Everyone who has ever worn one knows that bras, despite having only one main function, tend to come with a laundry list of issues. Why are bras so uncomfortable? Unfortunately, it’s not always an easy answer, but we know one thing—nobody should have to suffer silently in an uncomfortable bra!

While there’s no definitive answer to the question “ Are underwire bras bad for you? ” it is universally agreed upon that they’re not great for your comfort, at least. Although going braless may be a viable solution for some people, it’s not the only way to escape the discomfort of a bra. Fortunately, there are lots of bra alternatives out there!

That said, it’s not always the underwire that’s responsible for your discomfort. Knowing how to identify the exact issue that’s causing your boob sling to act more like a torture device is the best place to start the search for your perfect bra! That’s why I’ve compiled a list of all the problems that could be making your bra uncomfortable (and tips on how to solve them)! But first, a little more complaining about bras. They deserve it. 

Before we can get to solving our bra issues, we need to definitively answer one question. What do people think? Are bras uncomfortable (at least according to women)? As with any topic, the opinions are varied. 

Many women feel that bras only serve to cover and shape their breasts in a way that makes other people feel comfortable but do nothing for the wearer except cause discomfort (and sometimes pain). Even the women who believe that bras are necessary (or just prefer to wear them) agree that bras are uncomfortable but “a woman’s gotta do what a woman’s gotta do.” 

Survey results suggest that most women (especially those over the age of 40) feel societal pressure to always wear a bra in public despite 53% of those women stating that wearing a bra is much more uncomfortable than going braless. 

It must be said, bras are a fairly recent invention and there’s no evidence that they are either helpful or detrimental to the health and physical appearance of your breasts. Bras won’t prevent sagging and they certainly won’t make your breasts perkier; those ladies are as susceptible to the ravages of time as any other part of your body. So if you’d prefer not to wear a bra, go for it!

Still, wearing a bra is a necessity for most people, whether due to social expectations and workplace dress codes or physical discomfort (like breast tenderness and back pain). That said, choosing to wear a bra shouldn’t mean having to subject yourself to discomfort. Finding the perfect bra is difficult but knowing the answers to the question “Why are bras so uncomfortable?” will help weed out the weak contenders!

Identifying what is wrong with a bra is more efficient to do than deciding you’ve found a great bra after trying it on once. A lot of common problems tend to show up after some time and consistent use of a bra. To find the perfect bra we must first learn how to avoid the bad ones!

Here are seven reasons that have you crying: ”Why is my bra so uncomfortable?” 

1. YOU'RE WEARING THE WRONG SIZE 

Fit issues are easily the biggest contributor to bra hatred. It’s very common for a woman to be wearing the wrong size bra because the system behind bra sizing is a little insane. A reported 80% of women wear the wrong bra size! Madness!

Solution: Know Your Exact Size & How A Bra Should Fit YOU

The very first step to bra shopping is knowing your exact size as well as your bra sister sizes (knowing these will help narrow down which sizes to try on). Always try on bras when possible to determine how the fit feels. How should a bra fit? The band of a new bra should feel snug on its loosest setting and the material of the cups should rest close to your breast tissue. There should be no pinching or sagging anywhere. 

Synthetic fabrics, like polyester, are a no-go for most people due to their negative environmental impact. These types of fabrics are also not the best choice for your body. Polyester and nylon can cause irritation and chafing which are a recipe for all-day discomfort. 

Solution: Natural Fabrics

Natural fabrics are the best choice for any item of clothing but especially for your undergarments. The next time you shop for a new boulder-holder, try looking into hemp bras! Hemp is a strong natural fiber with breathable and moisture-wicking properties (perfect for avoiding boob sweat). Other natural fabric options like organic cotton or tencel are great as well.

3. YOUR BRA IS DUE FOR RETIREMENT

Bras, as all things tend to do, lose some of their structural integrity as they age. The band will gradually become less supportive and the elastic in the straps may lose some of its strength. The material around the cups can become stretched and saggy. All of these things can create discomfort simply because the bra will not be as supportive as it once was. 

Solution: Prolong The Life Of Your Bras & Retire When Needed

The circle of life pertains to all things, even your old bras. Eventually, they’ll all see their last wear. Since bras are delicate garments, refraining from treating them the same as your other clothes could prevent premature wear and tear. Learning how to hand wash bras is a good way to prolong their lifespans. Line drying and opting for delicate detergents are great ideas as well. 

It’s common knowledge that higher-quality clothing is better for you, your body, and the environment. This is especially true for bras. A poorly constructed bra is more likely to sag, rip, or have issues with the underwire poking through. These are all issues that make all-day wear super uncomfortable. 

Solution: Invest In Good Quality Bras & Own Enough Bras

Sometimes, it’s a smarter move to invest a few extra bucks into purchasing higher-quality items. In the long run, it saves you money because better-quality bras are guaranteed to last longer. Also, bras are something you only need a few of, anyway! How many bras should I own? The suggested number is between 5 to 7 to allow for a steady rotation between bras and prevent overuse. 

5. YOUR BRA IS TOO RESTRICTIVE

Just as there are many breast shapes in the world, there are many types of bras to accommodate them. Some bras are made with extra padding and underwire meant to keep things firmly in place while others are... not. If you’ve ever wondered “why does my bra hurt my ribs?”, chances are that you need a less restrictive bra.  

Solution: Go Wireless

Some women may prefer the feeling of their titties being held firmly in place (which is totally fine, do you!) but others may prefer a more natural look with extra wiggle room. For those ladies, there’s no better solution than a bralette. What is a bralette? It’s an alternative to a bra that is generally unlined and wireless while still offering medium support. 

While the bralette for large bust does exist and women with a little extra oomph are free to rock their titties however they please, some women may simply require heavy-duty support from their bras. If you suffer from consistent back pain and you happen to have larger boobs, the likely cause is that your bra isn’t offering you enough support. 

Solution: Get The Right Type of Bra For YOUR Body

If your boobs are uncomfortably large, you may need to expand your search to include brands that specialize in making bras for bigger breasts. Look for bras with sturdy bands under the breasts for extra support. In some cases, a better bra may not be enough and you might consider looking into options for a breast reduction procedure. Pain and discomfort don’t have to be consistent parts of your life!

The final discomfort-causing issue is a lot less straightforward. Your body changes all the time in subtle ways and breasts are susceptible to a unique set of changes. They can grow and change shape with any lifestyle adjustments or hormonal shifts, from aging to pregnancy to weight loss and/or gain. All of these things can make bras that once felt fine no longer seem that comfy. 

Solution: Pay Attention To Your Body & Remeasure Often

This issue doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. Be sure to pay attention to your own body and adjust to its needs as they arise. Update your chest measurements every so often to ensure that you’re buying the correct size bras. 

I can’t guarantee that you’ll never ask “Why are bras so uncomfortable?” again, but I hope that you’ll know exactly what’s causing your bra to act up. And now you’ll have the knowledge to fix the problem!

Now, I’m eager to add to the discourse of what women think about wearing bras. Do you think women should get to freely decide whether to wear a bra or not? Or do you think that there are situations in which a bra is non-negotiable? Share your thoughts in the comments!