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

| Posted May 13th 2008 4:06PM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: Style in the media, Under the outer, Daily Obsession

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?

Tags: bra, bras, brassiere, breasts, intimate apparel, IntimateApparel, newsweek, perfect bra, PerfectBra, ph.d, science, support, technology, undergarment, underwear