Model with back facing rubbing their back
When Wearing a Bra Hurts - AnaOno

When Wearing a Bra Hurts - AnaOno

Dana Donofree
3 min read

Does wearing a bra hurt? It’s not as uncommon as you might think. There are plenty of people who experience pain or discomfort in their chest or ribs when wearing a bra. It’s especially common for people dealing with certain health concerns that increase sensitivity, such as radiation therapy, or fibromyalgia. And of course, bra pain is particularly common among those who are recovering from a breast cancer surgery or are trying to find the right fit after breast reconstruction, mastectomy, or lumpectomy.

If you’re looking for alternative options that will prioritize your comfort and help you feel more confident when wearing a bra, AnaOno is here to help. Check out this guide to common bra pain concerns to help you find a bra that doesn’t hurt.

Why Does my Bra Hurt my Ribs?

Model taking of their shirt to feel their aching back

This common question may be a matter of fit. Always check the size guide before purchasing a bra. You may need to size up on the band size in order to get a less restrictive feel around the rib cage. If you need help finding your size, reach out to cs@anaono.com so one of our fit specialists can assist you.

If you’re recovering from surgery, the rib area may be especially tender if it’s near any incision scars. Choosing a soft, compression-free bra can help to alleviate that discomfort while you heal. At AnaOno, our Leslie Soft Leisure Braoffers ultra-gentle support with super-soft modal fabric that doesn’t dig into the skin. The stretchy bottom band allows you to pull it on or step into it for easy dressing. This bra will sit gently on the skin and eliminate rib pain while wearing a bra.

My Bra Hurts my Chest. 

Do your breasts feel uncomfortable while wearing a bra? If so, you should consider choosing a bra with soft cups and no underwire. Removable pads also provide the option of the feeling of an unlined bra.

At AnaOno, we recommend the Susan Wrap Front Lace Bra for those with chest pain or sensitivity. It features a delicate and breathable stretch lace that feels especially lightweight on your breasts. The bra doesn’t feature molded cups, so it places no added pressure on the chest. This makes it a popular choice for post-surgery recovery, especially since it has removable soft pad inserts as well as pockets for lightweight breast forms and prosthesis. In addition to being comfortable for any shape, the Susan bra is pretty and feminine.

 

It Hurts to Wear a Bra After Surgery. 

Model while wearing the Monica Full Coverage Bra

For some individuals, their bra-related pain only happened after they had surgery. Whether you had a procedure done as part of a breast cancer treatment or for cosmetic reasons, it’s important to choose a bra that won’t cause discomfort during your recovery. Our Monica Full Coverage Bra is a great choice for prioritizing your comfort after surgery. It is super-soft, wire-free, and has hidden seams to eliminate skin irritation. The Monica also has full chest coverage and a higher cut along the sides and back to protect sensitive skin under clothing. It’s comfortable enough to wear all day and even sleep in when you have healing scars, drains, or skin sensitivity.

Make sure you check out our AnaOno fit guide to get the correct size for your shape. If you’re not sure which size to choose, you can ask a fit specialist on our team to help you find the perfect fit.

Dana Donofree
Dana Donofree

Founder and CEO of AnaOno. After a diagnosis of breast cancer in her late 20’s, Dana took her own lived experience and fashion design background and (re)designed intimates for those that have undergone breast surgery. Dana’s story has been published around the world in outlets like New York Times, BBC, Huffington Post, The Today Show, and more.