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Underwired Bra Problems & Ways to Choose the Right One
Buying a bra in itself is a daunting task because there are too many options available out there. A lot of times, you don’t find enough information on which bra to choose for which type of outfit or how to find the right size. This problem broadens when you are buying underwire bras because if not chosen rightly, these bras never stop poking.
Keeping in mind the never-ending discomfort many girls go through, this blog is written especially for you. It talks about how to fix the issue and walks you through all the whys and hows of underwire bras.
Underwire bras and their never-ending issues
It’s a no-brainer that underwire bras are designed to hold the breasts in place and lift them, giving a more contoured shape. The plastic or metal wire beneath the cups plays a key role in providing lift, making the breasts appear fuller while offering extra support. However, when the wire doesn’t sit correctly, it can dig into the skin and cause discomfort. There are three common side effects of underwire bras that many women experience daily.
The poking
If you wear the wrong size of bra, the wire will poke into your underbust, which leads to marks and rashes.
The rashes
Any toxic relationship is bound to give you marks, so is an underwired bra with its constant poking. This happens if the cup size is too small; then, the wire will poke into the breast tissue. If so, for longer hours, the wire can leave marks and rashes all over.
The spillage
An underwired bra is meant to lift the breasts by sitting snugly along the underbust. However, if you’re wearing a bra that’s smaller than your actual size, instead of lifting, it can cause the breasts to spill out of the cups, resulting in an awkward fit and discomfort.
Why do underwire bras poke, dig, or feel uncomfortable?
Underwire bras can be such a great addition to your lingerie collection and solve half your outfit problems, but if you’re wearing the right size, otherwise wired bras can become your biggest nightmare. You might want to know what makes an underwired bra so uncomfortable:
Wrong Cup Size
If your underwire keeps digging into your underbust, sign that your cup size is wrong. When the cup size is right, the wire hugs the underbust in the right place & sits properly without digging in. However, when either the cup is too small or too big, it doesn’t sit properly and starts poking and eventually feels uncomfortable.
Tight Band
If by the end of the day you have painful red marks left by your bra band, it’s a clear sign that your band is the wrong size. The ideal way to check if your bra band is of the right size is to place your fingers between your skin and the bra band. If they sit comfortably, then your bra band is of the right size, else not. Tighter band size is also one of the reasons your wired bra pokes you.
Signs you’re wearing the wrong size or fit 
Not knowing the correct bra size is a common issue with girls/women in our country. But when you wear the wrong size, your bra gives you obvious signs. Check for these while wearing your bra, if you’re also unsure of your bra size:
Breast Spillage
If your breasts keep spilling out of your bra cups, it is a clear sign that your cups are smaller than your actual size, and you need a bigger bra size.
Falling Straps
If your bra has become too loose, the straps will keep falling no matter how much you tighten them.
Cup Gaping
If the cups are smaller than your bust, there will be spillage, but if they’re vice versa, there will be a gap between the cups and your bust. In addition to this can also be wrinkled cups.
Riding Band
If the bra is too tight, the band will keep riding up and give you a backache. In general, a backache is a loud and clear sign of a tight bra.
Lifting of Centre Gore
When the cups are too small, the centre gore keeps lifting. It happens because the bust doesn’t get ample space and feels suffocated. When this happens, the gore keeps moving from its place to accommodate the bust.
How to choose a well-fitting, comfortable underwire bra?
Finding a well-fitting bra is not a challenge, at least not anymore. You only have to look for the following 5 things when buying an underwired bra to find a well-fitting, comfortable bra.
Fit test
Always do a fit test before choosing your bra. If you’re unsure how to do so, check Clovia’s online bra size calculator and find your right size.
Bra with lining on wire
Once sure of your size, always buy an underwired bra that has cushioning over the wire. This way, the wire won’t dig into your skin.
All Clovia underwired bras have a soft fabric lining over the wire to ensure a comfortable fit.
Non-padded underwired bra
If you’re a heavy-busted girl, go for a non-padded underwire bra, as padding along with wiring can feel heavier and uncomfortable.
The position of the wire
While doing the fit test, check that the wire rests comfortably under the bust and doesn’t poke anywhere. If that is so, you got the right size.
Full coverage underwired bra
Always go for a full coverage underwire bra, as it allows the wire to sit perfectly and gives a comfortable fit.
Quick tips on sizing, fabric, and wire shape for better support
For the last segment of this blog, I’d love to share my top 3 tips that always work when choosing an underwire bra:
● Measure yourself every six months, as your body keeps changing. This way, you’ll always ensure the right-fitting bra.
● Never, I repeat never buy a bra without the fit trial. Check that the straps are not falling, the band sits nicely with the ribcage, the centre gore is still, and there is no cup gaping or spillage.
● And lastly, choose fabric according to the weather and purpose. Cotton & polyamide is great for everyday purposes, while lace is for those special occasions when you want to feel a little extra.
FAQs
How to buy the right underwire bra?
To buy the right underwire bra, always do a fit check before choosing the size. After that, make sure you do the size trial. If the cups do not have any gaping or spillage, and the wire doesn’t poke you means you got the right size.
Are there multiple types of underwired bras?
Yes, there are multiple types of underwired bras. E.g., plunge, balconette, demi cup, full coverage, push-up & T-shirt bra.
Can I wear an underwire bra if I have a heavy bust?
Yes, underwired bras are great for a heavy bust as they give additional support and lift.
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