Best Bras for Sensitive Skin [2024 Review]

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When you have textile dermatitis, choosing the best bra for sensitive skin can sometimes become a frustrating experience. Your choices for style and fabric may be limited. That doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, though. Below are the best bras you can choose when you have sensitive skin.

The Top Bras for Sensitive Skin Available

I agree that choosing a bra when you have sensitive skin is more demanding. You have to prioritize the material before you can jump to other details. To make things easier for you, I’ve reviewed the top-rated cotton bras and included some features and considerations in this guide to help you make an informed decision.

Women’s Wellness Dots Organic Cotton Bra

You don’t need to settle for anything low quality when your sensitive skin is on the line. While the Women’s Wellness Dots Organic Cotton Bra may be expensive, there are many reasons why I consider this organic bra my best soft bra for skin sensitivity. 

First is the overall style and fabric design of this organic bra. The problem with most hypoallergenic organic bras is that they come with very limited details as any addition could have a material that would trigger an allergic reaction.

This Women’s Wellness Dots organic bra leveled up with a nice lacy neckline and embossed dots on the fabric. Made of 95% organic cotton, the front part of this hypoallergenic organic bra comes generously decorated with see-through lace fabric.

It does not have the usual boring look as in most cotton bras in the hypoallergenic section. You need a bra that looks like a bra, in its most traditional look possible – not a bralette or a crop top. No doubt this organic bra is great in terms of comfort with its soft, breathable fabric.

The band does not have elastic which would cause an allergic reaction, too. Still, this organic bra remains snug. Even though this organic bra does not have any wires, the full cup design holds and supports the girls very well.

Finally, this cotton bra for irritable skin features thick shoulder straps for extra support. You can adjust these straps in a U design from the back for more comfort. What you may not like, however, is its high neckline.

It can be hard to wear this organic bra under clothes with a plunging neckline. Overall, though, I rate this Wellness Dots as the best cotton bra for sensitive skin.

Pros

  • Made of 95% organic cotton and 5% Spandex
  • Full coverage, non-wire cups with intricate lace design
  • No-slip, padded shoulders straps
  • Adjustable back straps with hook and eye closure

Cons

  • Center section is too high for V-necks and outfits with a low neckline
  • Very expensive

Cottonique Women’s Hypoallergenic RacerBack Bra

Buying the Cottonique Women’s Hypoallergenic Racerback Bra will not make you regret every penny you spend. This Cottonique creation is a well-made bra.

If you have an allergic reaction to latex, elastic, or chemicals, then you can count on the best cotton bra to give you relief from those agents. The cups of this Cottonique bra come lined and do not have wires. Even so, you get good support with its full-coverage design.

You can adjust the straps which allow you to tighten them according to your desired comfort and snugness. Also, the plastic clasp and slides are all hypoallergenic materials. 

On the other hand, as this allergy-free cotton bra for sensitive skin uses a front closure, there is no way you can adjust the band to a tighter or looser fit. As for the design, you can’t wear this as a sports bra although it looks like it.

This wireless bra for reactive skin does not have any Spandex material. Therefore, this cotton bra will not give the support and hold required for strenuous activities like a sports bra would. 

In any other circumstances, rest assured this is going to be a comfortable and supportive everyday bra for sensitive skin.

Pros

  • Made of pure organic cotton
  • Racerback style with front opening
  • Hypoallergenic plastic shoulder strap slides and front closure
  • 2-layer chemical-free cotton lining

Cons

  • No way to adjust band fit
  • Expensive

Naturana Women’s Non-Wired Soft Cotton Bra

You can get a good-fitting, comfortable bra for sensitive skin without spending a lot, such as this Naturana Women’s Non-Wired Soft Cotton Bra. When you want the best cotton bra that is soft and breathable on all sides yet supportive and shape-forming, then this is the choice for that.

Unlike an underwire bra, this Naturana cotton bra does not rely on removable padding and wires to contour and support the breasts, yet it does not disappoint. This comfortable cotton bra for skin sensitivity has shape-forming cups that come in 2 layers.

They stretch and would follow the natural look of the breasts like an underwire bra wouldn’t do. The band fits well around the ribcage without showing any signs of discomfort. You can adjust the back for a more comfortable fit.

You can also tighten the shoulder straps to maximize support and improve lift. Finally, this soft bra for irritable skin consists of 100% cotton and is well-crafted on all sides.

There should be no problems with fit when you have the right size. Unfortunately, this cotton bra is only available in one color: light beige.

Pros

  • Well-made construction
  • Shape-forming and supportive double-layer cups
  • 100% cotton bra
  • Adjustable shoulder and backstraps
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Available in light beige only
  • No removable padding

What is Textile Dermatitis?

Allergies from ill-fitting bras happen as a result of contact with fabric that has chemicals or materials that sensitive skin cannot tolerate. Often, synthetic fabrics cause an allergic reaction because they contain dyes, resin, and other agents.

For this reason, dermatologists recommend wearing hypoallergenic bras and avoiding those that are made of synthetic fabrics.

Even if you don’t have textile dermatitis, other skin issues like eczema can cause irritation to occur from certain types of bras. Also known as atopic dermatitis, this is simply an itchy inflammation of the skin, and it can really be aggravated by a tight fitting bra!

Skin allergies & dermatitis tips: a Q&A with a dermatologist 🙆🤔

Tips on Choosing the Best Bras for Sensitive Skin

Unlike choices for ordinary ill-fitting bras or sports bra choices, you have fewer options for hypoallergenic or organic bras. However, this does not mean you cannot get yourself a good, itch-free bra.

Graphic image with a drawing of a blue full coverage bra which informs that bras with organic fabrics are best for sensitive skin

Here are things to consider when searching for the best bras for sensitive skin.

Comparing Bras for Sensitive Skin Features

Bra Cup Style Structure Straps and Closure
Women’s Wellness Dots Full coverageWirelessCenter-pull straps with hook and eye closure
Cottonique Women’s Hypoallergenic Full coverageWirelessRacerback style with front opening
Naturana Women’s Double-layered full coverage cupsWirelessCenter-pull straps with hook and eye closure

Know What’s Causing Your Allergic Reaction

So you know that you need to have a comfortable bra for delicate skin to manage your sensory issues. However, if you think that simply getting a cotton bra or simply a sports bra will do the job already, then this thinking could be wrong. 

Woman wearing a light green bra holding her elbow

You should know the specific allergen that is causing that redness and itching. Remember that not all hypoallergenic bras consist of organic fiber alone. Some sports bra models come with at least 5% synthetic material like Spandex and elastane.

A few examples:

  • Elastane has latex which is a chemical that usually causes textile dermatitis. Spandex does not have latex, yet finished products usually have this and other chemicals in them.
  • Nickel when used as the bra clip may cause skin allergies. You can get a patch test to know if you are allergic to nickel. If so, get a bra that uses plastic or paint-coated metal clips.

Choose Bras that Use Organic/Hypoallergenic Fabric

There is a difference between organic and hypoallergenic. Both would be wonderful bra choices for sensitive skin, though. As long as your sensitive skin does not react to them, then you can get either.

Hypoallergenic Vs. Organic

Hypoallergenic means that a bra has gone through a process that did not make use of any chemical. On the other hand, organic means that material comes from a plant or animal source without any chemicals or inorganic matter.

Woman wearing a white wireless bra standing near a staircase of the house

Choose Comfortable, Well-Fitting Bras

As much as possible, go for hypoallergenic bras with breathable fabric to ensure there is enough air circulation. Allergic reactions are less likely to develop when you are cool and dry. 

Choose the best bra brands for sensitive skin that are tight enough to give support yet loose enough to allow you to move without discomfort. When a band is too tight, friction will trigger the symptoms of skin allergy.

Do Bras and Bra Straps Have Latex?

Bra materials are usually a combination of several materials, with latex making up the bulk of the material. Other common materials used are nylon, polyester, cotton, spandex, nickel, and even silk. If you get allergic or itchy to a bra, then chances are you have a latex allergy.

Of all the materials used in bras, this is the most common one for people to have an allergy to. Another potential issue could be the nickel, as this isn’t as common to find in other clothing products.

Related Questions

Why Do Bras Give Me Rashes?

Bras can give you rashes due to the buildup of sweat and moisture. Poorly-fitting bras can also break the skin, causing infection and irritation.

How Do I Stop My Bra From Irritating the Skin?

You can put chicken cutlet inserts or stuff your bra to prevent it from irritating the skin. However, the first way to avoid this is to choose a well-fitting bra with a soft fabric.

Why Does My Bra Leave Red Marks Under the Breasts?

Your bra will leave red marks under the breasts if it’s too tight. A small band or cup size would dig into your skin, leaving painful scars.

Wired vs Wireless Bra: When To Have and Wear Each Type of Bra

Conclusion

There are the best soft bras designed for sensitive skin. These are hypoallergenic ones and those made from organic fiber, yet you have to watch out for other materials, too.

   

Allena is the Founder and Editor of The Better Fit, a platform dedicated to empowering women with practical advice on bras and fitness, inspired by her own revelation of the widespread issue of incorrect bra sizing. Her expertise and tips have been recognized by major publications such as Cosmopolitan, Better Homes & Gardens, Insider, and NBC, making her a trusted voice in women's wellness and lifestyle.