Side Support Bra Magic for Women Over 40: Self Care Win!
Unveil the secret to perfect fit and comfort with the best side support bras for women over 40. My journey to side support bras and top picks will help you find your self-care champion.
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Embrace a new level of comfort, confidence, and self-care with side support bras
I know I’m not alone in this scenario: you’re a mom in your 40s and you have TWO bras you alternate between every day. And they’re old, like really old.
This was me until a month ago. I had two bras from Soma that I loved. I’d had them for YEARS. Not like two-three years, like approaching a decade old. I loved them. They fit great, and when I realized they needed to be replaced, I found Soma discontinued the style.
I tried to find comparable bras at Soma, Victoria Secret, Negative Underwear, and nothing gave me the lift and centering of my bust like my trusty favorites. And it wasn’t until I sat down and tried to identify why I liked these bras so much and why I didn’t like the others. And this is when I had my ah-ha moment.
What I didn’t like about the bras is that they made my boobs wider than my chest. What do I mean? Well, I am a classic apple shape, with broad shoulders, and a larger breast size. My bra size is 36 DD. So, when my boobs appear to be wider than my rib cage/chest area, I feel like it makes my upper body even broader and even more disproportionate.
My two discontinued bras from Soma, brought my boobs together and up. That’s why I always kept going back to them. That’s when I had my big ah-ha moment “I need a bra with side support” And I’d never realized that until I was 42. Which blows my mind that I never realized there were more styles of bras than push-up, unlined, wired, wireless, T-shirt, plunge, balconette.
Which led me down the rabbit hole of understanding what is a side support bra, where do I find them, and will they give me the narrowing and lift I’m looking for? And now, I’m going to share all that I learned with you.
What Is a Side Support Bra?
Alongside the usual features of bras, side support bras have these extra panels on the sides of the cups. They’re not just there for show—they scoop everything up and inward, giving you superb support and a smoother silhouette under your clothes. No more side spillage, which can be a total pain with regular bras.
What I love about them is the underwire design. It’s not like the usual ones that dig in and feel uncomfortable by the end of the day. These are designed to follow the natural curve under your bust, providing a firm but friendly lift that keeps everything securely in place, exactly where it should be.
And let’s talk about the bands and straps. They’re wider than what you’d find on standard bras. This isn’t just for comfort—though it definitely helps prevent those painful shoulder digs—but it also helps to distribute the weight more evenly. This means less back strain and more comfort, which is a godsend when you’re on the go all day.
Plus, these bras are usually made from breathable fabrics. This is great because it means you won’t feel all stuffy and overheated, particularly during those hectic, run-around days.
They also come in some pretty stylish designs. So, it’s not only about comfort—you don’t have to sacrifice looking good for feeling good. Wearing one feels like you’re really taking a step up in self-care. It’s a simple change, but it can make a big difference in how you feel about your outfit and yourself throughout the day.
A side support bra might just be the upgrade you need for better support and a boost in confidence! Are you ready to give them a try? Great, keep reading and I’ll share where I found the best selection and my favorite ones!
Where I found the Best Selection of Side Support Bras: Bare Necessities
When I realized I wanted to focus my bra search on side support bras, I just went to Google and found Bare Necessities site. It was super easy, i just dropped “side support bar” in their search bar. And boom, a huge selection popped up.
I spent a considerable amount of time looking at each one, narrowing down to my size, and reading reviews.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for their sales. You can snag some great deals on quality brands. Because, if you’re anything like me, investing in bras seems like a luxury when there are so many other needs and wants from our family.
But, we’re dropping that story and seeing a great quality bra, that makes us feel comfortable and confident as necessary self care for ourselves!
So now that you we agree about the necessity of a great bra and how to get the best deal, let’s dive into some specific recommendations.
Top Picks: The Best Side Support Bras
Here are my top picks for side support bras that combine comfort, style, and that all-important lift, making them perfect for our busy mom-life. Trust me, these are game-changers!
Best Bra for Lift and Side Support
Oh, you’ve got to try the Panache Serene Side Support Bra—it’s fantastic for both lift and support. It has this pretty diamond pattern and stretchy mesh trims that hug perfectly, so you feel secure but still stylish. Plus, the straps adjust and convert with a J-hook, great for any outfit. And I love that it uses recycled materials—it’s nice to feel good about what you’re wearing. Definitely worth checking out!
Best Side Support Racerback Bra
If you’re searching for the perfect bra racerback bra, look no further. You’ve got to try the Bare The Effortless Front Close Bra—it’s a lifesaver. The cups are seamless and give really nice shape, plus the straps adjust from the front too, so you can get just the right fit on the fly. The best part? It’s made from this buttery-soft microfiber. Feels like wearing nothing at all but with all the support you need. Perfect for chasing after the kids or just running errands!
Best Side Support Bra for Everyday
Oh, let me tell you about this FANTASIE Illusion Side Support Bra—it completely took me by surprise and now it’s my go-to everyday bra! I’ve always leaned towards padded bras for that extra lift, so switching to this unlined one was a bit out of my comfort zone. But honestly, it’s been amazing.
This bra has these 4-part unlined cups that somehow manage to promote shape and lift better than any of my old padded ones. And it’s so comfortable! The wider underwire is a is a feature I never knew was a must, especially because it supports different bust shapes without digging in.
I own this bra in two different colors.
Best Side Support T-Shirt Bra
One thing about my two previous favorites, is they aren’t a smooth cup so sometimes you can see the designs through tighter shirts and T-Shirts. So, I tried the Natori Side Effect Bra. Honestly, it doesn’t pull everything together as well as some others, but it’s a solid choice for a more natural look. Plus, the material is this soft microfiber and mesh combo that you barely feel. If you’re looking for something light that smooths without adding bulk, this could be your new favorite.
The Side Support Bras I Returned and Why
I ended up returning a couple of bras recently—the Clara Side Support Bra and the Fancies Longline Bra. Both actually offered great lift and side support, which I loved, but the lace on them? Super itchy. I was constantly fidgeting and messing with the lace detail all day, which was a no-go for me.
It’s such a shame because they did everything I needed them to do support-wise, but comfort is key, right? If you’re sensitive to lace like I am, skip these and go for something smoother that won’t have you itching or adjusting throughout the day.
However, if you’re looking for a bra that has a sexy vibe, I’d highly recommend giving them a try.
Bottom line: Ladies over 40, if you aren’t happy with the shape your bra is giving you, you owe it to yourself to try a side support bra.
Gone are the days of alternating between two bras each day! I have a full inventory now. I can’t tell you how nice it is to feel great when I grab a bra to put on in the morning that makes me feel confident and is comfortable.
Now don’t get me wrong, when five o’clock rolls around, I’m still ready to shed the bra and get comfy.
Now, tell me how many bras do you have? Or what’s something you realized in your 40s existed that you wished you’d learn earlier?
