Are you Wearing the Wrong Bra?

A new study* has shown we’ve been underestimating the number of women who wear the wrong bra. The new research shows 85% of Australian women wearing the wrong bra size compared to the 70% initially reported.

Wearing the wrong bra can be uncomfortable but wearing the wrong bra while running or exercising can cause damage to breast tissue, pain and even inhibit your ability to participate in physical activity.

Researcher Dr Deirdre McGhee from the University of Wollongong in New South Wales says this need not be a barrier as all women can be physically active irrespective of breast size, but must learn how to fit themselves correctly.

“Research has found that a correctly fitting, supportive bra can alleviate up to 85% of pain symptoms, allowing women to exercise in greater comfort, possibly removing the need for breast reduction surgery,” Dr McGhee says.

“As only a small number of people use professional fitting services, all women need to be educated about bra fitting criteria to improve their bra fit. They need to learn professional fitting criteria so they can tell if the cup, the band and the underwire fits.

“By women being able to fit their own bras correctly by themselves, this will assist with the promotion of physical activity and prevent the development or progression of musculoskeletal disorders associated with poor bra fit,” said Dr McGhee.

Need a new sports bra or want to make sure you're wearing the right size? Pop into your nearest Sports Fever store and we'd be more than happy to help. We carry a large range of sports bras from the Moving Comfort range.

* The study was based on 104 women with an average age of 43 and an average bra size of 12DD and featured in the November 2010 issue of The Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport (JSAMS), published by Sports Medicine Australia.