By; DAISY HEMMEN
Whether you’re taking Zoom calls in your home office or you’re out on a hike, you want a bra that provides support without cramping your style or pinching your skin.
But the reality is that we’ve all worn an uncomfortable bra. In fact, the very garments that are supposed to make life easier can actually cause back, neck, and shoulder pain.1
So, when it comes to maximizing comfort, which is better—underwire or wireless bras? [We’ll give you a hint with three words...wireless bamboo bras.]
In this short guide, we’ll break down the differences between these two types of bras so you can find your perfect fit.
The Truth About Underwire
Underwire bras more closely match the whalebone enhanced bras of the past. They are created by sewing pieces of wire, plastic, or other hard material into the underside of the bra cup.2 This material provides shapes and support. Instead of their natural shape, your breast shape gains a more uniform, rounded appearance from the molded cups.
Is that a good thing? It all depends on your desired look—and your comfort level!
Pros of a Bra with Underwire
Despite their potential discomfort, the wired bra still has many fans. For some, it's about habit. For others, the shaping of the contoured cups and the security of an underwire bra are must-haves.
The pros that keep fans coming back are the underwire bra style include:
- Great support, especially for a larger bust (a push-up bra is a good example of this)
- Prevention from chafing
- Shaping and lifting
Cons of a Bra with Underwire
One reason why more women are turning to wireless bras? The well-known negatives involved wire bra options.
- Underwire bras are famously uncomfortable
- They include materials that are bad for the environment, such as plastic
- You often pay a premium in exchange for getting pinched
Maybe you’ve been told that you need a bra with an underwire for support and you’ve accepted the discomfort that comes with it. Or perhaps, if you have a fuller bust, you find your back aching if you wear a wireless bra.
The truth is the style may not be the problem. The likely cause of your discomfort is a poorly fitting bra.
So, what's the alternative to the underwire bra? Let’s take a closer look at wireless bras.
Cutting the Wire
More and more people are embracing wireless, and we don’t just mean your internet connection!
The first bra made without the confinement and discomfort of whalebones and wires was created around 1910.3 While the idea has been around for a while, the technology has improved quite a bit in the last century.
In 2020, wireless bra sales increased by at least five percent.4
Today’s bras are made only of fabric and elastic materials. They don’t contain any wires or hard plastic pieces. Instead, the state-of-the-art fabrics and weaving provide a close, supportive fit.
Pros of Wireless Bras
Non wired bra benefits include the following:
- Comfort – When it comes to the comfort of a wired vs wireless bra, there’s no comparison.
- Eco-friendliness – Wireless bras can be made of sustainable materials. Bye-bye, plastic!
-
Diversity – Today’s wireless bras are available in many sizes, styles, and colors. There are non-wired bra styles such as the sports bra, minimizer bra, t-shirt bra, bandeau bra, and more.
- Affordability – With fewer components and inputs, wireless bras are often less expensive. As an added bonus, they’re easier to care for, which can help them last longer.
Sounds good, right? The only potential downsides are a different shape than the one you’re used to. But keep in mind that today’s wireless bras can include padded cups and push up bra styles, too.
Even if you previously thought you could only get the support and comfort you needed from an everyday wear underwire bra, it’s time to check out the new wireless bras on the market. You’ll be surprised by the quality and comfort you find.
Underwire vs. No Underwire: What Type of Bra is Best for Everyday Use?
The best bra for everyday use is the one that fits your comfort and style needs. The most important factor when finding the perfect everyday bra is fit.
If your bra fits, it’s going to be more comfortable. And as we’ve argued, you shouldn’t be in pain because of your bra!
However, as more women discover, wireless bras are often far more comfortable than their underwire cousins. The right wireless bra can meet your everyday needs. Shop for a product with eco-friendly materials so you can do right by your body and the environment.
Learn how to wash bras and how to store bras correctly so that you can keep your bras in working order for as long as possible!
Boody: Wireless Bras for All Shapes and Sizes
After reading through these wire free bra benefits, we bet you’re ready to cut the underwired bra.
At Boody, we’re committed to women's bras that give you support-all in an environmentally friendly package. Our computer-knitted wire-free bra styles don't just cut out underwire they're also made without clasps, hooks, or seams of any kind.
Crafted from sustainably grown bamboo viscose, our bras and bralette styles are form-hugging and soft at the same time. Shop our selection and say goodbye to your painful bras once and for all.
About the Author:
Daisy Hemmen is a San Diego State University Fowler College of Business alumni. Based in Encinitas, California, Daisy is a part of the marketing team at Boody North America. She is passionate about learning the ins and outs of living a happy and healthy lifestyle that benefits both people and the planet, and enjoys sharing her bountiful findings with the community.
Sources:
- WebMD. Back Pain: Women Often Blame Their Bra. https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20061004/back-pain-women-often-blame-their-bra
- Bra Theory. Bra Theory 101: What Purpose Does An Underwire Serve In An Underwire Bra? https://bratheory.com/bra-theory-underwire/
- Good Housekeeping. The Evolution of the Bra. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/fashion/g1291/bra-history/?slide=6
- Vox. The Pandemic Didn’t Kill the Bra. https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22352318/pandemic-bra-sales-wireless-instagram
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By: Heather Bien We’re all trying to be better stewards of Mother Earth. From recycling to upcycling and eating conscientiously to dressing mindfully, our choices affect the planet. So choosing organic cotton clothing seems like an easy decision, right? Not so fast! As with all sustainable choices, it’s important to take a moment to learn a bit more about why organic cotton might win over conventional cotton—and what makes these two materials different in the first place. Read on if you’re interested in learning about organic cotton and whether it’s the best choice for you and the environment. Conventional cotton Before we get into debating modern cotton farming techniques, let’s get familiar with the plant we’re talking about: cotton. It’s soft, durable, and probably on your body right now. But what else do you really know about cotton? 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In order to combat these common pests, conventional cotton is routinely sprayed with a veritable salad-dressing of pesticides, many of which can remain in the soil and water supply for years afterward. Cotton harvesting requires defoliation – In order to quickly and efficiently harvest cotton, many commercial growers use chemical defoliants to strip the leaves from the cotton plant prior to harvesting the bolls. Like pesticides, these chemicals remain in the environment and on the cotton itself. Is organic cotton better? All of those cotton factoids point pretty compellingly to buying and wearing organic cotton fabric. But first, it’s important to understand what sets this organic alternative apart. Why exactly is “organic” cotton anyway? You might associate the word organic with your healthy fruits and veggies, but it’s not always clear what this term means when it comes to cotton. 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Crop pests, weeds, and diseases will be controlled primarily through management practices, including physical, mechanical, and biological controls. When these practices are not sufficient, a biological, botanical, or synthetic substance approved for use on the National List may be used. Operations must use organic seeds and other planting stock when available. The use of genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge is prohibited. What is organic cotton? In short, it’s cotton that is farmed according to these practices and certified organic by the USDA. Why should you choose organic cotton? With fewer pesticides, fewer synthetic chemicals, and more thoughtful cultivation practices, organic cotton can certainly offer a more environmentally friendly choice when compared to regular cotton. Is organic cotton sustainable? Here are a few other reasons why organic cotton can be a better alternative for you and the earth: It’s better for our water resources – According to an analysis by the Textile Exchange, producing an organic cotton T-shirt requires 1,982 fewer gallons of water compared to a regular cotton T-shirt. Because organic cotton uses less chemicals, its production also releases fewer toxins into our aquatic ecosystems. It’s good for the soil (and our carbon footprint) – According to the Soil Association, the more natural cultivation practices and fewer pesticides used by organic cotton farmers can support healthier soil. That soil, in turn, can absorb more carbon from our atmosphere and help keep the planet healthy. It encourages biodiversity – Multiple studies have shown that organic farming practices can encourage more diversity among the animal species of our planet. Sustainability is sometimes in the eye of the beholder. But when it comes to plant-derived textiles, the ones which help us create a healthier world are always a better alternative. Explore the benefits of bamboo with Boody Whether you choose to purchase conventional or organic cotton clothing, the fact that you are shopping mindfully for yourself is a win for the environment. At Boody, we believe in bringing you quality, comfy, sustainable clothing basics that keep you feeling good about yourself and your personal impact on Mother Earth. From our sleepwear to our loungewear, women’s bamboo shirts to our underwear, sustainable and ethical are our touchstones. Our clothing is made of bamboo viscose, requiring less water than cotton while putting precious oxygen back into the environment. That just feels good, doesn’t it? Explore the bamboo benefits today, with Boody. Sources: Britannica. Cotton. https://www.britannica.com/topic/cotton-fibre-and-plant Cotton. The Story of Cotton - Where Cotton Grows. https://www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/story/where.cfm World Wildlife Federation. Cotton. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton Textile Exchange. Quick Guide to Organic Cotton. https://textileexchange.org/quick-guide-to-organic-cotton Soil Association. What is organic cotton? https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/fashion-textiles/organic-cotton/ USDA. Conservation and Biological Diversity in Organic Production. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/02/29/conservation-and-biological-diversity-organic-production About the Author: Heather Bien is a copywriter and writer based in Washington, DC. She works with retail, ecommerce, and creative brands on their website copy and digital presence, and her freelance writing has appeared on MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, and more. 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