Why Women Are Going Wire-Free

Bra fitting advice by Celine the Bra Doctor

Why are wire-free bras becoming more popular? Should I be wearing a wire-free bra? If you’ve ever asked yourself or someone else one of these questions, this blog is for you!

Darcey Wire-Free Lacy Bra & Matching Short by Royce Lingerie, available at Now That’s Lingerie

Does it surprise you to know that wire-free bras have become increasingly popular these days? Even though it may seem that almost every bra on the market has underwire and at least some kind of padding, there has been a marked increase in demand for bras without underwires. At least, that’s a trend I can say is very true for our customers at Now That’s Lingerie. We’ve recently added a new brand to our roster, Royce Lingerie, because this UK-based company specializes in wire-free bras. Royce bras are perfect for every day, but they also have specialty bras for mastectomy, post-surgery, nursing, sports and more. And again, these Royce bras are ALL wire-free, with styles in an inclusive size range of A to K cups.

A lot of women I speak to seem to want to abandon their underwires because they’re “sick of them” and they’re “uncomfortable“. I won’t try to say that underwires are for everyone; some women don’t enjoy wearing them, and that’s fine, because there’s a wide range of other wire-free options available. But I hope women are making sure that if they do switch to wire-free bras, it’s just as important to ensure you’re wearing the right bra size. If your size isn’t right, then you won’t be optimally comfortable, no matter whether you’re wearing underwires or not. And truly, I’ve met lots of ladies who I have even converted from wire-free to underwired bras – a key example to show that you can be comfortable in any bra, as long as your size and style are right for YOU.

When purchasing a wire-free bra, there are many things to consider, but most important are your needs and reasons for wanting to wear a wire-free bra, especially if you’ve worn underwired bras for years. I receive lots of questions about wireless bras from women, so I’m sharing some of them with you below to help steer you in the right direction. Which describes you best? (Contact me anytime with your bra fitting questions – I’d love to help you!)

Serenade Lace Wire-Free Bra by Grenier Lingerie, available at Now That’s Lingerie

I wear a DD cup, and I’m fed up of the red marks I get whenever I wear underwire! Will a bra without underwire be better for me?

It sounds like a new bra size would be better for you! If you’re getting red marks on your body from wearing your bra, whether from digging or friction, you are most definitely not wearing the right size. Of course, it may seem like the underwire is the culprit, but the fact is that a comfortable underwired bra in the proper style and size for you would be as good an option as a wire-free bra. If you do decide to go with a wire-free bra, make sure you get one with full support to secure your generous bust.

Bra Doctor Recommends: 9265 Lace Tisha Wireless Bra by Le Mystere, 8579 Serenade Wire-Free Lacy Full Support Bra by Grenier Lingerie, 971 Darcey Pinstriped Wire-Free Bra with Lace by Royce Lingerie

I’m pregnant and all of my underwires seem to be digging into me! I’m so uncomfortable. Should I switch to a wire-free bra until after my baby is born?

Congratulations! Welcome to the pregnant woman’s chaotic world of ill-fitting clothing and lingerie. I always suggest a full support wire-free bra to my pregnant friends and customers, because your size may change often, and a wire-free bra will reduce any potential pressure on your mammary glands caused by too-tight underwires. However, make sure you are wearing the right size, because it’s no good to wear a wire-free bra that’s too small and squishes you, either!

Bra Doctor Recommends: 8503 Wire-Free Lacy Bra by Grenier Lingerie, 5660 Perfect Body Moulded Seamless Wireless Bra by Naturana, 821 Charlotte Wire-Free Semi-Sheer Full Support Bra by Royce Lingerie

Georgia Wire-Free Mastectomy Bra with Pockets by Royce Lingerie, available at Now That’s Lingerie

I just had a mastectomy on one breast and need a comfortable bra that will allow my scars to heal, and to be able to wear a prosthesis too. What do you recommend?

A wire-free bra with inside pockets, lined inside in breathable fibers like cotton or bamboo should definitely be at the top of your list. Usually I recommend wearing a slightly lined or padded bra to minimize any possibility of your prosthesis showing, and helps even out your shape.

Bra Doctor Recommends: 6150 Les Essentiels Wire-Free Cotton Bra with Pockets by Elita Lingerie, 886P Georgia Moulded Wire-Free Mastectomy Bra with Pockets by Royce Lingerie, 5800 Full Cup Mastectomy Bra with Pockets by Naturana

I am having breast enhancement surgery and my doctor recommended a specialty wire-free bra to wear post-surgery. Is this absolutely necessary?

The jury is still out on this one, believe it or not! It is quite difficult to get a consensus among plastic surgeons on this topic. Some have their patients wear a cotton wrap/bandeau just to cover the incisions. Other surgeons say to wear a wire-free bra post-surgery, but there is even a debate on whether a sports bra will compress the breasts too much. Some doctors even allow their patients to wear underwire within a short period after recovery. Ask your surgeon or a doctor you trust. Overall, it seems that there is a middle ground. I suggest wearing a comfortable, moderately supportive wireless bra after a breast augmentation, because it may help reduce jiggle, which can in turn feel pretty uncomfortable when your breasts are swollen.

Bra Doctor Recommends: 1006 Silver Post Surgery Wire-Free Front Opening Bra by Royce Lingerie, 8595 Full Support Wire-Free Bra by Grenier Lingerie, 6459 Essentiels Cotton Wire-Free Full Figure Bra by Elita Lingerie

Impact Free Wireless Sports Bra by Royce Lingerie, available at Now That’s Lingerie

I have a large bust and need a wire-free bra that will support me when I exercise. Should I wear a bra with another sports bra on top for extra support?

I don’t recommend doubling up on your athletic bras! One fully supportive bra designed for sports and for larger busts should suffice! Look for seaming on the cups to shape your breasts and reduce bounce. I really like the Royce Impact Free Sports Bra because in addition to a wide hook and eye closure in back, the back is also reinforced with a cushioned Velcro panel and the straps are cushioned and wide to comfortably deliver support.

Bra Doctor Recommends: Sports Bra by Change of Scandinavia, S826 Impact Free Wireless Cotton Sports Bra by Royce Lingerie, 5134 Moulded Sports Bra by Naturana

I feel most comfortable wearing a bra when I sleep. Is it normal to wear a bra to sleep?

Every woman is different. Some ladies feel like wearing a bra to bed helps reduce the squishing together, which can be uncomfortable especially for bigger breasts, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that (as long as the bra fits, wear it!). I’ve also heard a few women say that they wore a sleep bra to prevent the sagging of the skin between their breasts. Sure, that can certainly help! If you are going to wear a bra to sleep, I definitely don’t recommend a bra with underwire – a wire-free bra will offer you better circulation and superior comfort. (PS.. I’ll share a beauty tip with you – a great way to keep your between-breast area looking firm as long as possible is to sleep on your back so your breasts don’t squish together, and moisturizing always helps too!)

Bra Doctor Recommends: 6859 Essentiels Microfiber Wire-Free Full-Figure Bra by Elita Lingerie, 208 Sleek Simplicity Microfiber Crossover Bra by Bra Doctor Lingerie, 8503 No-Wire Lace Full Support Bra by Grenier Lingerie

2003 Elements of Bliss Wire-Free Seamless Bra by Warner’s Lingerie, available at Now That’s Lingerie

I am very petite (I’m an A or small B cup) and have no real need for bras, except that I don’t like when my nipples show through my tops. Is there such thing as a padded bra without underwire?

Absolutely, and they aren’t all extremely padded either. You can get a nice wire-free padded bra like any of the styles from the Elements of Bliss collection from Warner’s, not too padded, perfect for petites who don’t want to have too much padding, because these bras will help keep your nipples invisible under your clothes. But you can also try a wire-free bra without padding first, because often this will help minimize the visibility of your nipples too.

Bra Doctor Recommends: 2003 Elements of Bliss Wire-Free Bra by Warner’s Lingerie, 207 Light Luxury Wire-Free Cotton Crossover Bra by Bra Doctor Lingerie, 3020 Petites Non-Wired Padded Bra by Triumph Lingerie

I’m nursing, but I don’t want to wear one of those big scary bras while I nurse! Do you have any styles that you can suggest to me?

Recently, I recommended the Lauren nursing bra by Royce to a full-busted friend of mine, and when she tried it on she was impressed not only with how flattering the fit was, but also how comfy she was! She couldn’t believe that a bra that comfortable could make her feel like such a sexy mama!

Bra Doctor Recommends: 839 Lauren Pinstriped Wire-Free Nursing Bra with Lace by Royce Lingerie, Florence Nursing Bra by Change of Scandinavia, 822 Charlotte Wire-Free Drop Cup Nursing Bra by Royce Lingerie

Star Secret Padded Wire-Free Polka Dot Bralette by Blush Lingerie, available at Now That’s Lingerie

I’m an A cup and want to make my small breasts look bigger, but I don’t like underwires. What styles should I try?

You can get an incredible push-up and add a size to your bustline with some padded push-up wire-free bras. Some of them come in ultra-fun prints, like the retro polka-dot Star Secret padded bralette by Blush.

Bra Doctor Recommends: Star Secret Retro Polka Dot Wire-Free Push-Up Bralette by Blush Lingerie, f3495 Push Positive Soft Wire Push-Up Bra by Calvin Klein, 2060 Fall in Luxe Wire-Free Seamless Bra by Warner’s Lingerie

I hope the answers to these popular questions gave you some insight into how convenient wire-free bras can be! I think it’s fine to wear underwire, as long as your bra is the right size and you’re feeling comfortable. It’s your choice to go wire-free, and if you do, you can look forward a wider range of wireless bra sizes, styles and colors available for you more and more often in the coming seasons. And yes, you can definitely wear a wire-free bra and get comparable support to an underwired version.

Do you enjoy wearing wire-free bras? Tell us by commenting below, on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube!

Celine the Bra Doctor
bradoctor@nowthatslingerie.com