Ladies, if you’ve come to that age where you realize that putting on a bra has gone from just another thing you do in the morning to something you struggle with, you’re not alone. The truth is, as we age, our bodies change considerably, and our breasts are no different. According to Bare Necessities Bra Fit Expert Kristyn Polin, “women over the age of 50 can experience their breast tissue becoming softer and less dense, their skin becoming more delicate, and even a loss of muscle tone that leads to more fatty tissue in the muscle," which impacts the style of bra best fit for aging bodies. So whether you’ve found your breasts have finally let gravity take over or you simply can’t find a bra that doesn’t pinch here or pull there, it can be difficult to find the best bra that fits comfortably and provides the best lift and support.
Difficult, but not impossible.
We've enlisted our team of Bra Fit Experts to share their top tips and advice when shopping online for bras for older women, along with their favorite styles for every need and body type so you can enjoy your golden years in comfort and style. But before we get into our top recommendations for your perfect bra, “the very first thing [you] should do when looking to solve any fit issue is to measure, and then measure again… for good measure” says bra expert Justina Dickens. So let’s get started in making sure your next bra fits your changing body by jumping into the most important part of finding the right bra: measuring.
So many life changes can alter the shape and size of our breasts – whether it’s pregnancy or weight changes; uneven breast shape as a result of surgery or simply aging; Not to mention, our breasts often grow during menopause. As you grow older, it might be time to revisit your bra size. If you aren’t certain what your bra size is, we’ve outlined a simple process in our guide for measuring your bra size at home so you can feel confident purchasing online. The only thing you’ll need is a soft tape measure.
If you’re still unsure whether you’ve landed on the right size, you can talk to one of our Bra Fit Experts directly, and they will help you find the best size and type of bra for your needs. Once you know your size, the fun part begins. Let’s go shopping!
As the years go by, it’s not unusual to notice gravity doing it's work, and our breasts starting to sag as a result. This almost universal experience changes how we shop for bras as we get older. “The common question I get,” notes expert Kimberly Wester “is how to lift their breasts because at ages 50, 60, 70 and 80, they are now sagging”. And it’s true! As we grow in experience we are often on the lookout for an extra boost, so when it comes to bras for sagging breasts, a little extra lift and support can go a long way.
What are some tips to achieve that extra lift and support from your bra? According to expert Christianne Bermudez, a bra will “give great support and lift when it’s in the correct size!”. Which reinforces the rule that measuring is the most important step to finding your perfect bra. Beyond a well-fitting bra however, “unlined styles give more lift and a more rounded shape than lined styles,” explains Christianne. Plus, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for styles that have “side support or a vertical seam [which] allows for support and shaping in the cup, creating a more rounded and projected silhouette," says Brandi Macholl.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best bras for sagging breasts as recommended by our resident Bra Experts:
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Wacoal Elevated Allure Seamless Lift Bra As important as getting the appropriate lift from your bra is, this bra’s supportive full-coverage cups lift the bustline up to one whole inch - making it the perfect companion to sagging breasts. Even better, this bra also has a seamless design so you don’t have to worry about your bra showing out under your clothes.
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Wacoal Elevated Allure Wire-Free Bra Love the idea of seamless lift but don’t want to have to think about an underwire? This is the wire-free version of the seamless lift bra and it’s every bit as comfortable as you can imagine.
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Chantelle Rive Gauche Side Support Bra This support bra is lightweight and delivers full coverage. It comes in 5 beautiful colors, embellished with a semi-sheer stretch lace and is “very supportive yet soft,” says one of our reviewers. “I have used these bras for the last 10 years!”
Many older women with larger breasts tend to choose full coverage side support bras. Side support bras usually have three or more parts to the cup with a vertical seam and thicker materials that hold everything in place, and provide comfortable lift.
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Fantasie Reflect Side Support Bra Just because you’re looking for extra support and lift doesn’t mean your bra can’t also be a beautiful reflection of you. This stunning bra showcases a 4-sectioned multi-layered cup that promotes lift while featuring an elegant silhouette decorated with gorgeous lace along the top of the cup. A great option for those with a fuller bust.
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Fantasie Fusion Side Support Bra The mesh chic sister to the Fantasie Reflect Side Support Bra, this well-loved bra boasts hundreds of 5-star reviews to go alongside its playful color range, comfortable semi-sheer microfiber, and super supportive 4-part double layer cups that help to shape your breasts and decrease the appearance of sagging.
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Freya Offbeat Side Support Bra Also available for larger-breasted senior women, the Offbeat Side Support Bra offers full coverage but with thinner straps. If you’re looking for a bra that is both supportive and sexy, this is the one for you. Cup sizes start at DD, and it’s available in 6 beautiful colors of comfy stretch lace.
Here are the bras that come top recommended by our Bra Fit Experts for plus size women:
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Elomi Cate Side Support Bra The Elomi Cate Side Support bra is one of our most popular and trusted styles by our Bra Fit Experts and customers alike. With over 800 5-star reviews from customers, this beautifully embroidered full cup bra provides lift, shape, and support, making it a “must-have bra,” says one of our reviewers. Check out the Elomi Cate Side Support Wire-Free Bra for the same support without the wire.
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Goddess Keira Satin Side Support Bra Another fan favorite and great option for plus sizes, the Goddess Keira full coverage underwire bra provides unparalleled lift and has a higher center gore that separates breasts. A review from one of our customers says it all: “Best bra I’ve had in years.” Plus—you guessed it—we carry the Keira Side Support Wire-Free Bra too.
Not as concerned about lift and just want to feel comfortable? Keep reading for some of our most comfortable all-day bra options.
Let’s face it, at this age, comfort seems to be the most important thing to a lot of us women when choosing a bra. Consider something lightweight that won’t dig into your underarms, breasts, or ribs since “as we age our skin thins and causes more sensitivity to snug bands and specific textures or kinds of fabrics,” says expert Christine Cocco. "A lot of women will opt for a bigger band in these cases, ask about the fabric used in the bras, and convert from underwire to wire-free styles."
If you're looking for a traditional bra that is great for all-day wear, our Bra Fit Experts recommend checking out these styles:
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Anita Rosa Faia Twin Seamless Comfort Bra The most common word used from our customers' feedback about this bra is "comfortable". Seamless and unlined, it offers more lift and rounded shape than lined styles and remains undetectable under your clothing. This underwire bra also comes in a wire-free option. "[Both] are great for all-day wear and work on almost all breast shapes and fit well on a variety of sizes," says our experts.
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Wacoal Perfect Primer Bra There's a reason this bra has hundreds of 5-star reviews. Like the above, this bra is great for all-day everyday wear, as the seamless microfiber fabric feels silky smooth on the skin, while hidden built-in inner slings provide a flattering lift. While the underwire is encased in a comfortable, double-layer fabric, this bra also comes in a wire-free option for those looking for extra comfort.
Struggling with how difficult it can be to put on a back-clasp bra? Never fear, we’ve got some bras just for that.
If there’s an unsung hero of your lingerie drawer it’s the front-closure bra. Chiefly because, as noted by expert Christine Cocco, “It’s common for women, as they age, to lose shoulder mobility and flexibility which will drive them toward front-close options.” Front-closure bras are the solution to tricky clasps and morning contortions while attempting to put on a bra as they fasten easily, making your morning routine a breeze instead of a struggle.
So whether you’re just getting started into the wonderful world of front-close bras or if you’ve been loving them for a while, here are some of our top recommendations:
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Glamorise WonderWire Front-Close Bra Well-loved and with a wide range of options available in a large bust range, this bra has almost 1,500 positive reviews that make it—by far—one of the best choices on this list. More than closing in the front, this bra also has built in padding along the underwire which makes it extra comfortable and prevents wire poke.
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Bali Comfort Revolution Front-Close T-Shirt Bra Everyone needs a t-shirt bra; they’re seamless, comfortable, cute, and made to shape and mold your breasts. Plus, with this particular bra, which is accompanied by hundreds of positive reviews, you won’t have to hassle to put it on to achieve that look - it’s easy!
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Glamorise Front-Close Cotton T-Back Wire-Free Comfort Bra A bra that’s designed to pamper you in comfort all day, this wire-free bra doesn’t only close in the front, it also has an unlined stretch cup that accommodates changing or uneven breasts.
If traditional bras aren’t your thing, or if you need smaller sizes, another supportive and comfortable option is a sports bra.
We know what you’re thinking, and no… you don’t have to be active to wear a sports bra. As a matter of fact, sports bras now come with different levels of support, and can be worn every day. They tend to be some of the best bras for sagging breasts without underwire; although, some do have underwires if you’re looking for extra support.
Sports bras come in low-impact, medium-impact and high-impact based on activity level. The higher the impact level of a sports bra, the more support it will give. So, if you’re looking for a sports bra to replace your everyday bras and give you more support and comfort, consider the low-impact sports bras.
Here are three low-impact sports bras for older women:
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Glamorise Custom Control Wire-Free Sports Bra This wire-free sports bra can be worn every day to give you the support you’re looking for without the constriction or contouring of a side support bra. The adjustable front panel allows you to control the level of compression, and it comes in a wide range of cup sizes.
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Glamorise Zip-Up Front-Close Wire-Free Sports Bra Not only does this bra give great support, but it’s also a front-close bra, which means no more reaching behind you to get your clasps closed or fighting to get tight bras over your head. Cup sizes start at B, and this bra comes in three colors.
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Natori Yogi Underwire Sports Bra This bra offers full coverage as well as underwires for additional support. It also has adjustable straps to help you get the perfect size. Cup sizes start at B, and this bra comes in nine colors.
If you're looking for a "barely there" feel, a bralette is one of the best alternatives to bras for older women. They are incredibly lightweight and offer the full-coverage you’re looking for without constricting bands and materials. Think of a bralette like an undershirt, but fitted to your breasts and focused on your bust. They also come in many different styles, designs, fabrics, and colors to give you even more options to work with.
Here are three bralettes that are perfect for senior women looking for alternatives to bras:
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Maidenform Pure Comfort Wire-Free Halter Bralette This bralette has class and function, as well as comfort. It provides coverage as well as support. What more could you ask more from a bra without an underwire? It’s available in four neutral colors including nude, black and white, so it’s versatile with any outfit.
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OnGossamer Cabana Cotton Bralette This bralette offers a little less coverage but is made with breathable cotton, making it moisture-wicking and ultra-comfortable. Available in seven colors, the Cabana Cotton Bralette is super versatile.
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Parfait Dalis Bralette If you’re looking for maximum coverage along with your comfort, the Dalis bralette is for you. This modal and spandex bralette is stretchy and comfortable, while providing shape with unlined, wire-free cups built in. It’s available in nine colors and a wide range of sizes.
Ultimately, the style of bra you choose will be based on your shape and size, preferences, and lifestyle. Check out our Bra Finder to shop our selection of bras based on a short quiz to help us find the best bras suited to your body, your style, and your life. As always, if you’d like one-on-one help with finding the perfect bra size and style for you, reach out to our Bra Fit Experts.