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If you suffer from rib pain, then you know how difficult it can be to find a bra that will not only be supportive but also comfortable. An ill-fitting bra can contribute to your discomfort by digging into your sides and adding to your rib pain. I review the four best bras that can help with rib pain in my article below.
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My Top Bra for Rib Pain Reviews
A bra should serve as bust support and not cause any pain. If you are wearing the wrong type of bra for your body, it can cause rib pain or make existing rib pain worse. The best bra for those who have rib pain should provide amazing comfort and support for your bust.
Another bra I’d like to mention is the Adjustable Strap Wireless Bra from Third Love from Third Love. This bra is an excellent option to wear if you have rib pain. This bra is wireless, so it eliminates pressure on your ribs and there are no wires digging into your sides.
True & Co Women’s True Body Convertible Bra
The True & Co Women's True Body Convertible Bra is one of the most comfortable bras to wear if you are experiencing rib pain. This bra has comfortable mesh panels, making it more breathable and supportive just like the Natori Feathers Contour Plunge Bra that I review next.
The True & Co Women’s True Body Convertible Bra has a beautiful back design and lower neckline that allows you to wear it under low cut clothing. Since this bra is wire-free, there are no wires digging into your torso. This bra is a pull-over bra, making it easier to put on and take off.
This bra has removable pads, and is made of a lightweight and soft fabric for additional comfort. This bra is seamless, with adjustable straps that can be converted into a racerback style. This bra helps provide proper shaping and great lift for your breasts.
Pros:
- This bra is machine-washable.
- This bra is available in 9 colors, and 10 sizes.
- This bra works well as a sleep bra, or an after-surgery bra.
Cons:
- The bra band may roll up.
- This bra has no lining or padding.
- Mesh panels for comfortable, breathable support
- Lower neckline with a rounded ballet-inspired back
- Wire-free style pulls over with ease. Removable pads included
Natori Feathers Contour Plunge Bra
The Natori Feathers Contour Plunge Bra is made of 100% nylon with a smooth contour pad and beautiful lace design. The molded cups are covered with mesh fabric to allow more air flow. The molded cups also help keep your breasts supported and give them a pleasing rounded shape.
The shoulder straps of this bra are adjustable, and the band has a hook and eye closure that allows you to adjust the fit of the bra as needed.
Pros:
- The V-shaped cup lining allows this bra to be worn under plunging or low cut neckline clothing
- This bra comes in sizes from 30 A to 38DD.
- This bra is great for those with smaller cup sizes or those with wider set breasts.
Cons:
- The sizing on this bra runs small.
- The shoulder straps on this bra are thin and may slip.
- Underwire bra with plunging contour cups featuring semi-sheer lace panels
- Adjustable stretch straps
- Hook-and-eye closure
Mae Women’s Plunge Bralette with Lace Neckline
The Mae Women's Plunge Bralette with Lace Neckline is made of 94% Nylon, 6% Spandex, which makes the bralette lightweight and comfortable on the body. The bralette is wireless with molded cups and a seamless design for a smooth, supportive fit.
The shoulder straps on this bralette are adjustable and the band has a hook and eye closure in the back. This bralette has lace detailing, similar to the Natori Feathers Contour Plunge Bra.
Pros:
- This bralette is machine-washable.
- The soft and smooth fabric of this bralette make it comfortable to sleep in.
Cons:
- The sizing on this bralette runs small and the manufacturer recommends sizing up.
- Wire-free bra featuring molded cups and seamless fabrication for a smooth, supportive fit
- Light, comfortable support ideal for A-C cups
- Adjustable straps, lace detailing across neckline
Hanes Women’s Oh So Light Foam ComfortFlex Fit Wirefree Bra
The Hanes Women's ComfortFlex Fit Wirefree Bra is made of feather-lite fabric composed of 84% Nylon, 16% Spandex. This bra provides high-end comfort and support for your breasts without squeezing your ribs. This bra also has a comfortable band that stays put and does not ride up.
With its sleek seamless design, this bra is invisible under your clothing. The flexible foam cups of this bra provide support and shaping for your breasts. This bra also has adjustable shoulder straps, and an adjustable hook and eye closure at the back.
This bra is wire-free, but still offers great support for your breasts. The sizing on this bra can be a little off and you may want to measure your cup and band size properly before ordering one.
Pros:
- This bra is highly affordable.
- This bra is very lightweight and flexible.
- This bra is great for hot weather as it is made of light, breathable fabric.
Cons:
- This bra is hand-wash only.
- The padding on this bra is thin.
- SOFT AND LIGHT WITH A BARELY-THERE FEEL - Like wearing no bra at all, only better.
- DREAMY SUPPORT - Flexible, lightly lined foam cups gently shape and support.
- SUPPORT FROM BELOW - Stay-in-place comfort band further enhances support.
Features to Consider for the Best Bra for Rib Pain
There are several features that you should consider when looking for a bra that can lessen your rib pain. I discuss those features below and have provided you a comparison table for a quick reference guide as well.
Comparing Bras for Rib Pain Features
| Bra | Style | Band | Straps |
|---|---|---|---|
| True & Co True Body | Contour plunge | Mesh fabric, stretchable wide band | Adjustable at the back |
| Natori Feathers | Contour plunge | Lace design, adjustable band | Adjustable at the back |
| Mae Women’s | Plunge bralette | U-shaped back, adjustable band | Adjustable at the back |
| Hanes Oh So Light | Non-molded full-coverage | Mesh fabric, adjustable band | Adjustable at the back |
The Right Size
The best way to prevent rib pain is to get the right fit for you. Knowing your cup and band size will help you find the best fitting bra for your body. If your bra is too small, it can be too tight on your torso, causing rib pain. A bra that is too loose will result in less breast support, causing back and shoulder pain. You definitely will want to pay attention to the manufacturer’s sizing chart, and whether their bra is true to size or if it runs small or large.
The Mae Women’s Plunge Bralette with Lace Neckline manufacturer does say that their sizes run small so you should consider sizing up. Besides an incorrect bra size, there may be other issues causing your pain; you might need a special bra if you have flared ribs.
Adjustable Straps
Another way to make your bra more comfortable and help it fit your body properly is to pick a bra that has adjustable straps. Make sure that the straps on the bra are not too tight so they won’t dig into your shoulders.
You also want to make sure that the straps are not too loose or they will not be able to support your breasts properly. Straps that are too loose can also cause pain in your ribs because of diminished support for the weight of your breasts. Fully adjustable straps can keep this from happening.
Style of the Bra
Bras come in many styles. Not all of these styles will work to alleviate your rib pain. Some bra styles can make your rib pain worse. A bra with a tight or rigid band will constrict your torso and cause more pain for your already tender ribs. Shapewear bras or corsets can increase the pressure on your ribs, as they are meant to contour your body to make it appear slimmer and smoother.
A soft, stretchy, lightweight bra without an underwire, with a wide band and adjustable shoulder straps is the style that will be the most comfortable for sore ribs. The Hanes Women’s Oh So Light Foam ComfortFlex Fit Wirefree Bra from our list is a great choice.
Type of Fabric
The fabric of your bra should be smooth, soft, breathable and stretchy. These characteristics will allow your chest and back to move freely, without any restrictions. The bra that you wear should also feel lightweight and comfortable against your skin.
No Underwire
An underwire can be the number one reason why your ribs are aching. Underwires can dig into your breasts and ribs, especially if you have the wrong size of bra. The most comfortable bra for sore ribs is going to be wire-free. The True & Co Women’s True Body Convertible Bra on my list can give your breasts a natural shape while keeping you comfortable.
If you choose not to go wire-free, the Natori Feathers Contour Plunge Bra from our list can give you both the contour and comfort that you need.
Comfortable Cups
Comfortable cups will cover and shape your breasts without seams. A comfortable cup will rest against your chest and not cause any irritation.
On my list, I have the Hanes Women’s Oh So Light Foam ComfortFlex Fit Wirefree Bra that gives you a comfortable fit and excellent separation between your breasts.
Related Questions
Why Does My Bra Dig Into My Ribs?
Your bra can hurt your ribs if it digs into your torso because you have a high rib cage or your bra is too compressive. When the band of your bra is too tight, it puts too much pressure on your ribs, resulting in pain.
Can Underwire Bras Hurt Your Ribs?
The underwires of your bra can cause rib pain, especially if they are poking out of the fabric and digging into your chest. Some underwire bras are well-cushioned and this can help you avoid this rib pain.
How Can I Avoid Rib Pain When Wearing a Bra?
Aside from wearing a properly-fitting bra, you can use a back extender to ensure the fit isn’t too tight around the torso. You can also tighten the shoulder straps to prevent the cups from falling too low and putting pressure on your ribs.
Conclusion
Rib pain can be caused by many different reasons. One of those reasons could even be the bra that you are wearing. If you are wearing the wrong type and size of bra, you might experience rib pain. Make sure to look for a comfortable, flexible and supportive bra.
