Best Bra for Elderly

Comedian Whitney Cummings once described an underwire bra as the same feeling you get when you lean on a fence. And any woman of any age who has been the victim of a bad quality bra can relate. In order to put on a bra, your shoulders, hands, fingers, wrists and elbows must all be in reasonable condition to slide it through, adjust and fasten it. Simple enough, right?

For some, fasteners and buttons may become an obstacle course, especially those with arthritis, back or shoulder injuries, or other physical ailments. Even with Lycra sports bras for seniors (or a velcro bra) that have no fasteners and are less firm, upper flexibility is still necessary.

Whether upper flexibility has been hindered due to an injury or natural aging, do not force a bra on. Examine which body areas are problematic, and choose each bra based on those concerns. Hopefully, this list of suggested purchases for bras for older women can help.

Best Bras for the Elderly

1. Middle Elderly Womens Bra

This imported lace bra can be opened as easily as a snap-button shirt. Just snap and open the front with a small click. These are ideal front closure bras for seniors.

Key Features

• Extra-wide cushioned straps
• Pamper shoulders
• Wireless construction

The entire bra, plus soft cups, are made in the front of 92 percent polyester, 8 percent spandex and 100 percent cotton lining. The U-shaped back consists of 93 percent cotton and 7 percent spandex. They are available in single bra packages, and sets of two or three. Available colors are light pink, light yellow and beige.

Cons

• Made for B-cups (36B, 38B, 40B, 42B, 44B)
• Pockets hold bra inserts and may swivel after various washes

Although the odds of finding a bra you can sleep in are slim to none, this soft, breathable fabric and cotton-lined cup may be an exception to the rule. This is specifically important for overnight trips such as plane rides or road trips. While insertable bra inserts can be considered a con, the great part about having those little slits in a bra is having the ability to replace them should they no longer be supportive.

2. Underworks Arthritis Bra

The hook-and-loop bra is ideal for people with limitations, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, torn rotator cuffs or other physical ailments. While it is advertised as a breastfeeding bra as well, bras for seniors may often be found in maternity sections. Quite a bit of the time, maternity bras are also designed for comfort, more sensitive skin, and breast and shoulder support.

Key Features

• Hook-and-loop closure
• Cotton/Spandex
• Single-handed operation

This Velcro front closure bra makes it easy to put through the arms and fasten the Velcro closure. With a longer strap, you can push and pull as needed. Because this bra is not firm in the bra area, measure your bust before purchasing this bra online. Measure below the bustline after a long exhale to find the ideal size for your chest.

Cons

• Not ideal for bigger busts that need more support
• Velcro may irritate skin in front area

Although one user chose to wear the bra over a slip to prevent the velcro from scratching the skin, it is latex-free for sensitive skin areas too. What irritates one person may not bother another. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, and either air dry or dry on low as needed to avoid the velcro having that “old” lint-filled appearance.

3. Easy On Snap Front Closure Bra

If you can snap open and close a shirt, then you can easily wear this front-closure bra. As with snap-button purses, if you’re concerned about the fasteners opening and closing one too many times before losing their ability to do so, consider keeping the snaps closed and pulling it over your head like a sports bra.

Key Features

• Fits A to D cups
• Four, front close snaps
• Wide shoulder straps

Wire-free, latex-free and electric washer safe, this cotton/spandex bra has soft cups. Because the bras are not specific to numeric measurements, they may not be ideal for all. Chances are if you can wear a cotton sports bra (without the tight spandex areas), this bra will work well for you.

Just make sure, before purchasing, that you are comfortable with the natural hang of your chest area. Because this bra does not have the usual padding or foam that shapes breasts, the shape may reflect that—even with a shirt over the front-closure bra.

Cons

• Bra sizes are less specific (small, medium, large, XL, XXL and XXXL)
• Several users complained that underarm area is too tight

If this bra doesn’t fit or fasten as needed, there is an unconditional money-back guarantee.

4. Women’s Front Button Seamless Bra

With a front-closure button and clip-down clasp, this bra is as easy to put on as it is to take off.

Key Features

• Cotton-lining cup
• Soft, breathable lace fabric
• Wide shoulder strap design

This wireless, cotton bra has a stylish vest design in beige or flower brown variations, this could potentially be worn on its own or with a nice overcoat. With widened straps to avoid the wretched shoulder whips, this may be more comfortable than other bras. The vest strap helps to guard against perspiration leaking onto a shirt.

Cons

• Only suitable for bra users in sizes 38, 40, 42 and 44

While there are no steel ring designs usually used for support, the upside of bras without these is they help maintain blood circulation. It is also supposed to be suitable to wear as indoor and outdoor wear for 24 hours.

5. GLOGLOW Women Front Clasp Wireless Cotton Vest Bra

The names of these bra color combinations may raise a few eyebrows. Dark Skin Color and Light Skin Color aren’t particularly different. Minus the “skin color” descriptions for the three options, including pink, they do look pretty fashionable.

Key Features

• High durability and elasticity
• Anti-slip shoulder straps
• Dispersive pressure to prevent slipping pressure

Made of cotton material, these bras are soft, breathable and easy to wear. These ultra thin cups are described as having “full coverage” with a natural silhouette that should provide needed support.

Cons

• Only suitable for bra users in sizes 36, 38, 40 and 42

Advertised as durable and not easy to deform, it looks as if this bra may be comfortable enough to wear as sleepwear without it bending out of shape. But it’s up to you whether you want to wear this bra while you catch some Z’s.

6. Plus Size Sports Bras for High Impact

No matter what age you are, it is annoying to be in a fitness class with your chest flopping around because of lack of support. Sports bras are a tricky situation. Sometimes they’re too tight and flatten the chest out like pancakes. Other times they’re a wee bit too loose, and your shirt provides more coverage than the bra. For plus-sized elderly bra users, these durable bras may be just what you need to get the moderate exercise your doctor recommends.

Key Features

• 88 percent, 12 percent lycra
• Removable pads
• Anti-slide zipper

This front-closure, wire-free sports bra has wide, adjustable shoulder straps. The shape and padding pushes up for extra support but still keeps you protected while exercising. Breathable and able to catch perspiration, this compression bra may be helpful for everything from yoga and walking to pilates and dancing.

Cons

• Currently only available in 3XL (40 A-D), 4XL (42 A-D) or 5XL (44 A-D)
• Removable pads may shift in washer, remove if need be

If you prefer a tighter fit, get one size smaller than your measurements. If you need a bit more breathing room, consider one size larger. If neither trial option works, you can return the bra for a 100 percent full, money-back guarantee.

7. Women’s Zip Front Closure Bra

This secure zipper bra is a useful option for those with limited arm strength and/or mobility.

Key Features

• 95 percent cotton, 5 percent spandex
• Zippered front closure
• Wide cotton straps

The pain and deep lines from tight bras are preventable with this bra, with the help of wide, cotton straps. The under bust band is also useful in providing support. The mesh, racerback style is also intended to provide enough comfort to wear this bra for more formal settings as well as hanging out around your home.

Cons

• Zipper lightweight but may be uncomfortable to sleep on if bra used for sleepwear

While finding a “sleep bra” is questionable, and most women would probably rather take the bra off at night, this bra is soft enough to leave on if necessary. Available in 34-48, the bra cups aren’t stretchy so make sure to find your correct size.

8. DELIMIRA Women’s Lace Plus Size Bra

There is a trick some women use when fastening a bra becomes a hustle. Whether it’s just easier or it’s due to a temporary physical injury, turning a rear-hook fastener around to hook it in the front and then sliding it around works as well. This is a trick that can be used when you luck up on a bra that looks comfortable but worry that the hooks may be a hindrance.

Key Features

• 95 percent cotton, 5 percent spandex
• Full coverage for support
• Wire free

Contrary to popular belief, ever bra for the elderly does not have to be a zipper bra, a velcro bra or a front-fastener bra. Sometimes it’s just a matter of seniors wanting to be comfortable—and not feel like they’re leaning over the fence that Cummings talked about.

With extra-wide straps and non-foam cups, this is a nice combination of support and comfort all at once. The U-back and adjustable straps are also helpful with making sure this bra specifically conforms to your body.

Cons

• User complained that no divider in the mail made bra appearance look like a “uniboob”

What else works for this bra is it manages to balance comfort with sex appeal, with the help of the lace trim lining the shoulders all the way to the cleavage area.

9. KEALLI Women’s Seamless Comfortable Sports Bra

If you’re tired of boring, beige-only choices, give this three-pack of bras a chance in black and white, too.

Key Features

• 96 percent nylon, 4 percent spandex
• No wires, clips, hooks or straps
• Curve-hugging seamless design

The removable pads can be used to provide extra support and comfort. If they are uncomfortable for you, the removable pads can be taken out as easily as they are inserted in. (When washed by hand, you may have to adjust the pads as needed.) In addition to breast cup support, this three-pack also comes in handy for better comfort after chest or shoulder injuries.

Cons

• Not ideal for electric washer
• Hand wash only

As comfortable to sleep in as they are to do yoga in, these stretchy bras add comfort and remove the boxy, wiry feeling of a traditional bra. If the ordered bra doesn’t fit, it can be returned for a different replacement size. Or, get a 100 percent money-back guarantee.

10. Carole Martin Full-Freedom Front Closure Wireless Bra

Anytime the color label says “nude,” brown-skinned women already know it will look about as obvious on chocolate skin tones as pink or purple would. But this particular cafe front-closure cotton bra is one of few that may lean more toward a “nude” color for brown-skinned elderly women who want their undergarments to blend in.

Key Features

• 95 percent cotton, 5 percent spandex
• Wire free
• Unpadded

Intended for light to medium support, this bra is suitable for B, C and D cups. The hook-and-eye closure makes it easy to fasten from the front. The multi-dimensional stretch helps to support both the front and back area (without underwire) to make the material smooth and soft.

While this bra does not have padding or soft foam to shape the bra area, the front closure and the bra formation tends to pull the breasts up into a lift regardless. And the extra-wide straps reduce back strain and those annoying lines that show up from too-tight bras.

Cons

• Not suitable for A cups and larger sizes (more than a D cup)
• No shaped foam to lift chest area

If the cafe color isn’t your first choice, there are also options in beige, black and white. All four options are great for leisure wear, business attire, athletic attire and post-surgical needs.

11. Nippleless Covers Breast Petals Lift

If you need to cover up but just can’t deal with the strips, consider adhesive bra options. These bra options skip those tricky hooks, add a lift and properly cover the nipple area.

Key Features

• Adhesive breast lift tape
• Four-inch diameter for better coverage of breasts
• Medical grade silicone-hypoallergenic

Why choose an adhesive bra? Bustle may be onto something by suggesting this as a “weird but genius” item to add to your Amazon wish list (1). This skin-friendly and comfortable option avoids fastening a bra altogether. Invisible under everything from backless attire to blouses to gowns, the sticky silicone ideally secures and forms curves of the breast.

For women who are concerned about sagging, this may help. Wipe breasts with a warm towel. Then softly put the nipple covers over the nipple areas. Press down so the edges comfortably fit over the rest of the breast area. Dress per usual.

Cons

• Not suitable for large breasts (DD-cup and larger)
• Beige color is not “nude” for brown-complexioned women
• Humidity and sun may reduce adhesive stickiness from silicone gel

When you’re done wearing this adhesive bra for the day, just rinse it with warm water (under 86 degrees Fahrenheit) with mild soap. Let it air dry, and re-attach the plastic sheets (included) to wear again when needed.

12. ZOUYUE Comfortable Bra

There is a reason that yoga pants are such a hint as everyday wear. While there are definitely some yoga pants that require longer shirts and others that need more material, when you find a few quality, properly fitting yoga pants, you could wear them nonstop. The same can be said for the right yoga bra. If it’s comfortable and supportive enough, a yoga bra can be worn as an everyday bra too.

Key Features

• Removable pads
• Low-pressure straps
• Wireless design

This plus-sized bra is padded, skin-friendly, and reportedly does not itch or scratch due to its soft nylon material. The wireless, seamless feature will prevent the skin from abrasions. The removable pads are intended to add support, but if you prefer to wear the bra without the extra lift and roundness, there is a slit on each side to remove them.

Cons

• Removable pads may shift after wash, required adjusting

Of course a yoga bra can be worn for fitness reasons, these bras also double for after-surgery wear in which wiring and rings are an absolute no-no.

Bottom Line

One query that was danced around throughout this post is the awkward question “what age is elderly?” According to Merriam Webster, middle age ends at 64 (2). American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) starts recruiting at the age of 50. But “elderly” for one person could be grown and sexy to another. Living a certain amount of years does not require you to wear a certain outfit, a particular haircut or a mandatory type of bra.

Just be comfortable in your skin no matter what you wear, and chances are pretty high you’ll pull it off. Actress Meryl Streep, who is 69, can be found in countless dresses showing off cleavage. Actress Angela Bassett, whose arms are still blazing with muscle, is 60. Singer Chaka Khan is 65 and has curves for days. And sister actresses Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad are 69 and 70.

It’s not a good idea to challenge either one of them to a fashion or dance competition. Sometimes the best outfit and the best bra for what constitutes “elderly” is just a matter of comfort—without losing the fashionable appeal. For those wanting more support, we have also reviewed the best posture bras. 

Whether for yourself or the elderly person in your life, the team at Ram Research have also reviewed the following posts for seniors:

• GPS Trackers for Seniors
• Step Stools
• Velcro Shoes
• Easy Read Watches

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References:

1. Maria Cassano. 2019. 49 Weird But Genius Items Most Added To Amazon Wish Lists.
   https://www.bustle.com/p/49-weird-but-genius-items-most-added-to-amazon-wish-lists-2973178
2. Merriam Webster. Definition of Middle Age. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middle%20age