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Original poster

Have bras moved on?

30 replies

BrassicaBabe · 01/02/2023 20:06

As a teen I remember being grossed out by my mums grey "cross your heart" bra. I've been wearing underwire bras ever since. But maybe it's my turn to be stuck in a rut?

Has technology moved on? Do crop tops or bralettes offer enough support? (32DD ish))

Something comfortable but still with shape and support would be amazing!

Any recommendations?

OP posts:
DorritLittle · 01/02/2023 20:09

I have two Pour Moi Amour bras which are not underwired but have great shape and support.

soundsystem · 01/02/2023 20:11

M&S bralets are great - really comfy and supportive but they also look nice. There's a DD+ range

whirlyhead · 01/02/2023 20:12

I am a 34dd and I use bravissimo. Lots of sportive bras/bralets with no underwire that are very comfortable to wear. And look good!

soundsystem · 01/02/2023 20:12

(And I never buy normal bras from M&S ever but the brackets are great!)

Reluctantadult · 01/02/2023 20:13

I'm never going back to underwires.

LunaTheCat · 01/02/2023 20:13

34FF and I have bought a Bravissimo non wired lounge bra.. I have worn it out and about and so so comfortable.
i wouldn’t wear under tight clothing but is fine under dresses and tops that are not tight fitting ( when you are a 34FF you tend to avoid tight fitting clothing anyway 😉)

WhereAreWeNow · 01/02/2023 21:01

I gave up on wired bras a few years ago. Similar size to you (30E). I do have some bralettes but I prefer non-wired t-shirt style bras. I find they give more support. Next has quite a few good ones. Some Sainsburys ones are good too.

BarbaraofSeville · 01/02/2023 22:06

www.marksandspencer.com/flexifit-non-wired-full-cup-bra/p/clp60438189?color=BLACK#intid=plpnav_pid_pg1pip48g2r12c1

I bought these after seeing them recommended on here. Very comfortable and supportive although not particularly sexy. A bit like a cross between a crop top and a sports bra, I can even run in it without giving myself a black eye and I'm a 34G.

newfence · 01/02/2023 22:07

I haven't worn underwire bras for maybe 5 years - I'll never go back!

newfence · 01/02/2023 22:12

Oh, my day to day 'non-wired' bras are from H&M, I'm sure that there will be more expensive, better quality bras on the market but I have them in every colour and they're so comfortable and keep their shape.

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0786187022.html

housemaus · 01/02/2023 22:22

I haven't worn an underwire since 2020 and I won't go back! Agree with M&S.

RaininginDarling · 01/02/2023 22:42

Not to derail but 34FF here. Anyone had success with a supportive(ish) bandeau top? Thinking of summer...

Xrays · 01/02/2023 23:17

I don’t think it’s a case of crop tops etc now offering support, I think it’s more that no one cares about wobbling about, ie support is an “out” thing. I am a 34GG and just wear crop tops now. They’re comfy and don’t dig in. I’ll never go back to underwires. Ever. My dd is 19 and doesn’t even own a bra - I think she’d be about a 32D at a guess. She says none of her friends wear bras either. They might wear a crop top or nipple covers in a really tight top but that’s about it.

cannaethink · 02/02/2023 12:59

I like crop top/bralette type bras with a bit of padding. I’ve got a few from Tk maxx. I find a lot of the ones from other stores don’t have padding but I think the pads give better shape for me, and cover my nipples. I’m a 28E and find the support good.

GettingStuffed · 02/02/2023 18:49

I'm a 38HH and you can't find non underwired bras that you don't need a mortgage for in my size

RosetteNebula · 03/02/2023 09:48

I haven't worn underwire bras since I had my DD 4 years ago. They feel like torture now if I put one one. I wear Laura Ashley bralettes from TK Maxx or sports bras - Sweaty Betty ones are nice.

Coffeetable123 · 03/02/2023 20:25

Interesting thread. I am a 32ff and haven't really considered a non underwire bra. I did wear the crop tops when I was last breastfeeding but that was in a phase when I didn’t really care about droopy boobs. Maybe I need to open my mind!

Setyoufree · 03/02/2023 20:30

I don't think you'll ever talk me out of an underwired bra. Am 34 D - a decent bra from a decent brand fitted properly feels amazing and gives great shape. No discomfort whatsoever. It's worth every penny of the investment in my opinion

StarlightLady · 04/02/2023 09:02

I'm a 36F and generally, I like my underwired bras and don't find them uncomfortable. My trusted brands are freya, Panache and Fantasia.

It's a different story in the really hot weather though because I get sweaty, then they go "free range" (apart from at work), I think the girls quite enjoy their summer bounce.

Enko · 04/02/2023 09:18

I find the love for the m&s bralets surprising. I am an E cup and I just found they don't support give unflattering lines.

Like @StarlightLady I like panache and. Fantasia. Freya for me is hit and miss some fit so well others dig into my side quickly.

I have yet to find a non wired bra/top/bralet I feel supports well enough to go out in.. dd1(25) who is a F cup also uses wired. She prefers rigby and peller own beand bras

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 04/02/2023 09:23

I have underwired bras for eg.going into work physically etc.

At home WFH it’s an M&S no wired bra, or a crop top or bralette.

cheapskatemum · 04/02/2023 09:26

Interesting thread. I'm a 34DD and don't find underwired bras uncomfortable. I have 4 T shirt bras that I know for a fact that I bought on offer (4 for the price of 3) at the beginning of 2016 in Boux Avenue. I was on a "No spend 2016" thread on MN, which is why I remember! They have been a great investment:1 white, 1black & 2 beige. I wear the black one more in winter & the white one more in summer. The beige ones I swap in & out all year round. I wash them according to the instructions & dry on an airer. As well as being comfortable, they give the right amount of support & a great outline in both tight fitting tops & blouses. Maybe it's to do with being fortunate in having boobs that fit an off the shelf brand nicely?

Herja · 04/02/2023 09:30

I'm a post breastfeeding 36ff and get on grand with the primark lace bralets; plenty supportive and lifting enough for me and I'm not exactly pert... Tried wearing a well fitting underwire recently and it was shocking how uncomfortable it was. The primark ones are super cheap too! £5! I was paying at least £40 for a 'comfy' but nice bra... Not comfy at all anymore. Looks fine even with a dress, fitted t shirt etc. I'm never going back!

oviraptor21 · 04/02/2023 09:32

I don't like being wobbly and I don't like being squished so although I wear sports bras for sports I still wear underwires every day for comfort. I'd agree with pp though that more and more women are OK with being floppy and are presumably comfortable that way. We're all different.
But no, I haven't found an unstructured bra that gives the kind of comfort I'm looking for. Doesn't have to be underwired but underwired usually look better on me too.

DisplayPurposesOnly · 04/02/2023 09:33

Ironically, since I got fatter and my boobs have grown from D to G, underwire bras have got really uncomfortable. (The wire digs into my armpit.)

I tried the M&S flexifit one but didn't like the material. I have two of these:
www.marksandspencer.com/lace-non-wired-non-padded-bralet-f-/p/clp60451802?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share
Very good support.