wired or non-wired bras: which is better?
Comfort. Support. Freedom. A good bra should support your body and your needs, whatever style you’re wearing. Non-wired bras are a popular choice for lots of women, combining the support of a traditional bra with comfort-first design features and fabrics. Whichever bra you wear is a personal choice so whether you’re trying to decide between wired or non-wired or just want to know how a non-wired bra should fit, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about non-wired bras.
A non-wired or wireless bra is a bra that doesn’t have an underwire in the cups. Non-wired bras come in many shapes and styles, from everyday bras like the Aura Spotlight to subtle minimizer bras such as the Triumph Summer Sensation. The lack of wire can make these types of bras more comfortable for everyday wear.
The opposite of non-wired bras, wired, or underwired bras have wire sewn into the seam of the bra cup. The wired is designed to separate and lift your breasts, providing plenty of support no matter what your day brings. However, wired bras can become uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, especially if they don’t fit right.
If you’re still unsure about whether underwire or non-wired bras are best, here are some of the pros of wearing a non-wired bra:
Comfort – the main advantage of bras without wires is that they can be much more comfortable and less restrictive than wired ones. There’s no risk of the wires rubbing or digging into your skin.
Flexibiltiy – non-wired bras are also often made of softer fabrics with more stretch and more flexibility than wired bras, making them a great choice for times when you’re body is changing such as when you’re on your period, during pregnancy or even when you’re nursing.
Support – despite the lack of wire, many non-wired bras are designed with support in mind and have other design features to keep you feeling comfortable. To provide optimal support, non-wired bras might have features like fuller cups, supportive side panelling or wider straps like our Sloggi Zero Feel Lace Bralette.
While bra style is a personal choice, here are some potential cons to bear in mind when weighing up the differences between wired and non-wired bras:
Less Support – while many non-wired bras do still place support front of mind, they are ultimately less supportive than wired bras. Having an underwire in the cups means wired bras can often provide more lift and support, which can be especially helpful for larger busts or particular breast shapes which require more support.
Minimal Shaping – because non-wired bras often have softer cups, they have less of a shaping effect on your breasts. This can mean your bust appears uneven under clothing, especially if you have asymmetrical breasts (with one breast larger than the other) and are wearing tighter clothes.
HOW SHOULD A NON-WIRED BRA FIT?
If you’re ready to try a non-wired bra, you’ll be please to hear that the fit is often very similar to their wired counterparts.
Dependent on style, non-wired bras should fit much the same as wired bra, with the band and cups feeling comfortable on your body. Everyone’s body and breast shape is different, and since there can be quite a bit of variation in the shapes of non-wired bras, trying on lots of styles can be a great way to see which types fit your body most comfortably.
For more tips on finding your perfect fit, take a look at our Bra Fitting Guide or visit us in store for an expert fitting.
We believe everyone should be able to find a bra that fits their body and their lifestyle.
Whether you’re expanding your collection or searching for a new style to try, we hope this guide has helped you decide whether non-wired bras are right for you.
You don’t even have to choose between non-wired or wired bras – having both styles gives you the freedom to choose, whatever your day brings.
If you’re ready to try a non-wired bra, take a look at our full range to find your perfect fit.