Finding the Perfect Bra with Narrow Underwires for Close-Set Breasts

Finding the Perfect Bra with Narrow Underwires

For many women, bra shopping can be a tedious and frustrating experience. The right bra should lift, support and shape your breasts comfortably. However, those with a narrow chest or close-set breasts often struggle to find a properly fitting bra, especially one with narrow underwires that won't dig in or sit on breast tissue.

If you have struggled to find a supportive bra that doesn't poke, prod or cause discomfort, this article is for you! We'll explain what underwire width means, the challenges of close-set breasts, and review some of the best bras with narrow underwires and center gores to provide the lift and support you need.

Understanding Underwire Width

The underwire is the rigid U-shaped wiring sewn into the bottom edge of a bra. This helps to lift the breasts and distributes their weight across the chest and back. The underwire width refers to the distance between the underwires across the chest band. This measurement varies between bra styles and sizes.

Most standard underwires are too wide-set for women with close-set breasts. If the underwire extends past the breast tissue on the side, it can dig in uncomfortably. Narrow underwires, on the other hand, are designed to better accommodate close-set shapes with a shorter distance between the breasts.

Challenges of Close-Set Breasts

Women with breasts set close together often have difficulty finding a properly fitting bra. With standard bra underwires, the center piece that connects the cups, known as a center gore, is too wide and sits on breast tissue. This can be uncomfortable and cause chafing.

Wide underwire bras also tend to have a wide center gore which can be uncomfortable. The gore needs to tack (sit flush against the sternum) to provide lift and support. If the gore is too wide, it floats away from the chest, which compromises support.

Having close-set breasts also means standard bra straps are set too widely apart. This allows straps to slip off the shoulders regularly.

Getting the right fit means finding a bra tailored for close-set shapes with narrow underwires and center gores along with adjustability features like convertible straps.

Best Bras with Narrow Underwires for Close-Set Breasts

Here are some top recommended bras with narrow underwires perfect for close-set shapes:

1. Natori Feathers Contour Plunge Bra

The Natori Feathers bra is a wardrobe staple for many women with close-set shapes. This lightweight contour bra is designed with narrow underwires for a gap-free fit and a plunging neckline that works well under low-cut tops.

The Feathers bra is praised for its sheer mesh cups that mold to your shape and the thin adjustable straps that don't cut in. Reviewers say this bra offers a seamless look under clothes without skimping on support and lift.

2. Wacoal Basic Beauty T-Shirt Bra

The Wacoal Basic Beauty bra lives up to its name for everyday wear. This bra is designed with narrow underwires and easily adjustable straps to accommodate different frames.

The seamless foam cups smooth out lines under shirts and the low center gore sits flush against the sternum without taking up space. It provides light shaping and support for up to a DD cup.

3. b.tempt'd B.wow'd Push-Up Bra

For those wanting cleavage and lift, the b.tempt'd B.wow'd bra boosts your shape with push-up padding at the bottom of the foam lined demi cups. The underwire is narrow with a low center front to separate close-set breasts.

Convertible straps allow you to customize the fit and the mesh band provides anchor support without excessive coverage. This bra offers va-va-voom cleavage under low or scoop neck tops.

4. Le Mystere Dream Tisha Bra

The Le Mystere Dream Tisha bra is on the pricier side but worth it for the expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. The bra is engineered for a custom fit with narrow U-shaped underwires that lift and center close-set breasts.

The straps can be worn traditionally or crisscrossed to alleviate pulling and sliding. The smooth microfiber fabric disappears under clothing. It's a splurge piece that provides a custom lined fit.

Getting Professionally Fitted

Shopping for the perfect bra often requires getting professionally fitted, especially if you have a narrow chest or close-set shape. An experienced fitter will assess your breast shape, spacing between breasts, and chest width.

From there, they can bring different style bras for you to try on, like plunge, demi, or full coverage bras with varying underwire widths. They will check that the underwires fully encase the breast tissue without sitting on it or poking under the arms.

Professional fitters are trained to help you find the right bra for your body, no matter how frustrating bra shopping has been in the past. Don't be afraid to speak up about discomfort during a fitting - they want you to walk away with the best fitting bra.

Tips for Buying Bras with Narrow Underwires

If you can't get fitted in person, here are some tips for buying bras with narrow underwires online or on your own:

• Look for bras described as having "narrow" or "close-set" wires in plunging, demi, or balconette styles.
• Stick to your sister size if you can't find your normal size.
• Adjustable straps allow you to customize the width between straps.
• A low center gore between the cups will prevent uncomfortable poking.
• Underwires that fully encase the breast tissue will prevent poking and slipping.

Caring for Your Narrow Underwire Bras

It's important to properly care for your underwire bras to extend their lifespan. Here are some tips:

• Always hand wash in cool water using a mild detergent.
• Never put your bras in the washing machine or dryer as the heat and agitation can warp the wires.
• Completely air dry on a flat surface away from direct sunlight.
• Store in a breathable lingerie bag or neatly folded in a drawer.
• Do not fold or bunch bras to prevent the wires from warping.

Taking care of your narrow underwire bras will help maintain the fit so you get the lift and support you need while avoiding discomfort from poking wires.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

Shopping for bras can be a pain when you have a narrow chest or close-set shape. But having the right narrow underwire bra makes all the difference in comfort and support. With some knowledgeable guidance and the bras recommended here, you can find your perfect underwire free fit.

FAQs

What is the difference between a standard underwire and a narrow underwire?

A standard underwire is wider set while a narrow underwire has a shorter distance between the two underwires across the bra band. This allows a narrow underwire to better fit close-set breasts.

What underwire width should I look for?

Look for an underwire width that fully encases your breast tissue without extending past it. Generally, under 5 inches is considered a more narrow width for close-set shapes.

How can I tell if a bra underwire is too wide?

If the underwire extends past your breast tissue and pokes into your armpit area, it is likely too wide. The wire should fully encase the breast tissue only.

Should underwires touch my sternum?

Properly fitting underwires will not fully touch the sternum. There should be space between the wires in the center gore area so they do not sit on breast tissue.

How often should I replace my underwire bras?

Plan to replace underwire bras every 6-12 months. The older a bra gets, the more likely underwires are to warp or poke out of the lining over time.