As women age, the shape of their breasts change. The best bras for older women is a matter of size and style that creates a perfect fit. The same principles apply here as finding the best shoes for seniors. Bodies change, mobility changes, and needs are different.
Aging changes our bodies dramatically, and breasts are no exception. The bra used just a few years ago may not be so comfortable for someone older. Reduced arm movement may make a traditional back closure bra a bit of a contortionist act. It’s time to rethink these bosom holders! Other considerations can help you decide what bra is best for every situation.
Just because you are getting older doesn’t mean you can’t pick a comfortable bra that makes you look good. The same goes for lingerie for older women!
What to Look for in Bras for Older Women
What makes a good bra for an older woman is not all that different from the criteria for younger or middle-aged women.
Comfort
Comfort and appearance can go together if you pick the right bra. There is little to be gained by choosing a bra that gives you the support you want without being comfortable in it- especially if you exercise.
Quality
Quality bras are constructed with durable materials, closures, and fasteners that won’t wear out. A quality bra will cost more than a poorly constructed one.
Support
Support is what a good bra is all about. The size of your breasts determines, to a large extent, the kind of support you need. If you have smaller breasts, you may not need an underwire. Bras should support your breasts not from the straps, but by the cups and side panels.
Straps
The straps support about 20 percent of your breast weight. Ensure they are wide enough to support your bust without leaving indentation marks. Larger breasts need broader straps that don’t have as much stretch to them.
Coverage
Breast coverage depends on personal preference and the situation you are in. A demi-cup may be suitable for a play or concert where you have a low-cut dress, but for yoga, you may want more coverage.
Closures
Back hook and eye closure bras are all well and good. However, front-closure bras will be easier to put on, which is a nice feature as you age. Front-closure bras come in a zipper, hook, and eye, Velcro, or snaps closures. There are also pull on bras, but they might not work well if you cannot get your hands over your head. Whichever type of closure you go with, make sure the fasteners are covered with cloth to prevent chafing.
Material
Bras come in a variety of fabrics, including nylon, polyester, cotton, and Spandex. The bra cup and band fabric should allow for little movement. It should also be washable and comfortable.
Cotton bras are easy to wash and soft. Although they work well for smaller breasts, cotton bras may not have enough strength to support the larger bosom. The fabric tends to stretch after washing as well.
Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex allow for sweat evaporation. Good quality bras made from these materials dry quickly, retain their shape, and are durable. They also tend to be lighter than cotton bras.
Molded Cups
Molded cups, sometimes called “padded bras,” may be the most comfortable for some women. They are smoother feeling under clothing and made of a thicker material to provide more frontal coverage, and they do not contain seams. They provide a more rounded shape, which may benefit women who want to give their sagging breasts a lift. The downside to these bras is that they may not come in as large a size as other styles and they can be warmer in hot weather.
Construction techniques differ between manufacturers, so you try different bras on at the store or order a few different types online and just plan to return those that don’t fit properly.
Proper Bra Sizing
If you are finding that the bras you wore for so long are not as comfortable as they once were there are legitimate reasons for that:
- Menopause changes the size and shape of our breasts.
- Our skin becomes thinner as we age.
- Gravity takes its toll on our breasts, making them sag more.
- Limited upper mobility may narrow your choices.
Our bras should change with our bodies. We have a few recommendations to help you select the best bras for senior women.
How to Measure Bra Size
Many women are wearing the wrong size bra, and it shows. As women age, their breasts lose their fullness, so it’s important to take new measurements periodically. Older breasts tend to be more teardrop in shape. If you’re experiencing sagging, the cups or bands might be too big.
If you have a double boob look, the cups are too small. Side boob bulges indicate the band and cups are too small. If your boobs seem out of proportion to the rest of your body, the band is most likely too big, and the cups are too small. If your bra moves around, you need a smaller band size.
I will tell you how to measure your bra size, but the best way to truly find out is to walk into a store like Victoria’s Secret and ask a sales rep to size you. She will take you into a fitting room and give you the exact size you need to look for. If that is impractical or you’re not comfortable with that, try this process:
- Using a tailor’s tape measure, you’ll need to take some measurements. The first measurement is your band size.
- Run the tape measure around your back, under your breasts. Make a note of the measurement and add three inches to it. So if your under bust measurement is 32 inches, add three to get 35. However, band sizes are even numbers, so you’ll need a 36 bra. The band should fit comfortably on the loosest hook. The other hooks are there to compensate for material stretching over time.
Now you’ll need to find out the proper cup size. Run the tape measure around your back again over the fullest part of your bust. Subtract the band size from this measurement. Use this chart to find your cup size. If you have a ½ inch, round up. So if your band measurement is 36 and the bust measurement is 40, you’ll need a bra with a D cup.
| Difference | No difference | 1 inch | 2 inches | 3 inches | 4 inches | 5 inches | 6 inches |
| Cup size | AA | A | B | C | D | DD/E | DDD/F |
7 Best Bras for Older Women
Once you’ve determined the proper size, you’ll want to look through our list of the best bras for senior women for the most comfortable options.
Playtex 18-Hour Ultimate Lift Wireless Bra
- BUILT-IN COMFORT AND SUPPORT - TruSupport 4-way wireless support system with higher sides, fuller cups, wider straps, and a smoother back.
- NATURAL-LOOKING LIFT - Magic Ring construction with panels that support from the bottom up.
The Playtex 18-Hour Wireless Bras is made of 100% nylon. The bra has added back support to help with posture and side support for added lift. The straps are cushioned and can be adjusted. Important to many women, the cushioned straps prevent digging and shoulder discomfort as the bra resists sliding.
This bra makes the top of our list since it is reasonably priced and, based on the tens of thousands of reviews, has made many women happy with their purchase.
Just My Size Easy-On Front Close Wirefree Bra
- Nylon/polyester/spandex
- Wide cushioned straps ease pressure on shoulders for comfort hour after hour.
The Easy-On Front Close Wirefree Bra from Just My Size is crafted from a nylon/polyester/spandex blend. The front closure is the standard hood and eye design. The straps have wide cushions, and the inner cups provide additional support. This bra comes in white, black, and nude.
Leading Lady Women’s Cotton Front-Closure Leisure Bra
- Luxuriously Soft: The Meryl front-closure bra graces your skin with smooth soft cotton that feels amazing. The breathable construction of this soft cotton blend will keep you cool and comfortable all day long.
- Deluxe Comfort: Tired of the discomfort of underwires or straps that dig in? This bra is wirefree with padded straps that prevent digging in, and a wide back design that keeps the band from riding up.
If you are between sizes, then the Leading Lady Women’s Cotton Front-Closure Leisure Bra has you covered. It is made from a cotton/spandex blend and has a front hook and eye closure. It comes in a variety of colors and prints.
Glamorise Women’s Full Figure MagicLift Front Close Support Bra #1200
- MAGICLIFT TECHNOLOGY: A cushioned band lifts, shapes, and supports without a wire.
- FRONT CLOSURE: Hook-and-eye closure with 2 columns & 4 rows increases with size.
For a fuller figure, check out the Glamorise Women’s Full Figure MagicLift Front Close Support Bra #1200. It’s made from 100% nylon and has a front hook and eye closure. It provides full coverage and support without an underwire. The inner bust band is also cushioned for comfort.
Women’s Zipper Front Closure Sports Bra from WANAYOU
- Zipper Upgrade: Replaced with the well-known zipper brand SBS, and added the zipper self-locking function to prevent the zipper from sliding down.Soft and High Elasticity :Material:92% Polyamide / nylon + 8% spandex
- Front zipper closure-Easy to put on and take off with zipper front closure. Anti slide Zipper protect from sliding down when doing exercise. Protective layer of clothe covers the zipper on the inside to prevent scratching your skin.
If the hook and eye front closures are cumbersome, then you might want to consider this Women’s Zipper Front Closure Sports Bra from WANAYOU. It is made from a nylon/spandex blend and has removable pads. It provides medium support for smaller bosoms and is breathable. It has a racerback design for added posture support and comes in a variety of colors and prints.
MAXMALLS Every Daily Bras with Front Closure
- Imported Lace Button closure [Lace Fabric] Polyester92% Spandex8% Lining :cotton100% Back :cotton93% spandex7%.
- [The design concept of cotton bra] no steel ring, comfortable, natural, relaxed; front button design for easy wearing; u-shaped back design that reduces wearing pressure and makes shoulders more comfortable.
MAXMALLS Every Daily Bras with Front Closure provides another front-closure alternative to hook and eye. This bra has four sturdy snaps. It is manufactured with a polyester/spandex/cotton blend. The u-shaped back reduces the pressure on the shoulders for a more comfortable fit. It comes in pink, red, beige, grey and purple.
Cottonique Women’s Hypoallergenic Drawstring Bra
- 100% Cotton Fabric Adjustable straps
- Chemical-free, Synthetic-free
For those who need a little help getting dressed, this Cottonique Women’s Hypoallergenic Drawstring Bra is comfortable and allows for easy assistance. It’s made from 100% chemical-free cotton. It can be machine washed. The back is ribbed for more flexibility.
Other Considerations When Choosing a Bra
Physical and Medical Conditions
If you have arthritis or other upper mobility issues, choose a front closure or zipper bra. Sports bras can be challenging to get on and off.
Activity Level
If you play golf or do yoga, you will want to choose a bra that maximizes movement without chaffing or constriction. You may have to sacrifice some support to have freedom of movement.
Cost
If you are on a budget, check for bras on sale or promotions. Remember that a pricier bra may last longer than a less expensive one- especially regarding support.
Wrapped Up
Selecting the best bra for older women doesn’t have to be complicated. Ensure you have the correct size and the style needed for either independent or assisted dressing. Since a woman still likes to feel pretty at any age, look for bras in various colors and prints.
About the author: Amanda has co-authored two books related to aging: Aging with Care: Your Guide to Hiring and Managing Caregivers at Home and Choose Your Place: Rethinking Home As You Age.
17 comments
My problem is the straps are attached in the wrong place. They are way over at the edge so therefore they easily slide off the shoulder every two minutes or so. The should be attached closer to the center of the bra so they cannot slide off the shoulder. I have talked to young girls who say they have the same problem. And don’t say the straps are not tightened enough because all that does is hike the bra up on your back which is uncomfortable and is not where it should be and the straps still slide off the shoulders!!!! They are in the wrong place!, Mildred 76 years old size 38DD
As a woman in her 70s, someone who has had more than the average number of surgeries and medical issues, I can tell you why the manufacturers of intimate wear don’t show senior models nor do they create designs for us. We are too practical for them. We purchase based on our needs and therefore when we don’t find it their test data shows the results as not worth their effort, we don’t spend enough. What they don’t get is there is a under represented market they are ignoring.
Bologny ! After several kids, and years of not being able to afford a good support bra, there’s nothing like taking a measurement of “40 LONG”. Just ask any 70 yr old or older with the same problem. There are no good answers. It’s trial and error. Wire bras are very uncomfortable on older bodies. Then there is the binding from the elastic. I am still looking for something that is comfy to wear. Heavy older people need support that doesn’t hurt to wear, and must fit the budget.
I hope this helps. I am 70 and have 3 kids. I found a BULLITT bra and did some looking for and trying these. I get mine on Amazon and they are great
I was just on Amazon looking for BULLITT bra, nothing comes up for that brand.
I think it’s a typo for BULLET bra.
Should we be measuring with a bra on, or not?
Without.
How can one size strap length fit everyone? Don’t think so.
If these are the best bras for elderly women why are you using younger models?
I’m not. Amazon is.
I have been trying to help my mom find a bra. She originally wore a 36D cup. With age it’s not just sagging. The loss of structure to the Breast is the problem. When we try a bra , that has the right cup size, the breast actually leaks out (think a bag with water in it) the bottom or side.
Sports bras are a little better but can be difficult to get on and aren’t really working… just better.
I know women who aren’t as senior as my mom who are beginning to have this issue with oozing out the bottom of the bra
I wish someone would make a bra that was for women having this issue. Lightweight, but clingy/ stretchy but not to compression.
With all the amazing fabric out their there should be a solution that doesn’t make them feel bad. My mom has been in tears in dressing rooms of these fancy bra shops where 20 something girls look at their feet in discomfort.
These women don’t deserve this
This is exactly the problem my mother is facing, and I have spent months trying to find a bra that will keep her breasts within the cups. She has maybe 10% breast tissue left. The rest is just skin. Add mobility issues to the equation, and she cried every time we try to find the right solution.
I have the same problem. I’m 52, recently lost 65 lbs. My 38B has become a 36A, according to store taken measurements, however, the top half of the bra cups are all too large, and “empty.” My skin overflows the tops of 36AAs. I need a bra that can work with breasts that no longer have fullness and firmness, and are not just saggy but also “loose.”
Having this exact issue with my mom now. Did you find a bra that worked?
Don’t understand how this works! 38 + 3 = 41 (round up to even #)= 42. Cup size measurement. 42. Normal size is 44 D. According to your measuring style, I should wear a 42 A/AA! Please explin.
Your first measurement is UNDER the breasts and the second measurement is the largest diameter you can get around the breasts themselves?