What is the Difference Between a Wireless Bra and a Bralette?

Did you know the first documented case of a bra was two handkerchiefs worn together under an evening dress? That was in 1914 when Mary Phelps Jacob patented the “modern brassiere.”

The publisher and socialite who went by the name Caresse Crosby was also an activist. How’s that for a wicked dose of irony considering women’s relationship with the tortuous contraption?

From the poking underwire to the ill-fitting cup, the underwear that marked a turning point in feminist history became a point of contention.

Now, decades later, thanks to design innovations, women are having their voices heard. Down with underwired bras!

Choices. We have so many of them. You’d think it would be easier to decide between a wireless bra and a bralette. If confusion is keeping you from purchasing new bras, don’t worry. We’ve got you.

Wireless Bras

Recommended for bigger busted women, wire free bras give more support and comfort. Oh, and no, they don’t come with an underwire.

You’re probably asking, where does the support come from? Most wireless bras are made with full coverage support, from the cup design to the fabric used.

The wonder of the wireless bra is that wearing it feels like a second skin. The fabric molds to your body shape the more you wear it.

Why You Should Switch to Wireless Bras

We know too well that feeling of underwire ripping through your favorite sweater or that pinching sensation under the left boob.

Because of their comfort and flexibility, wireless bras are preferred by pregnant and breastfeeding moms. They give a sense of freedom without having to struggle with a newborn and tender breasts.

Women who have undergone medical procedures  or suffer from sore and sensitive breasts should consider investing in a few wireless bras. The Defy Bra for instance reduces shoulder and neck pain, says women’s underwear brand Evelyn Bobbie.

Underwire Bras Cause Cancer? It’s a Myth

Before we jump on the cancer theory bandwagon, let's settle it once and for all. Social media has done its part in spreading misinformation.

TikTok is one platform pandering false narratives and Dr Liz O’Riordan has had enough. While penning an op-ed for the Huffington Post, she said the statement that underwired bras cause dangerous toxins to build up in the breast was the furthest from the truth.

Referencing the 1995 book Dressed to Kill: The Link between breast cancer and bras, Dr O’Riordan quickly poured cold water on the claim.

A breast cancer survivor, she said the idea was borne from the notion that underwire presses on breast tissue. This would block the lymph system and lead to a build-up of toxins. And this is supposedly why women develop breast cancer.

Using science to debunk the claim, Dr O’Riordan explained that lymph fluid does not contain cancerous toxins. Secondly, bra underwire don’t block lymph drainage.

She concluded there was no evidence to prove that underwire bras caused breast cancer.

Bralettes

Bralettes come in various shapes and sizes. Most athletes opt for sports bralettes due to their lightweight design.

They help retain the natural shape of the breasts, and unlike some wireless bras, they don’t contain heavy padding.

Worn as an everyday bra, women who are confident in their skin, don them as crop tops during summer as a trendy statement piece .

For women with smaller busts, bralettes are a godsend. The stretchy fabric enables more freedom of movement, making them perfect for rigorous exercises or yoga.

Also, if you’re prone to blood circulation issues, you might want to add a bralette or two to your underwear drawer.

Are Bralettes Big on Support?

To answer the question, not really. Anything from a C cup and upwards would be fruitless. There is a cheat sheet, says bra expert Jené Luciani.

When shopping for a bralette that offers maximum support, opt for a 3-part cup with a seam down the front of each cup. A wider band and higher spandex content count as measurable support, Luciani told Real Simple.

What if I Don’t Wear a Bra At All?

Nothing of importance will happen. Once again, misinformation rules. But first a quick lesson on breast anatomy.

Breast tissue is anchored to the chest wall. This is the only source of stability, says women’s health expert Dr Sherry Ross . During an interview with Shape, she explained a bra is essential for exercising. They might bounce around or even hurt with the strenuous activity.

And when it comes to the rest of the day? Will going braless encourage sagging? Dr Ross’s short answer is yes. The job of a bra is to keep your tatas in place with cup support. If you don’t wear a bra for the long term, the breast tissue will stretch and eventually sag.

On the other end of the argument is breast surgeon Dr Andrea Madrigrano. She believes sagging occurs based on breast density. For the smaller-breasted gang, there’s no benefit of wearing a bra.

Now that you’ve got the low-down on wireless bras and bralettes, you’ll be more confident in your choices. Happy shopping!