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As someone with a smaller bust, I’ve always struggled to find bras that provide enough lift and cleavage without uncomfortable padding. That is, until I discovered the water bra. At first, I didn’t understand how a bra filled with liquid could possibly provide support and shape.
After trying it, I was amazed at how it contoured to my breasts and gave them a fuller appearance. In this article, I’ll share my experiences with water bras, what a water bra is, how the liquid filling works, and why it creates such a realistic enhancement.
Contents
What is a Water Bra?
A water bra is a bra filled with a mixture of oil and water to create supportive padding. The padding uses the liquid to create a cushion that helps enhance the size and shape of the chest. This makes water bras a perfect option for women with smaller and flatter bust.
While the history of bras goes back centuries, water bras first came to town in the early 2000s. Women quickly became obsessed.
Mostly, this was because these bras promoted the promise that they would help enhance the appearance of breasts, especially for women with smaller boobs.
Of course, one could argue they became such a trendy fashion item simply because of their odd choice of material used. There aren’t a lot of clothing items that can boast their use of water, so these bras really stood out.
While they’re not as popular or trendy now as they were almost 20 years ago, they are still a great fit for the right person.
Why Should You Wear a Water Bra?
If you’re looking for a simple way to enhance your features and accentuate your cleavage, consider purchasing a water bra.
You should also consider wearing a water bra if you feel like other bras don’t give you enough enhancement or make your breasts look natural enough.
My favorite water bra is the Fashion Forms Water Bra. It uses body oil and water and feels so natural up against your chest. Did I mention you get some serious lifts for your girls while wearing this one?
What is a Water Bra Made Of?
Water bras are made with water and oil, which serve as a cushion. However, these bras still have material around the water-filled padding. As a result, it might not even be noticeable you’re even wearing a water bra.
Plus, these bras are rigid and sturdy to prevent potential breaking. No one wants water and oil dripping from their chest halfway through the day!
Padding is the main difference between push-up bras and water bras. Push-up bras have padding typically made from foam. On the other hand, water bras have padding made with a mixture of water and oil.
Additional Water Bra Materials
While water and oil are the most common fillers, newer bras made with a gel substance tend to be thicker than the water bras from the 2000s. Overall, these gel bras function like the typical water-filled bra.
Some brands also choose to use baby oil in their products, as it’s supposed to help with the overall texture of the padded part of the bra. Lastly, water-filled inserts are also quite trendy nowadays.
These can be removed from bras and added to virtually any padded bra to help with the overall appearance. So, while the water bra hasn’t changed much, there have been some advancements and improvements in this little niche of the undergarment market!
What Body Type Benefits Most?
These were created to make a better version of the regular push-up bra. They have carved a place in the undergarment world for almost 20 years of being on the market. But who is this bra actually designed for?
Water bras are generally beneficial to women with smaller busts. They are one of the best breast enhancers that also accentuate cleavage. Like push-up bras designed for small breasts that focus on pushing your boobs up and towards the center of your chest, water bras focus on doing the same.
Sagging breasts is a common problem. It’s not talked about enough, and finding a helpful solution that satisfies everyone can be hard. However, women with saggy breasts looking for a good bra should try a water bra.
Can Women with Bigger Busts Wear These?
Here’s a little advice for the lovely ladies with bigger busts who are wondering if they should invest in one of these. Don’t. Water bras made for bigger busts tend to be overly padded, which doesn’t really help you.
If anything, this will weigh you down! From what I’ve found, there are better options if you’re in the bigger busted crowd:
- If you want a little bounce and shape, opt instead for a push up bra designed for D, DD, and larger. This style is more modern and will probably work better for you.
- If you’re on the saggier side, I’ve found the best bras for helping saggy boobs. These employ wider bands and better underwire.
- If you feel that you’re boobs are just everywhere, definitely avoid the water bra and instead opt for a supportive minimizer bra that will give your breasts some support.
You should invest in a water bra if you’re looking for a way to help with sagging. And, for your unique shape, they might be the right fit. Give it a try!
Different Types of Water Bras
Since water bras hit the market, different styles are available for various outfits and situations. There are three main styles in which this type of bra comes in: push up, demi, and plunge.
Comparing Types of Water Bras
| Type of Water Bra | Description | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Push up | Water and oil-filled padded bra | Enhance cleavage |
| Demi | Demi cups with water inserts | Boost bust line |
| Plunge | Plunge cups with water inserts | Accentuate cleavage |
Water Push-Up Bras
For the most part, bras with water are commonly purchased in the classic push-up style. Most people only buy water bras to help accentuate their assets, to begin with, so it doesn’t necessarily come as a shock that this is the primary style.
These combine with a sturdy material around the bra’s water and oil-filled padded area.
This helps with potential leaking or popping of the bra. Also, they are usually designed as underwire push-up bras, which helps to keep their overall shape and structure.
Water Demi Bras
Demi bras only cover about half of your bust and can have a low cut, which is ideal for lower cut tops or dresses. For the most part, demi bras are fantastic everyday bras.
Now you can also buy water demi bras. The main difference between a demi bra filled with water inserts and a normal demi bra is that the water inserts will give your chest more of a boost.
Water Plunge Bras
Plunging bras are popular if you have outfits that dive deeper down your chest. Basically, if you have a low-cut top and don’t want your bra to show, you will want to invest in a plunge bra.
One of the biggest issues women face with plunging necklines is their lack of support and overall accentuation. With a water plunge bra, you maximize the cleavage while getting a lot of support.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Like every bra ever created, there will be both advantages and disadvantages of this bra. There are always rumors and myths about wearing bras, as well as spreading misinformation.
The advantages and disadvantages I discuss here are all about the actual wearing of the bra, not rumors of what wearing the bra can do. If you want to try out a bra with water, I highly recommend you know your correct sizing and breast shape.
This way, you can have the most beneficial experience possible, which is important to remember regardless of what type of bra you are trying.`
Perks of Water Bras
If you’re hesitant to consider buying a water bra, these advantages might change your mind.
They Help Push Your Breasts Up
This bra helps enhance your breasts’ size while pushing them up. If you’re small-chested and looking for a way to make your boobs appear larger, this is a great option.
Some say they work even better than regular, high-quality push-ups. Water bras also help accentuate your cleavage.
Also, water bras help push your breasts up and bring them in more than your average bra because they’re made with water. Therefore, the enhancement of your breasts can look much more natural than they might if you were wearing a regular, padded bra.
They Are Typically Seamless
This is the best news for those who become insanely annoyed when their bra is seen underneath tops or dresses. For the most part, water bras tend to come seamless, making them great to wear with most outfits.
People won’t be able to see the seams or lines underneath your outfit, which is just such an added bonus. Their straps are also adjustable, so no worries there about having your straps fall off at the sides.
This is the biggest news I’ve heard this week. Anytime I find a bra or bralette that is seamless and won’t make me look like a total hot mess, it is a huge plus. Thank you very much.
They are Comfortable
Believe it or not, these bras are potentially more comfortable than some others. This is because the padding, made of water and oil, can actually adjust and form to the size of your breasts.
You’re probably familiar with bralettes being known for the comfort they provide; however, unlike the water bra, they generally offer little support and asset enhancement.
Suppose you’ve worn padded bras, regardless of the brand or overall quality, you likely know they’re just not the most comfortable. A bra that pushes up your breasts while being comfortable can be great.
They Are Softer Than Padded Push Up Bras
Again, this also goes hand in hand with the overall comfort level. Padded bras are hard and can even be painful for some women after they wear them for a long time. They’re tight.
While they might help accentuate one’s chest, it might not be worth it by the end of the day. Water bras aren’t as hard as padded bras, which is always a plus.
However, if you appreciate the hard push up bras because they make you feel more supported, water bras might not be your cup of tea.
Downsides of Water Bras
There is one main disadvantage to water bras, which you might have already guessed.
While the advantages of water bras are great, one issue tends to drive people away before they’ve even tried the bra type out. I can’t really blame them, though.
They Can Pop
Take this with a grain of salt, though. You, like me, probably think water bras can pop incredibly easily, from even the slightest of touches. This isn’t true! In fact, the only time water bras really will pop and leak is if a sharp object pops them.
Remember, there is still fabric and rigid material that keeps the water and oil safe from harm, though it can’t stop any tearing when punctured with a sharp object.
Of course, wear and tear and improper use of the bra may also result in the fabric tearing or the padded part of the bra popping. However, it really isn’t as common as I all may think.
People Who Should Wear a Water Bra
Although there is no specific age or body type that a water bra is designed for, it is mainly worn by middle-aged women, teenagers, or older women with small breasts and want to add volume to the breasts and create a more rounded shape.
These bras are also ideal for women who want a natural-looking lift because water bras provide a more subtle and natural-looking lift, unlike push-up bras, which tend to give a noticeable lift.
Functions of a Water Bra
The primary function of a water bra is to provide a fuller and more rounded shape to a woman’s breasts in the following ways.
Correcting Asymmetry
A wide array of reasons can make you have uneven breasts, such as genetics, breastfeeding, injuries, natural asymmetry, and injuries. This may lower your self-esteem when in public, making you feel uncomfortable.
Fortunately, a water bra can help balance out the appearance of your breasts by using different-sized water-filled pads in each cup to create a more balanced appearance by filling out the smaller breast cup.
This helps create a more symmetrical appearance, boosting your self-esteem and self-confidence when attending public gatherings.
Providing Comfort
Generally, a push-up bra performs the same function as a water bra. However, a push-up bra is designed to push the breasts upward and toward the center of the chest, creating a more lifted and cleavage-enhancing look.
Usually, the lifting causes discomfort due to the compression and restriction of movement and might even result in long-term damage to breast tissue.
On the other hand, water bras are typically made from soft materials that are comfortable to wear. The water-filled pads add a layer of cushioning, making them ideal for women sensitive to pressure and discomfort caused by push-up bras.
Materials That Make a Water Bra
Water bras are made from synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, elastane, and spandex. The cups of a water bra contain non-toxic silicone or water-based gel material that mimics breast tissue’s natural feel and movement.
The outer layer of the cups is typically made of a soft, smooth fabric such as microfiber or satin to ensure comfort and prevent irritation.
The straps, hooks, and bands of a water bra are often made from nylon, elastane, and polyester to provide sufficient support and flexibility.
Where to Purchase a Water Bra
You can purchase a water bra from a lingerie line shop or online retailers like Amazon, Victoria’s Secret, Bare Necessities, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Walmart, and department lingerie stores.
If you are buying online, it’s advisable to confirm whether the seller offers a return policy. This assures you that you can get a refund or replacement if the bra doesn’t fit you or the quality is not what you expected.
Additionally, checking the size chart and customer reviews before purchasing is advisable to ensure the perfect fit and quality.
Related Questions
When Can You Wear a Water Bra?
In general, you can wear a water bra anytime you need to wear a bra. However, like other bras, it’s best to limit the hours you wear it to let your bust and skin breathe.
What Does a Water Bra Look Like?
A water bra looks like any other bra. The padding holds the mixture of water and oil so that this feature won’t be visible.
Can You Remove the Water Inserts?
You can remove the water inserts if the bra has removable inserts. Note that some water bras have padding stitched directly on the cups.
Conclusion
Water bras became a fad in the 2000s. They’ve somehow managed to stick around and become reliable favorites for a certain sect of undergarment buyers! While some bras have changed since their incarnation back in the day if you just look at the odd history of the first sports bra, water bras have mostly stayed the same.
If you’re annoyed with your own padded bra and are just looking for a natural way to enhance your assets, you might as well try out a water bra.
