Breast size, bra fit and thoracic pain in young women: a correlational study

Wood, Katherine; Cameron, Melainie; Fitzgerald, Kylie

doi:10.1186/1746-1340-16-1

Cited by 77 publications

(76 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…It is particularly important for larger-breasted women (D cup and above) to wear a well-fitted and supportive bra, yet they are more likely to have an incorrect fit due to their breasts being ptotic and bulbous (Pechter 1998, Greenbaum et al 2003, McGhee et al 2006, Wood et al 2008. It is not clear whether there is a relationship between a woman's age and the effectiveness of the traditional bra fitting method.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Regardless of how good the design of the bra, if the size is wrong, then it will not provide effective support (Page and Steele 1999). Despite this, it has been suggested that 70 to 100% of women are wearing the wrong-sized bra (Pechter 1998, Greenbaum et al 2003, Wood et al 2008. A correctly fitting and supporting bra is essential to good health; it can alleviate breast pain (Wilson and Sellwood 1976, BeLieu 1994, Hadi 2000, Smith et al 2004, allow women to exercise in greater comfort (Mason et al 1999, White et al 2009) and reduce the need for breast reduction surgery (Greenbaum et al 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…Larger-breasted women especially may feel self-conscious about being professionally measured and so attempt to fit their own bras; however most women are not trained in this area (Wood et al 2008). Unfortunately, bra fitters within shops have varied experience and there is no agreed level of competency or qualification in the UK (Greenbaum et al 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Evaluation of professional bra fitting criteria for bra selection and fitting in the UK

White

Scurr

2012

Ergonomics

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A correctly fitting bra is essential for good health; this study investigates the use of professional bra fitting criteria to establish best-fit in an underwire bra commonly sold in the UK. A comparison was made between women's bra size as measured by the traditional bra fitting method with their recommended bra size based on professional bra fitting criteria. Forty-five female participants were recruited; their mode self-reported bra size was 34DD. Participants were measured in their own bra using the traditional bra-fitting method to establish their 'traditional size'. A 'best-fit' bra size was recorded for participants based on professional bra fitting criteria. Significant differences were found between traditional and best-fit cup and band sizes (p < 0.001); the traditional method of bra fitting overestimated band size and underestimated cup size. As band size increased the traditional method also became more inaccurate (p < 0.001). It is recommended that women are educated in assessing their own bra fit using professional bra fitting criteria and less emphasis placed on determining absolute bra size. Practitioner Summary: This is the first study to investigate using professional bra fitting criteria to establish best-fit in an underwired bra commonly sold in the UK. The traditional method of bra fitting was found to be inadequate, especially for larger-breasted women; the use of professional bra fitting criteria should be encouraged.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Evaluation of professional bra fitting criteria for bra selection and fitting in the UK

White

Scurr

2012

Ergonomics

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“…Poorly fitting bras lead to physical discomfort and can cause serious health problems such as muscle fatigue or pain. Producing well-fitting bras has been a challenge to manufacturers and retailers (Wood et al, 2008). Public service agencies and bra companies recommend various methods or formulas to help women select the correct bra size (Chen et al, 2011).…”

Section: Bra Cup Size and Fitmentioning

confidence: 99%

New Breast Measurement Technique and Bra Sizing System Based on 3D Body Scan Data

Oh¹,

Chun²

2014

Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea

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Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a method for measuring breast size from three-dimensional (3D) body scan image data.Background: Previous bra studies established reference points by directly contacting the subject's naked skin to determine the boundary of the breast. But some subjects were uncomfortable with these types of measurements. This study examined noncontact methods of extracting breast reference points from 3D body scan data that were collected while subjects were wearing standardized soft bras.Method: 3D body scan data of 32 Korean women were analyzed. The subjects were selected from the Size Korea 2010 study. The breast landmarks were identified by graphic analyses of slicing contour lines on 3D body scan data.Results: Three methods determining bra cup size were compared. The M1 and M2 methods determined cup size by calculating the difference between bust girth and under-bust girth. The M3 method determined bra cup size by measuring breast arc length. Conclusion:The researchers proposed an anthropometric bra cup sizing system with the breast arc length (M3 method). It was measured from the geometrically defined landmarks on the 3D body scan slicing contour lines. The new bra cup size was highly correlated with breast depth. Application:The noncontact measuring method used in this study can be applied to the ergonomic studies measuring sensitive body parts.

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“…As a result of this, incorrect bra size may cause muscular and nerve problems [25]. Problematic bra fitting substantially increases in larger breasted women [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Qualitative Observations on the Design of Sports Bras for Wear Under Body Armour

Niemczyk¹,

Arnold²,

Wang³

2017

KEG

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This paper presents the results of preliminary research designed to explore in depth the design, fit and comfort of selected sports bras for large breasted women worn under soft body armour. Female armed personnel need to feel safe and protected in soft armour vests, giving them physiological comfort to perform their duties daily. Troublesome physical and additional physiological problems in relation to the female body are frequently caused due to the poor design of various bra components. Different breast sizes require unique bras designs. Specifically, when it comes to plus-size breasts, all the difficulties of fitting are more evident. In general, retail bra designs are not overcoming the above-mentioned bra's wear problems even before consideration of how they relate to be worn under the soft body armour. As breast size and shape vary greatly between individuals, the design of bra size and style are important. In addition, fit and comfort are the most important factors of concern to the customers. With an aim to achieve a perfect bra shape, fit and comfort, designers have a strong drive to develop a superior quality bra by properly using components and materials with high performance. Five commercial sports bras were selected based on their suitability for wear under body armour. The bras were fitted on a fit model and ranked in terms of the design criteria (1) non-wire, firmness and comfort, (2) fit and size range (D to G-cup) shape, (3) moisture wicking, and (4) composition and textile quality. They were then assessed for correct fit by an expert bra fitter and photographed to assess frontal and side-shape protrusion for mobility and for comfort on the side upper arm. Comparisons indicated differences in the side arm protrusion for some popular brands. Further wear test under a simulation mock-up body armour vest was conducted for observing comfort and moisture management performance over a period of 6 hours. The bra comfort performance was compared.

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Breast size, bra fit and thoracic pain in young women: a correlational study

Cited by 77 publications

References 20 publications

Evaluation of professional bra fitting criteria for bra selection and fitting in the UK

Evaluation of professional bra fitting criteria for bra selection and fitting in the UK

New Breast Measurement Technique and Bra Sizing System Based on 3D Body Scan Data

Qualitative Observations on the Design of Sports Bras for Wear Under Body Armour

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