Good bras are vital, and this is why cutting VAT on bras will help the NHS

Gill Hodges, former President of the Society of Radiographers

As a therapeutic radiologist, I plan and perform radiation therapy treatments. I see women’s breasts all the time. As soon as I look at a patient, I know immediately if he or she is wearing an ill-fitting bra.

A bra should hold you in place without moving. If a woman’s breasts bounce a lot, it’s obvious that their bra isn’t supportive.

And if bras leave indentations on the shoulders, the bra probably does not have the correct band width (this is the measurement around the chest under the breasts, for example size 34 or 36), because there is too much pressure on the shoulders.

Back fat that protrudes between the tires is also an indication that the tire width is too small.

I see this all the time, which isn’t surprising considering it’s estimated that 80 percent of women aren’t wearing the right bra.

But it’s not just about comfort or helping your clothes hang properly. Women don’t realise that an ill-fitting bra can also impact their health — and even NHS waiting lists.

That is why the Society of Radiographers has started a campaign to exempt women’s bras from VAT.

Many women experience discomfort or pain in their breasts as a result of breast movement. This is thought to be related to stretching of the supporting structures, including the skin and Cooper’s ligaments (the connective tissue that forms and supports the breasts).

In addition, lack of support, especially for women with large breasts — D cup sizes and above — can lead to neck and back pain. Because the weight of the breasts pulls you forward, it affects your posture and puts pressure on your shoulders, neck and upper back.

If a bra is too small and has underwires, the underwire can dig into the breast tissue, which can also cause pain.

In 50 percent of cases where women reported breast pain, it was found to be due to a lack of breast support

Additionally, underwires that dig into your breasts or armpits can irritate the skin and cause pain, chafing, or even permanent marks or grooves.

It can also lead to an infection or intertrigo, an annoying rash under the breast. This inflammatory condition is caused by a combination of friction and heat, and/or fluid trapped near the skin where there is little air circulation. This may require treatment with an antifungal or antibiotic medication.

Also, if the breasts are squeezed into the wrong cup size, this can cause pain.

Bras can also cause pain and bruising if the band cuts into the skin. In more severe cases, there can even be lymph node congestion.

The lymphatic system is a network of channels that transports fluid (or lymph) throughout the body to remove toxins and fight infection as part of our immune system. However, if the lymphatic system becomes blocked, it can lead to painful swelling.

Many of these problems can be attributed to a medical problem by the wearer, yet we know that in 50 percent of cases where women have reported breast pain, it appears to be due to a lack of breast support.

It could even mean that patients are unnecessarily referred to breast clinics.

The problem for women is that high-quality, supportive bras are expensive and not affordable for everyone.

A bra that provides adequate support, especially for larger breasts, costs around £40 or £50. For some people, that’s unaffordable.

If bras were exempt from VAT, costs would drop by 20 percent.

And if we could eliminate pain and injury by making sure everyone could afford the right bra, it would mean fewer GP appointments and less absence from work due to illness. It would also reduce NHS waiting lists for back scans and back pain tests.

There is a severe shortage of X-ray technicians (who operate scanning equipment to diagnose injuries and illnesses) in the NHS. If fewer people need scans for ill-fitting bras, this will free up scanners for others who need them for conditions such as osteoarthritis or hernias.

Furthermore, something as simple as removing VAT on bras and more women wearing supportive bras means they are more likely to exercise. We know that if you experience discomfort when walking or moving, it can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, which is bad for your overall health.

How do you find the right bra?

Before you buy, it is best to have your measurements taken in a shop: do not assume that your size is the same as other brands that you have worn before. By having yourself measured first, you can check that your chosen bra fits well and provides the right support.

The band of the bra, which is responsible for supporting the weight of your breasts, should form a straight line and you should be able to fit one or two fingers underneath once the band is fastened.

The cup should fully enclose the breast, without it bulging out at the sides or in the middle. The cup should also not be too big at the top (this is a sign that the cup is too big).

It is also important to have your measurements taken at least once every three years: the size of your breasts can change frequently, especially after weight loss or gain and after breastfeeding. In these cases, it is best to have your size checked more often.

Many women opt for cheaper options when it comes to buying bras, not realizing that poor support can lead to problems.

Two years ago, women successfully campaigned to abolish VAT on sanitary towels, and earlier this year, VAT on menstrual underwear was abolished.

Now it’s time for the government to abolish VAT on bras. It’s better for women — and for the NHS.