Hi all! I’ve been spending quite a bit of time on the r/rheumatoid subreddit lately, and I’ve noticed a lot of people asking for advice on the best bras for arthritis. I’ve tried to share some of my recommendations on Reddit, but honestly, tapping on my smartphone takes it out of me after a while. So I asked my niece to help type up this quick-style guide instead.

If you don’t know me, I’m June, a 63-year-old with rheumatoid arthritis, and a pretty bad history of shoulder issues. I used to be a bra fitter, so I know a lot about underwear – and even more about how tricky it can be when you’re dealing with RA.

There are a few particular challenges I’ve see my fellow Redditors dealing with lately, so I’m going to try and share as much first-hand knowledge as I can (as quickly as possible here), starting with what I actually suggest looking for in an arthritis bra, and finishing up with some favorite picks.

What Makes a Good Bra for Seniors with Arthritis?

First up, the things you should look for in bras for seniors with arthritis. Obviously, I can’t speak for everyone here. I know we all experience arthritis differently. But I think a few things really do count, based on my experience (and what I saw with clients in the past).

•  Front opening bras for seniors are definitely the best option. Yes, there are work arounds, so you don’t have to twist to fasten the clasp at your back with a traditional bra. But why bother when you can just choose a front-opening clasp in the first place?
• Look beyond standard hooks. There are Velcro options, buttons, and even magnetized bras that help clips slide into place today. A few of my favorite comfort bras for seniors come with little finger loops to make life easier too – give them a try.
• Wireless is almost always better. Sometimes I do feel less supported without wires, but it’s honestly worth it so that I don’t have anything digging into my skin. There are still bras that can support you without pinching and prodding.
• Material matters too: I know most of us focus on how easy a bra is to get on and off when we have arthritis. Just remember it actually has to feel good when you’re wearing it too. If you’re already in pain from arthritis, you don’t want to be annoyed by your bra too.

Another thing, adjustable backs and straps are helpful. I don’t know about you but I get swelling around my shoulders some days that can prevent my bra from fitting like it used to. Adjustability really helps on those days, so I don’t have to go bra-less.

How to Shop for an Arthritis Bra (Without Losing Your Mind)

Knowing what to look for is great, but a lot of people don’t know how to manage actually shopping for arthritis bras either. Obviously, it makes the most sense to go online, where you can actually search for things like “comfort arthritis bra”.

Last I checked most standard clothing and lingerie shops don’t carry bras specially made for people with RA. But, of course, that could just be me. If you happen to have a speciality store near you, that’s great. When you are shopping, I do have some quick tips to share:

• Shop in the evening. That’s when swelling is usually worst, so you’ll get a more realistic fit if you’re going to be measuring yourself for sizing.
• Order multiple sizes. If you can swing it, buy your usual size and one size up. Return what doesn’t work. Saves you re-ordering and waiting.
• Check return policies. Some brands are great, others make it impossible to return a bra, particularly if you’ve already worn it.
• Read the reviews: All bras – even the best ones, will have some bad reviews. But if most of them are good, that’s helpful. Plus, reviews can give you sizing tips.
• Don’t settle. The first bra that’s “sort of okay” isn’t necessarily the best you can do. If you have arthritis, you deserve a bra you can actually put on without help.

Also, be a little open minded. Don’t be put-off a bra because it doesn’t look like the one you already have, or because it has a feature, you’re not familiar with, like a magnetic clasp. Being open to a little experimentation is pretty much a must at this point.

Arthritis Bra I Don’t Recommend

I’ve seen a lot of people raving about these supposed “comfort arthritis bras” on Reddit. I’m not here to tell you that your opinions are wrong. If you really do think these bras are fantastic, that’s amazing. But personally, they don’t work for me, and I haven’t heard from a lot of friends who feel differently.

I’m not saying they’re totally useless, but they all have problems:

• Fruit of the Loom Front-Close Sports Bra: I get the appeal of this one. It’s a cheap, front-opening bra for seniors that easy to grab on Amazon. You even get a pack of three. But the material is very flimsy, the support is non-existent, and the little hooks are still very fiddly. If you’re really low on cash, it might be ok, but I’d recommend trying something else.
• Silverts Adaptive Snap Bra: Adaptive bras like Silverts’ snap-front bra seem good on the surface. This bra is soft and comfortable, but the buttons on the front don’t feel any easier to close than the clips on a standard bra for me. They’re also not very secure, particularly if you have a larger bust.
• Harper Wilde Bliss Bra: Again, I see this one everywhere, and I like how simple it is. There are some good features – soft and stretch fabric, and wide shoulder straps. But you still have to pull it over your head. If your RA affects your shoulders, as well as your hands, you’re going to struggle.

I probably tried half a dozen more, but these were the big disappointments I remember most vividly, especially because I really wanted them to work.

Arthritis Bras That Actually Helped Me

I don’t want to sound too promotional here, but Liberare is the only brand I’ve found that offers bras for seniors with arthritis that seem to work every time. If, like me, you’ve tried a few other options and still haven’t hit the jackpot, I recommend these three:

Liberare Everyday Easy-On Bra

This was the first bra that made me feel normal again after being diagnosed with RA. It has a magnetic front closure and little finger loops to help guide everything into place, which is genius when your hands don’t cooperate.

The material is buttery soft and wireless, but still supportive enough that you don’t feel like you’re sagging to your waist. If you’re looking for a comfort bra for older ladies that doesn’t feel like medical gear, this is a great place to start.

Liberare Comfort Sculpt Bra

This is my absolute favorite and, in my opinion, one of the best bras for older women if you have arthritis. It takes everything good about the Everyday Easy-On and levels it up: thicker straps (huge difference for shoulder pain), more coverage around the ribs and back, and the same magical magnetic closure, with the finger straps.

It feels incredible on, and I can get it on even when my hands are so swollen I can barely hold my coffee mug. This is the one I wear on my worst flare days. It’s not one of the most “lifting” bras for arthritis I’ve tried, but it is the most comfortable.

Liberare Smooth-On T-Shirt Bra

This is the bra I grab when I want a bit more shape and lift but still need something friendly to my joints. It looks more like a “normal” bra, but you still get the front magnets and soft wireless support. Plus, it’s smooth under clothes, so it’s perfect if you’re going somewhere and you don’t want any lumps or seams showing.

One of my favorite things is that it comes with a J-hook, so you can convert the straps into a racer-back style, which helps me when I’m having shoulder pain. If you have a bigger bust, this is probably the best arthritis bra you can find right now.

Good Luck Finding the Right Bras for Arthritis

I think I’ve covered just about everything here – at least the majority of what I’ve seen people asking about on Reddit. Hopefully, if nothing else, I’ve given you a bit of an insight into how you can make finding and shopping for arthritis bras a little easier.

The right bra won’t cure arthritis, but it really does make a difference in how you feel all day. If you’re stuck in the same cycle I was, ordering, returning, and complaining on Reddit, know there are options that can actually help. For me, Liberare has been a game-changer, but don’t be afraid to keep trying until you find what works for you.

Oh, if you’ve got your own favorite bra for mature women or comfort arthritis bra that’s saved your sanity, please share it. We’re all in this together.