An expert has revealed how being tempted to go braless during the coronavirus lockdown could have long term affects on your breasts.
Victoria Shelton, Garment Technologist at www.Figleaves.com told FEMAIL that if breasts are unsupported they could suffer damage to the Cooper’s Ligament, the connective tissue in the breast that help maintain structural integrity.
And Dr Riccardo Frati of Frati Cosmetic Surgery explained that bras are important in maintaining support as breasts tend to sag over time due to gravity and age.
Meanwhile Anna Akerlund, head of sales at Luxury French underwear brand Lousia Bracq, explained that going without a bra could affect your posture – especially for large breasted women – and the shape of your breasts.
This came as women across the UK rejoiced as they took to Instagram and Twitter to reveal they were enjoying the comfort of being bra-free during lockdown – and FEMAIL spoke to a bra-fitter for top tips on comfortable alternatives.
As women across the UK rejoiced as they took to Instagram and Twitter to reveal they were enjoying the comfort of being bra-free during lockdown, experts warned FEMAIL that it could result in backache and saggier breasts. Pictured: Andrea, 26, joked she was enjoying the bra free life
‘No bra quarantine, free as a bird!’ Zeylanic joked. However Victoria Shelton, Garment Technologist at Figleaves.com told FEMAIL that if breasts are unsupported they could suffer damage to the Cooper’s Ligament
Garment Technologist Victoria said: ‘Our wardrobe needs have changed as we find ourselves at home. But we all still need to wear a bra as our breasts need to be supported – due to their weight you may damage your posture or have back pain if your breasts aren’t fully supported.
‘If breasts are left unsupportive damage can occur to the coopers ligament in the breast, causing them to sag.’
Explaining how you can compromise in comfort at home, she added: ‘But we can switch to something super comfortable so we can enjoy that no bra feeling and that’s what women are clearly doing.
‘For comfortable alternatives, look for flexi wires (often used in maternity style) they give the shape of a traditional underwire but are super flexible and an alternative to non-wired styles.
‘If you have a larger bust look for non wired styles that have seam cups as these have often been designed and fitted to support a larger bust. Padded hook and eyes and soft brushed straps are also key for comfort.’
Elyse took to Instagram to admit she was enjoying her bra-free quarantine wardrove amid lockdown. But Dr Riccardo Frati of Frati Cosmetic Surgery explained to FEMAIL that bras are important in maintaining support as breasts tend to sag over time due to gravity and age
Dr Riccardo Frati of Frati Cosmetic Surgery told FEMAIL: The bra will always support and hold up the breasts and not wearing one can affect the Coopers ligament. Breasts will also naturally sag over time due to age and gravity.
And Anna Akerlund, head of sales at Luxury French underwear brand Lousia Bracq, added: ‘It goes without saying that many women find comfort in going bra-less especially these days while working from home, or in self-isolation.
‘Being freed from the tight constraints of wearing a bra with straps and wires that dig in and itchy laces against the skin. Women in history have even been known to burn their bras in protest. Nowadays with product innovation, luckily, there is no need for this.
‘There are so many benefits and few excuses not to wear a well fitted bra; posture, comfort and the enhanced curvature.
‘Putting on a well fitted bra should feel like you are not wearing a bra. Everything held in the right place with the right amount of support to the breast and shoulder that also provides an enhanced shape. This is especially important for women who require larger cupsizes. ‘
Twitter was flooded with women revealing their joy over not having to wear an uncomfortable bra at home. Experts said women could opt for comfortable alternatives such as flexi wires, padded hooks and keys
Professional fitter Sandra Dyke reveals her top tips
Sandra, an expert who has been a bra fitter with Chantelle Lingerie expert fitter for over 20 years, spoke to FEMAIL on the recommended hours in a day to wear a bra according to your cup size.
‘Wearing a good fitting bra is essential not only to support your breasts but also to maintain your wellbeing. And that’s essential whether you are at home or outside.
‘Those who are a D cup or above should wear a supportive wired bra for as long as possible during the day, just as they normally would, then can change into a more comfortable non wired bra in the afternoon/evenings.
‘Not wearing a bra will over time have an effect on your posture too. A supportive bra helps your core and posture. Don’t wear a bra and not only you will see your boobs droop but may also gain round shoulders!’
‘A stretch bra like our Chantelle SoftStretch padded crop top is ideal. Super comfortable non wired crop top with a tight band under the bust providing good support up to FF cup.
‘If you are an A to D cup wear it all day if you wish. And D+ cups can wear it at the end of your day or even at night.
‘As we are also advised to exercise during these difficult times, walks, yoga, meditation and pilates seem to be top of the list. ‘
Alexandra Thrower, Brand Manager at Chantelle, added: ‘Your bra has a very important role, and that is to protect and bear the weight of your bust.
‘Don’t wear one and you will get saggy boobs. It’s as simple as that. It’s gravity after all. And the heavier the bust, the worst it gets. Most women don’t realise how heavy their bust is (anything between about 500g for B/C cups to 2+ kg for G+ cup).
‘They need to be supported. You may also find that not wearing a bra will worsen back, shoulders or neck pains and give you headaches – these are all things we could do without right now!’
Pregnant women
Sandra said: ‘Mothers-to-be should not be wearing a wired bra at all during pregnancy.
‘Stretchy padded crop tops provides comfort and support without a wire. Also, you don’t have to worry much about sizes as it is sized as XS-S / M-L and XL-2XL.
‘So you pick the size that will grow with you for a while and last longer. It is also the ideal bra to wear at night, if and when you feel you could do with a little support 24/7.
‘Do not wear tight bras when you are pregnant as the wires dig into your breast tissue. Do not compress the breasts with tight fitting bras as it may prevent your milk glands from forming.’
Sandra, an expert who has been a bra fitter with Chantelle Lingerie expert fitter for over 20 years, spoke to FEMAIL on the recommended hours in a day to wear a bra according to your cup size (stock image used)