Is your bra harming your health? Common fit issues and the big underwire debate

Oh the joys of bra shopping! For many people, finding a bra that they like and feel comfortable in which also fits like a glove seems like an unachievable task. Bra shopping is dreaded by many and can feel uncomfortable and exhausting, particularly when sizing can differ wildly between brands. The huge range of styles and shapes and wired or non wired bras often complicates matters too!

Are you wearing the wrong size bra? 

It’s for this reason that so many people end up wearing poorly fitting bras. We either settle on the wrong one just to get the ordeal over with or are so reluctant to replace our worn out ones that we put up with them for as long as possible. At Y.O.U Underwear when people come into our Oxford Covered Market Shop they might also be experiencing issues around their body image and find typical bra shopping only heightens their insecurities.

With so many things to navigate when shopping for a new bra, it’s no wonder up to 80% of bra-wearers may be wearing the wrong size. However, this might be causing more problems than slight discomfort. 

What happens if you wear the wrong bra size?

Wearing an ill fitting bra - particularly for an extended period of time can lead to other health issues. Firstly, if you are wearing a bra that is too big or too small for you, it probably won’t be providing you with the support that you’re looking for. When people switch from their old bras to a well-fitting one, the most common reaction is “it’s so comfortable!”. A good bra should feel comfortable when you wear it for long periods while also making your breasts feel secure and supported.

You might find that badly fitting bras move around or ride up during the day, meaning they are out of position for providing the right support. This can also cause rubbing and chafing which is especially irritating for those with skin conditions or sensitivity. 

Wearing the wrong size bra can also be restrictive and cause bulging, especially around the back band or straps. If the cups are fitting poorly it can lead to the not-very-flattering “double boob” effect where the cup presses into the breast along the top. Aside from not being very comfortable, this constriction may lead to breast pain over a longer period.

Is non-wired better than underwired?

Another common player in the difficulties surrounding uncomfortable bras is underwiring. Traditional bras use a small piece of wiring or hard plastic sewn into the bottom of the bra cups to provide support, structure, and shape.

However, many of you will know the unpleasant feeling of being betrayed by your own bra as the wire breaks free to poke you in the breast or the armpit. This does not make for a comfortable day of feeling supported! Even without wire poking out, many people find them uncomfortable as their inflexibility can mean they press into the body leaving us rushing to take them off by the end of the day. 

In an extreme case, a poorly fitting bra can even cause breast tissue migration as parts that consistently dig in or press where they shouldn’t can put pressure on the tissue and cause this issue.

For some people - particularly those with bigger breasts - underwiring can be a necessary feature to provide the level of support they need. For others, they may be thinking about how to find support without the uncomfortable wires.

What's the difference between a bralette and a bra? 

At Y.O.U Underwear, we’ve invested a lot of time and thought into resolving this issue. We started the business with our Organic Cotton Bralette style, designed for soft and easy comfort. However for some customers, this lower level of support was not enough and we developed our More Supportive Non-Wired Bra style, made from the same super soft organic cotton fabric.

This style features a wide elasticated band under the bust to provide support without the use of wiring. We designed fuller coverage cups with shaping seams. The wider, adjustable straps cut in one piece from the cups are designed to prevent uncomfortable digging in or scratching. As with our bralette, this style also features hooks at the bottom of the straps so they can be crossed over and many of our customers love the added support this offers. 

What’s the right bra for me?

Ultimately, choosing the bra that’s right for you will be a personal preference and may involve a bit of trial and error. As we’ve outlined above, wearing a poorly fitting bra might not be doing you any favours and if you recognise any of the issues mentioned here, it’s probably time for an upgrade.

If this is an idea that fills you with dread then try to seek out a bra shop where you will be able to spend some time discussing your individual requirements with the staff. Since everyone’s body is different, it’s important that you take your time and try on different options so try to go on a day when you won’t feel rushed.

So many of our customers highlight how important it is to them to try bras on in person since it can be difficult to get an idea of the fit when shopping online. In our online store, we offer easy returns or exchanges across all unworn, unwashed products and you can take a look at our Size Guide or email us help@youunderwear.com for sizing assistance

If you’re local to Oxford or find yourself visiting, please don’t hesitate to pop into Our Shop where our friendly team will always be happy to help you out. We can show you our different styles and answer any questions you have around the best fit for you. We want to make finding the perfect bra an uplifting experience and love nothing better than when a customer decides to keep their new bra on rather than change back to the old one!

Remember, life's too short to wear a badly fitting bra and you deserve better!

You can shop our full range of organic cotton bras here

For more expert underwear advice check out these other articles:

How to make your underwear last longer

Our guide to the best underwear for healthy skin

5 simple ways to look after your vaginal health

Images courtesy of Y.O.U Underwear and Canva