The battle with whether or not you should wear underwired bras or wire-free bras is one that differs between women. It may seem that only women with smaller busts can get away with a wire-free bra. It’s assumed that women with a large bust must wear an underwire in order to maintain enough support for aesthetics and for health. However, either assumption doesn’t always ring true, and there are plenty of options for all women to choose whether or not they want to wear a wire-free bra or an underwired bra.
Underwired Bra by Naturana Lingerie; The Essentials Pure Plus Seamless T-Shirt Bra by Montelle Intimates
One of the most common complaints from women regarding underwired bras is that they are uncomfortable, painful, or too restricting. This is all due to fit. Underwires are not meant to cause discomfort; if it does, then your bra is most likely too small. An underwire should sit below your breast, and follow the shape of the breast. It should stay under the breast throughout movement. Furthermore, where the wire meets in the middle (the centre front gore), it should sit against your skin right between your breasts; it shouldn’t appear as though it’s floating. If all of these factors exist with your bra, then the underwire should not be uncomfortable. You should feel a little bit of lift, but other than that, it shouldn’t affect your comfort levels.
Smoothie Seamless Microfiber Moulded Balcony Bra by Curvy Kate; Perfectly Fit With Lace T-Shirt Bra by Calvin Klein
Another cause for an uncomfortable underwire could be changes in the body. A woman’s weight and body shape fluctuates throughout her life, and that will most likely mean that your breast size, back width, breast shape, and waist will change as well. With these changes, a woman should be getting remeasured in case she needs to change her bra size. Do you notice that, after a few months, your bra is no longer comfortable, it rides up, or the underwire feels too tight? Chances are, it’s time to shop for a new bra.
Modern Basics Seamless Padded Soft Cup Bra by Naturana Lingerie; Olga Lace Triangle Bra by Affinitas Intimates
With wire-free bras, don’t expect push-up quality lift, but do expect that many styles can offer more support than you might think. Some styles are built with a silicone “wire;” it’s not as stiff as a metal underwire but still offers a nice, subtle lift to the breasts. Technology similar to this exists for many other styles too, so that women who have a larger bust can enjoy the liberty of a wire-free bra without having to worry about breasts hanging or appearing as though no bra is being worn at all.
Lily Lacy Wire-Free Full Support Bra by Royce Lingerie; Body Make Up And Magic Wire Seamless Wire-Free Bra by Triumph Lingerie
As with underwired bras, the proper fit of a wire-free bra is essential to ensure you’re getting the proper support. This is paramount regardless of what breast size you possess. Wire-free bras are fantastic options for everyday, but aren’t the best option for rigorous activity. If you have a larger bust and are enjoying an activity where you’re moving a lot, it is best not to wear a wire-free bra at this time.
Nadia Satin and Lace Underwire Contour Bra by Affinitas Intimates; Fanciful Floral Lace Quarter Wire Bralette by Blush Lingerie
Now, if you love the lift of an underwired bra but aren’t in love with how a wire feels, there is a happy medium. Some bras are built with partial wires; they offer a surprising amount of lift, but don’t extend throughout the entire cup as underwired bras do. Many other types of lingerie, such as chemises and teddies, are built with these partial wires to enhance cleavage just a little bit.
What type of bra do you prefer; an underwired bra, a wire-free bra, or a partial wire bra? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, or on Facebook and Twitter. You can also pin these styles from our blog or from us on Pinterest, and can learn more lingerie tips and tricks on our YouTube page.