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Finding the perfect bra: There's more to it than you think

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)
Posted May 13th 2008 at 4:06PM  
3 Comments
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What qualities would your perfect bra have? Of course, it would have to provide proper support and be comfortable. And, it would need convertible straps so it can be worn with just about anything. It needs to cut low enough for you to wear your deepest neckline, but still provide a seamless appearance under a clingy t-shirt. It should lift and separate, but not so much that it makes your breasts look fake. Oh, and it should be a little sexy, too.

Are we forgetting anything? Because it turns out that building the perfect bra is a lot more scientific than we had realized.

Companies working to develop a bra that fits all the necessary criteria have turned to some high-tech measures to make that happen. New technology is helping to determine how much bounce and sway a woman's breast experiences during exercise and how much movement it experiences during the course of a normal day. And no, there aren't just a bunch of pervy guys sitting in a room watching videos to figure this out -- sports scientists are "using lights, cameras, and sensors to monitor jiggle patterns." (Which actually doesn't sound that much better.)

The average bra size has increased from 34B to 36C over the last 15 years, and more women are developing back and nerve problems due to ill-fitting undergarments. So, not only are women demanding better bras -- health and insurance industries are crying for help, too.

We might be closer to finding the perfect bra. Scientists and biomechanists are making great strides. Plus, Britain's De Montfort University, which has been offering degrees in Contour Design, recently awarded the world's first Ph.D. in Intimate Apparel, so now we've got to get an answer soon, right?
Read All Comments
Filed under: Fashion, News
Tags: bra, bras, brassiere, breasts, intimate apparel, IntimateApparel, newsweek, perfect bra, PerfectBra, ph.d, science, support, technology, undergarment, underwear
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READER COMMENTS

(3)Add A Comment

dave, 6-18-2008, 1:56PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
dave

my spouse's petite's are attractive and sexy to me and fit her body (though about an inch or two lower than when I first saw them in 1965) so well she can still go braless in the summer and turn heads, especially mine.

Be happy with your small breasts; we are.

Reply »

Kathleen, 7-21-2008, 11:46PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Kathleen

WTF? This story is not about the size of anyone's breasts. It is about designing bras to fit breasts of many sizes. I suppose you'd think mine are disgusting? Well, I can't help them being big any more than your wife can help hers being small.

If you are trying to make "real" women (whatever that means) feel better or something, you missed the mark.

»

zvezda, 7-21-2008, 11:54PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
zvezda

Large breasts are much happier in bras that fit and support!

Reply »

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