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Original poster

Recommendations for Comfortable Bras

51 replies

GinnyW · 25/04/2025 10:58

I am a size 10 and a 34c. I don’t know if it is my age (54) but I now find underwires really uncomfortable. I used to buy Victoria Secret, but wish to avoid US brands.
I just had a much anticipated delivery from Lemonade Dolls, but although I followed their measuring guide all of the items were way too small (really lovely though) and I might try the next size up but their styles for padded bras are limited.
I prefer brands that can go in the washing machine and styles that are lightly passed.
Please help!

OP posts:
Gettingbysomehow · 25/04/2025 15:45

I never wear underwires it feels like my boobs are being strangled. Any bra I wear would be too old for you I think.

Legolady2 · 25/04/2025 15:48

I really like the Triumph Fit Smart.

Original poster
GinnyW · 25/04/2025 20:31

Legolady2 · 25/04/2025 15:48

I really like the Triumph Fit Smart.

Thank you, I will have a look.

OP posts:
Darkambergingerlily · 25/04/2025 20:34

M&S body soft non wired bras

or any of their flexi fit ones, I love, you forget you’re wearing a bra

im a 30D or 32 C and size 8.

NorthWestToWest · 25/04/2025 21:27

I've just started a new thread about Triumph bras. I've bought the Flex Smart padded bra with no wires. It does give some lift and a cleavage (I'm a 32 back verging on a 30.)

Dunkou · 26/04/2025 07:48

I’m the same size. I tried the M&S flexifit after another thread, found it horribly uncomfortable. The Rosie range is relatively comfortable, though it is underwired.

bigknitblanket · 26/04/2025 07:51

I was going to post about this so glad I found this thread.
The challenge is finding a bra that gives lift and shape, without the discomfort. I’ve always bought the panache envy bras which do give great shape and support but so bloody uncomfortable 🤦‍♀️
Need an alternative! Will have a look at triumph.

bigknitblanket · 26/04/2025 07:53

The triumph ones look like they just give you a shelf which isn’t what I’m after unfortunately.

buriedminion · 26/04/2025 08:13

I don’t understand people who say underwired bras are uncomfortable. If they fit right they should be as comfortable as any other bra. I am seriously overweight wearing a 40FF underwire bra (M&S) and I did have to try on 13 styles til I found one but I persevered. And god they give a much better shape.

NorthWestToWest · 26/04/2025 08:47

bigknitblanket · 26/04/2025 07:53

The triumph ones look like they just give you a shelf which isn’t what I’m after unfortunately.

The one I have doesn't.

Look on their website- there are lots and lots of non wired styles.

NorthWestToWest · 26/04/2025 08:47

buriedminion · 26/04/2025 08:13

I don’t understand people who say underwired bras are uncomfortable. If they fit right they should be as comfortable as any other bra. I am seriously overweight wearing a 40FF underwire bra (M&S) and I did have to try on 13 styles til I found one but I persevered. And god they give a much better shape.

They dig into your ribs if you're slim.

LuckyCharmz · 26/04/2025 15:48

An uncomfortable bra is one that isn’t the right size. They boob or bust for correct way to measure. Most people need to go down in the band and up the cup.
If you’re on insta look at transformation Tuesday on Bella Rosa Lingerie, for before and after pics, it’s quite eye opening re sizing.

MargaritaPracticallyCan · 26/04/2025 16:28

Uniqlo do a very comfortable, slightly padded non-wired bra, super comfortable, under £20. Their size charts in store correspond to standard cup/back sizes, not sure about ordering online tho.

Original poster
GinnyW · 26/04/2025 18:15

buriedminion · 26/04/2025 08:13

I don’t understand people who say underwired bras are uncomfortable. If they fit right they should be as comfortable as any other bra. I am seriously overweight wearing a 40FF underwire bra (M&S) and I did have to try on 13 styles til I found one but I persevered. And god they give a much better shape.

I used to wear them with no issues however since I broke 2 ribs they just stick in and feel like a steel rod across my rib cage.

OP posts:
Original poster
GinnyW · 26/04/2025 18:16

MargaritaPracticallyCan · 26/04/2025 16:28

Uniqlo do a very comfortable, slightly padded non-wired bra, super comfortable, under £20. Their size charts in store correspond to standard cup/back sizes, not sure about ordering online tho.

I wear there bra tops which are really great so will have a look at the bras. Thank you.

OP posts:
DelphiniumBlue · 26/04/2025 18:20

Shapermint bras are fab - soft, supportive, lightly padded so no nipple reveal😁.
You can get them on Amazon ( which I wouldn’t normally recommend, but didn’t want to get caught by customs duties for shipping from USA). Very comfortable.

TonTonMacoute · 26/04/2025 18:49

buriedminion · 26/04/2025 08:13

I don’t understand people who say underwired bras are uncomfortable. If they fit right they should be as comfortable as any other bra. I am seriously overweight wearing a 40FF underwire bra (M&S) and I did have to try on 13 styles til I found one but I persevered. And god they give a much better shape.

I was fine with them until I got to my 50s, then they just became unbearable.

I have found Miss Mary of Sweden quite good, and Boody for slobby days when you are wearing loose clothes.

EverythingElseIsTaken · 27/04/2025 13:17

buriedminion · 26/04/2025 08:13

I don’t understand people who say underwired bras are uncomfortable. If they fit right they should be as comfortable as any other bra. I am seriously overweight wearing a 40FF underwire bra (M&S) and I did have to try on 13 styles til I found one but I persevered. And god they give a much better shape.

A correctly fitting underwire bra gives fantastic shape and support without being uncomfortable. The key is the CORRECTLY bit!

It appears to me that a lot of women wear bras with too big a band and too small a cup. OP is size 10 wearing a 34 band whereas I’m a size 14 and wear a 32 band and FF cup - my bras aren’t at all uncomfortable. (In my late fifties).

I have tried non underwired bras but they give me no support or shape at all. My breasts are quite heavy so without an underwire they tend to look flat at the bottom - as if they are on a shelf.

Original poster
GinnyW · 27/04/2025 19:55

EverythingElseIsTaken · 27/04/2025 13:17

A correctly fitting underwire bra gives fantastic shape and support without being uncomfortable. The key is the CORRECTLY bit!

It appears to me that a lot of women wear bras with too big a band and too small a cup. OP is size 10 wearing a 34 band whereas I’m a size 14 and wear a 32 band and FF cup - my bras aren’t at all uncomfortable. (In my late fifties).

I have tried non underwired bras but they give me no support or shape at all. My breasts are quite heavy so without an underwire they tend to look flat at the bottom - as if they are on a shelf.

Show quote history

Well, I know what size I am. As I mentioned, I find underwires became uncomfortable after breaking 2 ribs so my geometry has changed. It is not because I am wearing the incorrect size. 😀

OP posts:
something2say · 27/04/2025 19:57

I feel your pain. Cannot BEAR bras anymore.

But could not find anything that wasn't too tight basically and I still wanted to rip it off asap.

Until I found these -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BVQQ57Y9?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&psc=1

Not a bad shape, SUPER comfortable, not expensive, lightly padded - I wear them every day if I have to wear a bra. I own push up old style bras but these I can tolerate. Maybe they are useful to you? I am a size 10 and I ordered the large to make sure they were not going to be tight whatsoever.

Original poster
GinnyW · 27/04/2025 20:01

EverythingElseIsTaken · 27/04/2025 13:17

A correctly fitting underwire bra gives fantastic shape and support without being uncomfortable. The key is the CORRECTLY bit!

It appears to me that a lot of women wear bras with too big a band and too small a cup. OP is size 10 wearing a 34 band whereas I’m a size 14 and wear a 32 band and FF cup - my bras aren’t at all uncomfortable. (In my late fifties).

I have tried non underwired bras but they give me no support or shape at all. My breasts are quite heavy so without an underwire they tend to look flat at the bottom - as if they are on a shelf.

Show quote history

Also, here is the chart that helps you find your correct band size. My band measurement is 75cm. This converts to a UK size 34 which is an actual measurement of 29/30 inches.

Recommendations for Comfortable Bras
OP posts:
careerbreakheaven · 27/04/2025 20:06

Another vote for Triumph.
I’m a 34e and wear their minimiser range which gives me a good shape for my 54 year old bod
Lots of non underwired options there

SmegmaCausesBV · 27/04/2025 20:18

something2say · 27/04/2025 19:57

I feel your pain. Cannot BEAR bras anymore.

But could not find anything that wasn't too tight basically and I still wanted to rip it off asap.

Until I found these -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BVQQ57Y9?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&psc=1

Not a bad shape, SUPER comfortable, not expensive, lightly padded - I wear them every day if I have to wear a bra. I own push up old style bras but these I can tolerate. Maybe they are useful to you? I am a size 10 and I ordered the large to make sure they were not going to be tight whatsoever.

Do these have the padding that comes out? I'm fed up at having to de-scrunch each side before wearing (can they not sew them in?!) but I need a bit of something to cover the nip area.

something2say · 27/04/2025 20:22

You have to take the padding out yes and it is irritating but worth it for the complete day of not hating my bra....literally never thinking, christ this is uncomfortable.

DecafDodger · 27/04/2025 20:26

there is a lot of incorrect measuring advice online, just like that table. If you measure 75cm (29.5 inches) then your bra size is 30 and not 34. There's no need to add inches since they started using elastic in bras.