A while back I wrote a post about bra hacks, and that post ended up receiving a lot of great feedback! It’s really neat that something as simple as wearing a bra every day can give us so many shared experiences to bond over (though not all of them are positive of course!) ;-)
One of the less fun bra-related experiences that many women have shared is dealing with exposed underwire. You know, when the underwire rips through the fabric and starts stabbing you in the ribs or armpit? And today we’ll be exploring this issue in depth, and I’ll tell you exactly how to fix a broken underwire bra!
Check out this life-saving bra hack in action in my video at the end of the post!
What Causes Exposed Underwire?
The purpose of underwire is to lift and support. Its purpose is not to scratch you or threaten your internal organs, but it sometimes ends up that way. So how is our underwire going so awry?
An exposed underwire is usually caused by one of two problems. First, it could be that the bra doesn’t fit you the way it should. (If you’re not sure if you know your correct bra size, don’t hesitate to have a fitting done by an experienced professional!)
Another potential problem is improper care. Bras should be washed gently with a mild detergent. Aggressive washing and concentrated detergents can weaken the fabric, exacerbating those unfortunate underwire issues!
Fixing the Problem
While understanding the potential causes of exposed underwire may help you avoid the problem in the future, it doesn’t do you much good in terms of fixing the problem now!
That’s why I’m sharing a quick and easy solution that you can use to fix that broken underwire bra so you can keep wearing it! Because in real life, we don’t always get things exactly right. So instead we find a fix, learn something, and move on! :-)
Tools & Supplies
For this fix, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Moleskin
- Scissors
How to Fix a Broken Underwire Bra
Step 1 – Reposition the Wire
Start by pushing the exposed underwire back into its original position.
Step 2 – Cut the Moleskin
Inspect the hole that the underwire left behind in the fabric to determine how big your patch should be. You’ll want your patch to be big enough to cover both the hole itself and the area around it to make sure there’s enough adhesive to keep it securely in place.
Once you know what size it should be, use a sharp pair of scissors to cut out the moleskin patch.
Step 3 – Apply the Patch
Remove the adhesive backing and apply the patch over the hole. Press the patch down firmly for several seconds to make sure it stays put.
And just like that, you’re done! Your underwire woes are no more, and you can once again wear your bra without fear of bodily harm.
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How Long Will This Fix Last?
In my experience, this is one of those rare fixes that actually seems to get stronger over time. It seems as though body heat helps the moleskin adhesive to fuse with the fabric of the bra!
I’ve put a moleskin-patched bra through the washer and dryer many times with no issue. I can’t promise this fix will last indefinitely, but it should last you a good, long time!
Do you have a favorite quick fix for a bra-related issue?
Excellent solution for a problem that I have been dealing with for twenty years. Thanks !
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Moleskin is a great idea. I’ve been mending my bras with either a double layer of tshirt fabric or flannel just over the hole and sewn on both sides of the wire. My problem is usually a worn spot where the ends are, not in the channel of the wire. I make sure to have a bit of extra padding on those stress point. Moleskin…whoda thought!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Just in time to save me another expensive bra! Thanks Jillee!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is great. I actually tried this after I saw it. It works. This definetly helps to save money so you can wear your bras longer. I agree that when the wires start poking thru it’s very painful.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great idea! And so quick!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oh. My. Word. This is going to change my life! I hated it so much I seriously considered never wearing one again! Here’s to looking pretty in our underclothes!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.THANK-YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS FIX. I TOO HAVE THROWN AWAY SO MANY IN THE PAST.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This sounds good, but what do you when the wire pokes though the top of the seam? Actually though the seams and into my armpit or in front and pokes into my breastplate. I finally went to a local Kohls store, told a woman in the intimates dept., told her my complaints and she happened to be a rep for Bali/Playtex. She took upon herself to measure me and make sure I started with the proper size. I am not shy, and asked her to look to make sure it fit well (my patient husband waited outside the fitting room). She kept bringing bras to me to try on and we found a Bali wire free in 2 styles, the colors are limited, but they are great! I will try the moleskin fix on the ones I gave up on.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I will only wear underwire bras. The last time an end popped through, I talked my husband into sewing it back in for me! Ok, I was in a hurry and he had a spare 5 minutes! Think I’ll keep some moleskin on hand for next time and repair it myself! Thanks for the tip.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for the tip but I just push the wire back in the sew a few stitches over the opening where it popped through. It’s permanent and never comes through again…
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Well, I wish that was true for me. I have had to repair them multiple times. And while there are those who say it is because I am wearing the wrong size, etc. I actually went to a foundation store and had them size me and I purchased the super expensive bras that quickly had the underwires poke me at the most inconvenient times!! After repeated repairs with needle and thread, I think I will try this method. Thanks for posting it.
Ahhhhhhhh!!! Thank you! I too have thrown away bras because of this. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Funny.. when I bought underwire bras… I would cut a slit like the one in your picture & REMOVE the wires… Those wires are a horrible thing… There are plenty of bras out there that lift Y separate without wires.. Do your health a favor.. get rid of underwires.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.@ KimH ~ just wondering, why you would even buy an underwire bra if you only then cut the wires out?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Depending on the size it can be basically impossible to get one without wires. I wear a G cup and have yet to find one without wires.
My grandaughter is 15 yrs. old. She’s already wearing a DDD cup. She got sized at a Victory Secrets store. They will measure you for free. Her bra now is starting to get little. It’s pushing her wires up in the air. Where is the best place to get G bras at. I live next to Knoxville, Tn.
Try Kohl’s
Try larger department stores, like Belk, Dillard’s, etc. I live in a small town. The local Belk here doesn’t carry large sizes, but I can find them in larger stores. You might even be able to find a specialty bra shop in Knoxville. Once you know the correct size, you can order online. Amazon Prime even has a new program. I was able to order several sizes of sports bras, and return the ones that didn’t work. I only paid for the one I kept and shipping was free.
Try Lane Bryant online
My daughter in law is 25 and is a M cup. When she was 15 she was a DDD. I recommend finding a specialty bra shop, most cities have one. Once she knows her proper size, she can order online. Please don’t take Victoria Secret word on bra size for larger cup women, they only carry up to DDD, so that’s what they will tell you what size you are.