I may never wear an underwire bra again
If the pandemic has been an opportunity for anything, perhaps the biggest was the freedom to unapologetically “lean in” to comfort (without necessarily sacrificing style). The past year has been all about sweatshirts, sweatpants, super-soft joggers and coordinated lounge sets—and even padding around the house in skivvies (which I would totally do if I didn’t have a 12-year-old son loitering around 24/7). Socks and slippers came back in a big way, but perhaps the most significant part of this sartorial shift has occurred in my bra drawer.
Over the past year, I’ve tossed virtually all of my underwire bras as I’ve replaced them with options that I work, hang out and even sleep in—without ever having to unclasp the back and pull the straps through my sleeves to take it off (which is usually followed by an audible sigh of relief). Aside from a few misses that I had no guilt about returning, I had three major hits that pretty much comprise my entire current bra collection.
b’tempted by Wacoal’s Future Foundation Cropped Bralette
I first bought this on the recommendation of a colleague from my NY days (and I highly suggest you sign up for her Ultimate Edit emails—they’ll give you a reason to look forward to Thursdays). After buying my first one (full price on ShopBop since I knew it would be easy to return if it didn’t work) I started stalking Nordstrom Rack and steadily built my collection for a fraction of the prince. (Although I tend to stick to neutral colors, I have no problem having a stack of these that includes pink, purple and green as well.) These are the only bras I’ll wear if I’m not going anywhere (which is pretty much all the time), and I’m convinced they help me sleep better.
Everlane’s Perform Bra
OK, this is technically a sports bra, but I sized up to a medium for a little less compression. Yes, I can lounge and sleep in it, but I can also wear it under a cardigan or button-down and let it peek out a bit just to make an actual leaving-the-house outfit a bit more interesting. And because it’s not a racerback, it’s a bit more versatile under “regular” clothes.
The Boody Bra
My Boody Bra experience was a two-parter. I first ordered the regular (unpadded) one in a size small, but I didn’t immediately fall in love because it came up a tad too high under my armpits. I came to discover that it stretches out after a few hours (which is why it’s still in the rotation) but then I decided to try the padded version in a medium—and that’s what prompted me to toss all of my sub-par bras (underwires included) that have been languishing in my lingerie drawer for almost a year. No joke, this bra is the best thing that’s ever happened to me (and my boobies) because it offers shape and support with crazy-soft fabric that I forget is even there. I can put one on after I shower (no matter what I’m wearing that day) and I don’t give it a second thought until it’s time to get dressed for a workout the next morning.
Although I still have a ways to go before I’m back to my pre-pandemic level of content, overhauling my undergarments has been the best move I’ve made in a long, long time. The way I look at it, life is too short to be uncomfortable—and I don’t ever want to deal with pulling, tugging or readjusting a bra strap again. Underwires are dead to me!
