If you or someone you know suffers from fibromyalgia, you know that the condition can make pretty much any activity incredibly difficult. If you aren’t familiar with it, Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain in the body, alongside extreme tiredness. There’s no cure for the condition and there isn’t a lot of understanding about what causes it – the only thing sufferers can do is try to manage the symptoms. Along with pain, people with fibromyalgia often experience joint tenderness and sensitivity all over their body – which means wearing a bra for even a few hours can be agonising.
Over the years alternatives have been suggested to fibro sufferers. Most opt for cami tops with built-in support, but that doesn’t really provide you with the support you need. Sports bras are another common suggestion- but they are incredibly restrictive and tight, so just cause more discomfort. Ultimately everyone’s experience with fibromyalgia is different, so there is no ‘right ‘answer. But there are a few tips we can share to make the process a little easier.
Stick To Cotton
And we mean only cotton. Out of all the fabrics out there, cotton is the one that’s most friendly to your skin. Silk comes in a close second. Bras made from these materials will allow your skin to breathe and are less likely to cause irritation. Try to stay away from synthetic fabrics wherever you can. These kinds of fabrics don’t allow airflow, which can cause moisture to build up on your skin and add to your general discomfort. They also tend to be less flexible and rougher, which isn’t ideal for sensitive skin. Natural fabrics are always the best option.
Opt For Front Closures
Back-closure bras may be the ‘standard’, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best option. People with fibromyalgia have stiff and sore joints, which means that reaching behind them to open and close a bra can be anything from painful to impossible. Closing the clasp in front and then rotating the bra around isn’t a great solution either – it can cause a lot of irritation that could last hours. Instead, try experimenting with front-closure bras. These remove the need to reach around and can provide some relief for sore bodies. Front-closure bras are also often made of softer, smoother materials too, which is a nice bonus!
You Don’t Have To Avoid Underwire
It’s easy to assume that with all of that sensitivity and discomfort, you should avoid bras with underwires at all costs if you suffer from fibromyalgia. But the truth is – it’s up to you! Some women like the support they provide, with others hate the restriction and the underwire potential for breaking through. It’s all down to personal preference. What we will say though, is that if you do buy a bra with an underwire, to make sure that the area where the wire sits is well reinforced so that the wire doesn’t break through.
Get The Size Right
We’ve written many times before about the importance of wearing a bra that’s the right size for you. Wearing the wrong size bra can be uncomfortable for a healthy person but for someone with fibro-it’s agony. Make sure you get measured properly and are buying bras that sit against your body properly without being too tight or too loose.
Free The Nipple!
Of course, there is a secret option, which is to not wear a bra! Many women with fibro don’t wear bras all the time to avoid the discomfort they cause, and save wearing a bra for ‘special occasions’ only. This is a good approach if you have smaller breasts, though if you have a lot of breast tissue then gravity could make not wearing a bra just as uncomfortable as wearing one! However, studies have found that forgoing a bra can actually decrease sagging, since your tissue and muscles need to work harder to support your breasts. So, it’s all a matter of perspective!
We know there is no ‘one-size fits all’ solution for people struggling with Fibro, but these tips can provide somewhere to start. By experimenting with different styles and materials, you can find the perfect bra for you. That’s why we offer a free, no-quibble returns policy. So that you can feel confident in your purchasing decisions. For more information, just get in touch with the team today, or browse our collections here.
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