The pain points that most women have with bras over the course of their lifetime seem to get exemplified for senior women. That being painful underwire, a general lack of support, straps that dig in on shoulders and fabrics that irritate. No doubt the reason why front close bras for elderly women are making a big splash in our industry!
As we age our support requirements change. This is largely due to adipose tissue displacing, skin thinning and losing elasticity and the natural support structures in the breast being irreversibly damaged with wear and tear.
In our lifetime most women go through puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight gain, weight loss and menopause – all which play a part in causing havoc on our breasts.
Traditional Bras have serious limitations for senior women, here’s why…
The pain points that most women have with bras over the course of their lifetime seem to get exemplified for senior women. That being painful underwire, a general lack of support, straps that dig in on shoulders and fabrics that irritate.
As we age our support requirements change. This is largely due to adipose tissue displacing, skin thinning and losing elasticity and the natural support structures in the breast being irreversibly damaged with wear and tear.
In our lifetime most women go through puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight gain, weight loss and menopause – all which play a part in causing havoc on our breasts.
Better bras for elderly women: A win for seniors with a loss in mobility and dexterity
The physical changes that happen to our breasts when we age aren’t the only issue senior women face. With years of wear and tear we can begin to lose our shoulder range of motion and general dexterity.
This means wrestling our way into a bra is not only a painful experience every day, but for many it eventually becomes an impossibility. This results in many elderly women dismissing bras as an option and living in discomfort from a lack of support. This can also evoke feelings of shame and indignity for aging women.
This is where front close bras come to the rescue for senior women.
Front Close Bras for Elderly
A Front Close Bra is designed like a vest, you easily slide each arm into the arm hole and then fasten the bra at the front. A bra that opens and closes at the front like this allows for much easier getting in and getting out on the daily.
This has two benefits. Firstly, you don’t have to reach behind your back to fasten the bra. Secondly, you can easily see the clasps that need fastening. That’s a win for seniors with a loss in mobility and dexterity.
Now that front close bras are becoming more commonplace, they are now produced with a variety of fastenings like zips, press studs, magnets, velcro and traditional hook and eye clasps.
Comfort is key as we age
Making a big change to your bra wearing habits can be a quick but significant step to improved comfort. In my in-person bra fittings if women are frustrated with traditional bras my best advice is that they make a significant change. There is only one way to find out if something else is going to work for us, and that is to give it a go.
Aside from moving to front close bras, I also encourage women frustrated with years of discomfort to give wireless bras a try. Believing that underwire is the hero of a bras support is the most common misconception there is about bras. The truth is, underwire is not in a bra to lift or support the bust, but rather to shape and round the breasts.
One of the most refreshing parts of seeing the rise of front close bras is noting that most of these new styles are designed with wide soft straps, a full back for extra support and without underwire for comfort. That’s another win for aging women.
Advice from an experienced Bra Fitter
Aa an experienced Bra Fitter it’s obvious that I will suggest an in-person bra fitting if that is at all possible. However, if that is not available to you I recommend having a trusted and capable person assist you taking your measurements.
The measurements you’ll generally require when buying bras online are the ‘Underbust’ measurement which is taken just under the breasts around the ribcage. This is where your bra would usually sit under your breasts, you need to measure around the circumference of your body.
The other measurement is the ‘Overbust’ measurement which should be taken around the widest part of your breasts, and again you need to measure around the circumference of your body from this point. I recommend wearing a bra for this as the bust will sit higher and will make the measurement process easier.
Good luck!
Front Close Bras for Elderly Women
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