When it comes to self-care, we often think of candle-lit baths, multi-step skincare routines and healthy eating. Taking care of our breasts is often overlooked \u2014 especially when you\u2019re young \u2014 but before they begin their descent downwards, or you end up with a chronic case of backache, it\u2019s important to look out for your boobs, and check in regularly for health purposes.<\/p>\n
What constitutes \u201cbig boobs\u201d is subjective, but in terms of bra fitting and exercise specifically, things get more, shall we say, complicated for women who are a size D-cup and up. Here is some guidance on caring for fuller busts.<\/p>\n
Brava is an Australian bra and swimwear retailer specialising in sizes D-cup and up. Maxine Windram launched the business with her mum, Lin, 16 years ago. They have seen and heard a lot from customers with fuller busts over the years.<\/p>\n
Maxine says finding a correctly fitting bra can be complicated and emphasises the importance of being properly fit by
\na professional. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit of a minefield when it comes to working out what your size is,\u201d says Maxine. She says for every
\n10 women who first enter Brava, nine of them are wearing an incorrect bra size.<\/p>\n
A benefit of being properly fitted by a professional is their familiarity with different bra manufacturers and discrepancies in sizing conventions.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can have an E-cup in Australia, which would be an F-cup in Europe, which would be a triple D-cup in the US,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo it\u2019s really important to have a fitter who knows products very well.\u201d Maxine says part of the fitter\u2019s job is considering a person\u2019s body and shape to determine which brands, bra styles and sizes will work well.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t possibly know that without having that experience. That\u2019s one of the reasons why so many women are in the wrong size bra, because they\u2019re just putting on what they think is probably okay. But quite often they feel like there\u2019s something wrong, they just don\u2019t know how to fix it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re not wearing the correct sized bra, it can lead to shoulder, neck and back pain.\u201d Maxine adds that women who are uncomfortable in their bras may hunch as they don\u2019t feel good about their shape, which can also contribute to poor posture and pain.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s face it, bigger boobs can be a real hindrance to exercise, especially if it\u2019s high impact. Whether it\u2019s the unwelcome bouncing of breasts or the pain it can bring on, not having a proper sports bra can lead to inactivity.<\/p>\n
For larger breasts, it\u2019s best to avoid the generic \u201clarge\u201d or \u201cextra-large\u201d bras or crop tops available at sports stores. They do not offer the support or structure required. The aim is to feel properly secure and supported. \u201cA lot of women don\u2019t wear sports bras, but they\u2019re important for a few reasons,\u201d says Maxine. \u201cThere are a lot of technical elements that go into a sports bra. The fabric in them has less stretch. There\u2019s also the moisture-wicking abilities of the fabrics. And sports bras are always a full cup.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are two types of sports bras \u2014 compression bras, which push your boobs against your chest and capsulation bras, which separate and cup each breast individually.<\/p>\n
The potential pain of not being supported during exercise is one thing, but Maxine adds, \u201cyou also have Cooper\u2019s ligaments in your breasts that will stretch with a lot of movement, which can lead to breast sag\u201d.<\/p>\n
Dr Tessa King is a specialist women\u2019s health GP at Jean Hailes for Women\u2019s Health, a not-for-profit organisation providing health information, education and services for women, girls and gender-diverse people around Australia. She says breast health is holistic, especially when it comes to breast cancer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn terms of prevention of breast cancer, the things that have been shown in large medical studies to make a difference include physical activity, a good diet, reducing alcohol consumption and having adequate folate,\u201d says Dr King.<\/p>\n