When you think of anatomy of a bra, there are plenty of different parts sewn together to match your distinct style. The structure of a bra may be the most interesting thing to understand because it is technical. Therefore, knowing them is important to picking the right fit and making a wise buying decision. In this blog, we will walk you through the purpose of the cradle and wire, which give shape and support to the bra.
What is the Cradle or Frame of a Bra?
Cradle or frame refers to the outline and overall physical form of a bra. It is the front part of the bra that attaches to the bottom of the bra cup and the side seams. In simple words, it is the fabric that surrounds the bra cup and the wire. The bra frame cradles the two cups, and it can be one or two pieces depending on the design. The bra band attaches to the lower edge of the cradle.
Purpose of a Bra Cradle
- Improve the overall look of the bra.
- Defines the structure and shape of the bra.
- Keeps the wires in place.
- Supports the breasts.
- Connects the bridge/centre gore and bra cup together.
- Helps position the cups and wires of the bra securely against the chest.
- Stabilizes the area between the bra cups.
- Prevents the bra from stretching horizontally near the cups.
What is a Frameless Bra?
It is a bra that doesn’t have a frame under the cup. In this style of bra, the bra wing is directly sewn onto the cup, and a separate centre gore joins the cups.
What is a Bra Wire?
It is a metal or plastic that shapes the cup, which the fabric cannot do. It is the strongest material in a bra that fits into the soft casing of the cup. Wires also play a vital role in keeping the centre gore flat against the chest and separating the breast. The cradle and wire complement each other to support, lift, and shape the cup. An underwired bra shapes your breasts naturally and keeps them in place. You can wear a bra with a firm underwire or a flexible one.
Purpose of Wires in a Bra
- Works as a foundation for a wired bra.
- Handle the band’s pressure.
- Maintain the shape.
- Hold breasts in place.
- Prevent the widening of the cup.
- Easily wrap around the breast.
How Should the Cradle and Wire Fit?
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Firstly, the wires should fit around your breasts, and they should not move within the bra cup. Underwire that is too big can damage sensitive breast tissues. If it is too small, your breasts will spill out at the top of the armpit and cause discomfort.
Secondly, you need a tacking gore. When the centre gore of the bra lies flat against your chest, we call it tacking. It is the desired fit to ensure your breasts are fully separated and the gore is in complete contact with the body. Use the bra size calculator to find the right size, fit, support, and structure.
When and Why Do Wires Hurt?
A firm underwire can widen the cup and dig into your breast tissue if you don’t wear the right size. Flexible underwires are comfortable to wear as they hug the cups around your breast, but if they are too flexible, they tend to float at the centre gore. A floating centre gore may not handle the pressure of the breasts and can easily tilt and dig around the bottom of the wire. It doesn’t provide the desired lift to your breast. It is always better to choose a tack gore for your underwired bras. You may want to read how the centre gore of a bra fits to understand the importance of gore.
Every time you wear a wired bra, it undergoes some degree of deformation in the spring. The wire returns to its original shape, but repeated wear and tear can cause fatigue. The solution to avoiding unwanted stress is to find the perfectly fitted bra.
We hope this information provides you with a basic understanding of cradle and wire so you can confidently wear any style of bra. Read Next – How well do you know your bra wings and the band?