision to wear or not wear one is purely aesthetic - or emotional ... If you don't enjoy it, and job or social pressures don't force you into it, don't bother." Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book, by Dr. Susan Love.

Bras may increase breast sagging!

Some medical professionals believe that wearing a bra can actually increase breast sagging later in life because the chest muscles that support breasts are used less and atrophy from lack of use. Health benefits of breast motion and sagging have also been suggested but not substantiated - for example, some researchers claim that breast movement, (which is restricted by a brassiere), stimulates the lymphatic system and helps remove toxins from the body (see the external link below for detailed information).

Copyright: This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article on Brassiere.