What Are the Most Common Causes of Bra Irritation?

Undergarments like bras spend all day in direct contact with some of the most sensitive skin on our bodies, so if bra discomfort is an issue for you, you’re not alone. You don’t have to simply accept bra chafing and other forms of discomfort as part of your life, though.

There are bra options out there designed with your ultimate comfort in mind. It’s simply a matter of knowing where to look.

At Evelyn & Bobbie, we believe that no woman should have to suffer to enjoy the support she needs. Here we’ll touch on some of the most common types of bra discomfort, as well as explore how EB bras help take them out of the equation for good.

 What Causes Bra Irritation?

Everyone’s body is different, so there’s no one reason why your bra might be irritating your skin. However, common possibilities include skin allergies, bra fit issues, or reactions to certain bra materials. Do any of the following examples sound familiar?

• Unbeatable support that you don’t have to worry about matching with a separate tank
• Staying cooler during warm weather or low impact physical activity
• Simplifying numerous outfits by requiring fewer layers
• Your breasts feel squished or crowded when wearing a bra.
• Your bras make you look like there’s a watermelon or similar object under your shirt.
• Health issues related to chronic pain and bra-related shoulder strain

• Thongs are the most efficient option to reach for when you don’t want to risk ruining your outfit with visible panty lines.
• Thongs are terrific solutions for women who prefer a “barely there” approach to underwear.
• Thongs can be elegant, feminine, and distinctive ways to add some pop to your lingerie collection.
• Poor fit, due to issues related to band size, cup size, and improper fittings
• Inadequate support, especially in wire-free options
• Health issues related to chronic pain and bra-related shoulder strain

Your bra doesn’t fit you properly

Although some women simply assume that bras fit badly by definition, this isn’t true. It’s estimated that up to 80 percent of women unknowingly wear the wrong size bra, and that can easily lead to bra irritation problems.

Bras that are too small often squeeze, pinch, or dig, sometimes leaving painful, unsightly welts or causing bra rash. Bras that are too big tend to move around and rub against the skin, often causing perpetual irritation.

Some bra types – like racerback bras – can also cause back, neck, or shoulder pain due to design flaws that overtax delicate trapezius muscles instead of relying on the band to support breast weight. (“Straps off the traps” is a good rule of thumb to follow when considering bra style.)

You may be prone to sweat rashes

No woman needs to be told that boob sweat is totally a thing, and excessive moisture buildup can sometimes cause skin irritation. This is especially the case if you tend to sweat a lot, are very active, or live somewhere hot and humid. Bras that don’t breathe well, don't fit properly, or have underwires can exacerbate this problem and even lead to skin infections if you’re not careful.

You have skin allergies

Allergens aren’t limited to pollen and dust that leave you coughing and sneezing. Skin allergies are also common, and many women unwittingly wear bras that contain elements they’re allergic to.

Skin allergies can also develop over time or appear out of the blue, so you shouldn't assume allergies can't become a factor in the future simply because you don't have them now. Common allergens frequently found in bra fabrics, clasps, or underwires include nickel, copper, and latex.

Poor bra hygiene is an issue

Not washing bras often enough can also cause or contribute to bra irritation. Dead skin, body oil, and sweat can become trapped in bra fabric or underneath underwires, providing an ideal environment for yeasts, bacteria, and other microorganisms to thrive.

Ideal washing frequency for bras isn’t an exact science, but most experts recommend washing yours once every three wearings or so. It’s also a good idea to rotate your bras so that they have time to air out between wear sessions.

What kind of bra is best for under-breast irritation?

Intertrigo – the medical term for rashes that appear under the breast – can be caused or exacerbated by bra fit problems and materials that trap moisture.

If this is an issue for you, make sure you’re going for bras that fit and support you properly. Choose materials that breathe well or feature moisture-wicking technology to minimize potential problems.

Reframe how you view support

Evelyn and Bobbie bras are proof positive that a bra doesn’t have to be restrictive, binding, or full of uncomfortable components to support you. You can experience the best support of your life while remaining comfortable and enjoying a full range of motion when you know where to look for it, and Evelyn & Bobbie has you covered.

Ready to experience an entirely new way to take care of your breast health while enjoying incredible comfort, support, and style? Shop our collection of wire-free bras today, and prepare to be amazed.

Level Up with an Evelyn & Bobbie Bra

Evelyn & Bobbie bras aren’t just supportive and elegant. We’ve specially designed them to minimize common bra discomfort issues and take irritation off the table for good. Here’s a brief rundown of how our bras do things differently:

• Quality materials: We believe in the significance of quality materials at Evelyn & Bobbie, and it shows. Our bras are made from innovative, buttery smooth fabric that’s soft, non-irritating, and super comfy thanks to its 4-way stretch feature.
• Allergen-free: EB bras are nickel-free, BPA-free, copper-free, latex-free, and hypoallergenic all around to keep even sensitive skin feeling fantastic.
• Wire-free support: EB bras swap uncomfortable, irritating underwires and uncomfortable designs for our innovative EB Core® technology for unbeatable support you’ll love. Yes, even for women who are curvy, plus-sized, or have larger busts!
• Moisture-wicking technology: The fabric and seams in your favorite EB bras feature built-in moisture-wicking capabilities and anti-microbial properties that minimize bra irritation related to moisture build-up.

Ready to say goodbye to bra irritation for good and level up when it comes to comfort? Evelyn & Bobbie wireless bras are made with high-quality, allergen-free fabrics to keep you happily comfortable and supported all day long. Explore our catalog today!