Researcher claims bras do more harm than good to women's breasts

French researcher, Jean-Denis Rouillon has claimed that bras ‘are not needed’, and might actually be doing women’s figures more harm than good. This study goes against the age old belief that urges women over the ages to wear bras in order to help enhance their figure and give breasts the right shape.

Rouillon's research concluded that a bra could ‘prevent supporting tissues from growing’, and that breasts might be less likely to sag without one.

A sports scientist, Rouillon from the University of Franche-Comte in Besancon in eastern France has spent 15 years studying 130 women with different bust sizes and has come out with this conclusion.

All women who were part of the research were told not to wear a bra for varying lengths of time, between a few months and several years. During this time Professor Rouillon took regular bust measurements using callipers and a slide rule.

The women were asked whether they suffered back pain or felt restricted carrying out daily tasks when not wearing a bra.

Rouillon said, "The first results validate the hypothesis that the bra is not needed. Medically, physiologically, anatomically, the breast does not benefit from being deprived of gravity."

He added that he believed the ‘absence of a bra could keep breasts in shape’ and prevent back ache.

Rouillon 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." He added, " About 42% of the women felt discomfort for the first three months of not wearing a bra, but then it disappeared. None were in pain, however, nor were they hampered from doing daily activities – including sport."

Indian women seemed to have a mixed reaction to the thought of going bra-less. Maya Rawal, 32, a teacher said, "In our Indian culture women have to always be decently dressed, not wearing a bra is unacceptable." Padmini Ojha, 57, a housewife added, "Thinking of not wearing a bra is really shameless. Modern women may do such things, but a bra is something that my mother told me was an extension of a woman's dignity. All these foreign research and all is mindless."

The younger generation however, seemed open to the idea, Sophie Thomas, 24, a media professional said, "I am open to the idea. In summers wearing a bra is really troublesome as it is quite itchy and if there is no benefit then what's the use?" Rhea Malusare, 18, a student said, "There are many dresses on which wearing a bra is problematic and I have on some occasions not worn a bra and I must say that it was not as uncomfortable as I had thought it would be."

Anyway, the jury is still out on this research, but despite his findings, Rouillon said women should not get rid of their bras. His study only involved a small number of women and the long-term effects of not wearing a bra are unknown.

Research conducted earlier has shown that women who do not wear a sports bra while exercising could be damaging their breasts. The ligaments which support the breasts are not elastic, and can be irreversibly stretched when the breasts bounce during repetitive or high impact sports.

Going bra-less may soon not just be a sign of revolt but a healthy option if Rouillon's research is proved right, at that time will Indian women especially the older ones warm up to the idea of no bras is to be seen.