Today, ladies, I want to talk about my favorite subject. Bras!
An old friend of my Jen had rotator cuff injury last fall and my neighbor had frozen shoulder last year. I've noticed how this conversation about easy-on bras keeps coming up again and again. While I'm no bra-fitter or expert, I've managed to recommend the best bras.
This comes down to the fact I've been wearing bras as a DD/ DDD for the last 45+ years and I have been living with arthritis in my fingers, wrists and spine for the last 10 years or so. Unlike other women, I can't afford a breast reduction. I have to be very careful about which bras I choose to wear or, I won't be able to wear one.
Arthritis affects most of us. In women, arthritis is most common in our spine, hands and fingers. Unlike men, who mostly have arthritis in their knees. So today, let's dive into the best arthritis bra, that are actually comfortable.
Top Pick: LIBERARE Easy-On Comfort Sculpt Bra - $54.00
Yes, this bra holds on a DD/DDD cup. It would be nice to see more models on their site with bigger busts. It actually vert much does the trick.
This front-closure seamless bra is something else. I should preface this with: I have a really hard time with hooks and zippers. The pain in my wrists is too intense to try to fiddle with this type of thing. I found it because another bra from this brand was named the #1 Front-Closure Bra from Prevention Magazine, Everyday Easy-On Bra. I like that bra a lot (afterall, it's #3 on this list) but I find this bra a bit more my taste. I had to try it based on the reviews of how easy it was. I had seen a video of a woman with one arm putting it on and I thought, gosh I should be able to to it! Turns out, I can.
There's not velcro or hooks on this bra. Believe it or not, it has a magnetic front-closure. Yes, yes, yes... I know what you're thinking. "Magnets will not hold my DDD!" They do. They are more like magnetized fasteners and come together with the magnetics. But I hear a little "click" and they click into place.
This front-closure bra couldn't be easier for my arthritic hands. I am so pleased and wear this one almost everyday. Also, the thick wide shoulder straps really are a game-changers.
SIZES: S - 3XL (Bands 34 - 42, Cups B- DDD(F))
WIRED OR WIREFREE: Wireless
SUPPORT: Medium to Medium Low
WASHING: Machine wash on cold and hang to dry.
BEST REVIEW: "67 years old with some minor pain in my hands. This is very well made and fits great. I love the easy front-closure but the rest of the bra is what sold it for me. Incredibly comfortable."
Second Place: Evelyn & Bobbie MESH - $98.00
I know this is a hefty price! It's great and better than other competitors out there.
I've tried all the bras that look like this. There's a bout a dozen from other companies that have this cross-over look that are pull-on over your head. The thing is, this bra definitely gives the most support.
It's truly quite comfy, it really lifts the ladies more so than any other wireless bra. I really like that there are no clasps. This bra can be a bit tricky to put over your head if you have too much arthritis in your shoulder or your fingers. It's a bit of a "squeeze into it" on the first 2 wears or so (this bra stretches nicely after that!).
It's by far the most supportive and has an even wide size range. For me, I can wear this bra on days I have low pain in my shoulders. I really prefer a front-closure bra for my arthritis on most days.
If you cannot afford the $98 Evelyn & Bobbie (I completely understand! God knows I could barely!) than I think Honeylove Cross-Over has the second best option. It's not nearly as supportive or have the best size range, but it's not half bad. I don't like the the straps are on the thinner side.
SIZES: S - 3XL (Cups C - K)
WIRED OR WIREFREE: Wireless
SUPPORT: High!
WASHING: Machine wash on cold and hang to dry.
BEST REVIEW: "I have tried SO many bras. This is the first bra I have ever worn that I don’t want to take off. I’ve realized now that much of my irritability in life had to with bra discomfort. I am a noticeably happier person in this bra. The Evelyn is by far the most comfortable, but the Scoop bra is a close second. Doesn’t surprise me that the most expensive bra is the best one, but it is so worth the cost, especially, if you are sensitive to textures/stimulus like I am, you won’t regret this purchase"
Third Place: LIBERARE Everyday Easy-On Bra - $64.00
This is the first bra I tried from this brand a few years ago and it's the one most of my friends prefer (specifically Jen after her rotator cuff injury who is now fully healed, wears this one everyday, still).
This is truly just a great front-closure bra. You really do not have to worry about painfully putting on those fiddly front hooks or even scratchy velcro. This front-closure is so helpful for arthritis fingers! I cannot recommend more highly.
I will say about this brand Liberare, it's really crucial to measure! Every since bra company does sizing differently. I used to think it was just Victoria's Secret cups that were different (My daughter was measured ad a D cup for them when she is truly a B) but in my journeys and countless bra fitters, I have since learned that you need to measure.
Some bra brands are more similar than others and with Liberare I find that I measure for each bra. A bit of hassle but there's no other options on the market.
This bra is not as full-coverage as Comfort Sculpt Bra but more supportive (but not as must as the Evelyn & Bobbie bra).
I know own this in black and white and I just toss them in the machine for very easy clean. They have held up very well.
SIZES: 34B - 44DD (skipping a few G cups)
WIRED OR WIREFREE: Wireless
SUPPORT: Medium
WASHING: Machine wash on cold and hang to dry.
BEST REVIEW: "Best front-closure bra I own. Has never been easier to put or this comfortable. Will be buying more. I bought a 40D and am very pleased."