Can wearing a bra cause sagging breasts?! | Source: ShutterStock

Sagging breasts can be a bummer, but you figure they can be corrected–or at least hidden–by a good bra, right? Well, we thought so, but it turns out, bras may make sagging breasts sag even more!

A scientist conducted 15 years of research on the effect that wearing a bra has on sagging breasts, and the findings are sort of mortifying. He studied 130 women, all with different sized busts, to come up with his theory that wearing a bra actually can stop breast tissue from growing.

In the study, the women were all told not to wear a bra for various periods of time–some for a few months, others for a few years. During that time, the ladies were regularly measured and questioned about whether they felt discomfort or had back pain–and most of the gals and their girls felt fine without an over-the-shoulder boulder holder.

Some women reported that within the first three months they were a little uncomfortable, and some had slight back aches, but that they went away within that time, and later the girls felt fine–even when they played sports!

The researcher explained, “The decision not to a wear a bra appeals to women in terms of comfort and aesthetics. Contrary to popular belief, the breast does not fall, but tightens and lifts, and the quality of the skin improves.”

Still, you may not want to chuck your Victoria’s Secret garb just yet. First off, genetics play a big role in sagging breasts vs. perky ones, and so does your actual bust size. And other studies have shown that anyone over a B cup probably won’t be too comfortable with all the movement that going braless offers, even just walking down the street can make your boobs jiggle up to 33 percent more than they do when you’re standing still. If you’re busty, that can actually be really uncomfortable. And another doc explained that if your breasts aren’t supported, it can negatively affect your posture and make your shoulders rounded, which leads to backaches later.

Wearing a bra really just comes down to what you’re comfortable with physically (how much you move) and emotionally (you may feel exposed without one, especially when it’s cold). Plus, even if sagging breasts aren’t an issue for you yet, with the right bra, they probably won’t ever be–at least until you take it off.

Would you go braless to prevent sagging breasts? Do you think bras really cause sagging breasts? Do you feel comfortable when you’re not wearing a bra? Tell us in the comments!

Sagging breasts or not, get the right size bra! Here’s how.

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That got me thinking about one of my favorite clothing items to shop for… underwear! I’m not totally sure why, but shopping for underwear is always super fun. There’s usually cool patterns and colors, and you rarely have to worry about it matching your existing clothes.

So if women turn to regular clothes shopping to cheer up, than shopping for underwear could be like, the ULTIMATE way to cheer up, right? Well, it’s at least worth a try! Here are 10 fun undies that will probably put a smile on your face all on their own the next time you hit the mall for a little cheer-up shopping.

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Does shopping make you feel better when you have a bad day? Do you think shopping for underwear is fun? Where are your favorite places to go shopping? Tell us in the comments!

Survey: All About Your Underwear

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Source: ShutterStock

Few things are more uncomfortable than an ill-fitting bra, but it turns out that 80 percent of us don’t know how to find bra sizes accurately! As a result of not measuring bra sizes correctly, we risk spillover, discomfort, drooping and a whole slew of other issues.

The most common issue when we try to find a bra size is that we overestimate our band size and underestimate our cup size. Full disclosure: I thought I was a 36C for years until my BFF got a job at Victoria’s Secret and decided to measure my bra size. I was a 32D and had no idea, but every bra I’ve bought since then has magically been more comfy.

Even if you’ve had someone professionally measure bra sizes for you in the past, it’s good to get measured again every couple of years, because as you grow and gain or lose weight, your cup and band sizes may change. If you’re left to find a bra size on your own, you’ll probably stick with the one you’ve had forever instead of adjusting accordingly.

Are you wearing the right bra size? Here’s how to tell if your bra size is the wrong one:

Do you have too much lift?
If your chesticles are by your chin and spilling over your shirts, chances are your bra is too small. A lot of girls deliberately buy bras a size too small in hopes of looking bigger. Here’s the thing: Your boobs don’t look bigger. They just look like they’re in pain. If your boobs create a “ledge,” your bra size is too small.

Do your boobs look droopy?
If your boobs aren’t at attention and are somewhere near your belly button, your bra may be too big. Before you try to find a bra size up though, you may want to adjust your straps first or use a different back hook. If that doesn’t work, go up a band size.

Does the front of your bra not sit flat on your sternum?
Try going down a band size.

It’s not hard to find a bra size that works–you just need to know how to measure your bra size correctly (or have someone else do it for you)! | Source: ShutterStock

Are your cups saggy or wrinkled?
Then chances are they’re too small. Try going down a cup size.

Does the back of your bra ride up?
Then it’s too big! Try going down a band size.

Do your boobs sort of seep out into your armpit area?
Girl, go up a cup size!

An easy solution would be to get professionally fitted (most lingerie shops will have no problem helping and will show you how to measure bra size yourself for later). But if you want to do it yourself or shop somewhere without helpful, measuring tape-wielding gals, here’s how to tell if a bra is the right fit:

*Your back strap should lie flat against your back and not ride up at all.

*Your underwires should lie flat against your rib cage. If they poke, stick out or are otherwise uncomfortable, get a different bra! It won’t feel any less horrid later.

*Even if you’re wearing a balconette or demi bra, you shouldn’t have a “boob ledge” over the top of the cups.

*There should be a smooth line where the fabric of the cup meets your boobs, otherwise everyone will be able to see your bra outline through your clothes. You don’t want that to happen!

Have you ever had a professional measure your bra size? Do you think you’re wearing the wrong bra size? Do you have any tips for how to find a bra size? Tell us in the comments!

This girl is totally cool with her small breasts!

And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

Source: Shutterstock

I went with my mom just on a regular shopping trip, it wasn’t like some special expedition. It was from Limited Too because that was a really cool store back in my day. It was white and it had a little stitched blue butterfly on it. I got a couple of sports bras too, but really they had nothing to support at the time.

Did you do this? Source: We Heart It

I almost wished something wild had happened so I had a good story to tell! But I’m sure y’all have lots of crazy bra shopping stories so fill out our new survey and fill us in… just copy and paste these questions into the comments:

1. First off, how old are you?

2. Okay, how long have you been wearing a bra?

3. How old were you when you bought your first bra?

4. Were you the first out of your friends to buy a bra?

5. Where did you buy your first bra?

6. Did you get sized?

7. Did you actually buy the size you needed?

8. What color was it?

9. Who took you bra shopping?

10. Would you have rather gone shopping by yourself?

11. Were you nervous to get your first one?

12. Were you embarrassed to go bra shopping or did you feel cool?

13. Did you run into your crush during your shopping trip?

14. Did you know how to put it on right away or did you get stuck?

15. Did anything embarrassing happen while you were shopping?

16. How many bras do you own now?

17. What’s your favorite bra you’ve ever owned?

18. Would you have picked out a different bra if you were buying your first one today?

19. Do you think bra shopping is fun now?

20. If you could change one thing from your first bra shopping experience, what would it be?

Take more fun surveys here!

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Geek out between the sheets with these 15 superhero undies.

Wonder Woman Cami Set

Batman Panties

Marvel Heroines Panty

Batman Bra

Superman Cami Set

Batman Cami Set

Spider-Man Thong

Marvel Panty

Black Widow Cami Set

She Hulk Thong

Batman Silk Panty

Pink Superman Panty

Spider-Man Cami Set

She Hulk Cami Set

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Super Girl Undies

Are you a comic book geek? Let us know in the comments!

Did Taylor Swift get implants--or do people just need something to talk about? | Source: Shutterstock

Following the posting of some paparazzi photos of a bustier-than-usual Taylor Swift, certain outlets have been asking: Did Taylor Swift get implants?

The whispers started when these photos showed up–Taylor’s wearing a fitted dress with horizontal stripes, and her girls do look a little more ample than usual–and grew louder when she was spotted bra shopping at Victoria’s Secret. A bunch of plastic surgeons who have never treated (nor likely even met) Taylor commented on her chest, saying she looks like she went from a “small A to a striking C” cup. She also garnered comparisons to country legend Dolly Parton, but for her breasts, not for her music. WTF?!

First off, what makes a C-cup more “striking” than an A? Not a stinking thing. Second, considering they’ve never seen her in person, how can they be so sure? And third, whose business is it? Taylor Swift is an adult who makes her own money and her own decisions about her own body. If she wants to go up a size to feel more confident, good for her! If she’s happy as she is, even better. It’s her life. Her business. Her decision.

Since Taylor Swift implant rumors started, she's been compared to buxom country legend Dolly Parton. | Source: Shutterstock

So all that aside: Did Taylor Swift get implants? No! Sources close to Swift completely denied the implant allegations, and we agree. Taylor Swift is so busy all the time that we don’t even know how she’d find the time to even get implants. Plus, so many things can affect how your chest looks: your cycle, whether or not you’re on the pill, how many sandwiches you’ve eaten that week, those horizontal stripes, and–hello!–your bras. (Padding and pushups can go a very long way!)

And come on, really? Since when does buying underwear mean you also bought new boobs? Are all Victoria’s Secret shoppers secretly carrying around fake boobs under their shirts? That’s news to me!

Do you think Taylor Swift got breast implants? Have you ever considered plastic surgery? Would you think of Taylor Swift differently if she got implants? Tell us in the comments!

And The Taylor Swift Rumors Just Keep Coming

Are dudes into the extra stuffing? | Source: Tribune

First of all, there’s no reason to hate your small boobs! Check out my previous post on what guys really think about breast size.

In addition to the fact that male physical preferences are completely subjective, you need to own those perky pals of yours because excessively padded bras can be an issue for guys. Half a cup size is generally no biggie if you’re looking for a little boost — lots of guys honestly can’t tell the difference between a large A and a small B. But it’s usually pretty obvious when a lady undresses and her imposter Cs are actually As. Imagine kissing a guy whose sexy moustache were to fall off when your mouths meet – it’d be pretty shocking, if not disappointing. However, more than anything, padded bras are frustrating not because a modest chest is so unattractive, but because deception is.

Keira Knightley is gorgeous without the extra padding | Source: Bloggr.com

Let’s be honest here: if the relationship develops, and you’re anything like most couples out there, he’s eventually going to uncover what you’re truly working with. You shouldn’t pretend to be athletic to impress a jock, or a natural swimmer to woo a lifeguard, right? Well, while it may not directly result in injury or drowning, the same goes for lying about your boobs!

When a girl changes her appearance too drastically to look the way she thinks she “should,” the lack of confidence can be a turn off to guys. Subtle enhancements are one thing — we can appreciate a glossy lip or some leg extending high heels now and then. But remember that too much deceit not only sets the wrong precedent, it reveals a needless insecurity much less appealing than your beautifully smaller boobs can ever be.

Good luck!
Ethan

Are you confused about a guy? Do you find yourself wondering, “What is he thinking?” Tell us everything in the comments! And if you have a question for Ethan, email him at askaguy@gurl.com!

Would you wear a padded bra? Join the discussion!

This Victoria's Secret Miraculous bra promises 2 extra cup sizes! Would you wear it?

As much as we wish every girl was totally happy with the bod she was born with, we realize that some ladies would like to change certain things about themselves. One thing a lot of girls wish they could do is enhance is their breast size. For girls who are looking for bigger boobs and a quick fix, padded bras can kind of seem like a miracle. But at the same time, there are lots of people who think they’re totally stupid.

So we want to know: would you wear a padded bra? We’re not talking about push-up bras – we’re talking about cushiony bras that promise to make you appear a few sizes bigger. The editors over here at Gurl all seem to have different opinions, but we really want to know what you think. Read our thoughts and then tell us yours:

Bring on the stuffing! | Source: AffinitasIntimates.com

Julie Says: They’re Awesome!
I’m pro padded bras. I’m pretty well endowed in the boobal region. So, I’m not using padding to make my boobs look bigger. It’s more to keep them in place. One piece of fabric just isn’t sturdy enough. I need something that feels reinforced. My mom one time told me to think of my bra as a suspension bridge. I’m still not sure what she meant exactly, but I’m pretty sure suspension bridges are made out of more than just one sheet of silk. They’ve got some heft to them! So, I think that’s why I started with a thicker cup. After years of bulky bras, I feel naked whenever I try one that’s a single layer of fabric. I like a little distance between my boobs and the rest of the world, so bring on the padding!

They can be fun when you're playing dress-up | Source: ShutterStock.com

Melanie Says: They Can Be Fun Sometimes
I don’t think girls need to wear padded bras—but they can be fun if you’re into them! I think of them like any other kind of disguise. Think about how much fun it is to put on a wig at Halloween or to wear a super bold red lipstick (if only in your bedroom by yourself!). That’s how I feel when I put on a va-va-voom bra on. That said, I don’t wear them very often. I’m kind of tiny up top, and I like that about myself—but it sure is fun to play dress-up (or, uh, boobs up!) once in a while!

Emerald would much prefer no bra... | Source: Celebridoodle.com

Emerald Says: No, For Personal Reasons
My boobs are big enough and bras are kinda weird to me (like obviously bras are not the most uncomfortable piece of clothing in the world!) never mind the padded ones. Though I do think it’s a personal choice, like, if you want to bulk up a bit or if you like the look of it. For me, bras are just weird enough as it is, I don’t want extra bra – if anything I want less bra, the least amount of bra please! I guess that would be NO BRA, but that’s like a totally different conversation.

Mila Kunis looks great even without padding | Source: Celebuzz.com

Jessica Says: No Way! They’re Weird
I have to admit, I get kind of freaked out about padded bras. I mean, first of all, those things are so stuffed full of padding that they make me feel uncomfortable just looking at them. Second of all, what do you do if you take off your shirt in front of a dude and he realizes your boobs are actually way smaller than he thought? How do you explain that? It’s so awkward! I just think you’re better off making the most of what you’ve got instead of looking kind of fake with a padded one.

Would you wear a padded bra? Who do you agree with? Tell us in the comments!

Want bigger boobs? Read Heather’s advice

By age 15, the breast fairy had happily visited every single one of my friends, sometimes seemingly two or three times. But there I sat, in my pathetic excuse for a bra (really just two sadly hopeful triangles stitched together in the center) and waited in vain for that b*tch to visit my bony chest too.

“When you picture big boobs, you envision the perfect set—ones you see in the movies or something,” she explained in hushed tones as I wept in the Maidenform section. “But that’s not how big breasts usually look. They can sag, get stretch marks, be different sizes—you don’t have those problems!”

"Move my hair it's covering up my talent!"

I wasn’t buying it. I had skinny legs and a Kim Kardashian booty—a C or D cup would make my figure perfect and I made up my mind to get implants. Did I still want bigger boobs? YES.

So, my mom staged a tits intervention—a titstervention, if you will. She had my Aunt Sophia, who had breast implants, show me hers and encouraged me to cop a feel.

“Um…is one supposed to be hard?”

Spoiler alert: no. One sack had become encased in scar tissue leaving it hard and lumpy. The other sagged at an awkward angle and there was a huge gap between them, with angry red scars under each breast.

“Plus, I always have to wear an underwire bra, but never any blousy shirts make me look pregnant because my boobs make it stick out,” she sighed. “I think I looked thinner before them, honestly.”

That night Mama put me in one of her C-cup bras so I could see what I’d look like with implants. Again, she was right. These things on my chest, making me look thick and sausage-like, overshadowed my long arms and legs. I realized that fake boobs were like hipster glasses—they look great on some other people, but not me.

Lea Michele: Small But Mighty (Hot)

But I wasn’t about to admit that. Instead I gritted my teeth and vowed to one day stuff my chest cavity full of silicone or saline. And I was equally hellbent on finding a man who would support this decision.

Then, the strangest thing happened: I couldn’t. I’ve dated my fair share of jerks (enough to write a book about) but every single one of them have downright gushed over my B-cups.

“I’d much rather have perky, firm boobs than big saggy ones,” said Brooks.

“Fake breasts feel like rubbing the back of my lacrosse helmet,” admitted Steve.

“You have the perfect boob-to-nipple ratio, it’s amazing,” marveled Jason.

Me and My Girls: One (Not So Big) Happy Family!

“Boobs are whatever; I’m more about butt and legs,” shrugged Sid.

I had no idea that boys felt this way, and they didn’t seem to be lying. Sure, I wouldn’t hate to wake up with Scarlett Johansson’s curves, but when I think of my poor aunt’s Frankentits I grab my ladies and feel how nice they are—firm, perky, pleasantly squishy—and realize that maybe being happy with what you have is truly Victoria’s secret!

How do you feel about your boobs? Wish they were bigger? Smaller? Tell me in the comments!

Now, find out how one girl feels about having giant boobs!

Heidi chose to get big, melon-sized boobs. I didn't!

“Your boobs are too big to not have any support,” my mom angrily whispered while I tried to run out of the dressing room.

“None of my friends wear a bra!” I hissed back and distinctively remember throwing the stark white, cotton thing at her head.

I’ll never forget my first day at our new school. Out of nowhere, my friend Jenny snuck up behind me and screamed out, “Lauren! Are you wearing a bra!?” Without missing a beat, she reached behind me and snapped my bra right at the hook. It hurt and I was sure she made a mark but I just pretended like it didn’t happen. All of my other friends were flat as pancakes. The bra outline in my clothes was like this signal to the world that screamed, “Check this girl out! She’s going through puberty at lightning speed!” At lunchtime, I slipped into the bathroom, unhooked my bra, slipped it out through my sleeve and threw it in the garbage.

Kirsten's bikini top wouldn't hold my big boobs.

A few years after high school graduation, I had a bunch of girls over to my apartment to order in dinner and watch TV. Someone commented on how they thought Katie Holmes had the perfect face and body and that triggered a body image bitch fest. Everyone started wishing they looked like Katie and complaining about one of their own features that they weren’t happy with. One complained of being too hairy, another of having thunder thighs and someone else couldn’t stand the bump on the bridge of her nose. The funny thing was every complaint was met with a chorus of responses like “Are you serious? I would kill for your full eyebrows” or “Lucky! You have the best nose.”

Christina Hendricks makes her curves look gorgeous

I started to realize that the things we dislike about ourselves are often the things that others would love to have. I started to make a more conscious effort not to be hard on myself about my looks—especially my boobs—around my friends. I didn’t want us getting in the habit of using our time together to break ourselves down. And I made looking at myself in the mirror a time to build myself up—not pick myself apart. It was then that I could begin to look at my boobs as an asset—not a curse.

Instead of uncomfortable minimizer bras, I started treating myself to sexier styles. Instead of oversize shirts, I learned to shop for clothes that accentuated my boobs (in a classy way). Today my boobs don’t define me, they don’t embarrass me, they don’t bother me—they’re simply a part of me that I couldn’t imagine looking any other way.

Do you wish your boobs were a different size? Smaller or bigger? Tell us in the comments!

Want more? Check out how this tall girl came to love her height.

big boobs