Most women I know have pretty strong feelings about bras one way or another.
Some will only wear lacy bralettes that leave them looking and feeling just about as natural as possible while still wearing a bra, while others are sure to wear a padded bra, even if they are already naturally well-endowed.
Each woman is completely and totally entitled to do as she pleases with her own breasts and her own bras, but there are some little-known facts that might make the whole experience easier — and give it some context.
It's quite possible that we'd still be wearing a corset, or something else like it, if it weren't for a few crucial turning points in women's undergarment history. I had no idea how far we'd come, and why, before I put this list together.
These 10 things about bras — where they came from, what they do, and how to wear and maintain them — are all pretty darn important for women to hear.
Did you already know any of these facts about bras? I had only heard a handful before, and I'm so glad that I know now!
Please SHARE with everyone who wears a bra!
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1. Your Bra Needs Special Care
Don't wash your bra with the rest of your clothes. You should wash it in a delicates bag with the hooks latched to prevent tangling, and on the delicate spin cycle.
Then, you should let it air dry in the shade to get the most wear out of it as possible. There's nothing worse than seeing one of your favorite, most expensive bras lose its elasticity or have a wire pop out.
2. WWII Made Bras The Norm And Corsets A Thing Of The Past
All of that metal that was going into corsets was needed to aid in the war instead. The 28,000 tons of metal instead went to create two entire battleships, while also freeing up women's bodies a bit more to be able to enter the workforce.
Seems like a win-win all around here.
3. Your Bra Wouldn't Have A Cup Size Prior To 1928
Ida and William Rosenthal patented the first measurement system to measure both the circumference around the ribcage, and the volume of the actual breast. A-cup was 8 ounces, B-cup 13, C-cup 21, and D-cup 27. These are the same measurements still in effect today.
4. You Shouldn't Wear A Bra More Than 1 Day In A Row
The elastic on your bra needs time to rest at least every other day. If you alternate, you'll get a much, much longer life out of each one, saving you hassle and cash.
5. Your Bra Size Will Change
Bodies are complicated things, and your bra size can depend on whether you are ovulating, how much you've been exercising, and your caffeine intake. It really isn't a matter of if your cup size will change, but rather when, and by how much.
6. There Is A Perfect Bra For Every Dress
Your favorite bra might not be the perfect bra for your favorite dress. Dresses' necklines, seams, backs, fabrics, colors, and fits will all determine which bra is best for it.
If you're buying a dress for a special occasion, you're going to want to ask your salesperson if there is a specific bra that that dress was meant for, or what she would recommend.
Different bras also give you different shapes, so it depends what you feel comfortable in! Full coverage bras will keep everything in place, but a balconette bra will give a nice, full and round shape.
7. Most Of The Support Should Come From The Band
You may think that you're getting most of your support from the straps of your bra. However, if that is true, you're not wearing the proper sized bra, and you're putting a lot of unnecessary strain on your shoulders.
8. Bras Absolutely Do Not Last Forever
I know, I know, shopping for bras can be infuriating, and it would be so much easier to keep the same bras for years on end, but you just can't.
Bras are not like your favorite pear of worn out jeans, which get better with age. You need your bra to be able to support you and make you feel comfortable, and a bra that is more than about a year and a half old simply will not be able to do that. It's time hit the stores if you're past that point!
9. Your Bra Size Has A Sister
Bra sizing is a complicated science, and you are most likely a different size depending on the brand you're buying. Your bra size has more than one sister size that you might rotate between with different manufacturers.
For instance, you may be a 30F in one brand and a 34DD in another. It's all very confusing, and I don't think any one of us will ever be able to truly figure it out.
10. You'll Spend A Fortune On Bras In Your Lifetime
The average woman will spend about $4,000 on bras in her lifetime. This frightening number almost makes me want to ditch bras entirely, but I simply don't think that will happen for me any time soon.
Did you know these surprising facts about bras before? Did we miss any from our list? Let us know your tips in the comments and please SHARE with your fellow bra-wearing women on Facebook!
