Bra underwire. Those two words have the power to make grown women cringe. Underwire bras can be downright painful, as anyone who has been poked in the chest by an underwire can tell you.
Are annoying underwires really a necessary evil? Is it just something that we’re supposed to put up with?
No! Finding a bra that will give you your desired shape and support doesn’t have to be a painful experience.
Read on to learn how you can make pokey underwire a thing of the past.
What’s the purpose of underwires anyway?
It may seem like underwire bras were created only to be one more feminine burden, but underwires do have an important purpose. Properly fitting underwires help to distribute the weight of your breast and provide much-needed lift, separation, and support.
Having an even weight distribution is important when it comes to shape and comfort. The average weight per breast for a woman who wears a D cup is almost two pounds per breast. If you don’t have a properly fitting underwire bra, you’ll certainly deal with some back pain, and even wire poke!
When an underwire bra fits properly, it helps to relieve some of the stress on your back and shoulders and can even help with your posture.
Where should the underwire of a bra sit?
Ideally, underwire should contour all of your breast tissue. It should start under the arms at the inframammary crease and circle underneath to your cleavage.
The inframammary crease is where your breast tissue meets your chest wall. Stand in front of a mirror and lift up one arm to see where your crease is.
The end of the underwire should lie flat against your sternum in the center. Make sure that it doesn’t sit too far underneath your breasts or on top of them.
Why does my underwire bra poke my armpit?
There are a few reasons as to why your underwire may be poking you. The most common reason your underwire is poking your armpit is because your bra doesn’t fit properly. When your bra fits properly, you shouldn’t really know that the underwire is even there.
If your underwire is too small it will be digging into your breast tissue. If it’s too large the underwire will sit too far outside of the breast tissue or there may be a gap underneath the breasts. This is why it’s crucial to be wearing the right size bra.
Check out our bra fit guide and make sure that you’re wearing the correct size. If either your cup size or band size is off even a little it can cause your underwire to seem like it has a mind of its own, which can lead to painful poking and pinching for you.
If your wire bra doesn’t feel just right, it’s also possible that you’re wearing the wrong bra style. Your bra style should complement your body type, not try and force it into something that it’s not.
There are so many different shapes of breasts and it’s important to make sure that your underwired bra complements the shape that you have, not the shape that you want.
Of course, wire bras are great tools for creating a more flattering shape, but that’s another topic. Some more reasons that your underwire is hurting could be:
- Your bra is starting to wear out. This can cause the underwire to poke through the material. If your underwire has broken through, it’s time to get a new bra!
- You’re not wearing a quality underwire bra. Low-quality wire bras can wear more quickly and the underwire may bend or break.
- You’re putting your bra on wrong. If you tend to hook your bra in the front and then spin it around to the back, this can cause the elastic in the band to wear and can bend the underwire.
You should also make sure that you’re taking proper care of your underwire bras. Washing or drying them improperly can cause the shape to warp or even cause the underwire to break. You should hand wash your underwire bras after every one to three wears and hang them to dry — never put them in the dryer!
If you’re not washing your underwire bras enough the oils from your skin and dirt can also cause the material to wear faster. Washing too much also causes faster wear. Heat and tumbling from the dryer can also ruin the delicate material.
How do you adjust the underwire?
If your underwire is digging in or is too big you need to either try a new size or try a new style. Not every style works for every breast type. Women with different bra sizes will need different styles. Not every underwire bra will be a great fit for every bra size.
If you find that the underwire is digging into either your side or the front and your cup size is correct, try a smaller or larger cup size. Make sure that your bra band fits properly as well. This will ensure that your bra stays where it is supposed to and that the underwire won’t move around.
How can I make my underwire more comfortable?
Once again, having a comfortable underwire bra is all about the fit and bra quality! Make sure that you’ve taken your measurements and are wearing the right bra size and style. You should try on a variety of bra styles and fits to determine what works best for your body.
Also, make sure that the underwire is cushioned for extra comfort. Glamorise WonderWire Bras are a great option because the wires are cushioned with extra fabric to prevent them from ever touching your body.
The last thing you want is a pesky underwire digging into your armpit. If your bra underwire is poking your armpit, this is most likely a sign that your cup size is too big. Underwired bras should hug directly underneath your breast tissue and should not extend higher than where your breast tissue ends. If you experience underwire poke in your armpit, we recommend going down in the cup size.
Why does my bra band dig into my skin?
The most common reason for your bra band digging into your skin is that your band size is too small. If you are wearing a band that is too small, it will likely leave painful red marks on your skin across your underarms and back. Wearing the wrong size bra, either the wrong band size or cup size, can result in your bra being uncomfortable and not providing the support you need.
Learn more in our guide to preventing your bra band from digging into your skin.
Concluding Thoughts
Having a proper fitting, good quality underwire bra is imperative when it comes to having great support and shape. If you desire a look that’s smooth, lifted, and comfortable all day long, wire bras can provide just that. When you find a comfortable underwire bra that fits well, you won’t need to turn back to wireless bras.
To prevent your bra underwire from digging in, be sure you have the correct size bra and don’t be afraid to try a few different styles. Finding an underwire bra that fits properly and is comfortable is crucial for getting the support you need and preventing your underwire from digging into you. It’s also important to remember that bra sizing and styles can vary between brands. To determine your best bra fit, it’s always best to measure before buying, and use our bra size calculator to help you find your correct bra size.
If you’re looking for more bra fit tips, check out these five common bra mistakes to avoid or learn the differences between wired vs wireless bras.
About the Author
Maeve Gesualdi is a Fordham University alumna where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Fashion Studies. Based in New York City, Maeve is part of the marketing team at Glamorise. Maeve regularly interacts with customers via social media and product reviews, as well as with influencers and models. She is constantly getting feedback on our products as well as gaining a better understanding of what women in our category struggle with and/or look for when searching for a bra. Aside from writing, she is passionate about all things travel and fashion.
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