Bras
The bra is considered a foundation garment, as well as an undergarment, because
of its role in shaping the wearer's figure. It was originally developed in the late
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to replace the corset, and has now become,
in many parts of the world, the most popular form of undergarment for the upper
body.
The bra may also be worn to observe modesty or to present a certain image of femininity.
Bras are typically designed to lift the breasts into a particular position, for
a more youthful look or for enhancing cleavage. These roles are sometimes conflicting.
Some designers aim at producing a garment that fulfills a practical role as well
as making it look attractive. Bras are also used during pregnancy (when breasts
are enlarged and more sensitive), and for nursing (see nursing bra) to support and
provide access for breast feeding.
A brassiere usually consists of two cups for breasts, a centre panel (gore), a band
running around the torso under the bust, and a shoulder strap for each side. Brassieres
are typically made of a fabric, such as cotton or polyester. Spandex and lace are
also often used for various parts of the bra. The cups for the breasts may be reinforced
by underwires made of metal sometimes coated in plastic. The bra is usually fastened
with a hook fastener on the band, typically at the back. In some bras the fastener
is in the front, between the cups. Others are pulled on over the head and have no
fasteners at all.
The backstrap (underband) and cups should provide most of the support, rather than
the shoulder straps, which are responsible for a number of health problems (see
Mechanical principles, below).
* When viewed from the side, the underband that runs around the body should be horizontal,
should not ride up the back, and should be firm but comfortable. * The underwires
at the front should lie flat against the rib cage (not the breast), along the infra-mammary
fold, and should not dig in to the chest or the breasts, rub or poke out at the
front.
* The breasts should be enclosed by the cups and there should be a smooth line where
the fabric at the top of the cup ends.
* There should not be a ridge or any bulging over the top or sides of the cups,
even with a low-cut style such as the balconette bra.
Anatomically, the breasts are non-rigid areas of glandular tissue, with few support
structures, such as connective tissue. Breasts are composed of the mammary glands,
which remain relatively constant throughout life, as well as the adipose tissue
or fat tissue that surrounds the mammary glands. It is the amount and distribution
of adipose tissue and, to a lesser extent, glandular tissue that leads to variations
in breast size. In addition, the breasts contain internal ligaments, although their
exact function as related to breast support is controversial. These ligaments, and
the overlying skin help determine the resulting breast shape.
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