Are you short? Having problems finding a comfortable bra? A bra that doesn't stab your armpits? Or have cups that nearly reach your neck?
These problems can occur if you are short-statured, have a short torso, or simply have a short distance from your shoulders to armpits. You can also have problems with underwire digging if your cup size is too small.
The problem is twofold. First, each bra manufacturer has a different system for sizing their bra wires up and down. That can also mean that the same size in brand A may not fit in brand B. Some brand wires tend to run shorter in general, including Freya, Curvy Kate, and Fantasie. Panache, Chantelle, and Wacoal tend to be longer (with a couple of exceptions).
Secondly, wire lengths and shapes vary depending on the bra style. For example demi-cup and balcony bras have shorter wires. The cups are smaller, so the wires will also be shorter, have a flatter shape, and not come up as high under your arms. Plunge bra wires are closer to a banana shape, pushing your tissue away from your arms and towards the center of your body.
On the other hand, strapless bras will, generally, be a problem. The wires are U-shaped, and extra-long. Longer wires are necessary to provide support without straps but are more likely to stab shorter women.
The wire on the beige balconette Cleo Juna bra on the left is 9.25 inches long. The black Freya Fancies bra in the middle, which is a plunge style, has a wire that measures 9.13 inches. Meanwhile, the wire on the strapless Wacoal 85119 on the right is 10.31 inches.
Remember, these bras are all technically the "same" size!
Fit Note
I have pulled sample wire lengths from Bratabase's database.While it doesn't have every bra in every size, it is a good way to get a general sense of whether a particular bra has long or short wires. Note the measurements there are in centimeters, but I have converted them here.
The 36:5 at the link equals size 36DD.
I have also listed wire lengths for a representative size next to each bra.
Average Figure Bras with Short Wires That Won't Stab Your Armpits
It's got low sides, and an angled wire, so nothing will dig into your sides or under your arms. Another comfort bonus: it's bandless and has an arched center, which is great for people with short torsos or larger tummies.
US sizes 32A-C, 34-40 B-D in white, sand, black/beige, and several blue, pink, red, and berry fashion prints. Wire length for size 34B is 6.81 inches.
A bra that will lift your bust as well as your mood. Elegant enough for a honeymoon or special occasion, or just because it's Tuesday and you want to treat yourself. The wires on its sister brand (Wacoal) tend to run long, but this is an exception. Also, b. tempt'd is smaller overall than its sister brand. so you may want to size up in both cup and band.
Full Bust Bras with Short Wires That Won't Stab You
A great bra with fantastic support, especially if you are full-busted. It's perfect for summer t-shirts and fitted tops. Since there are no bows, frills, or lacy bits, nothing will show under your clothing.
It's got a touch of padding to keep you smooth without adding size or bulk.
The arched center panel is more comfortable for short torsos. It's also great if you have a large stomach.
Available in black and beige (plus a few limited fashion colors) in UK sizes 28-36GG, 38B-38G. The wire for size 36DD is 9.5 inches long.
No boring bra here. The sheer mesh, guipure lace, and delicate trim on the cup edges are stunning.
And it's not just a "pretty face." Multi-part cups, power mesh, and clever seaming add great support and lift, even in large cup sizes. The plunge neckline is perfect for shorter bodies (those angled wires), without being heavy or ending up near your neck.
Comes in black and bright blue in UK sizes 28-38D-H. The wire on size 30FF (sister size US 36DD) is 9.76 inches long. While the cup volume is the same, I do not recommend buying the 36DD if you need the 30FF. The band will be far too big. Available in sizes 28-38 D-H.
If you'd rather have a molded (aka t-shirt bra) try this one from the same Freya collection. It won't show under your clothes, but it still has plenty of style.
There's guipure lace under the cups and a satin ribbon between them. It's also got powermesh for support.
The straps are fully adjustable (great for shorter bodies), and adjust in the center so it's easier to get the right length. Other great short torso features include bandless styling, and an arched center.
Available in beige, black, bright blue, and taupe in UK sizes 28D-H, 30D-HH, 32D-HH, 34B-HH, 36B-H, and 38B-G.
The wire length for this bra in 30FF (36DD sister size) is 10.6 inches. Again, do not try to sister size from 30FF to 36DD. It won't fit.
This bra is sheer, unpadded, and super-sexy. The seamed cups lift and shape for a rounded look.
Comes in lemon, black, latte, sangria, and cantaloupe in UK sizes 30-40 D-J. The cup is running small, so sister size up a cup (and then down a band) for a better fit.
The larger cup sizes aren't quite as supportive. Also, it has wide-set straps, which are great for square neck tops, but not for narrow shoulders.
The wire for size 32DD is 7.67 inches. Note this is a smaller reference size than most of the other bras in this section.
A smooth, elegant bra enhanced with delicate embroidery under the cups. The neckline plunges so it won't show even under tops with deep V necklines.
The cups have just enough padding for modesty, without making you look larger. And, they stretch for a better fit. This is especially helpful if one side is larger than the other.
Since the straps are fully adjustable, you can get them just the right length (important when you are short).
Comes in beige, mauve, and black, with some fashion colors, in sizes 30D-DDD, 32C-G, 34-38B-G, and 40C-DDD (US sizes). The wire for size 36DD is 10 inches.
This bra is lightweight and elegant, with plenty of holding power. Stretchy lace along the top of the cups, plus elastic on the band and sides, mold to your body for a custom fit. It fastens with a unique "gate" design. This keeps the bra in place with only a single hook.
The straps are wide set (not for narrow shoulders), and fully adjustable.
Full Figure Bras with Short Wires
Matilda's plunging neckline, side support panels, and short wires are ideal for curvy figures. It won't poke! There's elastic on the edges and front for a custom fit. The arched center and bandless style are also more comfortable if you have a large stomach.
UK sizes 32GG-K. 34GG-K, 36DD-K, 38DD-K, 40D-K, 42DD-HH, 44DD-G, and 46DD. The wire in UK size 42DD is 10.5 inches long.
Yes, you can have both comfort and good looks (even in larger sizes). Plus a welcome burst of color and glamour. The tops of the cups are embroidered with mesh lace for an elegant look, with a sheer diamond design on the lower half. The lower section is lined (so you don't show through). A plunging neckline is great for V-neck tops.
It's got a leotard back (to minimize strap slippage). And, there's also a J-hook so you can wear it in standard or racerback style.
Comes in navy, jet, black, black with floral design, honeysuckle pink, and blue/green in UK sizes 32GG-JJ, 36-40 DD-JJ, 42DD-HH, 44E-G, and 46DD. The wire in size 42DD is 10.66 inches long.
Bras simplified. This one is pared down to the essentials, but with a bonus — the straps can be worn criss-crossed or standard. It's constructed with extra-soft fabric so it won't itch, scratch, or irritate your skin.
Plus, it's lightly padded for modesty. And, at only 2 3/4 inches, the sides are particularly low, so they won't rub against your underarms. US sizes 34-38 B-DD, 40C-DD, and 42C in berry, mauve, and grey. The wire in size 38DD is 11.2 inches long.
Petite Bras with Short Wires (and Small Cups)
Fit Note
Petite bras are designed specifically for smaller-framed people. The wires are shorter, the cups are smaller and closer together, and the entire bra is scaled down.If you are both a small cup size and either short-statured or have a small frame and rib cage, they will fit you better than standard bras.
Do not buy these if you are just an A or B cup. They will not fit properly.
A rare push-up exception, the Wacoal Petite Lace Embrace bra is a smooth, low-cut bra designed to maximize smaller figures. It also comes in hard to find AA sizes.
Pared down and simple, with no frills or fluff, this bra is ideal for smaller bodies. The convertible straps allow you to wear it lots of different ways. It's a plunge style, with light padding, for better cleavage. It won't show even under low-cut tops. This is best if your breasts are closer-set (try Yvonne if you are wide-set).
If you'd prefer something more elegant, and also have wider-set breasts, try Yvonne. The cups are seamless, so they won't show under clingy shirts, but they are embellished with beautiful lace along the band and on the convertible straps.
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