Bra shopping has to be one of the most confusing experiences as a woman. We ask ourselves: what do all the different shapes do and how will they support the girls? What is the difference between t-shirt, balcony, push up, seam-free, minimizer, or soft cup bras? It’s a different totally different language.
Here we’re going to decode everything you need to know about the soft cup bra category, including what it is, the benefits and the best ones on the market.
Hint: they’re oh-so comfortable and suit many different shapes and sizes.
What Is Considered A Soft Cup Bra?
A soft-cup bra or wire-free bra is used to give shape and support the breasts without using underwire. While many women like underwire for the support it provides, others find it to be too harsh and restrictive against their bodies.
While soft-cup bras of yesteryear may not have been the most supportive, a lot of new technology in the lingerie category has meant that stitching and banding can be appropriately used to offer support without being poked by an underwire.
The most supportive part of the bra is the strap around your ribcage, so look for good quality, sturdily built bras in this area.
The good news is that without the underwire, soft-cup bras are more mouldable to the body. They are able to flatter your natural silhouette without digging in as much and are even made in cute styles these days.
What Are The Benefits Of Soft Cup Bras?
Underwire has been king for a long time, but there are many benefits to a soft cup bra if that’s what you prefer.
They tend to be:
- More comfortable
- Mould to the body for a seamless silhouette
- Can help to minimize the breast which can be great for those with a larger chest
- Easier to wash
- Brilliant for those who don’t like the feeling of pressure on the chest that underwire can give.
Can Women With Large Breasts Wear Soft Cup Bras?
While underwire is great for those with larger breasts, wire-free bras have come a long way in the support department.
Often with slightly thicker straps and rib-banding, they can still offer a lot of lift and support as a traditional bra would.
However, it is important to note that those with larger breasts may need to hunt a little further and do a little more research to find the right wire-free soft cup bra for them. The lingerie industry has a long way to go when it comes to size inclusivity, but there are definitely options out there that will support you.
Can You Wear A Soft Cup Bra To Play Sport?
While you can absolutely wear a soft-cup bra to do whichever activity it makes you feel comfortable in, it’s best to stick to bras specifically designed for sport as they have a more compressive structure designed to minimize movement. LSKD has some brilliant no-wire sports bras, as does Lululemon.
The Best Soft Cup Bras In Australia
Simone Perele Caresse Soft Cup Bra in Beige, $129.95, MYER
This wire-free bra is cute, comfortable and perfect under almost any outfit. It’s called the ‘caresse’ for a reason – it will sit alongside your skin in a way that is feather-light yet super supportive.
- Full cup style
- Partial coverage
- No padding
- Support without underwire
Elomi Cate Soft Cup Wire Free Bra, $84.95, curvy.com.au
A new edition to the brand’s lauded ‘Caitlyn’ range, the soft cup Cate is like a hug in a bra. With mesh-lace detailing and side support panelling that works like a ‘sling’ to shape the breast, you’ll feel supported but not restricted in this bra.
- Wire-free
- Back opening
- Thick straps
- Non-padded cup
Skims Fits Everybody Scoop Neck Bralette, $34, Skims
If you’re looking for the perfect bralette, it’s hard to go past this one from Skims. In multiple sizes, ultra-soft fabric and a slim-strap design, you’ll be reaching for this again and again.
- Adjustable straps
- Designed to lift
- Provides support and coverage without digging underwire
Busty Bralette, $38, Lively
Designed especially for those between D-G cups, this bra feels like you’re not wearing on and is slightly more on the sexy side with the keyhole detailing and slimmer straps. With a lot of support and hidden sling to shape, it’s a no brainer.
- Deep V neckline
- Smooth nylon cups
- Supportive inner sling
- Adjustable straps
Loveable Seamless Soft Cup Bra, $59.95, Bendon Lingerie
This moulded, foam-lined cup comes with a seam-dree design for a smooth silhouette. Known for being both sexy and seamless, this is a go-to everyday bra of dreams.
- Starts at AA cup, so a great first bra option
- Seam free fabric allows for smooth, comfortable everyday support
- Moulded foam cups with a plunging neckline and wire free support
- Seamless under band with an enclosed elastic for maximum comfort
Audrey Bralette, $54.95, Chou Chou Intimates
This bralette takes it’s inspiration from retro 1940’s designs, such as the bullet bra, but re-imagined for the modern woman. In satin and sheer mesh, she’s cute, lightweight and so comfortable.
- Vintage triangle-shaped bralette.
- Adjustable straps.
- Hook & eye fastening.
- Contrasting satin & sheer mesh.
Panache Andorra Wire-Free Full Cup Bra, $89.95, curvy.com.au
Lacy and larger-cup friendly, the Panache Andorra is a supportive non-wired bra that is both classy and feminine. Sturdy but cute, this will be one you reach for over and over again.
- Wire-free design
- Back opening
- Option for racer back
- Padded cup lining
Support Wirefree Bralette, $59, Nala
This supportive, wire free bra is good from every angle. Able to hold you in shape, sculpt your natural form it’s the comfiest friend in your wardrobe.
- Wireless construction
- Plunge neckline
- Fully lined supportive cups
- Adjustable straps
