There are two main categories of lingerie: underwire bras and wireless bras. The underwire is a key element of the bra that ensures support and comfort throughout the day. However, when used incorrectly or poorly maintained, it can cause pain and become damaged quickly.
We tell you everything about this essential bra style, how to wear it properly, and how to take care of it. You will also find all the key information in our complete bra guide.
Before choosing a bra, it is helpful to understand the differences between underwired and wireless styles, depending on each woman’s needs and preferences. Underwired or wireless bra: which should you choose?
At the end of the article, discover THE collection that answers your questions!
What is an underwire used for?
The underwire is a rigid metal structure inserted into the bra to provide optimal support for your bust. Shaped like a half circle, it sits around the cups. This reinforcement is especially appreciated by fuller busts as it helps reduce strain on the shoulders and back while providing enhanced support. For more variety, there are also underwired swimsuits, one-piece and two-piece, so your bust stays supported at the beach and pool.
The Arum Mosaic bra: highly appreciated for its comfort and enveloping shape:
"Very comfortable bra, very enveloping, with a beautiful print and soft fabric"
The underwire is integrated into the bra so that it remains hidden and does not come into contact with the skin. In addition to providing support, the underwired bra also helps give the bust a more defined shape for a more harmonious silhouette under your clothing.
At Sans Complexe Paris, we use nylon-coated memory-shape metal underwires because they are strong and adapt to the tension of the back band to properly fit the bust and provide real support.
My bra’s underwire hurts me — is this normal?
Of course not. The underwire is designed to provide support and comfort, so it is not normal for it to cause pain when you wear your bra. What should you do? First, you need to identify the issue. There can be several causes:
- The most common reason: you are not wearing the correct bra size. The underwire should sit around the bust without sitting on it or being too far away. The band must also provide the right level of support. If the cups do not fit properly or the band is too tight or too loose, you should re-measure your size. To help you, consult our bra size guide.
- Wear and tear is also a possible cause. A bra worn for a long time and washed repeatedly will naturally deteriorate over time. Putting on your bra by fastening it at the front and then rotating it to the back can also damage the underwire and lead to premature wear.
However, if you are considering trying a wireless bra, discover all our tips in this article: Wireless bras: for whom, when, how?
My bra’s underwire is broken — what should I do?
No one is perfect, and nothing is foolproof, so it is possible that your bra’s underwire may break. As mentioned earlier, wear and tear, time, and frequent use are likely causes. A poorly fitted bra, high-impact activities, or even overly harsh washing can put too much stress on the underwire. Putting on your bra incorrectly can also seem harmless, but it is important to put it on by the straps and fasten it properly at the back.
If this happens, it is strongly recommended to stop wearing the bra, as it may cause pain or even injury and will no longer provide proper support.
For those wondering whether this type of bra is really necessary, this article on whether you should wear an underwired bra provides helpful insights.
And if I removed it to turn it into a wireless bra? Since the bra is designed to include this small piece of metal, removing it would prevent discomfort and injury, but the bra would no longer properly support your bust. Here are our tips to help you preserve your underwired bra:
- Gentle washing: we recommend hand washing or machine washing in a lingerie bag to protect your items.
- Even if you have your favourite bra, it is recommended to rotate and change bras daily to extend their lifespan.
The underwire is an asset for bust support that simply requires care and attention to last longer and provide the support it is designed for.
This article was written by Sélène, our Content Manager, in collaboration with Guilhermina, our Head of Design Office.
