Your bra could be harming your health: 5 surprising side effects, according to an expert

Nearly half of women say their bras are uncomfortable — and experts say they have every reason to complain. Most women wear ill-fitting bras, which can have a lasting impact on both physical and emotional well-being, says Bree McKeen, founder and CEO of lingerie brand Evelyn & Bobbie, in a recent interview with the New York Post.

“Most of us were never taught how to properly choose a bra,” says McKeen, who launched her company after years of dealing with poor posture and back pain caused by underwire bras.
“We just accept the discomfort, not realizing the damage it’s doing.”

Here are five unexpected health risks your bra may be causing:

1. Posture Problems and Spinal Strain

Breasts typically weigh between 0.5 to 1.5 kg — and for women with fuller chests, up to 3 kg per side. Without proper support, that weight puts immense strain on the neck, shoulders, and spine, leading to:

• Chronic back and neck pain
• Tension headaches
• Spinal misalignment and poor posture

2. Nerve Damage from Tight Straps

“You wouldn’t tie a bag of sugar around your neck with a string — but that’s what many bras essentially do,” says McKeen.

Straps that dig in can compress nerves, causing:

• Numbness
• Tingling sensations
• Sharp pain in the arms and shoulders

3. Disrupted Lymphatic Flow

Tight-fitting bras — especially those with underwire — may impair lymph circulation, which is vital for:

• Detoxification
• Immune function
• Preventing fluid retention and inflammation

When lymph flow is blocked, your body struggles to eliminate waste, which can contribute to long-term health issues.

4. Allergies and Chemical Exposure

Bras often contain allergenic materials like latex, nickel, and spandex — common triggers for skin reactions.

Even more concerning, a 2022 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report found that many popular sports bras contained high levels of BPA — a hormone-disrupting chemical linked to:

• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Hormonal imbalances

5. Emotional and Mental Impact

Chronic physical discomfort can wear on your mental health too. McKeen notes that tight or ill-fitting bras often:

• Lower self-esteem
• Increase anxiety and fatigue
• Leave wearers feeling like their bodies don’t “fit” into their clothes

“When your clothes constantly remind you that your body is a problem, it chips away at your confidence,” she says.

The Most Harmful Bra? Push-Up with Underwire

According to McKeen, push-up bras with underwire — often marketed as the “gold standard” — are the most damaging.

These bras:

• Apply pressure to sensitive breast tissue
• Restrict lymph drainage
• Contribute to cysts and scar tissue
• Shift all the weight to the straps and back, leading to pain and constant fidgeting

Your bra shouldn't hurt you. Experts urge women to rethink their lingerie choices — and invest in comfort and health over rigid “beauty standards.”