Changes in breasts are entirely normal as we age, and many women find that they need to adjust their bra style to accommodate shifts in breast size and shape , as well as changes in mobility.
When you think about bras designed for the elderly, you might instantly remember the time of unappealing 'granny bras' that came in three shades of beige and lacked style or form. Thankfully, those days are long gone! Nowadays, there's a broad selection of supportive, comfortable, and stylish bras available that are ideal for older women.
Front-closure bras are highly preferred by older people. They are perfect for those with limited mobility or who need more flexible clothing, and they make the job of dressing and undressing easier for caregivers.
If you're looking for a new bra that can make changing clothes less complicated, keep reading to learn about the important aspects to keep in mind when buying a front-closure bra.
What is a Front Closure Bra?
A front-fastening bra is a style of bra that fastens at the front instead of the back. This configuration makes it easier and more straightforward to put on and take off compared to the usual back-fastening bra.
Front-closure bra generally provide more securing options than the typical hook and eye fastening seen in traditional back-closure bra, and they come in a wide variety of designs.
What Are the Benefits of a Front Closure Bra ?
Front closure bra are ideal for older women, especially those with limited mobility or arthritis. They should be simple to put on and take off. A bonus is the elimination of surprise back pinches from rogue hooks and eyes or uncomfortable pokes from underwires.
A broad range of front closure bras are available for elderly women, including lightly padded or shaped bra (akin to a t-shirt bra ) and sports bra . One of the advantages of front closure bras is that they provide a smooth outline when worn with tight jerseys or other woven materials. This style of bra is favored by many older women due to its comfort and simplicity of wear.
Convenience
A key benefit of a front closure bra is its user-friendliness. Some older people may find it challenging to secure a traditional bra from the back. A front-closure bra addresses this issue, making the act of getting dressed and undressed easier. It also offers extra convenience for caregivers helping their family members with clothing changes.
Supportive
Bras with front closures provide the perfect balance of support without being overly tight. They minimize bounce and back stress, elevate the bust, and provide sufficient flexibility to align with body movements.
Smooth silhouette
Bras with front closures typically provide more side and back coverage. This aids in achieving a sleek appearance by concealing any unevenness that conventional underwire bras with back closures might cause. Additionally, they are more comfortable as they prevent the discomfort caused by back closures digging into the skin.
How to Choose the Right Front Closure Bras for Older Women?
Identifying the perfect front closure bras for the elderly begins by figuring out what matters most to individuals like you: comfort throughout the day, support, or the simplicity of putting on and removing your bra. After you've pinpointed your preferences, you can commence your bra hunt.
Are you aware that donning a bra of incorrect size can affect your health? With aging, our skin usually gets thinner. A bra that persistently rubs can damage this thin skin, which is particularly hazardous for individuals with diabetes.
A poorly fitted bra can also lead to sore shoulders, inflamed sensitive skin, a painful neck, headaches, indented shoulders, irritated nipples, folliculitis, or heat rash. Keep these problems in mind when purchasing bras for elderly women.
If you or a loved one is feeling uncomfortable due to a bra, it's likely because the bra isn't the right size. So, how do you determine your accurate bra size? Ideally, seek a professional bra fitting before making an online purchase.
Bra fitters can be found at specialized lingerie stores, and even at some of the most popular department stores. Remember that sizing can vary across different brands. For example, if you usually wear a 36C, you might discover that a 38C from another brand fits you better.
You can also take measurements at home using a tape measure. Start by measuring around your rib cage where the bra band would rest. This number is your bra size. Then, to determine the appropriate cup size, measure your breasts at the nipple level. Compare this measurement with your bra size, for example, 38.
A 38A would imply that the nipple measurement is one inch larger than the band size, or 39 inches. Additionally, an increase of two inches corresponds to a B cup, three inches to a C cup, and so on. Keep in mind that sizing can vary across different brands.
When purchasing front closure bras for seniors online, it's helpful to read customer reviews. Customers often comment on whether the bra or other clothing item fits true to size. If the item you receive doesn't meet your expectations, ensure it comes with a hassle-free, money-back return policy.
Also, it's beneficial to consider other elements that may cause discomfort when you wear various bras. The type of fabric can significantly influence comfort, breathability, and shape.
If you prioritize support over softness, you might opt for a thicker, more structured fabric, whereas if you have extremely sensitive skin, a thin, soft, stretchy material might be more suitable. Moreover, women with larger breasts may favor a bra with broad straps and shoulder padding.
If you're prone to hot flashes or excessive sweating, a sporty, moisture-absorbing fabric blend could be a wise selection. Additionally, if the appearance the bra gives you is important, you might want to focus on the amount of padding, the shape of the cup, and the coverage.
Are Front Closure Bras Good for Large Breasts?
The belief that bra straps and underwires are responsible for breast support is a misconception. In reality, the majority of the support comes from the band of the bra. Therefore, a well-fitted front closure bra can be ideal for an older woman with a larger bust.
Front closure bras offer superior support, comfort, and coverage. Moreover, most front closure bras lack underwires—let's debunk the myth that underwires offer support. They don't. They are designed to enhance cleavage, but if comfort is your priority, it's best to avoid underwires.
How Do You Put on a Bra with a Front Closure?
Put on your unfastened bra by slipping an arm through each strap, ensuring the open section is at the front of your body. Secure the bra over your chest and make sure the part that runs across your back is flat, even, and comfortably positioned. Then, lean forward and adjust your breasts within the cups for proper placement.
Most bras of this kind are designed for simplicity, so the fastenings should be straightforward and require minimal physical exertion. Consider a front closure bra for seniors that fastens with hooks and eyes. These are usually the most comfortable and discreet.
Zipper closures might feel cold or irritating, depending on the quality and fit. If you've had difficulty figuring out how to fasten a front snap bra, you might want to avoid that style altogether to prevent any potential 'wardrobe mishaps'.
How Many Bras Should a Woman Own?
Specialists in lingerie suggest that each bra should be cleaned after approximately three uses. Based on this guideline, three to four bras would be an appropriate quantity for most elderly women who do their laundry weekly. Select three in a neutral hue such as beige or white if you have a lighter complexion, or cocoa if you have a darker skin tone.
Ensure to include at least one in a darker shade like black. Naturally, this count only applies to regular bras. Also, take into account the frequency of wearing a sports bra for workouts—they need to be cleaned after each use to eliminate sweat and smells.
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