What Is a Wireless Bra

Variety is the spice of life, right? But sometimes so much choice can be overwhelming. When it comes to bras, there definitely are a lot of options to navigate…

From padded to unpadded, molded cups, full cup, half cup or demi-cup, push-up to minimizer, the choices go on and on. But one of the biggest choices you’ll need to make is whether you want to wear a wireless bra or an underwire bra.

Never fear, we’re going to break it all down...

What Is a Wireless Bra vs. Underwire Bra?

Wireless bras (which can also be known as soft cup bras) feature no wire, but rely on the cut of the fabric and stitching to create shape and provide support. This may take the form of a larger band (longline bra) or an inner sling to support the bra’s soft cups. 

Wireless bras provide support and shape, but think of them as enhancing rather than dramatically changing your natural shape.

Underwire Bras

On the flip side, underwire bras (or wired bras) have sturdy metal or plastic wire beneath the cup of each breast. This wire is usually sewn into the bra with extra fabric around it so that it feels more comfortable. 

The goal of the underwire is to lift your breasts away from the wall of your chest and give each breast a defined shape.

What Are Some of the Advantages of Wireless Bras?

A Wireless Bra Is Just More Comfortable to Wear Than an Underwired Bra

Wireless bras simply win on comfort when compared to underwired bras. 

Now, granted, many women who find underwire bras uncomfortable are wearing the wrong size. But even when you’re wearing the right size, underwires are more prone to dig into your ribs and generally feel more constricting than a soft cup alternative. 

A wire free bra is consistently considered the most comfortable choice.

A Wireless Bra Is a Better Bra for Circulation Than an Underwired Bra

While the idea that wearing underwires causes breast cancer has been debunked, underwire bras can still be quite constrictive and cut off circulation, especially if you’re wearing the wrong size. 

A wireless bra is just more flexible and allows you to move, expand, and contract without causing constriction. This way, if you wear a wireless bra, it won’t impede lymph drainage or circulation.

A Wire Free Bra Makes a Better Sports Bra

Most sports bras are wire free. This is because when you need to move and perform physically you need maximum comfort and flexibility. 

This may be surprising to some, who think that an underwire is required for support (and you need a lot of support when running and jumping). 

But the construction of a sports bra is different from an everyday bra; the fabrics are often thicker and contain more elastic. So even without a wire, a sports bra can give you that support.

A Wireless Bra Is Better to Wear During Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant (especially if you’re carrying high), post-pregnancy or breastfeeding, you will likely find that a soft cup bra vs. a wired bra is way more comfortable to wear. Many pregnant women prefer to wear a wireless type of bra—rather than an underwired bra—for comfortable support.

And a Better Bra for Sleeping or Post Surgery

If you’ve had surgery or sleep with a bra, a wire free bra should be your choice. A wireless bra can provide enough support, without causing discomfort or restricting circulation as with underwired bras.

What’s the Difference Between a Wireless Bra and a Bralette?

A wireless bra, or soft cup bra, is designed to give you support and shape (albeit without the help of a wire). A wireless bralette is really just a crop top (usually made of light, smooth fabric or lace, often in nude shades); not a bra. It doesn’t usually aim to offer support, just a little coverage. 

A bralette is an ideal stepping stone for women who want to try going completely braless but want enough coverage. If you want a bra with support, a bralette may not contend.

Are Wireless/Soft Cup Bras Supportive?

Soft cup bras are designed to provide support, just not in the same way as an underwire bra. Underwires encircle each breast individually and pull them away from the chest, separating and lifting them. How supportive a wireless bra is depends on its design and the cut of fabric. 

How Does a Wireless Bra Support Your Breasts?

Even with underwire bras, not all the support comes from the wire. The shoulder straps, bands, and hook and eye closure also do significant work in underwired bras. Some wireless bras have an inner sling that lifts your breasts and power mesh lining. 

Other types of wireless bra rely on extra fabric on the band and adjustable straps. And some—like sports bras—simply have more fabric all over, and are made of thicker, more elastic fabric with supportive straps.

Do Wireless Bras Come in Larger Sizes?

It is one of the most common misconceptions that larger breast sizes (C cup sizes and above) absolutely require an underwire. 

Wire free bras have actually come a long way and you can find a wireless bra alternative for every size. For example, Knix wireless bras fit every size from 32A to 42G.

Are There Style and Strap Choices With Wireless Bras?

There’s a similar assortment of wireless bra style options as there are for underwire bras. These include:

• Straps and construction: Push-up, strapless bra, racerback style, adjustable straps, and more styles of wireless bra are available for every bra size
• Cup shape: Full cup, demi-cup or half-cup styles of wireless bra are available for any cup size and breast shape, from smaller busts to large busts
• Padding: Both wireless bras and wired bras are available either with or without padding or molded cups
• Design variety: Whether you like your bra frilly, sexy, and luxurious or practical and basic for everyday wear (think a seamless design), you’ll be able to satisfy your style with either type (i.e., wireless bra or underwired bra) in a variety of bra sizes 

Which Bra Style Is Easier to Care For?

Generally, wireless bras are much easier to care for than underwired bras. 

Of course, depending on the material, a wireless style can require a hand wash just like an underwired bra. But odds are greater that your wireless bra can be washed in your washing machine. This is because without a wire to bend and buckle, the bras can withstand the machine’s force. 

That said, we do advise following some tips for machine washing a non wired bra.

Steps for Machine Washing Your Wireless Bra

Here are the steps to follow if you’re opting for the washing machine for your non wired bra:

Step 1: Fasten All the Hooks/Clasps

Hooks and clasps can catch on other items of clothing, which can cause a lot of stretching, pulling, and even breakage of your non wired bras. So make sure you fasten all the clasps to minimize the chances of that happening.

Step 2: Place the Bras in a Mesh Bag/Lingerie Bag

A mesh bag or lingerie bag is great for keeping delicates (underwear, socks, tights) contained in the laundry and protected from tangling with less delicate garments.

Step 3: Separate Your Colors/Weights

As always with laundry, you want to take a moment to separate your colors (white, black and colors). You can also separate your loads by weight, including bras with other lighter items, like t shirts, socks, underwear etc. rather than heavier objects like bed linens, jeans, and sweatshirts.

Step 4: Choose a Gentle Cycle

Make sure to set your machine on a gentle cycle or cold water cycle when you’re washing undergarments or other delicates such as a non wired bra.

Why Would Anybody Still Wear an Underwire?!

Underwire bras do also offer additional support. If you fall into larger cup sizes and want lift from a wireless bra, you’ll need to pay extra attention to the fabric and the cut of the bra to see where that support comes from. With underwire bras, you know you’ll be getting additional support from that wire for larger busts.

That said, wireless bras really do have a lot going for them! The great news is you don’t have to choose one or the other all the time. Many women enjoy an assortment of bra styles, colors, and shapes to shake up the mix and tailor their bra for their outfit, and even their mood! But, in our opinion, a wireless bra should definitely be part of your mix!

Written by Jane Flanagan — Updated on March 1, 2022.

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.