It is a truth universally acknowledged that there are two kinds of bra-wearing women: those who like or don't mind underwires and those who hate them with a passion. There is rarely middle ground on this issue. Women who hate the underwire really hate it. I know because I'm one of them.
The problem is that there are not that many wireless bras out there that are comfortable and supportive at the same time. And here's the best part — the bigger you are (be that in body type or cup size), the more likely you are to hate the underwire and less likely to find a good, supportive bra without it. It's a hard knock life.
I found a couple of wireless bras that I really like: the Playtex 18 Hour Comfort Strap Wirefree Bra ($22) and the Bali Double Support Lace Wirefree Bra with Spa Closure ($14).
The Playtex 18 Hour line doesn't always live up to its promises, but this particular bra has kept me comfortable for several hours at a time. The wide band helps support my breasts and doesn't dig into my, um, soft parts at the sides and back. Plus, it gives me a great shape.
The Bali doesn't give as much support on the side, but makes a very good "comfort bra" for days when I'm less concerned with perkiness and more concerned with looking good while not being in pain. It's made with 8% spandex, thus it stretches and moves with me.
So, SheFinds readers, do you love or hate the underwire? And, if you're wirefree, what is your favorite bra? We're putting together a guide to wireless bras and need your input! Write to us in the comments section and share your thoughts on the heated underwire issue, as well as your picks for greatest wireless bras out there.
And check out SheFinds Guide to the Best Bras and the Best Wireless Bras.
See All Of The Week’s Sample Sales
Wear Lace Up Boots Without Looking Like A Granny
Anna Wintour Moves In On Washington
After nursing twins (couple with weight issues and age) I need lots of support and have never felt that a bra without wires offers the same uplift and support. If someone has found a bra without wires does offer great support and lift, please let me know.
I had been miserably wearing, a 38D or DD my whole bra wearing career. My straps pulled (1 inch divots in my shoulders) my wire poked, I bulged, I uni-boobed. Then, I was fitted I actually wear a 34F. Granted they are hard to find in regular stores (yay Macy’s) and the ones at reasonable prices $24ish are a bit granny looking, but I no longer detest underwires. Also for the insanely cute (but not inexpensive) larger letter sizes http://www.bravissimo.com is the best ever!
I loved the under-wire bras when I was smaller. After the birth of my first child, I did not lose my large breasts. I have worn th Playtex 18 hour bra for years but it seems like the last few years they are not true to size. They have now started making this bra in larger than DDD cup sizes so I will try it again. I have found Goddess and Glamorise are very supportive in the larger cup sizes and are very comfortable.
I hate underwire bras! It was very difficult to find bras in my size without them, so I used to remove the wires myself. I tried the Playtex 18 Hour, but did’t like the style (too grandma-ish). I eventually just said to heck with perkiness, and have been wearing sports bras ever since.
P.S. http://www.title9.com has a great selection of “sport” non-underwire but not quite so uni-boob looking selection.
I LOVE underwire, now that I know I’m a 40G and not a 44D. I really like http://www.biggerbras.com they get into bigger sizes & have a lot of pretty bras for all sizes.
I’m in love with my over-the-top $$ EMPRENTE bra. I’ve had it 6 mos and it still looks and acts new, and it gets the girls up and off my chest and makes them look absolutely beautiful. For a great fitting wireless, check out GODDESS bras, beautifully supportive and COMFY!