The uplifting effect of a prototype brassiere

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the uplifting effect of a prototype brassiere that the author developed in Shanghai, China, for Chinese adult females in their early twenties.Design/methodology/approachThe prototype brassiere was designed according to the four breast shapes of Chinese adult females. In total, 40 breast‐related measurement items were used to quantify the body sizes of 20 subjects, who were measured both with and without the brassieres.FindingsThe results of the comparison showed significant differences in breast position, the degree of sagging, the distance between the breasts, and the bottom area of the breasts between the two contexts. This study confirms the uplifting effect of the prototype brassiere, which can produce cleavage and elevate breasts.Originality/valueThe findings are based on an experimental method that quantifies the uplifting effect of the prototype brassiere using body measurement data obtained from local women in Shanghai, China. They provide empirical criteria for manufacturing brassieres to the Chinese intimate apparel industry, which lacks a standardized measurement system.

Sports Bra Pressure: Effect on Body Skin Temperature and Wear Comfort

“…The mean pressure at the side seam was found to be the highest with Bra Condition B when the underband is reduced in length by 15%; while the mean pressure at the shoulder is the highest with Bra Condition C when the shoulder strap s reduced in length by 15% (4.66 kPa). It is commonly reported that bras with excessive pressure (2.1 kPa or higher at the underband and 3.2 kPa or above at the shoulder straps) cause pressure discomfort, or even contribute to negative health problems in previous studies [ 10 , 13 ]. High pressure generated at the interface between the bra strap and shoulders leads to pressure discomfort and deep furrows in the soft tissues, thus potentially causing shoulder and neck pain and headaches.…”

“…In designing sports bras, the shoulder strap and bra band are usually the critical areas for evaluating the bra pressure and wear comfort, which are mainly determined by the elastic modulus of the elastic tape [ 11 , 12 ]. Overly tight straps not only cause pressure discomfort, but potentially shoulder and neck pain and headaches [ 13 ]. Wider shoulder straps with increased contact surface enable the even distribution of pressure.…”

Bra Underwire Customization With 3-D Printing

“…A fashion bra is worn primarily for aesthetic reasons. This brassiere changes the breast dimensions and serves to alter the bustline into a more attractive shape (Cha, 2012;Inui, Murase, & Tsutsumi, 2012;Jian & Wei, 2007). A sports bra is designed to control breast movement.…”

“…In terms of underwire length, there has not been any regulated system proposed for either the industry or academia. Cha (2012) classified the breast shapes of Chinese women into four different types: flat, dome, protruding, and cone shapes, but the length of the breast roots was not significantly different among the breast types and ranged between 200 mm and 210 mm. Commercial underwire lengths are reported to range between 210 mm and 222 mm for size 34B and between 223 mm and 240 mm for size 36B (McCunn, 2008).…”

The effect of bra design on wearing appearance

“…The studies of Yu X K and Liu Y et al discussed the influence of partial structural design (strap, gore and bottom cup) on the bra's gathering and lifting effect (Yu et al, 2011;Liu et al, 2020;Jin, 2011). Cha S J examined the lifting effect of prototype brassieres by conducting experiments involving 29 Chinese females while considering the difference in breast shape (Cha, 2012). To predict the shaping effect of bras, Sun and Sun (2019) built a finite element model, and Pei et al (2019) used a contour map and heat map to quantitatively detect the deformation and asymmetry of breast shape.…”