Origins and Evolution of Bras

When it comes to mindful living, what appear to be small daily choices can significantly impact our lives and the world around us over time. We often think about the food we eat, the energy we consume, and the clothes we wear—but we forget about bras. Some of us have been using them since adolescence (especially bras that come with underwire), yet we rarely consider how they might affect our overall health, comfort, and even the environment.

The modern bra, born in the early 20th century, was a practical solution to the restrictive corsets women had worn for centuries. Mary Phelps Jacob patented the first bra in 1914, offering a more comfortable alternative for working women during World War I. Bras quickly became more than just functional—they were symbols of femininity, modesty, and societal expectations. As fashion evolved, bras were marketed to shape the body to conform to different patriarchal ideals: from the voluptuous figures of the 1950s to the minimalist looks of the 1990s.

Yet, as bras became more ingrained in society, questions about their necessity and impact began to arise. Today, a growing number of women are opting to go braless or #brafree, embracing comfort and personal freedom over social convention.

Health Implications of Wearing Bras: Lymphatic Flow and Muscle Atrophy

One of the most debated health concerns surrounding bras is their potential to obstruct lymphatic flow, leading to toxin build-up. The lymphatic system, responsible for filtering out waste and supporting the immune system, could be compromised by tight, restrictive bras—particularly the ones with metal wires. Some studies, including one led by the French doctor Jean-Denis Rouillon, suggest that regular bra-wearing may contribute to sagging breasts by weakening the muscles that naturally support breast tissue. Women who did not wear bras in Rouillon's study experienced less sagging due to muscle development around the breast area.

Breast Cancer and Bras: Are They Connected?

This topic has sparked a loud debate between different health institutions, and the multi-billion dollar lingerie business, rejecting research or stating that there isn’t enough proof, but according to medical anthropologists Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer, and their book “Dress to Kill”, bras have shown to have a big impact on cancer rates. Singer and Grismaijer put together a study with over 4,700 women from major cities in the US, with more than half of them having a previous breast cancer diagnosis. Their study analyzed the habits they had prior to their diagnosis, as well as the bras they wore. Their research concluded that the longer a person wears a tight bra each day, the higher their risk of developing breast cancer.

• Women who wore bras for 24 hours per day: 3 out of 4 developed breast cancer.

• Women who wore bras for 12+ hour per day: 1 out of 7 developed breast cancer.

• Women who wore bras for less than 12 hours per day: 1 out of 152 developed breast cancer.

• Women who wore bras rarely (or never): 1 out of 168 was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Should I wear a bra?

The way you feel wearing bras or going braless depends on factors like your breast size, what you like, and what you do every day. If your bra is uncomfortable, it can cause neck, back, and breast pain. The pros at the Cleveland Clinic say women should wear bras that fit them right, especially when working out, or when you might need more support.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have been rethinking how often they wear bras. Since more folks have been staying home, more women, especially younger ones, choose to go without a bra. Surveys suggest that as many as 25% of American women under 35 now skip the bra most of the time. This change shows that more people are focused on feeling comfortable, and questioning what society expects women's bodies to look like.

Organic Bras: Conscious Alternatives

Like many clothing items, bras pose sustainability and health challenges. Most bras are made from synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, which are derived from fossil fuels. These fabrics release microplastics that our skin absorbs and are not biodegradable. Most have PFAS that disrupt our hormonal function. Moreover, underwire bras contain metal components that make recycling difficult. As more consumers seek eco-friendly alternatives, brands are beginning to produce bras made from organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled materials, which reduce environmental impact. Two wire-free, organic, vegan and nontoxic underwear brands (bras and panties) Valeria uses and adores are these:

1) Indigo Luna Bras and Panties (Use 10% discount code: CASAEARTH)

2) Lunam Period Underwear (Use 10% discount code: CASAEARTH)

Going braless or switching to wireless, organic bras could align with a sustainable lifestyle by reducing demand for synthetic textiles and energy-intensive production processes.

The Wireless Bra Alternative: A Healthier Choice for Our Energy

Many women are now transitioning to wireless bras as a direct response to the increasing discomfort associated with traditional bras. Holistic health advocates, including those at Eden Energy Medicine, also argue that wireless bras promote better lymphatic drainage while enhancing the overall flow of energy (chi) within the body. By ditching metal wire bras, and choosing to go #brafree or using a more mindful alternative, you can have the support you look for without the rigidity and constriction commonly found in underwire options. Furthermore, wireless bras are in harmony with body positivity and self-care movements, emphasizing the importance of comfort, embracing natural beauty, and actively rejecting the unrealistic and often harmful body standards that permeate society.

To Bra or Not to Bra?

Whether or not to wear a bra—and what type to choose—ultimately depends on individual preference and lifestyle considerations. Research shows that bras may not effectively prevent sagging, and they may sometimes impede muscle development in the surrounding areas. Furthermore, underwire bras are increasingly being questioned for their potential health impacts, ranging from lymphatic obstruction to various forms of skin irritation, raising important questions about their long-term use and effects on the body.

In the era of slow fashion and conscious living, we must consider what we wear and how it affects our bodies and the planet. Opting for wireless or eco-friendly bras—or even going braless—can be a small step toward a more sustainable and holistic lifestyle.

For more tips on conscious living and wellness, follow us at @casa.earth, and to read more on the topic with scientific research, visit the links below:

https://www.mhe.ltd/why-wearing-a-bra-may-cause-more-harm-than-good/

https://edenenergymedicine.com/wireless-bras/

https://www.insight-holistic.com/post/dangerous-underwear-is-your-bra-creating-breast-cancer