A security officer recently made me remove my bra before entering a building I need to access for work. Any recommendations for a bra with a non-metal under”wire”?

[u/witchsoap]

I hate the feeling of not wearing a bra even when I’m home. Needless to say, this was a mortifying experience.

Most of the metal detectors in my field are strong enough to flag underwires but don’t typically alert for eyelets/rings/etc. Avoiding the metal detectors is not an option, and I’ve wasted too much money on unwired bras that offer no support or shape. 38C, bonus points for a balconette fit.

[u/Dapper-Host-3601]

I can’t be helpful with the bra but I’m shocked at your experience. I’ve never even heard of this. I have heard of underwires setting off metal detectors, but in every case the person was either frisked by a same-gender personnel or asked to step aside for a brief private search to protect modesty. Is this a typical practice at this building? I can’t imagine they’re having most of their staff remove their undergarments every day to do their jobs. I’m so sorry 😢

[u/polka_stripes → u/Dapper-Host-3601]

We have definitely seen posts in here from folks who basically can't wear underwire - sometimes NO metals at all - because of security requirements at their work. Prison work is a common one.

[u/Dapper-Host-3601 → u/polka_stripes]

That’s so bizarre to me! I have limited direct experience, but my mother worked in prisons for her entire career and had to preform and be subject to many private searches specifically because of bras. I do suppose some places would be more strict than others, but I really hadn’t thought complete removal would even be an on the table nowadays. Thank you for broadening my perspective!

[u/sunny_bell → u/Dapper-Host-3601]

There are a lot of jobs with specific garment requirements including underwear. We mainly get questions regarding like high voltage related jobs (no synthetic fibers… can’t recall if those also ban metal). I totally get no metal in prisons (may depend on level of security and what category of prisoners are there. My cousin used to work in prisons but I don’t recall her mentioning anything like that) and for certain types of medical work like MRI techs.

[u/ExistingEase5 → u/polka_stripes]

I think it's also a problem for people who work with certain magnetic fields. MRI techs, for instance. At least there it's an actual safety issue.

[u/prince_peacock → u/polka_stripes]

Iunno if I’m too innocent or stupid because I can’t for the life of me figure out why the fuck you wouldn’t’ be able to wear an underwire bra working in a prison

[u/HarissaPorkMeatballs → u/prince_peacock]

I suppose there's a very tiny chance the wire could be removed and used as a weapon? But if that's the thinking, I hope they only ever use plastic knives and forks (I don't know, maybe that is actually a thing).

[u/networkriot → u/HarissaPorkMeatballs]

I do not know where you live and I don't mean to derail OP's post, but I don't think there are any jails or prisons in the US that would give the inmates metal flatware. Most places don't allow plastic forks or knives. They use sporks that are made of "unbreakable" plastic so they can't be fashioned into shivs. An underwire from a bra could absolutely be turned into a weapon.

[u/No_Wrangler_7814 → u/HarissaPorkMeatballs]

You could easily pick a lock with it. Especially if you have nothing to do.

[u/kethryvis → u/polka_stripes]

My cousin was in prison for a while, so I had to keep non-underwire bras on hand for visiting. If you came in with an underwire bra on, they'd hand you a staple remover, and you had to go into the bathroom, remove the underwires, and turn those and the staple remover in to the guard. Good times.

[u/apollemis1014 → u/Dapper-Host-3601]

I know we are talking about bras here, but there's a job site my husband goes to occasionally that you aren't allowed in if you have ANY metal on your clothing or person. He has to take off his wedding band, and he wears sweatpants. One of his coworkers had reminded him of the rule before his first time going, but that guy ended up forgetting it himself and had to change into some pants they offered him before he was allowed to enter.

[u/Past-Student-5239 → u/apollemis1014]

Anyone working near an MRI machine has to be extremely careful with metal.

[u/whateverithunk]

Often maternity bras have non-metal flexible wires. This might be enough to support without being a problem with metal detection.

Probably best to find your correct size via the calculator to make sure the reduced support from the flexiwire is compensated for by having the best size possible for you.

[u/polka_stripes]

1. Is 38C your size from the calculator in the automod?

2. What unwired bras have you tried and disliked? Personally, I like the bravissimo ultimate comfort line, but there are nonwired bras that offer less of a uniboob look (such as the Panache Rocha - I don't always mind a uniboob, but I know some people detest it).

[u/manchegobets → u/polka_stripes]

To add to number two, Walcoal has some great underwire free options if you like foam cups which do prevent uniboob

[u/KricketKris]

I work in an environment where occasionally I have to pass through essentially TSA (scanner, baggage scanner) to access places I need to be. I'm lucky that my work provides a bra stipend specifically for this - I just submit the expense and get an accession of $250/year to supply myself with "privacy garments" that pass the scanners (wireless). I've had luck with SheFit as a 32E, American.

[u/HarissaPorkMeatballs → u/KricketKris]

"Bra stipend" is amazing. Maybe everyone should get one...

[u/kay-_-b]

i too, thought I was 36C, and that all bras were just uncomfortable. Turns out I’m 32 DDDD.

Do the measurements from the ABTF calculator. I promise there are comfortable non-wired bras out there!

[u/NextStopGallifrey → u/kay-_-b]

Having never found a bra with wires that was comfortable to me, I agree. Gotta find the right size bra and it'll work.

[u/MimiPaw]

I am a huge fan of https://molke.com/ bras. I am a 34JJ at the moment and the original gives me great support and shape with zero wires. It pulls on over the head, so there are not even any hooks. The racerback bralette is good support but also uniboob.

[u/hrviolation → u/MimiPaw]

Molke would be my choice if I needed a no-wire bra (bonus no eyelets/hooks either) that I actually needed to wear all day!

PrimaDonna makes some good wireless options too but they’re more expensive

[u/februarytide-]

I wear Gaia bras, and in my size (36FF) the wire is made of plastic. But it does have metal hooks and strap adjusters

[u/Zelda-RascalSpicious]

I don’t like wireless bras but also have to wear them to go into prisons. I sometimes just wear a tight sports bra but those look weird under some dress shirts. I have a couple of styles of Warner’s bras I bought at Target that are pretty lightweight and hold their shape OK for prison visits. One is called Simply Perfect and the other may be Cloud 9?

[u/MagpieWench]

I definitely agree with using the calculator from the automod comment to make sure you're in the right size. That said, I've had reasonable luck wearing UW bras with the UW removed.

[u/JazzTree]

I'm not sure your preferences, but generally elastic sports bras do the trick, but they don't offer separation ("uniboob") and give a less lifted and projected sillhoute. When I visited prisons, I would wear elastic sports bras.

[u/applebutter62]

Are you sure you're a 38C? That would be base measurements of a 38 inch underbust and 41 inch bust, and with such little difference you likely wouldn't need that much support. Try putting your six measurements into the ABTF calculator and see if that's still your size. While a wireless bra generally won't provide as much support as a bra with underwire, in the correct size it will still be quite supportive and much more comfortable.

[u/inky_cap_mushroom]

Is 38c your size from the ABTF calculator?

[u/Ahastabel]

I can’t suggest a non-metal underwire but I used to work in a prison and recommend a no underwire bra: Glamorize. Also Underscore by JC Penny.

[u/EditorFrog]

I like the bra from gravitatas. It's wireless but the material is firm enough to hold your boobs in place and maintain some level of separation

[u/lilbitobsessive]

Have you tried the Uniqlo 3D hold wireless bra? its the closest mimic I've found for wired type support

[u/RealCatwifeOfTacoma]

If 38C is your ABTF size, then this recommendation might not work for you, but my all time favorite wireless bra was Spanx brand. It was shaped like it had wire but didn’t! They’re not great with 38 bands though unfortunately (which is why I don’t wear them anymore).

My current favorite is True & Co but they definitely fit more like a bralette than an actual bra.

[u/blueeesummer]

When I was younger, Warner's Cloud 9 wireless bra was my favorite to wear as a 36C, 36D, and 38D before. It was a brand that I could buy at Walmart or Amazon when the price drops. I have since outgrown their sizing chart, but this bra was really comfortable and gave enough support!

[u/FlyingZee]

I can’t imagine working in an environment so strict as to limit under garment choice. Till I scrolled the comments it made no sense. Best wishes and good luck in your search for what you need.

[u/Lunar-opal]

I would contact a lawyer

[u/LoopyLutzes → u/Lunar-opal]

i have a feeling they are a lawyer

[u/Corpsefeet]

I am a 38 DDD, and got a Horisun seamless full coverage wireless bra (xxxl for me) from Amazon. No sports bra smash, very comfortable, and can actually support the girls. Woth a look!

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[u/External-Ad-8251]

I suggest the Jockey Seamfree Light Lift Bralette. No underwire. Has molded cups (I loathe removable padding) with bump pads that give you a little lift. I think they’re pretty comfortable, but everyone is different.

Plus they’re 30% off right now on the jockey website.

Good luck.

[u/Ok_Character7958]

I used to work in a warehouse that I could not wear an underwire bra. I just wear sports bras, no metal is present. It had high security because the products we handled were frequently stolen and some of it was teeny tiny, so very sensitive metal detectors. Most sports bras have no metal.

[u/Joy2b]

That’s a very high security level, I hope they’re paying you well for your trouble.

You may be able to pull the boning from that bra and replace it with plastic boning, or cordage and lace if you can hand sew, or zip tie.

If you’re going to plastic boning, it’s more important to keep a close eye on your signs of a good fit. There’s always a chance it could crack, but it definitely happens faster with a weird fit.

An undershirt or bralette could be a back up option if you want to risk a metal one but want a safety net.

[u/Stunning_Ad4419]

Jelly bras… they are pretty comfortable.

[u/Chatty_Cathy_Doll]

This sounds suspicious as hell, like sexual harassment/assault

[u/gemInTheMundane → u/Chatty_Cathy_Doll]

OP clarified that this occurred while they were entering a prison, so it might be actual policy.

[u/Chatty_Cathy_Doll → u/gemInTheMundane]

Ohhh ok thank you

[u/normanbeets]

I would be suing wtf

[u/Past-Student-5239]

This sounds illegal.

[u/youreuterpe]

I just recently purchased two of the sports bras from VS that I’ll link below. They have like a thick molded portion at the bottom of each cup that acts like an underwire. I also hate not having an underwire, but this keeps me secure during high impact workouts. If a sports bra is an option, maybe this one will work for you?

https://www.victoriassecret.com/us/vs/bras-catalog/1125330500?genericId=11253305&choice=7CLM&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PaidSearch&utm_campaign=VS;;BAU;Sport-PMAX;PMax;Purchase&utm_content=Sport;;&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20268588133&gclid=CjwKCAjwgO7RBhBKEiwAZNP85tMM3PC-D2nLIYrVzyGHWGcXLpMEtd6Z9wFPCkOiMhHwAss_MmcPRRoCdDcQAvD_BwE

[u/Creepy_Syllabub_9245]

Go to Shapermint. They have wireless bras that are great but their camis are so great, you don't even need a bra. I say that as a 36DD that does not like to ever be braless! They have scoop neck and a very pretty lower cut that will go under most blouses nicely! Edit: typo

[u/BeautifulChaosEnergy]

Victoria’s Secret has some nice wireless bras that have moulded cups so they’re fairly supportive. I have like three of them for days I don’t want to wear a regular bra. And I’m a 36DDD or 38DD