Bras are probably the most uncomfortable undergarment in existence. They restrict the bodies of those with breasts with uncomfortable fabric, unrealistic and preferential fittings, and uncomfortable wires at the base which are meant to provide support. Some find it tolerable to wear standard bassieres, but for those that are looking for something more comfortable, you’re in luck. The bralette is a style of bra that doesn’t have wires, and many find that these are far more comfortable than their typical counterparts. If you’re wondering why you don’t need wires in a bra, then keep reading to find out more about bralettes! We’ll discuss what they actually are, why wires are a bad addition to these garments, and why they’re becoming a preferred style of brassiere. Keep reading to learn more!
Bralettes
Bralettes look similar to normal bras, except they feature an elastic band meant to provide light support without the use of wires. They are usually constructed using some type of modal fabric that is extremely soft, comfortable and breathable for the person wearing it. They are available in comprehensive sizes and feature adjustable straps to fit them exactly to your body in the way that you like. One of my favorites is a racerback bralette. These don’t have wires, as we mentioned, and they are also free of back clasps which can dig into your back and be extremely uncomfortable. Let’s talk about the downsides of wires in bras in the next section.
Wires Poke and Irritate Skin
The biggest problem with wires is that the fabric around them can wear out, causing the wire to poke through and irritate the skin. Bras are covering a sensitive and delicate area of the body, and these wires poking the skin can cause extreme discomfort and even contribute to longer lasting infections in extreme cases. For those that wear underwire bras often, you can potentially get dermatitis and cause uncomfortable irritation. Especially for those with larger breasts, wires poking out can cause extreme discomfort throughout the day, so let’s ditch those wires and go for something a little bit more comfortable. Next we’ll explore underwire bras’ lack of flexibility and ignorance to people's different body and breast types.
Wires Have a Lack of Flexibility
The other downside of wires is that they lack general flexibility for those with larger breasts. Bralettes offer more stretch and a greater range of fits for body types through each size. They are adjustable, and flexible since they don’t have metal as the basis of supporting you. Depending on your unique body type, underwire bras simply don’t fit all body and breast shapes. For some, they are simply unwearable, making bralettes a great option for those that need something that is supportive, but lets them feel comfortable rather than restricted and trying to fit into something that simply doesn’t work for them.
More Natural Feeling
Bralettes do offer a lighter support than wire bras, and that’s to create a more natural feeling almost as though you were not wearing a bra at all. The most comfortable version of all of this is of course no bra at all, but that can be uncomfortable in its own way with skin making contact and causing us to sweat. A bralette will give you a more natural feeling while still giving you all of the benefits of wearing a bra such as support, lifting your breasts away from you body and creating a layer of fabric for your skin so you don’t get too uncomfortable on those hot days, while out exercising or doing outdoor activities with your friends and family. Finding the right bralette is all about making yourself as comfortable as possible by yourself and when you have to venture out and take on the world.
Better for Lounging
Wire bras are terrible for lounging. If you know someone who wears or ever has worn an underwire bra knows that as soon as they get home, the bra comes off. With the amount of lift and uncomfortable poking from the underwire, they’re exhausting in their own way to even have one. With a bralette, you can relax and lounge more comfortably because they mold to the shape of your body better than underwire bras do.
The moral of the story is that those who have had to wear bras have had to endure an uncomfortable style of clothing meant to lift up and amplify the way breasts look rather than the way it feels to actually wear something like that. Bras don’t take into account the unique quality of everyone’s bodies, and bralettes allow a lot of more flexibility and target women and people with breasts of all shapes and sizes. So, if you’re still wearing underwire bras, it might be time to make the switch to a bralette!
