There's still a huge and persistent prejudice surrounding non-wired bras. They're said to not offer enough support. Women with larger cup sizes, in particular, should consider other options and always opt for underwire bras, as they simply provide better support.
But is that still the case?
What not everyone knows is that the support a bra provides isn't solely determined by the underwires and cups. While underwires and cups certainly contribute, the support and firmness of bras without underwires largely comes from a combination of sturdy fabrics, sewing techniques, and the back panel. The back panel is actually one of the most important components of a bra.
The bra band/back panel
Did you know that the bra band (also called the back panel) is the part of the bra that provides the most support? You get more than half (60% is often said) of a bra's support from the band, with the rest coming from the cups and, to a lesser extent, the shoulder straps. It's true that bras with wider shoulder straps are more comfortable for plus-size women.
But the wider and firmer the back panel, the more support and comfort you'll experience from your bra. A slightly wider band also reduces friction between your breasts and your skin, which can be a problem for women with larger breasts.
Use of fabrics and sewing techniques
You can immediately recognize a cheap, low-quality, non-wired bra by the use of substandard fabrics and sloppy sewing. These bras will lose their fit and elasticity over time. When that happens, their support is also immediately compromised. Yet, good fabrics are so important for a bra's support. The best bra fabrics score well on properties such as elasticity, color retention, and shape retention. Furthermore, fabrics that breathe well and wick and absorb perspiration are most comfortable for the wearer.
High-quality, supple fabric gives a bra its support. The construction of the cups and back panel is also important. The more different parts, the firmer the bra will be. And the longer that support will last, even after multiple washes. For comparison, PrimaDonna bras alone consist of over 45 separate parts.
Besides the fabrics and the back panel, the sewing technique determines the level of support a bra offers. Many bras from well-known brands are therefore still hand-stitched in a workshop. The larger brands also have in-house designers with extensive technical expertise in fabrics and materials. They also invest considerable time in research and finding creative solutions to achieve the perfect fit as closely as possible.
In other words, you don't have to worry about underwired bras not supporting your breasts enough. On the contrary, a bra without an underwire offers more than enough support, even for your larger breasts. So, feel free to follow your heart and choose a comfortable bra without an underwire.
Benefits of a bra without underwire
Looking for a beautiful, seamless bra without underwire? They offer several advantages.
Comfort, comfort, and more comfort.
Comfort is our number one priority. Non-wired bras are wonderfully soft, and you won't have to worry about pinching wires or uncomfortable constriction. Moreover, a non-wired bra conforms perfectly to your breasts and body. In short, a joy to wear!
Feel free
A bra without an underwire gives you maximum freedom of movement. Your breasts aren't completely crammed in, and the soft material allows you to move freely all day long.
You don't feel like you're wearing a bra
We often hear from women who wear underwire bras that they do so mainly because they feel like they're not wearing a bra at all, without their breasts being properly supported. If you think about it, that's actually the biggest compliment you can give a bra.
No hassle with loose brackets
Every woman has one, or has had one at some point. A bra with an underwire that always comes loose or sticks out. Annoying. Just after doing laundry, you have to search for the underwire again. Or you have to spend the whole day pushing the wire back in, which constantly digs painfully into your ribs. Fortunately, with a bra without an underwire, you no longer have that problem.
Ideal during pregnancy
Many women choose a non-wired bra during pregnancy. Because breasts grow and become heavier as the pregnancy progresses, it can be comfortable to wear bras without underwires. A growing belly and an underwire bra can also sometimes interfere with each other.