Why You Should Stop Wearing Underwired Bras

“Underwired bras are super comfy,” said no one ever.

All our lives, we have been told that we need to wear these kinds of bras not only to achieve the lift for an enhanced cleavage, but also to prevent premature sagging. For a while, underwired bras were our only viable option to get that chest and back support, despite any discomfort. Although now that we have a bunch of wire-free options, it begs me to wonder why a lot have women haven’t changed their bra shopping habits just yet.

At the end of a long day, the first thing a woman usually does once she gets home to get comfy is rip her bra off (unless she takes her shoes off first, then it’s the second thing). No matter if you were fitted properly for an underwire bra or not, there’s no denying how restrictive they can be. These bras can only be comfortable for a certain amount of time..

That probably isn’t enough for you to avoid the wire all together, but maybe our reasons below might convince you otherwise.

FYI, our list doesn’t include myths like, “underwire bras cause cancer” or any of those ridiculous claims related to breast health. We’re simply stating our reasons why it would be more comfortable for you to choose wire-free options.

So here’s why you should stop wearing underwired bras completely:

1. Your body is always changing

Throughout a woman’s life, she will go through so many changes in her body. Even as a adult, she will experience some transformations, whether she goes through weight gain/loss, has a baby, or simply because it’s that time of month again. Bras fit differently depending on where you are in your cycle.

Generally, the fit of underwired bras will change from the time you bought it to a year after, and they give very little room for growth or weight loss.

2. The wires are eventually going to poke through the fabric

Like any other item you have in your wardrobe, bras go through that inevitable wear and tear from all the stretching and washing. Unfortunately for the underwire variety, that means the wire might end up poking through the fabric, thus poking you either in between your boobs or at the side. Then you have to buy new bras, and the cycle is never ending.

3. A bra doesn’t need an underwire to be considered sexy

So often, we’ll go for the underwire to perk up our breasts because brands like Victoria’s Secret and La Senza are advertising bras that scoop the underboob and add a cup size. The truth is that bras don’t need an underwire to be a push-up bra. In fact, this Gorgeously Lace Bra and Panty Set is wire free and comes with foam bra inserts to give smaller chested ladies more help in the cleavage department.

And let’s not forget, bras don’t have to be push-up to be alluring. Bralettes, such as this Tabitha Tie-Front Bra, are unexpectedly seductive and prove that cleavage—or big boobs, for that matter—is not entirely necessary to feel sexy in a pair of intimates.

Something else you can wear in the place of an underwired bra is a bodysuit. This Full Body Suit can be worn with high waist jeans, with the option of covering up with a blazer or some other outer layer. But because it is a one-piece that requires you to strip completely every time you use the bathroom, it’s probably best that you limit using bodysuits as a substitute for underwired bras.

4. You can never go wrong with a sports bra

If you need an alternative to your basic underwired bra, why not just wear a sports bra instead? Nothing gives you the support like a bra that will hold the girls in place as you’re running errands over the weekend. And you don’t have to stick with generic black ones, as there are plenty of fun designs for sports bras that you can show off with under low-cut, backless or sheer items. You can also just wear it as a top with overalls or shortalls, rather than having to wear a tank with an additional bra.

5. There are also more wire-free options for bigger busts

It is definitely easier for women with smaller boobs to make the switch from underwire to wire-free, compared to those with a more sizable chest. While an A-cup lady might not feel the need for an underwired bra, someone with Double D’s might rely on the wire for the lift and support.

Believe it or not, there are loads of brands that have supportive bras for big boobs, using thicker cups, padding, and adjustable, sturdy straps so that you can manage coverage and lift. Some companies even have patented lift technology! Another concern that busty women tend to have with bras is that the selection available to them are often deemed matronly, but sexy and stylish designs do exist, from strappy sports bras to push-up. There are even bralettes for bigger cup sizes, though they’re definitely more suited as lounging around bras.

So what say you? Will you convert to the wire-free bra?

Items mentioned in this post:

Sheena Dizon

Sheena is the lead fashion writer here at Pretty Me Philippines and has contributed articles for numerous lifestyle blogs and online publications. Other than keeping up with the latest trends, she loves baking and home DIY projects.

www.prettyme.ph