A doctoral thesis that researches the influences of chest anthropometric characteristics of females in the north of Vietnam to the pressure comfort of corsets has caused a stir. 

The author of the dissertation is Luu Thi Hong Nhung, and the two advisors are Associate Prof Dr Nguyen Nhat Trinh and Associate Prof Dr Nguyen Thi Le.

People have shown their curiosity about the thesis, commenting on forums. Some recalled another doctoral thesis they think was nonsensical: research on solutions to develop badminton play for civil servants and public employees in Son La defended at the Institute of Sports Science.      

Thao from the Institute of Textiles and Garments, Footwear and Fashion under the University of Science and Technology said the institute has heard different opinions and comments about the doctoral dissertation and affirmed that the research work has scientific and practical value.

She stressed that the pressure and comfort of women’s bras have important effects on the feelings and health of wearers. Unsuitable bras can make wearers feel uncomfortable, restrict blood circulation, and cause pain and hurt skin.

There has been international research about the measurement of breast sizes, classification of women’s chests, building bra size systems, the measurement of pressure of bras, the effects of different materials, structure of bras and effects on pressure, fit and comfort. 

The research has been carried out on different groups of women of different ages in many countries including Australia, South Korea, Japan and China.

Within the framework of the dissertation, Nhung conducted eight research studies made public in Vietnam and overseas, including one article published in ISI publications, 3 articles on Scopus, Springer, and four articles on scientific and technological journals (reviewed and scored by the State Professorship Council) and received one Vietnam Metrology Science and Technology Award 2020. 

The articles all reflect the results of the research and dissertation. This is a new research issue needed to find the scientific foundation to improve the pressure comfort of bras.

Thao said that the research on bras and women’s breasts is a topic which has attracted the attention of many researchers over the last 15 years in many other countries. 

Le Huyen