What Are the Benefits of an Underwire Bra?

    An underwire bra is a bra with a semi-circular wire sewn into the bottom of each bra cup. Underwire can be metal, plastic or any hard material that can be comfortably built into the cup of the bra. Underwire bras are available in a variety of styles, sizes and materials. They provide several benefits, although some styles were designed to showcase one particular benefit more than the others.

Support

    The primary purpose and most significant benefit of an underwire bra is to provide breast support. Supportive bras help to keep the breasts stable and comfortable during daily activities. Almost all underwire bras provide some level of support, although certain underwire styles were designed specifically for this function. Full support bras and strapless bras are two examples.

Lift

    Underwire is incorporated into several bras designed specifically to lift breasts and prevent sagging. These styles include push-up and shelf style bras. Push-up bras are designed with an underwire and padding centered under each cup to lift the breasts. Shelf bras are composed of underwire along a narrow strip of material that lifts but does not cover the breasts.

Shape

    Underwire bras also offer many breast-shaping benefits that vary depending on the style of bra. Styles including demi, padded and minimizing bras are designed to shape breasts. Demi bras are half-cup bras with a horizontal bust line, intended to increase cleavage and create a framing effect. The half-cup style also allows the bra to be worn under garments with a low-cut neckline. Padded bras are designed to provide a fuller shape for smaller breasts, while minimizing styles are intended to shape and compress larger breasts.