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Choosing Bras for Seniors

Adaptive clothing helps make dressing easier

Posted by Sally B. | Feb 7

As women age, their apparel choices will change too.

As a woman’s body ages, her lingerie and undergarment needs will also change. Not only will her breasts naturally change shape, but also an elderly woman’s physical ability to put a bra on and take a bra off will diminish.

Choosing bras for seniors will require options that are not limited in movement and are easy to care for. As a woman continues to age, there are several health changes that may affect her fashion and undergarment needs. With reactions to medications, a woman’s body may have less ability to perform personal dressing activities. Older women may also find their body temperature falls, so they may require more layers and heavier fabrics. Arthritis may also leave women unable to operate bra closures and buttons on clothing.

It is important to give women the opportunity to remain independent as they are aging, especially when it comes to their personal bra and panty attire. Even if an elderly woman is no longer personally selecting her clothing items, giving her the ability to put them on and take them off herself will leave her feeling confident and able. If a caregiver selects the appropriate undergarments, an elderly woman should be able to still operate her bra, panties and outer garments on her own.

Several manufacturers have designed clothing and undergarments, called adaptive clothing, which are making personal dressing easier on elderly women. Bras and outerwear under the adaptive clothing market niche often include wide-tabbed zippers, large snaps or Velcro-style closures.

Many bra manufacturers have come out with options to help aging women with their individual special needs, including those with arthritis. These options include front-closing, full coverage or soft cup designs.

Senior and retirement living also means a change in fashion needs. It is important to speak to appropriate healthcare workers who attend to the elderly. They can give you helpful advice when it comes to choosing appropriate undergarments and outer clothing for an aging or elderly woman.

22 COMMENTS

Laura Lewis said on Oct 28

I am looking for a bra that has thick straps over the shoulders but is a very small cup size.

Monique said on Oct 28

If you are looking for a bra that is easier to get on and off, with more comfortable straps, here’s a link to an easy snap front closure bra from Silvert’s. Silvert’s specializes in adaptive clothing for seniors and others with mobility issues. They also have a front closing posture bra that has wider straps.

Jennifer G Smith said on Mar 6

Is Silvert’s the only company that sells these? I am having trouble locating bras to fit my 80 yr old mom. Are there any stores that I can go in and find any? (We live in Chicago).

Thanks in advance.

Brassieres and Elder Women | Home Care Oregon said on Nov 3

[…] This story at a website called brawise assumes all old women of unstated age have a variety of ailments and trouble dressing themselves. […]

Mary Danforth said on Nov 3

Has any one heard of the AH Bra ? I have been on the same page as the no bra people since the late sixties, hate them. But if I were to wear one it would be the Ah Bra.

Kay Lane said on Aug 7

My mother is petite, 95 years old, spine curved and her breast naturally have lowered below her waist. She weighs 84 pounds. I’ve attempted to explain fitting her to a bra is darn near impossible. I have brought many and then return. She can’t stand anything tight and her breasts then hang out of the bra. Frustated and need HELP, please.

Mary Beth said on Oct 12

I am having the same problem as Kay Lane above. My mom is 91 years old 111 pounds and she does not like anything tight around her chest because of shingles. Her breasts have lowered near her waist and need something to pull them up. She has a hard time putting on a bra also. I bought many pullover bras and her breasts just fall through. She is 30 inches around under her chest where her breast should be.

Donna Doweidt said on Dec 26

My mother is 78 and constantly complaining how uncomfortable her bra is. They have tried many different bras and have been sized at the stores but still no relief. She complains about the band under her breasts, and no she does not have an underwire. Any suggestions on how to find the solution?

Joan Peterson said on Feb 12

I am 81, full breasted and sagging. How do I find a bra that will lift a 38D weight? I do not have trouble with arthritis, etc.

Carol said on Sep 29

What bra style do u suggest for my 90 year old mother: her breast are sagging and come out of top (looks like 4 boobs) very uncomfortable. She has arthritis . She tells me she is a 42 DD
No underwire pls.

Donna Sanders said on Nov 13

I am 69 year old full breasted and sagging. How do I find a all cotton bra that will lift 44F cup. I have allergy to spandex and nylon. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

Cathy said on Feb 12

My mom has the same problem as Kay Lane. I have bought her tons of bras which she cuts. She cant stand the tightness around her anywhere.

Yolanda Olson said on Jun 27

Please help the grandma’s who want support, comfort, no underwire, easy on and off and some style and dignity!!

Mary said on Sep 8

I have the exact problem as Kay Lane, plus my mom has a feeding tube in her belly so she has to have support in her bra so her breasts don’t interfere with the j-peg (feeding tube). Please help me.

Lorraine Bowers said on Sep 8

I need the company name that sells velco bras. My mom’s hands are crippled and I have no idea how she closes her bras. Can you help?

Sandy said on Oct 1

I am 77, in good shape, but I can never find a bra that I don’t want to rip off around 4 o’clock as I seem to expand and they get so tight even on the loosest hooks.

I have been to Soma and Nordstrom and they say I am 32″ below my sagging breasts and add the inches. I walk out feeling great but they seem to get tighter as the day goes on. I am now wearing a 38C and it gets too tight.
When I take them off I am left with indentations all around me. I have tried wireless, wired and everything in between. I would be thrilled to find a comfort bra. Any suggestions?

Patty Paris said on Nov 12

Same problem keeps getting posted, without any results. My mother is 89 year old, 110 lbs, breasts to her waist. We have spent countless hours trying on raw. I don’t understand why this issue has not been addressed with the amount of aging women. She has no problems dressing herself at all. It’s just the fit, too tight under breasts. We are about to resort to a sling. Frustrated in California for sure. Victoria secrets in every mall yet bra “engineers” can’t design something for the elderly that there clearly is a market for.

M.Perfetti said on Nov 17

Bali Comfort Revolution is pretty comfortable and supportive. All stretch, adjustable straps and band but a little pricey. Have not found a front close though.

Clairetta said on Dec 20

I have been searching for a bra that will not constrict my ribs or my shoulders and does not have underwire, is soft and comfortable. I do not like a bra that has hooks in the back. Please help me. I have bought so many bras and sent or taken them back because they are scratchy, tight and just plain uncomfortable. I need some support now that I am a 38B, I think. Even the Full Freedom zig zag weave bra had a scratchy band on it. I sent it back. Ahh bras roll up and are too tight, in the band, even though it is a Large.

Vee Ward said on Feb 28

My mother is petite, 94 years old, her breasts naturally have lowered below her waist. She weighs about 100 pounds. I too have brought many bras and then returned. She can’t stand anything tight and her breasts then hang out of the bra. Have even tried a longline to no avail. Would appreciate suggestions.

joan fenderson said on Mar 10

I’m 80+ and to age & illness have lost weight and have barely “anything” left. Would like an attractive bra that helps me look good and is comfortable. Never thought I’d want to add weight, but am sure it is only age and tissue loss, but need something and don’t think I’m ready for an undershirt. Help!!

admin said on Apr 17

For front-closure Velcro bras, look online for a company called Silvert’s. For Velcro adjustable shoulder straps try QT Intimates.