Bras perfectly accentuate female curves and ensure a sexy appearance for the wearer with lace, satin, and fine fabrics. However, some bra myths persist and spoil a pleasant wearing experience for many women. Seven common bra myths in check.

Myth 1: Wearing bras increase the risk of breast cancer

Tight support bands and firm underwires worry many women. The myth that is improperly fitting bras cause breast cancer persists. Yet the wrong bra size is one thing above all: uncomfortable. "Wearing bras does not affect breast cancer risk, regardless of whether they are too tight, fit well, have an underwire or not," says Dr. Susanne Weg-Remers, head of the Cancer Information Service (KID) at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg. "There is no evidence that squeezing the breast leads to cancer. This also applies to squeezing the breast during mammography."

According to research, however, there is a link between breast cancer risk and body weight - and thus also with breast size. According to the cancer expert, women who are significantly overweight after menopause are more likely to develop the disease. For younger women, before menopause, such a connection is so far not confirmed.

Myth 2: Women who also wear bras at night have firmer breasts

Wearing bras at night is not unhealthy. However, it does not bring any real advantage either, apart from the fact that straps, support bands and fastening hooks are not very comfortable in bed: Wearing a bra while sleeping has no firming effect on breast tissue. The bra can support the breast and give it support, but it cannot firm it. Therefore, it is better to sleep comfortably and do a few push-ups for the chest muscles while exercising.

Myth 3: Women with small breasts do not need a sports bra

Women who are active in sports should wear a sports bra - even if they have small breasts. This is because the forces that act during upward and downward movements are transmitted to the breast tissue. This can not only be painful. The tissue is also unnecessarily strained. A good sports bra can reduce the natural movements of the breasts by up to 80 percent and thus provides important support.

For women with large breasts, a well-fitting sports bra also provides significant relief for the shoulders and back. Sports bras also have the advantage that they are breathable, absorb sweat well and dry quickly. In addition, they can be washed at higher temperatures and have no decorative elements that rub uncomfortably during sports.

Myth 4: Only bras with underwires provide proper support

For a good fit, the bra does not need underwires. The example of a sports bra shows it clearly: even pure fabric bras can support the breasts well and give them the necessary support. It always depends on the shape and the material. Soft lace bras offer less support than bras made of firmer fabrics and with a higher spandex content. In addition to the right material, a suitable and stable underbust band and stronger straps are also important for good support. An underwire is not absolutely necessary.

Myth 5: The bra size is the same for every bra.

Many women always go for their known size when it comes to bras. But depending on the type of bra and the manufacturer, the size can vary. Bras should therefore always be tried on before buying. Women can tell if the bra fits properly by the following:

The underbust band provides the greatest support effect and should therefore fit well and be at the same height around the entire body. It should not ride up or cut into the back. If two fingers can be placed under the underbust band, it has a good fit.

The bra should fit comfortably when the first row of hooks is closed. If the underbust band becomes wider over time, you can tighten it.

The straps should not cut in at the shoulder.

The cup should fully embrace the bust without squeezing. If the underwire stings between the breasts or on the side breast tissue, you should choose a cup size larger. If the cup wrinkles, it is probably too big.

Myth 6: Bras must not be put in the washing machine

Whether or not a bra should go in the wash depends on the type of bra. Delicate lace, push-ups with shaping inserts, and underwire bras are best left in the hand wash. Sports and soft cotton bras without underwires and inserts can certainly be put in the washing machine - safely stored in a laundry net. However, they should follow the manufacturer's temperature recommendation. Water that is too hot can attack the elasticity of the fabric.

In addition, the bra should be closed so that the hooks do not attack the fabric. Caution: full detergents will fade the color over time due to the bleaching agents used. Dryers are taboo for bras and you should also not iron them.

Myth 7: Women with small breasts don't need bras

Women with small breasts don't need the supportive function of bras to the extent that large breasts do. They benefit primarily from the shaping effect of bras to bring their breasts forward. In addition, many find it comfortable when the breast is not in direct contact with clothing and does not rub. In addition, bras also provide eye protection. Many women are uncomfortable when the contours of their breasts are clearly visible under their shirts.