Underwired bras

[Mr-H]

My wifes mother (a qualified corsetier many years ago) always maintained the underwired bras could cause breast lumps. Is this true please?

[Prudie]

I believe it's an urban myth that hasn't been supported by any medical evidence but still some women choose not to risk it just in case.

[grasscarp]

have worn underwired bras for 40 years. How could a bit or wire inside a covering of material under the breast induce a lump?

[erin-x]

How could they? The wire is supposed to sit on the ribcage just under the breast.

[woofgang]

the theory was that they inhibited lymph circulation, I think its an urban myth.

[jno]

there are possible risks, though...

http://www.strangecos...ntent/item/20932.html

[grasscarp]

anyone who has ever worn an underwired bra knows that the "wire" which is bit of flat steel by the looks of it, can emerge without warning and after that the bra is a bit of a goner, as no amount of stitching can then contain it. Have suffered all this but no killer bra lumps (yet).

[erin-x]

I'd rather risk it Jno lol!

[beckersjay]

I had breast lumps that were investigated and the consultant told me they were caused by underwired bras.

[jno]

there was a QI piece in the Telegraph last week about lightning, and it said people get hit far more often by lightning than the law of averages would suggest, becuase they will walk around with conductors - umbrellas, golf clubs and underwired bras were the examples it gave, iirc.

[grasscarp]

Clever consultant Beckers to diagnose the cause like that!

[DTCwordfan]

that's shocking, jno. The things you learn on here - not to wear an under-wired bra when going out on the hallowed links.

[Mr-H]

OK thanks folks - seems its up to the individual then!

[Ann]

grasscarp - you say that once the wire has broken through the bra is useless - did you see this gadget on Dragons Den, called Bra Angel. Not tried it though.
http://www.thebraange...ragons-den/4533008689

[grasscarp]

Thanks for the tip Ann. Had not heard of this and in future (if the bra is worth saving) will go that way. I had assumed they were irredeemable!

[anneasquith]

bra angel ? just sew the wire back into the bra !

[Sqad]

It's a myth. No reliable medical evidence to the fact at all.

[woofgang]

my experience is that by the time the wires are ready to do their appearing act, the rest of the bra is pretty much shot anyway