British summer time has arrived, bringing with it scorching temperatures, reaching up to 30C in recent heatwaves, and a new seasonal trend born out of function and comfort necessity. A recent survey from retailer Next reveals that nearly half of all British women opt to forgo their bras when the temperatures rise.
Georgina Bibby, a technical bra fitting expert at Next, advises women against adopting this trend, despite soaring temperatures. Georgina explains how inadequate support caused by abandoning your bra can lead to changes in the shape and form of your breasts.
“We strongly advise against forgoing a bra in hot weather due to the lack of support and the subsequent impact it can have on the appearance of the breast. The primary function of a bra is to offer support to the weight and structure of the bust. Breasts consist of fat rather than muscle so inadequate support can lead to changes in both shape and form.”
The study also reveals that the most adopted bra-ditching temperature is an average of 25C. While Georgina discourages abandoning bras, she has provided valuable insight on how to alleviate discomfort when the heat becomes overwhelming.
“While we acknowledge the temptation to go without a bra in hot weather, there are measures you can take to enhance comfort. First and foremost, it’s crucial to wear the correct bra size to ensure optimum support and comfort.
“A well-fitted bra isn’t solely achieved by measuring. Instead, our experts use your current bra size as a guide and use their eyes to judge where to go from there. A good fit can only be achieved by eye, and by trying out bras in various shapes and sizes.
“For the perfect fit, your under-band should lie in the middle of your back. If it’s riding up, it means the band might be too big, meaning you should try one band size smaller. If it’s digging in, it may be too small, and you’ll need to go up a back size.
“Wires shouldn’t be digging in or loose at all. They should fit comfortably against your ribcage.
“When it comes to the cups, your breast should just fill the cup without spilling out, bulging, or creating a gap between yourself and the cup.
“In terms of the straps, you should be able to slide two fingers under the straps, and they shouldn’t be falling down or digging in too much.”
“To combat discomfort in hot weather, it is equally vital to choose breathable materials. Opting for a cotton bra is highly recommended as it offers naturally cooling properties, enabling air to flow through the fabric and preventing the accumulation of sweat.”
Georgina also addresses the common discomfort of underboob sweat, acknowledging it as a natural occurrence that can be uncomfortable, often serving as an additional reason to go braless in hot weather.
Georgina recommends moisture-management finished fabrics to prevent the problem: “Experiencing underboob sweat while wearing a bra in hotter temperatures is a common and entirely normal occurrence, albeit uncomfortable. To mitigate this, we suggest wearing a bra crafted with moisture-management finished fabric. This feature effectively wicks moisture away from the skin, facilitating evaporation and providing enhanced comfort.”
