A good bra for good health

Choose a bra you feel most comfortable in. It should be snug but not dig into your sides as this might end up causing unnecessary wounds and rash. The best way to find the correct bra size is through measurement. Net Photo

What you need to know:

A bra is part of every woman’s wardrobe and it is important that she keeps them clean or else they will start emitting a bad odour. A bra, like other underwear, should not be repeated says Dr Pius Mwanja, a general practitioner at Lifelink Hospital. Any buildup of sweat a foul smell

According to Pauline Ssemakula, a dealer in bras and lingerie at Luwum Street, Kampala, most women buy bras spontaneously and from anywhere. However, she warns that one must be careful about the type they buy.

Dr Cohen Maliro, a clinical officer at Diva Medical Centre in Nansana, says most women pick up bras that look fancy but it is more important to pick up the right size because an ill-fitting bra has several side effects.

“For instance, very tight fitting bras can cause scarring underneath or on each side of the breasts, which is not immediately noticeable but over time, the bra causes scars at the places where it digs into the flesh,” he says, adding that women who wear the wrong size bra often have problems maintaining correct posture. This can lead to slouching rather than sitting and standing upright, as well as unexplained back and neck pain.

Types
Underwire bras have a wire that surrounds the base of breasts and provide structure by keeping the breasts anchored to the chest. They give a supportive feel although some women do not like them.

Contour bras are made of thick material that provides nipple coverage and are often unnoticeable under clothing so that straps and bumps do not stick up through fabric. The pushup type is the most versatile style which allows you bump up your cleavage. It also suits women with an unequal breast size or those who have had breast surgery that involved total breast removal. There are sports, strapless, padded, wireless bras and so many other types depending on your choice and the purpose it is going to serve.

Cup size
Ssemakula says the best bra for you will depend mostly on your cup size.
Lingerie experts recommend bras with minimal support for a smaller bust, such as wireless bras. That is because additional underwiring and padding may be uncomfortable, dig into your skin, and look bumpy under clothing. Larger busts can benefit from the extra coverage of full- cup bras, which keep breasts in place and prevent wardrobe malfunctions. The best way to find out which bra styles are right for your bust is by consulting with a bra-fitting specialist at a lingerie store.

Go for comfort
According to paleohacks.com, while there is no harm in occasionally swapping your regular intimates for seductive lingerie, it is important to ensure that you prioritise sensibility over chicness. Even if it is not the sexiest-looking garment, a properly fitted, comfortable bra can be life-changing.

Hygiene
A bra is part of every woman’s wardrobe and it is important that she keeps them clean or else they will start emitting a bad odour. A bra, like other underwear, should not be repeated says Dr Pius Mwanja, a general practitioner at Lifelink Hospital. Any buildup of sweat a foul smell.

Note that wearing bras which do not fit well can cause headaches and neck pain.

“It is also not good to share bras with another person because they may have skin problems such as fungal diseases. If you want to prevent fungal infections you have to be conscious about sharing bras and keeping them clean. If you cannot iron the bra after washing it, you should disinfect it before wearing,” he says.

Since your body naturally changes as you age, your bra size can also fluctuate. For this reason, it’s important to get measured each year—or any time your bra feels like a nuisance.

How often to wash
Because bras are a clothing item that we wear directly on our body, they should be washed on a regular basis. If your bra is not washed after every three to four wears, it can start to accumulate dirt, oil, bacteria, and sweat that comes off of your body.
The buildup of those things on your bra paired with the close contact it makes to your skin can lead to rash that can become an open wound.