Underwire Bra Problems

Believe it or not, painful underwire is one of the most Common Bra Problems women have with their bra. If your underwire bra gives you enough pain to want to throw it in the trash, you’ve come to the right place!

Most women don’t realize that they may be wearing the wrong bra size. If you are wearing the correct size, the underwire should surround the whole breast, and lay flat against your sides. This should prevent that awful pain, poking, and pinching most women associate with their underwire bra.  

The easiest way to avoid painful underwire is to make sure you have a proper fit and accurate measurements. See our bra Size Guide or Book an Appointment with one of our fit experts for help with finding your perfect size.

Panache Envy 7285 Black Balconette Bra

Problems Wearing Underwire Bra

Underwire Popping out?

If this keeps happening to you, there is a good chance that your band size is too large. If this is the case, as you move, the band moves as well. This causes the wires to move back and forth inside the casing, eventually causing the material to rip and suddenly that $50 bra has a wire popping out.

To help fix this, try a smaller band size with a larger cup size. For an immediate fix on a beloved bra, try covering the popped-out wire with a moleskin patch.

Underwire Poking Underarm?

Everyone knows the feeling of that one bra that is always irritating their armpits. Try going up a cup size for a better fit. A larger cup size will have a longer wire and more volume in the cup, allowing the wire to sit further back on the torso and not land directly under the armpit.

If you have a petite build, a small torso, or high ribcage, you will need to search for bras that have a band that is not as tall. Try a bra with less coverage, such as a Balconette Bra. They will have less wire which means they’re less likely to poke your armpits.

Our favorite balconette bras here at Hourglass Lingerie are the Panache Envy 7285 Black Balconette Bra (left) and the Parfait Casey 2801 Black Floral Print Plunge Molded Bra (below). Both of these have had our customers asking, "is this REALLY an underwire bra?!"

Elomi Cate EL4030 Latte Underwire Full Cup Banded Bra

Goddess Keira GD6093 Pearl Blush Banded Soft Cup Wire Free Bra

Parfait Casey 2801 Black Floral Print Plunge Molded Bra

When NOT to wear an Underwire bra

While most women can wear an underwire bra comfortably, there are some situations where wearing an underwire bra is just not an option, such as during pregnancy or having a higher-than-average ribcage. In both of these scenarios, choosing a wire-free bra is a better option, even if you are in the proper fitted bra.

Wearing an underwire bra while pregnant could cause excessive pressure on milk ducts or even painful inflammation. We know you mamas deserve special love and care, that's why we always recommend investing in a good Nursing Bra!

Check out our Nursing/Maternity Guide for more information about keeping your breasts happy as can be. Our favorite Nursing/Maternity Bra at Hourglass Lingerie is the Anita 5053 Fleur Black Underwire Nursing Bra.

During Pregnancy and Nursing

Wearing an underwire bra while pregnant could cause excessive pressure on milk ducts or even painful inflammation. We know you mamas deserve special love and care, that's why we always recommend a good Nursing Bra to expectant mothers.

Check out our Nursing/Maternity Guide for more information about keeping your breasts happy as can be while pregnant. One of our most popular nursing bras is the Anita 5053 Fleur Black Underwire Nursing Bra.

Medical Conditions

Some women also suffer medical conditions that make underwire bras extremely uncomfortable to wear. If you are someone who can't wear underwire, don’t give up just yet! Here at Hourglass Lingerie, we offer endless alternatives to underwire bras, such as Soft Cup/Wire Free Bras and Bralettes!  

One of our favorite soft-cup underwire alternatives are the Goddess Keira GD6093 Black Banded Soft Cup Wire Free Bra (above). We also love the Parfait P5951 Mia Lace Black Wire-Free Padded Lace Bralette, which is perfect for any girl big or small (right)!

Parfait P5951 Mia Lace Black Wire-Free Padded Lace Bralette

Underwire Bra Fitting Problems

Whether they be poked, prodded, or flat out uncomfortable- our fit experts at Hourglass Lingerie can help you find the perfect bra to send away your underwire woes! We would love to help you out in a judgement-free and caring environment.

To schedule your appointment, visit Book an Appointment or call us at 443-869-5324 today to find that perfect bra you have been looking for! Our fittings are free, personalized, and guarantees you will walk out the door with your exact size. We promise you will not be the first (or the last!) to come in looking for a solution to this VERY common struggle.