Bra's - An engineering question....

[Skipoet]

How do underwired bra's work? How does the bit of wire that I invariably end up digging out of the guts of our washing machine, offer any extra support?

I would have thought that the lifting force required would have been quite adequately generated by the different types of material used, and the cantilever effect generated by fastening it round the back.

So whats the bit of wire for??

[happy_face]

the way I see it is that the wire shape the cup and fit around your breast better. If you get a correct size cup the wire will also sit close to your skin and the straps will then have your breast hoisted for support. Well that's how it works for me anyway.

On another note be careful with the washing machine, have wrecked 2 machines with bra wires until I started using washing bags. Little net bags you get for washing delicates. I always used to have bras with wires coming out, like one poking you chin once in a while but since using the wash bags not only do I protect the washing machine but also the bras too. Haven't had a single wire come out since. They only cost a quid and you can get them in many supermarkets, you should def get one.

[Rubyrose]

Ok I have no idea but.. when you wash your bra's that have underwire in them, wash them in a pillow case. It will stop the wire from getting into the machine. :o)

[dot.hawkes]

bra wires have coloured ends, once these are turned white by washing it's time the chuck the bra out as it has lost it's original support value.

[Rubyrose]

But surely Dot if you can see the wires then its time to chuck the bra out anyway as they are poking through the material? Who's stupid idea was it to make the tips of the wires change colour so we could know when it had lost it support and then to hide the wire inside the bra??? Nah I don't buy it!