Can you imagine wearing a frame of metal around your chest? Give thanks for a metal shortage during World War I and the invention of the first modern bra in 1914 to allow the U.S. to bid a fine farewell to the restrictive corset. We have managed to get away from metal all together with the wireless bra options offered today.
Many types of bras are available, making it easy to find one that is best for your body. The intimate apparel market offers designs and styles to fit not only your specific shape, but also your personality, lifestyle, and mood. Finding a bra that gives support and shape, but also comfort and beauty, will give a boost to your bust and to your overall body image.
What Is a Wireless Bra?
It sounds obvious, right? A wireless bra is a bra with no wire in its structure. These bras are also called soft cup, wire-free, or non-wired, and their design relies on the fabric, straps, and banding to provide support rather than the wire that lines the bottom of each cup in an underwire bra.
Wireless bras have come a long way in their design over the years. Whereas sports bras used to be some of the only wireless bra options out there, there are now wireless bandeaus, wireless t-shirt bras, wireless bralettes, and even wireless strapless bras. Finding the best wireless bra to suit any specific outfit is easy to accomplish, making you feel more accomplished and ready to take on your day in both comfort and style.
Wired Versus Wireless Bra Styles
The debate over the superiority of wired bras versus wireless bras spans years and shows little sign of letting up, so how do you choose? Here is a little secret—it really comes down to what feels most comfortable and best on your own body.
Wired Features
It is a common misconception that large-busted women are stuck with underwire bras because they give the best support. Underwire bras indeed give support and oftentimes more lift, but the main difference between wired and wireless is that underwire bras separate your breasts and give a more upfront, rounded appearance.
Some find underwire bras uncomfortable or too restrictive. Finding the correct size is key. Even then, after a long day in a wired bra, you can still feel sore ribs and undesirable pressure.
Wireless Features
As with underwire bras, finding the best wireless bra comes down to fit. And like the misconception with wired bras, wireless bras are thought to fit only those with smaller chests. With all of the wireless designs on the market today, this is certainly not the case. Large-busted women are just as likely to find a perfect wireless fit.
Wireless bra material tends to be more soft, flexible, and comfortable. With an adequate band around the base of the bra and stretchy, supple fabric, you are likely to appreciate the support and the greatest comfort.
Choose the Best Wireless for You
When trying to find the best wireless bra for your body, there are several things to consider, including fit, bra material and color, and how you plan to incorporate the undergarment into your broader wardrobe.
Measure, Measure, Measure
Figuring out your measurements will ensure the best-fitting bra. Don’t let the fitting process overwhelm you! It is an easy process you can do in the comfort of your own home. Of course, if you prefer professional help, most lingerie and department stores offer complimentary fitting services.
Band Size
When sizing, first determine your band size. Use a measuring tape to measure where the bra band will sit, around your torso at the base of your bust. Make sure the tape is snug and level.
Round the measurement to the nearest whole number; then add four inches if your measurement is even and add five inches if the measurement is odd. This is your band size. For example, if your measurement is 28 inches, then your band size is 32. If you measured 31 inches, then your band size is 36.
Bust Measurement
Keeping the measuring tape somewhat loose, wrap it around the fullest part of your chest at nipple level. Round this measurement to the nearest whole number.
Calculate Your Cup Size
Subtract your band size from your bust measurement. Once you have the number, find your cup size as follows: 0 = AA, <1 = A, 1 = B, 2 = C, 3 = D, 4 = DD, 5 = DDD/E, 6 = F, 7 = G, 8 = H.
Often, wireless bras do not come in standard band/cup sizes, but, rather, come in small, medium, large, etc., based on size conversion charts. It is best to refer to size charts on specific product website pages.
Consider Color
Color is important when it comes to choosing a wireless bra that will work best for your situation. If it is a bra you plan to wear daily, choose a more neutral shade, which will go with any clothing and will not show through lighter-colored shirts. Or if you are looking for something more exciting with a pop of color, think about shades of blue or red.
Function Versus Fashion
Bras not only provide support, but can also serve specific functions. Wireless bras can be a fantastic option for those who have recently had surgery. There are even wireless bras made especially for those who have gone through a mastectomy. Wireless nursing bras for new mothers also are a wonderful option, as they have less compression and a super-soft fit.
Fabric Options
If you are choosing a bra to go with clothing that is thicker, layered, or just generally bulky, your options are greater with fabrics. You can go with a more textured or lacy fabric. But if you need the bra to function well under a thinner blouse or shirt, you will want to look for bras with a more smooth, seamless fabric so as not to show through or give a bumpy appearance.
Make It Fun
Shopping for a wireless bra does not have to be a tedious chore. Allow yourself to enjoy the process, looking for stylish designs and colors. Do not be afraid to add some fun, sexy options to your more staid, neutral picks. There is most definitely a place for both in your wardrobe.
You can also do more with your purchase by finding companies that use a portion of their profits to help others. EBY gives 10% of its proceeds from underwear sales to empower women through microfinance, which is the strongest poverty alleviation tool today. It all starts with a small loan, but with huge results, allowing women to become self-sufficient by opening their own businesses.
So wear your wireless bra with pure comfort, while feeling good about helping other women around the globe.
