Why are nearly all the bras in the shops underwired and padded?

[schroeder]

Are they supposed to be the best?

Are they 'fashionable'?

I want a nice supportive, non-wired bra, non-frumpy but comfy.

I always have underwired and mine don't hurt, I agree if it does then your back size is wrong.

I've always found underwired bras offer no support at all. But I don't like mine to move, so a good fitting non wired bra straps them firmly where they should be and no horrible jiggling!

Yes I've noticed that it's really tricky to find non-padded bras - I hate them, they just feel yukky! (But all my bras are underwired)

Nope, no jiggle there. I would think you would only jiggle if you were wearing the wrong size bra.
Now if you'll excuse me I must lie down.

I'm with you Gwen- I suspect that the underwire is a cheap shortcut to a supportive bra; rather than making one that fits.

I see what's going on with the padding, but sticking out nipples has never been a problem for me, surely it is not a problem that most people have is it?

From your responses I see my first mistake was to go to M&S; it was just a sea of padded, push up, underwired, tshirt bras.

or even worse, flimsy thin fake-silk plastic bras.

I have never bought a decent fitting bra from M&S and their fitting service is really bad, shockingly so. If your cup size is large-ish, I would try and find somewhere that has a good reputation. I've heard lots of good things about Bravissmo although have never used them, our local one is good and was recommended to me by several people.
Using them has been a revelation because before then I always suffered from jiggle, underwire or not and my norks never looked very good under my clothes. They look fucking fantastic now.... well they do until I take my bra off anyway.