Wire bra vs. regular bra: which one is healthier for the breast?

When visiting a lingerie shop, you will be treated to a variety of different types of bras. Ranging from ordinary bras, wire bras, sports bras, or nursing bras. However, it is usually the most difficult for women to choose between a regular bra without wires and a bra with a wire. Actually, which type of bra is the best for your breast health? Is it a regular bra or a wire bra? No need to be confused anymore, here comes the answer from the experts.

Wire bras increase breast cancer risk, myth or fact?

A 1995 survey revealed that wire bras increase the risk of breast cancer. Fortunately, experts have proven that the survey results are not true.

Apart from not being based on a proper medical basis, this survey method that had caused a stir was also invalid. There are many factors that surveyors who turned out to be neither doctors nor researchers in the field of cancer simply brushed aside.

A study in the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention in 2014 succeeded in debunking the myth that under-harnessed bras can increase the risk of breast cancer. Experts from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the United States (US) prove that there is no link between the use of under-wire bras and breast cancer.

Wire bra makes breast milk not smooth, myth or fact?

Another myth that is quite widely reported is that underwire bras are not good for breastfeeding mothers because breast milk (ASI) becomes obstructed. According to an obstetrician and maternal care specialist from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in the US, dr. Carmit Archibald, this myth is untrue and there is no medical evidence at all.

As explained by dr. Carmit, if you choose a wire bra with the right size, your blood flow or milk production will not be blocked. A bra with a wire is even more effective at preventing back pain in nursing mothers than a bra without wires.

Tips for choosing the best bra for breasts

If under-wire bras do not cause cancer, does that mean they are better than regular bras? Not necessarily. So far, there hasn't been enough research to prove which bra is the best for breast health. According to experts, this all depends on the shape of the body and the needs of each woman.

Here are the things you should consider before choosing a regular or wire bra.

1. Establish posture

If you have a hunchback posture problem, you should choose a bra with a wire. Bra with wire can provide a stronger support for your chest so that your body will not lean forward too much to support the weight of the breast.

2. Overweight or large breasts

For women who are overweight or have large breasts, under wire bras can help keep the breasts from appearing sagging or drooping. However, note that under wire bras actually make you tight or appear red lines around your chest.

That means you are wearing the wrong size or type of bra. We recommend that you choose a larger size or wear a bra push-ups wireless.

3. Big breasts next door

Asymmetric breasts (big one side) are normal and quite common. To keep both sides of your breasts looking balanced, you can use wire bras. The size should match the side of the largest breast. The silhouette of your breasts will then follow cup on your bra. If you use a regular bra, it is your bra that will follow the shape of the big one-sided breast.

4. Sports bra

When working out, it's a good idea to choose a special, cordless sports bra. The reason is, under wire bras can limit body movement and flexibility so that you are less comfortable exercising. Also, wire bras are more prone to injury when you move around a lot.

Don't worry, a cordless sports bra is able to provide steady support even if you will be moving around a lot.