Your complete buying guide in 2022 when selecting the best bra if you have costochondritis.
In This Article
- 9 Highest Reviewed Bras For Women With Costochondritis
- What is Costochondritis?
- Key Factors When Selecting The Best Bra
Choosing the right bra isn’t easy, especially when you’re suffering from costochondritis. With the most common symptom being pain and tenderness in the chest, women who are diagnosed with this condition need plenty of additional comfort and wearing a bra that is too tight could lead to a longer recovery time.
check out our list of 9 top rated bras for women suffering with costochondritis:
Best Seamless Design
Bali Comfort Revolution
This top rated Bali Comfort Revolution will give you everyday seamless support, shaping, and stretch. This option will become your next go-to as it will move with you while also providing the support and shaping you need. This bra will look smooth under your clothes and provides moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool no matter what you are doing. There are plenty of chic color options as well as sizes to choose from along with a great price. The design is simple, flattering, and top rated in comfort with adjustable back hooks and straps.
Pros:
- 4 way stretch fabric
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Provides Shape
- Removable Pads
- Color variety
- Adjustable hooks and straps
Cons:
- Hand wash only
Best Full Coverage
Glamorise Wire-Free
If a camisole is your go-to style, the Glamorise Wire-Free is made from a breathable mesh fabric that won’t make you feel compressed or add to your everyday discomfort. This bra has easy hook-and-eye closures with 3 columns and 3 rows that increase with size so it is fully adjustable. This bra has reinforced cups, is machine washable, and offers a super fun color variety with tons of size options.
Pros
- Color Variety
- Comfortable
- Machine washable
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Wire-free cups
- Great for large bust
- Provides shape
Cons
- None
Lifting Support
Glamorise Magic Lift
The Glamorise Magic Lift has cushioned bands without wire that provides shape and gives plenty of support. This highly reviewed option will provide enough lift without friction during recovery and the stylish seamless cups eliminate lines for a smooth silhouette under any top. You can machine wash this bra and enjoy the 2 way stretch and moisture wicking fabric from work to working out.
Pros
- Adjustable straps
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Color Variety
- Seamless cups
- Two way stretch fabric
- Breathable
- Support
- Cushioned bands and straps
- Machine Washable
Cons
- None
Best Bra For Pregnant Women
Momcozy Seamless bra
The Momcozy Seamless is ultra comfortable and a great option while nursing. Their unique buttery-soft fabric feels weightless on your skin and is designed to absorb moisture and wick away sweat. If you’re battling costochondritis while pregnant, this is a wonderful option to help you feel your best. This seamless bra is affordable, looks great under T-shirts, dresses, and tops with its wide shoulder straps.
Pros
- Breathable pads
- Great support
- Comfortable and soft
- Machine Wash
- All size options
- Seamless
- Wireless
- Neutral color options
- Moisture-wicking fabric
Cons
- None
Best Non-Irritating
Pretty Well Seamless
This PRETTYWELL seamless bra is part of PRETTYWELL’s comfortable series. There are no wires, no hooks, and their overall objective is aimed to care for women’s breast health with this seamless and wireless daily bralette. This option is silky, thin, and stretchy leaving you feeling light and weightless, like you’re wearing nothing at all. Enjoy the non-irritating Japanese hot-melt adhesive technology that will protect your skin from any pressure points and will not leave marks.
Pros
- Pull on closure
- Non-irritating
- Seamless
- Weightless
- Silky elastic fabric
- Removable pads
- Professional hot-melt technology that protects skin
- All size options available
- Neutral fun colors
Cons
- None
Best Budget Friendly
Bestena Comfort Sports Bras
The extremely affordable Bestena Comfort is a seamless yoga bra that is available for purchase in a single, double, or triple pack. This seamless, non-wired, no buckle bra is super comfortable with added stretch and extra wide straps. Because Bestena specializes in athletic wear for women’s health, this is not only a great budget friendly option, but a long-term one as well if you are at risk for developing costochondritis.
Pros
- Seamless
- Simple
- Neutral color options
- All sizes available
- Removable pads
- No buckles or wire
- Wide straps
- Great price
- Comes in 1,2, or 3 pack
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- None
Best For Rib Pain
Comfort Life Seamless
The Comfort Life Seamless has more flexibility and range making it the perfect option for rib pain. The elastic and durable 3×3 back hooks give you more size options so you can make it loose, without losing shape, or tighten up, without feeling discomfort. It is easy wear and care, invisible under clothing, and offers smart bra sizes.
Pros
- Seamless
- Comfortable
- Adjustable Band
- Removable pads
- Breathable fabric
- Invisible under clothing
- Great for everyday wear
- All sizes available
Cons
- Limited color options
Best Adjustable
Warners Easy Wirefree
If you want an adjustable option, look no further. Warners Easy Wirefree has a camisole appearance with adjustable front hooks and convertible criss-cross straps. This will provide snug fit for any bust size as well as comfort. This bra is lightly lined, breathable, and has several chic color options to choose from.
Pros
- Simple, easy sizing
- Seamless
- Comfortable
- Adjustable Straps
- Color options
- Wide bottom band
- All over stretch fabric
- Won’t dig in
Cons
Hand wash only
Best Overall
Bali Comfort Revolution
Last, but not least, the overall best bra for women suffering from costochondritis is the Bali Comfort Revolution. It’s wirefree with a comfortable, supportive design. The fabric is movable with ultra-thin stretchy foam cups for flexibility as well as moisture-wicking to keep you cool all day. This bra provides 2-ply side and back support and is completely wire-free.
Pros
- Seamless
- Sophisticated style
- Comfortable
- Adjustable Band
- Removable pads
- Breathable fabric
- Invisible under clothing
- Great for everyday wear
- All sizes available
Cons
- Hand wash only
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bra worsen costochondritis pain?
Wearing a bra that doesn’t provide proper support or fits incorrectly can potentially aggravate costochondritis pain. It is important to choose a bra that offers adequate support, doesn’t constrict the chest area, and fits comfortably.
What type of bra is best for costochondritis?
The ideal bra for costochondritis should provide sufficient support, minimize friction, and reduce pressure on the ribs and chest muscles. Bras without underwire and with wider bands and shoulder straps are often recommended for better comfort and support.
Should I opt for a bra with padding or without?
This depends on personal preference. Some individuals with costochondritis may find padded bras helpful in providing extra cushioning and minimizing friction. Others may prefer non-padded bras for a more lightweight and breathable option. It’s important to try different styles to determine what feels most comfortable for you.
Can a sports bra be suitable for costochondritis?
Yes, a sports bra can be suitable for individuals with costochondritis. However, it is crucial to choose a sports bra that offers adequate support, a comfortable fit, and does not place excessive pressure on the chest area. Look for sports bras specifically designed for low-impact activities and with features that reduce friction and irritation.
How can I ensure a proper fit for a bra to alleviate costochondritis pain?
To ensure a proper fit, it is recommended to measure your bra size accurately and try on bras before purchasing. Look for bras with adjustable straps and bands, and ensure that they are not too tight or too loose. It may be helpful to consult with a professional bra fitter for guidance.
Remember, everyone’s experience with costochondritis can vary, so it’s important to find a bra that provides optimal comfort, support, and minimal irritation for your specific needs.
Key Factors When Selecting The Best Bra
Choosing the right bra isn’t easy, especially when you’re suffering from costochondritis. With the most common symptom being pain and tenderness in the chest, women who are diagnosed with this condition need plenty of additional comfort and wearing a bra that is too tight could lead to a longer recovery time.
Costochondritis is known as chest wall pain syndrome, Tietze syndrome, or costosternal chondrodynia. It is often caused by strenuous overuse of the chest muscles from severe coughing, an injury to your chest, or repeated physical strain during exercise. Costochondritis can be extremely painful and the inflammation of the cartilage that connects the rib to the breast bone can sometimes mimic that of a heart attack. This condition can be elusive to diagnose and will usually go away on its own, but may clear up sooner with treatment.
Because the sharp, achy, or pressure-like symptoms with costochondritis can come and go or last for several months, it could be beneficial to invest in a long-term comfort solution, such as a new bra (or several) that can help ease your pain and discomfort while you recover.
The right bra will support your breasts, help clothing look better, and get you through the day in comfort. Think about investing in a bra that you actually like wearing and will save you money in the long-run, but will also aid you during your healing process.
Now that you’ve established you need a top-rated bra to give you comfort on your journey with costochondritis,
how do you select the best option for your body type and specific needs?
Size
If you haven’t already, correctly measure to find your bra size. To find your band size, stand upright without a bra on and use a measuring tape around your back and under your bust where the band of your bra would usually sit. Make sure your measurement is snug, not tight.
Next, measure the fullest part of your chest to find your cup size. Once you have this measurement, subtract your band size from the bust measurement. This difference denotes your cup size.
Proper Fit
Wearing a bra that does not properly fit can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain and lengthen recovery time for women with costochondritis. The straps should stay in place, but not hold too much weight and your bra should feel comfortable whether you’re standing up or sitting down. While it may be tough even without a bra if you have costochondritis, make sure you can take a deep breath and feel as little constriction as possible. Last, but not least, your breast should not be bulging over the side or top of your bra. If you can see any lines or bulging skin, your bra is not the right fit.
Style
Underwire vs Wireless
Bras with an underwire will improve the appearance of breast shape, but opting for a wireless bra when struggling with costochondritis could be better for recovery as there are plenty of seamless top-rated options available.
Front vs Back Closure
It may be difficult to find a perfect fit if you’re unable to adjust the snugness of the band with a front closure. Going with an adjustable back closure option or no hooks at all will be a more comfortable style option.
Compression vs Encapsulation
When thinking about compression bras, this mostly applies to sports bras and athletic clothing. If you’re looking for a yoga-like style of bra when struggling with costochondritis, choose one that is not compressing. Encapsulation bras have cups and panels surrounding each breast and offer more individual breast support for medium to large bra sizes. Either is a great option, as long as you’re choosing one that is most comfortable for your body type.
Bands and Straps
Your bra straps and band should stay in place, but not feel tight. When it comes to band hooks and adjustable straps, it all comes down to preference, but select the option that will provide comfort, eliminate friction, prevent slipping, and give you enough lift without aggravating your condition. The pain caused by costochondritis may radiate to your arms and shoulders, so choosing comfortable straps will make all the difference.
Fabric
Bras come in many different fabrics such as lace, cotton, and mesh. When searching for something ultra comforting, choose a fabric that is soft, stretchy, and moves with you. A moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool all day or one you would pick on gym day would also be a great option in the long-run. Avoid polyester materials and options that provide little to no stretch so that your bra isn’t too tight and restricting.
Color
When recovering from costochondritis, being out and about may not be ideal, but necessary. That’s not to say you can’t have a little fun choosing bra colors to wear under your favorite baggy T or if you prefer, stay neutral. The bra color you choose is totally personal and options are usually endless.
Budget
Thankfully, access to the right product for the right price couldn’t be easier than it is now. The right bra for you doesn’t have to break the bank! Not only can you search online based on price, but if you’re feeling hesitant that the option you want is too expensive or wondering whether what you’ll get is what you pay for, you can read countless reviews to make your educated decision. Remember, at the end of the day, finding your new go-to bra is a personal preference, especially if you have costochondritis, and what may not work best for someone else, may work best for you.
From diagnosis to recovery, we understand suffering from costochondritis can be frustrating and painful with a long-term recovery process. While your main priority and focus is pain relief, continue to do your research when finding your new go-to undergarment for the gym, daily use, and sleep.
Remember to take into consideration your size, the proper fit of your bra, style, fabric, color, and budget while you shop. Women with costochondritis agree that the importance of finding a good bra while recovering is top priority, especially if you’re active and at risk for developing this condition again.
We hope that finding the next bra addition for your body type and preference has never been easier while suffering with costochondritis and that you have a speedy recovery! Happy shopping!
