Best Bra For Seniors With Arthritis
The best option for women who have arthritis are front closure bras, but pay attention to the type of closure,” Merejo says. Most front-closing bras use the same closure for the front as they would the back, called a “hook & eye extender,” which is made of two to four rows of small metal loops on one side, and a row of hooks on the other. “Because of their tiny size, even when attached in the front it would be difficult and tedious to grasp for someone with compromised hand mobility,” she explains. Instead, look for bras with either a single front clasp or extra large hooks, she says.
Try: This Cottonique front closure support bra comes highly recommended by Elizabeth S., 68, who has osteoarthritis. “I love that the ‘hooks’ are so easy to see and use,” she says.
Zipper closure bra
No matter how large a bra’s hooks are, they can still be difficult for people with severe arthritis in their hands. A front zipper closure can solve this problem, especially when you use it with an assistive dressing tool, Merejo says.
Try: “This zip-front bra is my favorite; I wear it everywhere. The zipper is easy to pull up and it still provides a lot of support for my large chest,” says Mackenzie T., 23, who has rheumatoid arthritis.
Sports bra
Elastic sports bras can be a great compromise for women with arthritis — they come in a variety of sizes, colors, fabrics, support levels, and styles and most are either pulled over the head or use a front closure. Catherine, who likes to dance and do triathlons, says her sports bras have become a wardrobe staple. “I wear them to work out in but they’re often so comfy I end up staying in them for the rest of the day,” she says. “It helps that athleisure is in right now!”
Try: Catherine’s favorite is the Victoria’s Secret Incredible Ultra Max Knockout. It comes in regular bra sizes and has inner cups that clip together in the front with a compression bra that zips over the top, providing comfortable support while avoiding the “uniboob” look that many sports bras have.
Stretchy fabric
Some women with arthritis have very limited hand mobility, making any type of closure difficult. The solution is to buy a bra that can be slipped over your head or stepped into, Merejo says. “Pullover bras are great for ease and convenience, but note that they will not offer the same support as a regular bra so these may be better for smaller-chested women,” she says.
Try: The Genie Bra was recommended by many women we spoke with; each with different types of arthritis. It comes in a variety of styles, made in a stretchy-but-supportive fabric.
Adjustable Velcro wrap-around strap
For women who need a customizable fit, Velcro is a great option. Some bras come with adjustable Velcro tabs that allow you to change the shoulders, band size, and back.
Try: The Ultimate Sports Bra by SheFit has wrap-around Velcro straps that can each be adjusted from the front, along with a front zipper closure. “This is so supportive. I love that I can wear it tighter or looser, depending on my chest pain,” Catherine says.
Magnetic front clasp
Magnets are a popular feature on adaptive clothing — clothing designed for people with disabilities — and with good reason. All you have to do is get the magnets close together and they do the “hooking” for you.
Try: The Anita Comfort Meggie magnetic closure bra gets high marks for support and ease of use.
Finger loop
One solution to the hook-and-eye problem is to attach loops of elastic to each side of the closure. This allows you to slide your fingers in and simply bring your hands together to close the bra, rather than needing to use finger dexterity. This can be a great compromise as you still get the support and security of a traditional bra but with less pain and difficulty, Merejo says. These also come in a wide range of sizes, making them good for large-breasted ladies.
Try: The Eezee Fasten Bra by Adaptawear comes highly recommended by Marcia L., 49, who has psoriatic arthritis. “It takes a little bit of practice to get used to the loops but now I can do it the dark,” she says.
Magnetic bra extender
If you can still reach around your back but are just stymied by the hook and eye connectors, consider attaching magnetic bra extenders. This gives you the ease of a magnetic closure while still allowing you to wear any traditional bra you like. It also allows you to adjust bras for changes in band size without having to buy a whole new bra.
Try: These magnetic bra extenders are an affordable way to make the bras you already own more functional.
7 Best Bras For Elderly Women With Arthritis And A Buying Guide
Here are some of the best bras available online for elderly people who have arthritis:
1. Best Unwired:Fruit Of The Loom Women’s Bra
4.2
This front closure cotton bra from Fruit Of The Loom is a mixture of cotton and spandex, lending it a soft feel and great stretch. The full-coverage bra has a hook and eye front closure for easier access and no underwiring. It is very soft, comfortable, and can be worn while performing a large number of activities. Its key purpose is to offer optimum support and ease of wearing. This full-coverage bra is made from a breathable material for all day comfort and has straps that stay in place all day.
Pros
- Soft material
- Breathable
- Full coverage
- Stretchable fabric
- Machine washable
- Unwired
- Unlined
- Front closure
Cons
None
2. Best For Yoga And Sports:WANAYOU Zip Front Sports Bra
4.1
Now 24% Off
The WANAYOU Zip Front Sports Bra is designed to provide comfort during the post-surgery days. Usually, in such situations your movement becomes difficult and restricted, thus, this bra has a front zip closure to give you maximum flexibility and ease of wearing. The material is a combination of nylon and spandex which makes it highly stretchable and comfortable. The active wear bra has a modern racer back design and removable padding so you can wear it as per your preference. Its broad straps ensure to lighten the burden on your shoulders and offer great support. Keicia Shanta, a fashion expert, says, “The Wananyou zip front bra is perfect for post op surgeries. I have used it myself. The accessibility is unmatched and so is the comfort.”
Pros
- Front zipper closure
- High elasticity
- Removable padding
- Wide shoulder straps
- Suitable for everyday use
- Suitable for active wear
Cons
- May give the appearance of a uniboob
Price at the time of publication: $28.99
3. Best For Plus Size:Glamorise Women’s Plus Size WonderWire Bra
3.9
Now 30% Off
The Glamorise Women’s Plus Size WonderWire Bra is designed for curvy women to ensure ease and optimum comfort. It is underwired and padded, and offers soft cushioning and good support. The material consists of a combination of polyamide, polyester, and elastine, and has a hook and bar front closure. Its cups also consist of side-bust control to shape and support your breasts effectively. The pain-relieving wide straps are slightly cushioned to relieve any pain and the quick-drying fabric keeps sweat away. However, it can only be handwashed and needs to be handled delicately. Keicia Shanta, a fashion expert, says, “It has great cushioning and offers underwire plus padding. Moreover I love the side bust control design and wide straps.”
Pros
- Front closure
- Cushioned underwire
- Wide straps
- Padded cups
- Side bust control
- Good support
- Quick-drying fabric
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Only hand wash
Quick Tip
We recommend a full-coverage bra with an underwire for extra support and to prevent your breasts from sagging and causing upper body pain.
Price at the time of publication: $41.3
4. Best For Thin Straps:Hanes Women’s Cami
3.9
Now 28% Off
Avoid awkward peekaboo straps with the Hanes Women’s Cami. It has a built-in shelf-bra which sits comfortably. This non-padded bra is made of a combination of cotton and spandex material. Its pull-on closure makes it easy to wear for someone suffering from arthritis. The material is machine washable and durable, and its soft, cotton fabric offers all day comfort. This soft camisole bra offers light support and all-day comfort. The best feature of this product is its slender straps that can be worn under any sleeveless top without visibility.
Pros
- Cotton-based
- Breathable
- Pull-on closure
- Machine washable
- Extra-soft fabric
- Ideal for all day wear
- Skinny straps
Cons
- May not give optimum support
Price at the time of publication: $13
5. Best Seamless:Genie Bra
3.9
The Genie bra offers optimum stretchability and is made from nylon and spandex. It has a pull-on closure making it easy to put on and take off. The material is soft and can be machine washed. It is an all-day comfort bra without any wiring, zips, adjustable straps, or hooks. The soft cup gives a smooth and seamless silhouette under your tops and offers the perfect amount of lift and support needed to perform various tasks. The bra provides full coverage and has removable padding so that you can wear it the way you feel more comfortable.
Pros
- Pull-on closure
- Machine washable
- Seamless
- Wire-free
- Good support
- Super soft
Cons
- May not be true to size
Price at the time of publication: $29.99
6. Best Metal-Free: Underworks Arthritis Bra
3.7
The Underworks Arthritis bra features big unrestricted cups and a broad band that offer optimal comfort. Blended with 55% cotton, 10% spandex, and 35% polyester, the bra has a velcro hook and loop closure that allows you to wear and remove it easily. The bra also has a new hook tab that acts like a lock to keep its closure from getting opened or the strap from curling up. The hook tab also keeps the closure smooth and flat. This bra is free of any metals and wire, making it super comfortable for women who suffer from ailments like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis , giving you a custom-fit.
Product Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 6 Ounces
Pros
- Easy to wear
- Comfortable
- Latex-free
- Wire-free
- Can be worn as an oncology bra
Cons
- Small arm holes
Price at the time of publication: $29.99
7. Best Stretchable:True & Co Women’s True Body V Neck Bra
4.1
The True & Co Women’s True Body V Neck Bra is highly stretchable as it is made from a combination of two materials — nylon and elastane. The bra has a pull-on closure which makes it an easy-to-wear lingerie item for those who have arthritis or other physically restrictive ailments. It is designed with a sleek looking v-neck pattern and is seamless under all clothing items. It is non-restrictive as it offers removable padding and a non-wired structure for optimum comfort and hold throughout the day. Keicia Shanta, a fashion expert, says, “I love the seamless feature of the True & Co Women’s True Body V-neck bra. It offers maximum coverage throughout the day. I completely love its sleek design.”
Pros
- Pull-on closure
- Sleek design
- Soft fabric
- Wire-free
- Non-wired
- Removable padding
- Seamless
- Machine washable
Cons
None
Quick Tip
Avoid extra-tight padded bras as too much pressure on your lymph nodes may restrict blood circulation.
Price at the time of publication: $22.94
These are some of the best options available online for those suffering from Arthiritis. Next, we have curated a buying guide with some essential tips to consider while choosing a bra that will help you make the right and informed decision.
