When your underwire bra breaks, it can be a real pain. Most people don’t know how to fix it and just give up on the bra altogether. This can be especially frustrating if it happens when you don’t have another bra to wear. In this post, we will teach you how to fix a broken underwire bra in the easiest ways possible.
What causes a bra underwire to break?
The most common reason for broken underwire is simply wear and tear. Over time, the wires can become weakened from normal use or washing, causing them to break or bend out of shape. If this happens, then you can replace the broken wire with another one of similar size and shape.
You’ll find that there are underwire bra repair kits available online which contain replacement wires and tools, making it easy to fix broken bras. You can also put together your own emergency bra repair kit with household items. (However, you may need to order replacement underwires as you probably don’t have any of those lying around!)
Can you take the wire out of a bra and still wear it?
If the broken wire is just poking into an uncomfortable place, then you can take out the wire altogether and still wear your bra.
Just be aware that you might not experience the same level of support. Without the underwire, the cups may not give you as much lift. Also, the bra may ride up.
Can you fix a snapped underwire in a bra?
When an underwire breaks, it can be downright painful. It’s best to remove the wire before it injures you.
To do this, use a seam ripper or fingernail scissors to open a few stitches at the end of the underwire.
Then use a pair of pliers to pull the underwire out of the fabric.
Once removed, decide whether you will leave it wireless or replace the underwire.
If you leave it as it is, sew up any holes created by taking out the wire or use moleskin patches on areas that rub against your skin. (Just be aware that moleskin may leave a sticky residue if you ever try to peel it off).
Here’s the tool you need to do the job as neatly as possible:
Clover White Ergonomic Seam Ripper
If you’ve ever had to remove stitches from lingerie, you know how difficult it can be. The fabric is delicate and the stitches are small and hard to reach.
Traditional seam rippers can be difficult to hold and can damage the fabric. However, the Clover ergonomic seam ripper is specially designed for bra repair. It’s much easier to hold, and the point is finer and sharper than others I have used. It makes short work of an unpleasant task. It’s an essential item for your sewing kit.
How to fix an underwire bra poking in the armpit
For those who have experienced a stabbing underwire that’s moved out of its casing and is now digging into their armpit or ribs – don’t worry, this too can be fixed!
Take off the bra and examine the underwire.
Is it broken?
- If so, remove the wire and replace it if you desire.
Is it bent?
- If so, you can try straightening it. You may need a pair of pliers to do the job right. But here’s the catch – the pliers will damage the bra fabric. To prevent tearing the material, you need to place a protective layer of fabric over the underwire and bra before grasping the wire underneath with the pliers. I recommend denim or something equally durable.
Is it out of place?
- This is the easiest problem to solve. Grab that wire and shove it back into place. Then seal up the hole that let it escape. Keep reading to discover 3 methods to do that.
How to fix an underwire bra with moleskin
If you’ve already googled how to fix an underwire bra, you might’ve seen videos or posts suggesting moleskin as a solution. Both medical tape and moleskin have good adhesion on fabrics like nylon and polyester which most bras are made of.
In a pinch, you can wiggle the underwire back into position and seal up the hole with either medical tape or moleskin. It’s a quick fix when you don’t have time to sew or use fabric glue. (Fabric glue by itself probably isn’t strong enough to keep the underwire in place anyway).
Pro tip: if the end of the underwire feels sharp or rough, use a nail file or sandpaper to smooth it before reinserting it and closing the escape hatch it made.
The downside of using moleskin or medical tape is the gooey residue they leave behind. In my experience, moleskin holds up pretty well when exposed to sweat and when it’s laundered. But if you ever need to remove it to replace the underwire, it leaves a mess behind. A better option might be something like the next product:
Tear-Aid Fabric Repair Kit
This fabric repair tape works on pretty much any surface and material you can think of. It repairs nylon, polyester, leather, Gore-Tex, rubber, canvas, plastic, and so on.
It’s straightforward to use. Once you’ve situated the bra underwire in the right place, take the alcohol prep pad and swipe the fabric where you need to close the opening. You don’t need to soak the bra with alcohol – you’re just removing body oil if the bra isn’t freshly laundered. Getting rid of the oil makes sure the patch sticks properly.
Thankfully, the tape has a matte finish and is transparent so any repairs are nearly invisible. Plus, it doesn’t get sticky or gummy when exposed to high heat.
Just trim off the size you need and press it into place over the opening of the channel where the underwire goes. Leave enough about half an inch overlap to make sure it has a good grip on the fabric.
If you have any questions, the repair kit comes with instructions.
What do you need for an underwire bra repair kit?
Instead of spending money on a bra repair kit that may or may not have the correct replacement underwire sizes, you can make your own.
For example, set aside a sheet of moleskin for quick repairs on the go. Then look in your sewing kit for a seam ripper, scissors, needle, and thread. You might include fabric glue, but it’s not crucial.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money. Here’s an example of hand-sewing needles from a reputable brand. These won’t break easily and they come in various sizes to help you do other projects, too:
SINGER Assorted Hand Needles in Compact
This set of 25 assorted hand needles is perfect for general sewing projects, embroidery, mending tears, hemming pants, and more. The needles are kept organized and secure in a round “dial-a-needle” storage case. The assortment includes betweens, darners, sharps, and embroidery needles. This pack is also handy for repairing bras and replacing bra underwires. Just don’t forget the thread!
SINGER Polyester Hand Sewing Thread, Assorted Colors
An even more economical option is this little kit with 24 different colors of thread, 3 hand-sewing needles, and a needle threader. With two dozen colors, you can match pretty much any bra.
Keep in mind that these are miniature spools with only 10 yards of thread. But it’s 100% spun polyester and plenty strong for repairing bras.
Porcelynne Carbon Steel Replacement Underwire Repair
Have you seen those TikTok videos about replacing an underwire in a bra with plastic? Just no. For one, it probably won’t be strong enough. Two, it needs to be the right size for your cup size. And three, it’s a whole lot more work than it seems. It’s so much easier to use a pre-made replacement underwire. All you need to do is open a few stitches, pull out the old wire, and slide in the new. Then close up the opening and you’re done.
After you’re done repairing your underwire bra, do an extra check to make sure all pieces are securely attached and that everything is properly aligned before wearing.
Porcelynne offers a wide variety of coated carbon steel underwires in different sizes and styles to fit any bra. They are strong and they won’t rust or rip a hole in your bra. They are basically the same thing that high-end manufacturers use when producing new bras.
Just measure your old underwire and compare the size to the charts in the images shown. If you’re not sure which style of underwire you need, please refer to the size and measurement charts for guidance.
HAND Plastic Bra Underwires
And for the budget-conscious, here are pre-formed plastic underwires. They come five to a pack. However, reviewers complain that they are quite small. Even the extra-large looks like it’s made for a B or C cup.
(Might be better to go with the steel underwires described above and save yourself the frustration).
How do I know if my underwire bra is broken?
Oh, honey, you’ll know it. If it hasn’t already stabbed you, it will look and feel misshapen.
Do I need to replace my underwire bra if it breaks?
Nope, because you have options.
You can pull out the busted underwires and wear the bra without them.
Or you can replace the underwire only (not the whole bra) with a new wire. See above for suggestions and tools needed.
How often should I replace my underwire bra?
As a general rule, if the bra no longer fits comfortably no matter how you adjust it, it’s time for a new one.
How do you know if it doesn’t fit properly? Is it digging into your ribs or hurting your shoulders on the loosest settings? Are the cups sagging or are you spilling out of the front, sides, or back?
You can try strap adjusters and bra band extenders, but they only do so much good if the elastic is shot.
What are the signs that I need a new underwire bra?
See the answer immediately above. If it’s not comfortable and you can’t make it better by adjusting it, it’s time for a new bra.
What should I do if my underwire bra breaks while I’m wearing it?
Yikes! I’ve actually had this happen at work. I went into the bathroom and yanked the broken underwire out of the cup. It was poking out of the fabric anyway. Lucky for me, it was winter and I was wearing a sweater so no one could see that I had only one underwire.
Of course, you can put up with the discomfort as long as it’s not injuring you. Or you can try to reposition the underwire if it’s not broken. Close the fabric where it escaped with tape or even a paper clip. Please don’t use a safety pin unless you’re absolutely confident it’s not going to open up and stab you.
How do I prevent my underwire bra from breaking?
Protect your underwire from breaking by taking good care of your bra. Only wash it by hand – never in the machine. Don’t wring it to remove excess water – press it gently inside a towel before laying it flat to dry or simply let it drip.
Also, store it flat. Don’t tuck the cups into each other or wad it up in the drawer.
Repairing your underwire bra is a cheaper and greener option than throwing it away, and with just a few tools and supplies, you can get back to wearing your favorite underwire bra in no time. So don’t give up on it just yet – with the right steps, you can repair any broken underwire bra!
Conclusion
If you’re unfortunate enough to have a broken underwire in your bra, don’t despair! There are several ways to fix the problem so that you can go back to wearing your favorite bra with ease. In fact, most of these fixes can be done right at home with just a few simple tools and supplies. And best of all, no one will ever know what happened! If you need a little help getting started, we’ve got you covered.
Sources:
Fixing a broken underwire bra – http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/advice/a3221/how-to-fix-a-bra/
Replacing broken underwire bra with plastic – https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-an-Underwire-Bra /how-to-fix-a-broken-bra/
Moleskin patches for broken underwire bras – https://www.verywellhealth.com/moleskin-for-protection-caused-by-bra-straps–1132528
How to replace a bra underwire – https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Bra+Underwire+Replacement/145379
How to remove bra underwires – https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Remove+Underwires+from+a+Bra/143715