“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, a 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 a 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. A 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?

How do you feel about lingerie beyond the boudoir?

It’s true that not everyone will like the idea of showcasing items from their underwear drawer, but before you disregard the trend altogether, hear me out.

One of the best parts about fashion is the ability to reinvent ourselves through clothing, and we do that by playing with trends using new items or pieces we already own. And today, we’re focusing on the most under-utilized categories of our wardrobe–lingerie.

Sure, they are called intimates for a reason, often saved for those special occasions, but keeping them locked behind bedroom doors or concealed underneath layers of clothing just seems like a waste to me, especially with how wearable lingerie are these days. Besides, how can you say no to making that most out of the items your already own?

Obviously, we’re not going as far as encouraging people to walk out of their house in nothing but their underwear; we’re merely just suggesting a few ways that you can incorporate some of your undergarments as an element in your outfit.

Let’s start off with something easy.

Satin and Sheer Robes

It might be too intimidating to dive right into corsets and teddies, so let’s first dip our toes in with a robe.

Love layering with cardigans? Think of a satin robe, like one from our Matching Chemise Nightgown and Robe Set, as a sophisticated cousin of a your go-to cardigan. And if you’ve got one that ties around the waist, you can treat it like a trench coat.

The key here is to make sure you’re not wearing anything else of the same material underneath, otherwise it’ll actually appear as though you’ve just walked out of a lingerie boutique. It’s also recommended that you avoid wearing dresses and skirts underneath, since that could also make it seem like it came as a set with the satin robe. A simple tank and jeans, crop top with wide pants, or matching white denim shorts and a top would do.

A sheer robe is also a great addition to a casual ensemble. And if it has a lace, tassel or any other type of finish, it adds a nice boho touch to your final look.

Remember that this only applies to the types of robes mentioned above. A terrycloth robe should never be used as anything other than loungewear.

Chemises

Got a collection of nightgowns? Chemises come in varying lengths and fabrics, so let’s talk about the different ways that each of them can be styled in public.

For satin slips, whether they’re above the knee or calf-length, wear them with a thick tank or tee underneath. Slips are understatedly sexy in contrast with bodycon dresses, and offer a nice, casual vibe when paired with a white t-shirt. If you’ve got a longer, black chemise, you might be able to wear it as a cocktail dress with heeled sandals and a shawl.

For babydolls and shorter negligees, you can tuck them into jeans, or go for a more sophisticated vibe with tailored pants with a matching blazer. This works for both lacy and silky nighties. However, just be weary that any outfit featuring a lacy babydoll is more suited for dinner and evening drinks rather than a daytime look.

Bralettes

Out of all your nightwear, bralettes are the most versatile. Editors at Gurl have compiled a bunch of ways you could wear your bralette in public; it’s just a matter of what you’re comfortable with. Lacy bralettes, like one from our Lace Bralette and Panty Set, can be worn with high waist culottes and a vest, while strappy ones are perfect with cleavage-, side- or back-baring tops. You can also wear your bralette underneath a sheer blouse if you want to go for something bold.

Simply put, treat your bralette as you would a crop top, sports bra, bandeau or tube top, and any other midriff-baring top you own.

Corsets

They might not be as comfortable as the rest of the lingerie pieces above, but corsets double up as shapewear, enhancing your bust and slimming down your waist (all the while concealing any problem spots in your midsection). Styles like the Floral Bridal Corset work well on their own as a top, but try to offset the amount of skin showing on top with pants. If you’re not comfortable with baring that much cleavage, try wearing a blazer over it, or consider layering the corset over a plain tee, or perhaps a white button-up.