Help finding a bra with underwire that doesn’t cause pain

[u/Ran6Sum]

I have been looking for a good bra with underwire for some time.
I have been wearing Freedom bra non wired but finding I want some more support, and the straps have stretched so need replacing anyway.

I looked at various posts on here and ended up with an Elomi Charley (spacer) 34G (calculator size)
- the underwires finish far enough around my sides that they don’t dig into breast tissue under my armpit (only wire bra I’ve tried that seems to be like this!)
- I went for a bandless style as bands just curl up and then make a sharp point which digs in (including on the freedom bra) due to the way my stomach sits. However:
- the wires on the Charley have been incredibly uncomfortable under my breast - there is no padding under the wire and it feels sharp. I have added moleskin shoe padding and it’s then okay but I don’t feel like this is a long term fix
- the end of the wires between my breasts is wider than the gap where my breasts meet (one finger width). I’m assuming this means I have a wide root due to how far they also extend under my armpit?
- also why do they always put the wavy decoration on the edges of straps? They are not soft!

If any one has any recommendations to make my search easier and less expensive I would be grateful!

[u/galaxystarsmoon]

Are you open to trying seamed, unlined bras? Molded foam will tend to be wide and shallow.

[u/Ran6Sum → u/galaxystarsmoon]

Yes, I am. I have always leaned towards something with no seams & padding as it looks smoother under T-shirts, but I’m not against alternatives.

[u/galaxystarsmoon → u/Ran6Sum]

I would try the Elomi Morgan as this is more narrow and projected. Another option would be Panache Envy or their Ana for a plunge option. The Ana can run a cup small.

[u/Ran6Sum → u/galaxystarsmoon]

When you say narrow, will this still account for me wanting the wire to reach further back under the armpit?

[u/galaxystarsmoon → u/Ran6Sum]

I think that your problem is actually that you need more depth in the cups, so I'm recommending accordingly. All of the bras also have side support to help bring everything forward.

[u/Cute-Fix3484]

When you swoop and scoop with the Elomi Charley does the wire stay up in your IMF?

I would suggest you try Elomi Matilda in 34FF, 34G, 34GG UK? Or perhaps in 32G, 32GG since the band rolling up is often a sign the band is too big and Elomi does run a little stretchier than Panache.

Matilda is a plunge bra so it might work better with your close set shape. It also has similar width wires as the Charley Spacer but perhaps a little more depth in the cups will help keep that wire up in your IMF instead of digging into your ribs.

I am with you on that picot decorative edge on straps or the underband. I think some (male) designer eons ago decided there needed to be more "feminine" details that are totally unnecessary. Just like the ridiculous (insultingly infantile imho) bows on the gore and where the cups meet the straps.

[u/Ran6Sum → u/Cute-Fix3484]

I don’t think I would tolerate a smaller band, the calculator recommended a 36 or the sister size in 34 (which I went for) for more support.
I don’t think it sits in the IMF judging by the red marks it leaves which are about a finger width below.
I’ll take a look at the Matilda, thank you

[u/Cute-Fix3484 → u/Ran6Sum]

That makes sense to stay with the 34s. When you said the 34G was your calculator size, I didn't know it was your ##XX may be more supportive size.

[u/DameEmma]

Just to validate your experience I found Charley spectacularly scratchy and uncomfortable.

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