DOCTOR'S COLUMNDoctor's Column

2025.03.05

Other

Underwear Selection

Dr. Tatsuta

Breasts change with age from being round and non-droopy.
There are steps to that change.

First the volume of the upper chest falls, then the lower part of the breast deflects, the nipple turns downward, the breast flows outward, and finally the breast itself drops in position. With aging, the proportion of connective tissue such as mammary tissue in the breast decreases and the relative increase in fatty tissue leads to breast drooping.

This age-related change in breast shape is said to be largely due to the accumulation of external influences such as gravity and swaying that occur in daily life.
It is believed that bras play an important role in shaping and beautifying the breast and reducing external influences such as gravity.

There are now many bras that can be used not only for daily life, but also to reduce swaying during sports and to maintain shape when sleeping. Let's take a look at them one by one.

◆Bras during exercise

Exercise can cause breast pain and discomfort due to the breasts moving in various directions. Wearing ill-fitting bras may result in inadequate breast support and friction caused by misalignment, which may also lead to discomfort and breast pain during exercise. Repetitive strain from exercise may lead to damage to the Cooper's ligament, which supports the breast, and to breast drooping.
Wearing a sports bra is effective in reducing breast pain and discomfort associated with breast movement during exercise. Sports bras are characterized by the fact that the area of fabric covering the breast is larger than that of fashion bras, that they are breathable, do not retain heat, absorb sweat easily, and that they are made of functional fabrics that do not easily shift with movement and do not interfere with arm movement. Choose one that is in close contact with the breast.

◆Nighttime bra

Night bras are used at bedtime to prevent drooping. They are not constrictive and gently support the breasts to stabilize them in the proper position. Choose one with a gentle feel.

◆Perinatal bras

The purpose of wearing a bra for perinatal women who are giving birth to children is to support the breasts, which increase during pregnancy due to the effects of sex hormones, and during lactation to prevent minor problems such as stiff shoulders, breast pain, back pain, and heat, as well as to provide relief from breast tension.

Thus, choose a bra that fits your lifestyle and helps maintain the natural shape of your breasts.

Supervisor of this article

physician

Sayo Tatsuta

Sayo Tatsuta