This one’s for all the sensitive skin allergy girls! Sorry boys. You might want to skip reading this one, unless you want to surprise your other half with a pretty and comfortable new bra that they’ll love!
Maybe you’ve never given your bra choice much thought before, but I’ll bet you can’t wait to take it off at the end of the day. Bras can be uncomfortable, restricting, and irritating if you have allergies or eczema. And they’re also not cheap items of clothing to buy!
When it’s just too painful to wear a bra
During my worst topical steroid withdrawal years and when I got shingles all over my back, I couldn’t even wear a bra for much of the time and when I did, I’d have to stuff gauze or tissues between my breasts and would find it painful where the straps and fasteners rubbed my sore skin.
Until I visited the Allergy Show earlier this year, I hadn’t even realised you could get ‘allergy safe’ bras. I had already swapped to non-wired softer bras, of which there are a number of alternatives if you search. But not all bras are made equal! So let’s unpick why some bras night not be a good fit for allergy prone and sensitive skin:
What is an allergy and eczema friendly bra?
There are lots of different elements to a bra, so here’s how you can source one that’s good for you skin, body and your boobs! And why I love Julia May Lingerie bras!
- Those wires – If you are very sensitive to nickel the underwire, whilst usually not directly against your skin, could pose problems for those who are very allergic to nickel. I’ve definitely had rashes around the wire area and a lot of irritation where the wires dig into the flesh.
- Skin irritation – Those with eczema or dry skin should be looking at what material their bra is made from. Materials like organic cotton, silk and Tencel allow the skin to breathe and regulate temperatures better than many other man-made fabrics. Lace, ribbing and tight seams can all add to the pressure and irritation of the skin.
- Latex and rubber – Bras contain rubber/latex or silicone to help them stay up, particularly strapless bras. Even if you’re not allergic, these materials can be irritating to sensitive skin. They can make your skin hot, sweaty and irritated and are best avoided.
- Formaldehyde – Many clothes can contain this nasty substance; it helps repel moisture and prevent mould and creasing of products in storage and transit. You know that odd smell new clothes can have? To avoid this affecting your skin and your environment, I always wash bras before wearing if they have that pungent odour.
Environmental considerations when buying a bra
- Fast fashion – Let’s not forget fast fashion. We all know bras can be expensive items to purchase but having one that both supports your breasts and is good for your skin – but also from a reputable, eco friendly and responsible company should also be a priority. You can rest assured that Julie May Lingerie bras are also ethically produced. You can read their ethical statement here. (https://juliemay.co.uk/pages/ethical-lingerie). The company also supports many sustainable projects to help different communities.
- Packaging – The bras you buy from Julie May Lingerie come in really lovely paper packaging which is better for the environment, reducing plastic and waste.
Buying an allergy friendly bra
If you google ‘allergy friendly bras’ the first company to come up (after all the paid adverts for bra companies) is Julie May Lingerie and they have been approved by Allergy UK. They are the only lingerie company to have this accreditation.
Buying an allergy safe bra means that it is made from materials that are known to be kind to skin and it also won’t contain any of the known allergens like nickel, latex etc. Julie May Lingerie only every use organic Pima cotton and other natural fabrics.
Looking for that accreditation also means the company has been checked and approved as safe!
Testing my first allergy approved Bras
Firstly I would like to thank Julie May Lingerie for sending me two bras to try out. In the interests of transparency, I was gifted these bras and this is a sponsored post.
I’ve been wearing them now for a few weeks and they are so soft and comfortable against my skin.
I tried out two non-wired bras, although Julie May Lingerie also do a load of bras with wires if you prefer that style. Take a look at their website to view the full range.
VALENTINA – Silk back support, full cup, non wire, organic cotton bra
Material:
- Cup / Crotch: 100% Pure Silk
- Body Fabric: Silk-Cotton Blend (78% Organic Pima Cotton, 22% Silk)
Features:
- Cut from Pima Cotton and lined in silk, this bra promises maximum comfort and support.
- Shaped three-part cups ensure a natural fit and feel wonderfully soft on the skin.
- Side sling for additional support and forward projection
- Smoothing coverage under arms & back and wide straps for added support and comfort
- No padding
Why I loved the Valentina back support bra (no wire)
This is the bra I chose to wear to write this blog. It’s a soft snug fit, with a band of cotton around the body. It’s gentle on the skin and doesn’t dig in like normal bras can.
The organic cotton means it’s kind to my skin and it’s slightly stretchy to allow it to be easily put on and pulled off. It doesn’t have any fastenings at the back which I loved as I have never quite mastered doing up bras behind me and often have to do them up and front and swivel round afterwards.
It’s also really pretty and I love the green nature-themed pattern.
Back support, full coverage, wireless silk bra – Champagne
Material:
- Cup / Crotch: 100% Pure Silk
- Body Fabric: Silk-Cotton Blend (78% Organic Pima Cotton, 22% Silk)
Features:
- Incredibly soft Pima cotton and pure silk fabric, highly breathable
- Elegant lace detail in front
- Supportive wireless bra with maximum coverage, compressing your bust and giving it a naturally rounded shape
- Non-padded and non-wired design with added stretch offers unmatched comfort throughout the day
- Non-padded
This bra is really supportive and pulls the boobs in together nicely, giving a good lift. The silk material is cooling and smooth against my skin and it’s very pretty. It also came with pants so is now the only matching set in my lingerie collection! I tend not to match bras and knickers so it’s nice to feel I now have a special set to wear.
Ditch the bras altogether?
I’ve had quite a few comments and read a lot about women who are giving up on bras altogether. I have to admit, it does feel nice and freeing to not wear one every now and then. However, I do feel a little under dressed without one. Feeling more secure and covered up makes me feel more comfortable and I do need the extra support.
In winter it’s also an added layer of warmth for those extremities. I’m definitely not going to be burning my bras, I just prefer the feeling of having one on, as long as I’ve found a comfortable fit.
Get yourself an allergy and eczema safe bra today
If you’d like to get yourself an allergy safe accredited bra, visit https://juliemay.co.uk/ and shop the many different styles and designs, knowing that they are all suitable for people with allergies and eczema.
I have found quite a few really cool bra brands that you could try if you think your boobs could do with a little TLC. Check out my previous Wireless comfy bras for sensitive, eczema and TSW skin blog here.
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I’m going crazy. I’ve been going to a dermatologist for 2 yrs . I’ve had biopsy’s done they tell me I’m allergic to a medicine . Well I don’t know which one I would be allergic to . My breast drive me crazy , itchy 2 or 3 times a year. I’ve got steroid creams which don’t help. I’ve got other parts of my body that flare up also. The weather has a lot to do with the flare ups . To hot or to cold . The humidity. It sucks.
Hi Susan, hopefully they can tell you which medicine or it’s not so helpful really. I do really feel your pain, eczema can feel like an ever moving circle of confusion. I’m not sure how to help, other than to say I do believe we can find answers. I’m not nearly 4 years into topical steroid withdrawal and my skin just keeps on improving. It’s a very slow, tortuous and painful way to heal but ultimately, I think topical steroids do so much damage to our skin. What you need to try to do is find ways to manage your flares, limit damage and work out what triggers your skin. It’s so hard though, I know.