Leave it to the French to spend 15 years studying the breasts of 330 willing subjects to examine the common beliefs that bras prevent sagging and assist with back pain. Their conclusion? These are not only misconceptions but in regards to the issue of sagging, the opposite is true.
Professor Jean-Denis Rouillon, from the University of Besançon, said:
“Medically, physiologically, anatomically—breasts gain no benefit from being denied gravity, on the contrary, they get saggier with a bra.”
By taking measurements with a caliper, the researchers discovered that by not wearing a bra, the muscles around the breasts strengthened. The study noted that nipples raised 7mm annually toward the shoulder.
While the findings are insightful, it shouldn’t be expected that women in America will start ditching their bras. The social mores of our time dictate that women who choose to dress without the undergarment are judged in a negative connotation.
In the professional arena, a study by the Center for Talent Innovation, found that women who opt to go sans bra at the work place are viewed as less worthy to become executives by not only men but other women as well.
