Navigating the quest for a well-fitted, supportive bra can be quite the challenge—especially when that bra is the sole garment among a clutter of misshapen options. However, with consistent use, there’s no avoiding the inevitable wear and tear, and it’s only a matter of time before the everyday bra shows the signs of a failing undergarment—the busted underwire.
Fabric degradation is a given, yet it doesn’t make the discomfort of a broken underwire bra any less tolerable. “Fabric has a lifespan that depends on how you wear and clean it,” explains Laetitia Lecigne, the creative director at Jockey. Thankfully, there’s a quick fix at home to alleviate the discomfort of an underwire piercing through and irritating sensitive skin.
If the underwire is irreparably snapped, it’s time to invest in new undergarments. But if you’re reluctant to part with your trusted bra, follow this detailed guide to mending a broken underwire for continued use.
1. needle
2. upholstery thread
3. one-inch piece of duct tape
4. clear nail polish
Start by slightly pulling out the sticking-out underwire, making sure 2-3 inches of the wire is visible beyond the tear. Secure the end of the wire with a one-inch strip of duct tape wrapped around the metal tip to prevent it from tearing through the fabric again after being repaired. Carefully guide the wire back through the fabric hole until it’s back in its proper place. Thread the needle with a 6-8 inch length of heavy-duty upholstery thread, which is more robust than regular string. Sew the fabric gap shut, knotting the thread once the seam is sealed. To keep the stitch from unraveling, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish over the seam, allowing it to dry before wearing.
Start by slightly pulling out the sticking-out underwire, making sure 2-3 inches of the wire is visible beyond the tear.
Secure the end of the wire with a one-inch strip of duct tape wrapped around the metal tip to prevent it from tearing through the fabric again after being repaired.
Carefully guide the wire back through the fabric hole until it’s back in its proper place. Thread the needle with a 6-8 inch length of heavy-duty upholstery thread, which is more robust than regular string. Sew the fabric gap shut, knotting the thread once the seam is sealed. To keep the stitch from unraveling, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish over the seam, allowing it to dry before wearing.
Understanding that an underwire might break through the fabric of an aging bra is one thing. However, if your bra is relatively new, there are two potential explanations for this.
The first is that your bra may not be the right size, causing the fabric to be pulled unevenly and leading to a tear, particularly if the bra is too small. The second reason could be that you haven’t been taking proper care of your bra when washing it. The next time, skip the washing machine and hand-wash your bra using these steps:
Blot any stains with soap and warm water, then gently rub. We suggest using The Laundress Delicate Wash. Submerge the bra in warm water for a few minutes and gently massage the soap into the fabric.
Avoid washing your bras in hot water, as it can weaken the fabric and shorten their lifespan. Rinse the bra under the faucet to remove all the suds. Gently squeeze the bra against a towel to remove excess water and lay it flat to dry.
Blot any stains with soap and warm water, then gently rub. We suggest using The Laundress Delicate Wash. Submerge the bra in warm water for a few minutes and gently massage the soap into the fabric.
Avoid washing your bras in hot water, as it can weaken the fabric and shorten their lifespan. Rinse the bra under the faucet to remove all the suds. Gently squeeze the bra against a towel to remove excess water and lay it flat to dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your underwire has snapped into two pieces, you’ll need to replace the entire underwire. You can purchase a replacement online or at a craft store, or even repurpose one from an old bra you no longer wear. Cut a small hole in the top of the casing, remove the broken underwire, and insert the new one.
Be aware that there can be minor variations in the construction and size of underwires, even from bras of the same size, so you might notice a difference between the new underwire and the old one on the other side.
Yes, if an underwire bra is too uncomfortable to wear, there’s no point in keeping it in your lingerie drawer. Instead, transform it into a wireless bra that you can still use.
Use sewing scissors to make a small hole where the end of the wire meets the casing, either in the middle of the bra or where it meets the underarm. Gently pull the wire out of the casing channel. Thread a needle, knot one end of the thread, and pull it through so that the knot is on the inside of the channel. Stitch across the hole. After the last stitch, pull it tight. Cut the thread next to the final knot.
The bra may not provide the same support as it did with the underwires, but it can still serve its purpose.
Yes, although it’s not a permanent fix, you can slide the wire back in and cover the hole with a piece of adhesive moleskin. Since it’s designed for irritations like blisters or bunions, it’s soft against the skin and stays in place. Those who’ve tried this method have been able to wash their bras with the moleskin and keep it in place.
A bent underwire can be not only uncomfortable but also more likely to pierce through the bra fabric if it’s bent the wrong way. Most underwires are made of metal, and you can attempt to straighten a bent underwire by holding it with one hand below the bend and using the other hand to gently push it back into shape. (Begin slowly and gently, as underwires can be quite delicate.)
If you can’t straighten the underwire, you can always replace it with a new one and sew it into place.
