Sagging breasts are a common concern among us, women, especially as we age. When this happens, it can greatly affect our self-esteem.
What was once a sexy silhouette is now nothing but skin with sagging tissues. While it is true that true beauty is beyond the surface of our physical appearance, it still cannot be helped to feel uncomfortable and embarrassed, especially when we are in public.
Although we uphold that we should not conform to the society’s norms of beauty, it could still affect the way we carry ourselves in a crowd, one way or another. It could rob us of our confidence when we deal with people.
What causes our breasts to sag? Is it normal? Can we avoid or prevent it from happening? Is there a way to treat it? What is the best bra for sagging breasts? Can it provide the lift you need to maintain a sexy shape?
We will answer all these questions as we go along in today’s discussion; so, let us begin!
Photo credit: edition.cnn.com
Table of Contents
WHY DO BREASTS SAG?
Breasts sag for a variety of reasons. In fact, it is inevitable among all women that there is even a medical term for it— breast ptosis.
Your breasts are composed of fatty and fibrous tissues, which are eventually affected by the pull of gravity. As gravity pulls them down, your breast ligaments loosen, putting tension on overlying skin. This skin will also stretch as it happens.
It also happens with the process known as breast involution. This involves the shrinking of the milk-making system inside your breasts. It shrinks simply because it is no longer needed. When this happens, the skin surrounding the tissues do not shrink; so, your breasts will look deflated. As a result, they tend to sag.
Multiple pregnancies are also said to be the leading cause of sagging breasts. With the hormonal changes during pregnancy, your milk ducts shrink and expand every time. As a result, the tissues sag uncontrollably.
If you have large breasts, you are more likely to suffer from sagging breasts than women with small breasts. The greater the mass of your breasts, the more vulnerable they are to the pull of gravity.
It goes without saying that aging has a lot to do with this common problem. As you age, your skin becomes less elastic; so, obviously, it is a contributing factor.
Given this, smoking is also a possible cause. It accelerates aging by destroying elastin, a protein that helps your skin to remain supple as you age.
Other factors that likely cause your breasts to sag include the following:
- Collagen deficiency;
- Estrogen deficiency;
- High body mass index (BMI);
- Menopause; and
- Rapid weight loss
MYTHS ABOUT SAGGING BREASTS
There have been a lot of speculations as to why breasts sag. However, a lot of these have already been debunked.
You might still be hearing these things causing breasts to sag; so, it is important that you are aware of them and that they have already been proven wrong— or at least, have not yet been proven to be true.
First, let us talk about breastfeeding, which is the most common myth when it comes to reasons why breasts sag. Note that it does not cause breasts to sag because it does not stretch your breast tissues. Probably, people associate it with sagging breasts because of breast involution.
Again, breast involution is the process of milk-making tissues shrinking when they are no longer needed. This shrinking leads to the breasts looking empty; so, they tend to sag. Obviously now, breastfeeding does not directly cause your breasts to sag.
Some also say that it has something to do with your non-wearing of bras. Then, there are also speculations indicating that it is caused by wearing bad bras. Well, all of these are plainly myths— there are no truths to these claims!
TOP 10 BEST BRAS FOR SAGGING BREASTS
Since breasts inevitably sag as you age, it is now important for you to address it. How do we go by confidently when we know that our breasts are sagging? It is really a challenge, but there are ways we can properly deal with the problem.
One of the best ways to prevent our breasts from sagging— and actually to prevent such problem from beating our self-esteem down— is wearing the right bra. So, let us check out the best bras for sagging breasts! Here, I have listed the top 10 bras that would provide the best lift for different occasions and needs.
1. THE BEST BRA FOR SAGGING BREASTS: PRIMA DONNA DEAUVILLE FULL CUP WIRE BRA
Available Colors: Black; Caffè Latte; Natural; Persian Red; Submarine; White; and Winter Grey.
Available Sizes:
Band Sizes: 30 to 46
Cup Sizes: B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I
Features:
The Prima Donna Deauville Full Cup Wire Bra boasts with a superior fit, offering a light look. Its upper cups are finished with a subtly, glossy embroidery that continues into its straps. Then, it has fine, bright ribbons that provide an even more youthful look. Truly, it makes you feel sexier than ever before.
This inlined, three-part bra has a soft, padded, nickel-free underwire. So, if you are not fond of underwire bras, it will likely make you think twice, given the promising comfort it offers.
Moreover, you can achieve a customized fit with its elastic lining at the top of the cups. Its close-set, adjustable, stretch straps further add to a comfortable fit. It has a hook and eye closure with three columns and two rows, allowing you to customize the fit carefully.
Pros
- Glossy embroidery;
- Bright ribbons;
- Padded, nickel-free underwire;
- Elastic lining at the top of the cups; and
- Close-set, adjustable, stretch straps
Cons
- May have a sharp underwire edge
2. THE BEST DOUBLE SUPPORT BRA FOR SAGGING BREASTS: BALI DOUBLE SUPPORT WIRE-FREE BRA
Available Colors: Black; Blue Cobalt; Blushing Pink; Chic Lace Print; Ivory; Light Beige; Nude; Sexy Animal Print; Sheer Latte; Warm Steel; and White.
Available Sizes:
Band Sizes: 34 to 48
Cup Sizes: B, C, D, DD, and DDD
Features:
Perfect for everyday use with the unparalleled comfort it provides, the Bali Double Support Wire-Free Bra is equipped with the signature M-Frame. This includes two-ply cups that double the support.
Its front, adjustable, stretch straps let you attain a personalized fit. With the Comfort-U design, you can be confident that the band and straps will remain in place all the time. Then, the hook and eye closure gives you more security.
It offers more support for larger cups D and DD. These sizes have supportive side bonings, providing ample support for those with large breasts.
Pros
- Signature M-Frame that doubles the support;
- Adjustable, stretch straps;
- Comfort-U design; and
- Supportive side boning for larger cups
Cons
- Fragile adjustable strap clips
3. THE BEST BRA WITH TWO-WAY STRAPS FOR SAGGING BREASTS: VANITY FAIR BODY CARESS FULL COVERAGE WIREFREE BRA
Available Colors: Black; Ivory; Nude; and White.
Available Sizes:
Band Sizes: 34 to 42
Cup Sizes: B, C, D, and DD
Features:
For all-day confidence and comfort, you can trust the Vanity Fair Body Caress Full Coverage Wirefree Bra to take care of your needs. It has two-way straps that can be converted into a criss-cross design.
These can also be adjusted with a two-row, three-column, metal-coated hook and eye closure. There are two to four hooks, depending on the size. It goes without saying that it gives you the opportunity to personalize the fit.
Ensuring comfort for daily use, it is ultra-soft to the skin. If you have a sensitive skin, then it is the right choice for you.
The support it offers is also unquestionable. It is elastic under the bust; so, you can say goodbye to your sagging breast problems.
Also, it has a smooth look underneath your clothings. So, you do not have to worry about it being awkwardly visible on the outside.
Then, there is a decorative satin trim outlining the top of the cups and straps. This results to a more sophisticated appeal on the inside that manifests on the outside.
Pros
- Two-way, convertible straps;
- Ultra-soft to the skin;
- Elastic under the bust; and
- Decorative satin trim outlines
Cons
- Larger cups
4. THE BEST UNDERWIRE BRA FOR SAGGING BREASTS: ELOMI CAITLYN SIDE SUPPORT BRA
Available Colors: Black; Camelia; Ink; Nude; Peacock; Pearl; Raspberry; and Rouge.
Available Sizes:
Band Sizes: 34 to 46
Cup Sizes: DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, and K
Features:
The Elomi Caitlyn Side Support Bra is perfect for those with short waist, thanks to its bandless design. Its sheer, embroidered top cup panel offers a breathable comfort like no other. Given its arched center panel, it is even more comfortable for those with high tummies.
This full cup, underwire bra lifts and shapes your breasts perfectly. There is even an additional support provided by its firm wings and inner slings.
Its leotard back straps are adjustable. So, you would not have to worry about them slipping as you go about your day. Its hook and eye closure has two to three hooks, depending on the size.
With a shimmering microfiber blend, you are surely to feel confident as you carry yourself wherever you go.
Pros
- Bandless design;
- Breathable comfort;
- Suitable for those with high tummies;
- Supportive firm wings and inner slings;
- Adjustable leotard back straps; and
- Microfiber blend
Cons
- Band rides up easily
5. THE BEST PUSH UP BRA FOR SAGGING BREASTS: MAIDENFORM PUSH UP AND IN UNDERWIRE BRA
Available Colors:
Black With Body Beige; Deep Cerise With Galactic Red;
Black With Gentle Peach Lace; Embark With Black;
Black/Body Beige Lace; Evening Blush With Rose Petal;
Latte Lift With Black; Navy/Black;
Raspberry Icing/New Vanda Orchid; Rising Smoke With Gentle Peach;
Venture Pink With Rising Smoke; White With Paris Nude Lace;
White/Blue Whimsy; Wild Strawberry With Peach Lace
Available Sizes:
Band Sizes: 32 to 38
Cup Sizes: A, B, C, and D
Features:
With its Wonderbra technology, you will surely enjoy a comfortable and supportive lift. Despite having an underwire, the Maidenform Push Up and In Underwire Bra boasts with superior comfort.
It even offers a dramatic, sexy look with its plunging neckline. Then, the side shape and push-in cup design adds to the overall sophisticated effect.
The customized lift it provides results to a natural-looking cleavage. So, you will achieve the sexiest silhouette you can ever dream of.
It also does not go out of style. Its criss-cross straps at the center bust area feature lace panels at the sides and back. These straps are fully adjustable and convertible, giving you the freedom to choose. With a hook and eye closure, security of the fit is also guaranteed.
Pros
- Wonderbra technology;
- Plunging neckline; and
- Adjustable and convertible straps
Cons
- May not be durable when subjected to improper care procedure
6. THE BEST BRA FOR FULL-FIGURED WOMEN WITH SAGGING BREASTS: WACOAL BASIC BEAUTY FULL FIGURE SEAMLESS UNDERWIRE BRA
Available Colors: Black; Ivoy; and Sand.
Available Sizes:
Band Sizes: 32 to 44
Cup Sizes: C, D, DD, DDD, G, and H
Features:
Sometimes, it is hard for full-figured women to find the right bra. Well, it does not have to be a struggle anymore with the Wacoal Basic Beauty Full Figure Seamless Underwire Bra.
It features an ultra-soft Bodysuede stretch fabric and seamless underwire cups that offer a natural, sexy shape. These cups have a hidden inner sling, providing additional support.
Further, it has a wide center gore for separation. Then, its band and sides are developed in a way that they help minimize and smooth your bulge.
With its close-set, adjustable back straps, you also would not have to worry about slipping incidents. They are guaranteed to maintain a secure fit.
Pros
- Suitable for full-figured women;
- Ultra-soft Bodysuede stretch fabric;
- Seamless underwire cups with hidden inner sling;
- Wide center gore; and
- Close-set, adjustable back straps
Cons
- Short underwire
7. THE BEST STYLISH BRA FOR SAGGING BREASTS: PANACHE TANGO BALCONNET BRA
Available Colors: Black; Blush; Nude; and Tutti Frutti.
Available Sizes:
Band Sizes: 30 to 44
Cup Sizes: D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, and K
Features:
The Panache Tango Balconnet Bra has laminated cups that offer a supportive fit that truly lifts your breasts. With power mesh wings, it provides a firmer and more comfortable support.
It boasts with style that will give you the confidence boost you need; thanks to its delicate satin bow. The embroidered leaf pattern also adds to the overall luxurious and stylish look.
With a hook and eye closure, you would not have a hard time securing the fit that suits you comfortably.
Pros
- Laminated cups
- Power mesh wings
- Stylish
Cons
- May have an awkward fit for those with large breasts
8. THE BEST BRA WITH PADDED STRAPS FOR SAGGING BREASTS: GLAMORISE MAGICLIFT FULL FIGURE SUPPORT BRA
Available Colors: Black; Beige; Blue; Burgundy; Silver; Violet; and White.
Available Sizes:
Band Sizes: 36 to 56
Cup Sizes: B, C, D, DD, F, G, H, I, and J
Features:
With a cushioned inner bust band that lifts your breasts properly, the Glamorise MagicLift Full Figure Support Bra defines your bust area in the best way possible. It provides ample support without compromising your comfort.
Further, it speaks of style with its upper cup lace. The criss-cross MagicLift design not only lifts and defines your bust area but also lets you enjoy an invigorating look.
It has extra wide, cushioned straps that do not strain your shoulders and pamper them instead. These are also adjustable, allowing you to achieve the fit that makes you the most comfortable. Offering additional comfort and security is its wide bottom band, and hook and eye closure.
Pros
- Criss-cross MagicLift design;
- Wide, cushioned, adjustable straps; and
- Wide bottom band
Cons
- May pinch awkwardly
9. THE BEST SMALL-CUP BRA FOR SAGGING BREASTS: TIMPA DUET LACE UNDERWIRE DEMI BRA
Available Colors: Black; Beige; Emerald; Lilac; Navy; Red; White; and Wine.
Available Sizes:
Band Sizes: 32 to 38
Cup Sizes: A, B, and C
Features:
The Timpa Duet Lace Underwire Demi Bra features a soft, lightweight crochet lace. This seamless lace lays flat under your clothing, making sure that it is invisible on the outside. So, there is no need to feel anxious about it showing!
The sides and back are made of a soft, silky, and stretchy microfiber. As a result, it provides utmost comfort, whatever activity you do.
Unlike most bras for sagging breasts, it is one of the few most suitable bras for those with small cup sizes. It offers great lift and sexy shape, even without any padding.
Pros
- Seamless lace that ensures invisibility underneath clothing;
- Microfiber sides and back; and
- Suitable for those with small cup sizes
Cons
- Smaller cups
10. THE BEST BRA FOR PLUS-SIZED WOMEN WITH SAGGING BREASTS: ELILA JACQUARD SOFTCUP BRA WITH CUSHIONED STRAPS
Available Colors: Black; Cobalt Blue; Lilac; Mocha; Nude; Red; and White.
Available Sizes:
Band Sizes: 34 to 52
Cup Sizes: F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N
Features:
The Elila Jacquard Softcup Bra With Cushioned Straps lets you achieve an uplifted breast shape without putting that much strain on your back and shoulders. It does this by surrounding, supporting, and distributing your breast tissues evenly.
Providing additional lift is its lightly padded full inner support slings. Contributing to this are the power mesh sides and back. Then, its non-stretch cups have horizontal and vertical seaming, offering a sexier shape.
As a full coverage, firm, softcup bra, it is perfect for those with large breasts. Likewise, it is suitable for plus-sized and/or full-figured women.
It is soft and durable; so, you would want to use it for years. It is comfortable for everyday use as well; thanks to its wireless design. Its bottom edge is designed in such a way that it stabilizes on its own.
Moreover, it is stylish. Its fabric is leaf-patterned. Then, the top of its center panel has a satin bow. Surely, you are to feel luxuriously sexy wearing it.
For a customized fit, it comes with wide, four-ply, center-pull, non-stretch straps. These straps have a sliding pad, which you can position any way you need or want. It can also be removed or adjusted in front.
Further, it has a hook and eye closure that ensures a secure fit. For cup sizes F to K, there is a jewel-lock, coated metal buckle at the front strap base. Its length can be adjusted. This feature prevents the straps from slipping. Then, cup sizes L to N have a buckle that prevents pinching.
Pros
- Lightly padded full inner support slings;
- Power mesh sides and back;
- Non-stretch cups with horizontal and vertical seaming;
- Wireless;
- Self-stabilizing bottom edge; and
- Wide, four-ply, center-pull, non-stretch straps with sliding pad
Cons
- Slipping straps due to plastic clips
HOW TO PREVENT BREASTS FROM SAGGING
Knowing what causes sagging breasts will help us prevent it from happening. As we have already discussed these causes, the preventive measures should be pretty obvious by now. Nonetheless, let us discuss them in depth, one by one.
1. Do Not Smoke
As we have discussed earlier, smoking can speed up the aging process. So, if you are a smoker, then it is time that you call it a day! If you are not, then good— never smoke!
Of course, smoking does not just speed up the aging process. Generally, it is bad for your health and the environment as well. In short, it does nothing good to anyone!
Even the people around you are affected due to secondhand smoking. In fact, they could suffer the same consequences as smokers do. If you do not smoke, you will save yourself and many people from a lot of trouble.
It is really hard to quit, but it is better to do it now while you can still do something about it. You would not want to reach a point where everything is too late. Maybe it is your stress reliever, but trust me, you would rather find a new stress reliever than be stressed forever once its negative effects manifest.
Not only would you be able to prevent your breasts from sagging, you would also slow down aging. If that is not rewarding enough, I do not know what else is.
2. Get A Hormone Test
Getting a hormone test will determine if you have normal estrogen levels. Typically, this is the first prevention measure you should observe if you are having your menopause.
Beware of the signs as well. Sometimes, you might be menopausal already but you are still in denial. It is better to confront and accept the problem early on, in order to find the right solutions. You would not want to suffer the consequences of your inaction just because you are too afraid to face the truth— that you are aging. The sooner you accept it, the sooner you can deal with it properly.
If your estrogen levels are too low, you should consider taking estrogen boosting supplements. This will help optimize and maintain your breast shape.
Of course, you should do all these things in close consultation with your physician. Never take any vitamin or supplement without talking to your physician about it. The last thing you would want to to do is jeopardize your health further. Instead of improving everything, you just might make it all worse in the end.
Remember, you are not getting any younger. See to it that you always follow your physician’s instructions.
3. Maintain A Healthy Weight
To prevent your breasts from sagging, it is not necessary to lose weight. Similarly, it is not necessary to gain weight. As we have discussed, rapid weight gain or loss can be a contributing factor. “Rapid” is the operative word. What does this mean?
Well, all you have to do is maintain a healthy weight. Keep it consistent. Any drastic change may hasten and worsen the sagging of your breasts dramatically.
Part of this effort is to maintain a balanced diet. Make sure that you are eating all the right food. At the same time, you should also be avoiding all the junk.
Instead of eating junk food, try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Instead of chugging bottles of beer and sipping cups of wine, why not drink milk and fruit juices?
Further, you should control your calorie and carbohydrate intakes. Manage your protein intake. If necessary, you should also be taking vitamin supplements. These help maintain your health; and if you have a good health, you are less likely to age or feel the effects of aging that fast.
4. Perform A Pectoral Muscle Workout
While there are no muscles in our breasts, there are still muscles underneath them. These are known as the pectoralis major muscles, which provide a natural lift for your breasts.
There are a lot of exercises that help lift and define your breasts. These exercises primarily target the said muscles. Some of these include the following:
- Around the Worlds;
- Cobra Lat Pulldown;
- Dumbbell Plank Rotation;
- Elbow Squeeze Shoulder Press; and
- Stability Ball Chest Press
You may hit the gym or just do the workout routines at your home. The most important thing is that you do it.
Exercising regularly should really be a part of your routine, especially when you are getting older. This is not just to maintain the firmness of your breasts. It is also about maintaining a healthy lifestyle in general.
5. Undergo A Plastic Surgery
Probably, the last resort is undergoing a breast lift surgery or mastopexy. Of course, it is impractical and expensive, but worth trying if having sagging breasts really bother you so much.
In this surgical procedure, a plastic surgeon will remove the excess skin around your breast tissues. These breast tissues will then be tightened to look fuller and in shape.
If you have significantly deflated breasts, implants can also be provided. In turn, you will achieve the shape you desire.
It is almost similar to a breast reduction surgery. The only difference between the two is that in here, the extra skin is removed. Meanwhile, in a breast reduction surgery, the fatty breast tissues are removed.
Surgical procedures like these will definitely change the way your bust looks. In fact, they are the best and the fastest way to define your chest area. Just be mindful of all the considerations when it comes to these procedures. These include the risks associated with the surgery, the recovery period and requirements, and more importantly, the cost. Make sure that you deem it worthy enough, and that you have talked it through carefully with your physician and/or plastic surgeon.
6. Wear The Right Bra
Breasts sag. It is inevitable. So, preventing them from sagging or looking like it, is your best bet at regaining that confidence of yours.
Perhaps the easiest way to maintain your bust’s shape, even when you have saggy breasts already, is wearing the right bra. Also, it is the most practical and the most affordable way, especially on a daily basis.
The right bra should lift your breasts perfectly without causing any discomfort. It should maintain or even improve your silhouette. More importantly, it should conceal or significantly reduce the sagging.
There are certain features you need to look for in a certain bra. This brings us to our next topic, which will help you choose the right bra for your sagging breasts.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BRA FOR SAGGING BREASTS
The right bra should provide enough lift and contouring for your breasts. Now, there are a lot of models promising the same thing, but how do you know which delivers and which does not?
Well, it all boils down to the features of the bra! The following features are essential in achieving this:
- Boned sides;
- Full coverage design;
- Non-stretch fabric; and
- Wide underband
More often than not, the best bra for sagging breasts will have all these four features. However, do not be mistaken because not all these essentials can be found in certain bras. Actually, it is rare that you will find a bra that has all these features. I have only listed these four as the benchmark or basis of what a good bra should consist.
Nonetheless, that does not mean these bras will no longer provide the support and lift you need for your sagging breasts. Different manufacturers employ different technologies in their work, offering even better results. Some even incorporate supplemental features that are different from the rest.
HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR BRA SIZE
Knowing your bra size is everything. It could make all the difference when you are buying a bra. It is important because having the right fit depends on such vital information. So, how can you measure your own bra size?
Well, for starters, you should know the elements of a bra size. These include the band and the cup sizes. In here, I will teach you how to get your own size in three simple steps. Let us start!
When determining your bra size, make sure that you wear a lightly lined, non-push-up bra. This helps ensure that your breasts are as close to natural as possible. While not necessary, it is highly recommended to get accurate results.
1. Measure Your Band
Wrap the measuring tape under your breasts. See to it that it is parallel to the bottom of the bra band.
2. Measure Your Bust
Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your breasts. Again, see to it that it is parallel to the bra band.
3. Calculate
Now, you have these two figures. Subtract the resulting band size from the resulting bust size. This will help you determine your cup size. Every inch is equivalent to a cup size up. Here is the table for your reference:
Difference (in inches) | Cup Size | Difference (in inches) | Cup Size |
2 | B | 8 | G |
3 | C | 9 | H |
4 | D | 10 | I |
5 | DD | 11 | J |
6 | DDD | 12 | K |
7 | F |
THE BEST BRA FOR SAGGING BREASTS: TO SUM IT UP…
With the best bra for sagging breasts, you no longer have to worry or feel jittery in public. For me, the best one in this list is the Prima Donna Deauville Full Cup Wire Bra. It offers promising lift without being too obvious. It promotes a youthful vibe with its embroidery and ribbons.
Perhaps the feature I love the most is its soft, padded, nickel-free underwire. Personally, I hate wearing underwire bras because they cause me so much discomfort. This bra changed it all for me. Since its underwire is padded, I do not even mind using it every day, be it at work or at home.
There are a lot of factors causing our breasts to sag. It is, in fact, an inevitable process as we age. These factors include the following:
- Aging;
- Breast involution;
- Collagen deficiency;
- Estrogen deficiency;
- high BMI;
- Large breasts;
- Menopause;
- Multiple pregnancies;
- Rapid weight loss; and
- Smoking
Of course, to prevent your breasts from sagging, you need to counter all of these factors. Some of the most common preventive measures you can do include the following:
- Do not smoke;
- get a hormone test;
- Maintain a healthy weight;
- Perform a pectoral muscle workout;
- Undergo a plastic surgery; and
- Wear the right bra
I hope that in one way or another, I was able to help you out again today. If you have topics you want me to tackle, kindly let me know.
How has having sagging breasts affected you and your daily life? Has it affected your self-esteem? What do you do to deal with this problem? What is the right bra for you? Do you have tips for our readers? Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts with us!
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