5 Ways Your Bra is Irritating Your Skin – And What to Do About It!

If you’re wearing the wrong bra size or style, it might cause you to feel itchy or uncomfortable. Aside from poor fit, a bra can cause irritation if it’s made from a particular fabric that doesn’t agree with your skin. Bra irritation can also occur if the style of the bra is causing you to sweat more than normal (more on this later). If you’re concerned about physical irritations, you might want to seek guidance from your doctor

In theory, your bra is there to support you, not irritate you. This is why skin irritation caused by uncomfortable bras is a total letdown. This irritation is, first and foremost, a sign that your bra isn’t working for you. So, ditch it. There’s no point in suffering. This irritation may be because you have sensitive skin, or it can be a sign of something more serious.

To make things easier for you, we’ve identified 5 common causes of irritation that your bra could be causing. Read on to learn more.

1. What is intertrigo under the breasts and how do I treat it?

Intertrigo is a common skin rash that develops within the folds of the skin, so it’s very common to see it under the breasts. It can happen at any age to anyone. Symptoms of intertrigo can range from mild to severe and predominantly include pain, itchiness, and burning underneath the breast and within skin folds. You may also have red, raw, or cracked skin. 

Intertrigo is mainly caused by excess moisture (like from sweating), heat, friction, and lack of airflow. The warm, damp environment increases your risk of irritation and can encourage yeast and bacteria growth. To decrease your risk, wear well-fitted, comfortable bras that allow for proper airflow, ideally in breathable fabrics such as cotton.   

2. Can bra underwires cause a nickel allergy, and what can I do to fix it?

Nothing is more irritating than a popped-out underwire poking at you all day long. Not only is it annoying, but an exposed underwire could lead to a nickel allergy rash. Many bra underwires and clips contain nickel, a metal found in a lot of everyday items, such as coins, zippers, eyeglass frames, and even cosmetics.   

And while this common metal doesn’t affect everyone. Some people develop a nickel allergy rash whenever the skin comes in contact with nickel, like from their bra underwire. Symptoms of a nickel allergy include a red, itchy rash or bumps on the skin. You may also notice dry patches around the area that resemble a burn. 

This allergic reaction can happen after prolonged exposure to the metal, or you may notice that you’ve always been sensitive to nickel. Either way, the best course of action is to avoid wearing a bra that contains nickel. You may also want to consult with your doctor on the best course of treatment if the rash is persistent.  

3. How do I prevent and treat under boob sweat rash?

Under boob sweat is bound to happen in places with high temps and humidity, especially if you’re blessed with a larger bust. Excessive sweating in and around the breast results from heat, excessive sweat, lack of air circulation, and wearing a bra that’s too suffocating around the bust. This build-up of moisture underneath the bust and in the cleavage can cause skin irritation, intense itching, and even an infection if you’re not careful.  

To help with under boob sweat rash, it’s a good idea to wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing that won’t trap moisture. The same concept applies to bras. Breathable bra fabrics, such as cotton, can reduce under boob sweat and your chance of getting a sweat rash. You also want to change out sweaty bras and shirts frequently to avoid irritation. And if you can, consider going braless for optimum airflow.  

4. Why do I have Boob Acne, is it caused by my bra?

“Boobne” is a commonly used term to describe acne on your breasts. And while the pimples are relatively harmless, that doesn’t mean they can’t be irritating physically and emotionally. Just like the rest of the skin on our body, acne on the breasts occur when pores in the skin become clogged with dead skin cells and then aggravated with additional bacteria, oil, and dirt.  

According to MedicalNewsToday, many factors can contribute to boobne, including wearing tight or irritating clothing and bras. This is especially true for tight-fitted sports bras, which can cause dirt, oil, sweat, and bacteria to build up on the skin. To help prevent boobne, investing in a high-quality, properly fitted sports bra is always a good idea. At Bendon, we offer an array of sports bras crafted from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that keep you cool and comfortable as you get your sweat on.  

Also noteworthy: lounging around in your sports bra post-workout allows more friction and sweat build-up, increasing your risk of boobne. To protect your skin, change out of your workout gear straight after a workout and hop in the shower to rinse away lingering dirt and oils. 

5. Is my bra causing a skin allergy or dermatitis?

Skin irritation, inflammation, and changes in texture could be attributed to an allergic reaction. The potential causes may differ, depending on what you’re allergic to. An allergic reaction to anything from metal on jewellery, soaps, detergents, perfumes, food additives, or outdoor irritants can cause a rash to develop. For instance, if the rash is on your shoulders, it could be something in your bra straps causing your skin to react. Other reactions, such as dermatitis (a catch-all term for skin irritation, discolouration, and inflammation) can be caused when the nipple or skin around it comes in contact with a particular material.  

Treatments for dermatitis and allergic reaction rashes start by avoiding the material or ingredient causing the irritation, which can sometimes be tricky to find since even particular fabrics or small ingredients in your cosmetics can trigger a reaction. Consider using fragrance-free products and wearing soft materials to calm the rash. You may also want to consult with a physician for treatments if symptoms are really bothersome or don’t quickly reside.  

Luckily, there are some steps you can take to prevent your bra from irritating you. Here are our top tips:

• Check fit — The band sits level, the cups fully encase tissue, and the gore tacks (touches the sternum). You’re good if the band stays level when you lift your arms and there’s no spillage or gaping.
• Choose kinder materials & seams — Pick smooth microfibre with a cotton gusset and bonded/laser-cut seams try wider straps or a wire-free style on sensitive-skin days. Manage moisture: change out of damp clothes and cleanse after workouts. You’re good if nothing feels scratchy and skin stays cool/dry after an hour.
• Wash gently — Use a delicates bag, cool cycle, enzyme-free detergent, and air-dry; skip fabric softener. You’re good if fabric feels soft (not stiff) and there’s no fragrance residue.
  
• Rotate bras — Rest each bra 24 hours between wears so elastics recover; don’t re-wear a damp bra. You’re good if the band feels supportive without rubbing on day two.
  
• Get help if needed — Ongoing rash or a reaction where metal touches skin can signal nickel sensitivity. Switch to nickel-free hardware and speak to a clinician or a Bendon fit expert for a gentler fit. You’re good if irritation settles within a few days of these changes.

If you’re experiencing any of the irritations listed above, consider swapping to sensitive skin-friendly bras that will reduce your risk of irritation. The best bras for sensitive skin will be soft, seamless styles made from breathable materials. They’re typically free from underwire, metal closures, and scratchy fabrics. If you’re shopping for a bra made for sensitive skin, you’ll love the ones below.

Don’t settle for a bra that’s irritating you. Especially if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve listed above. Instead, invest in a bra that takes your comfort seriously (and be on the lookout for potentially irritating ingredients or materials). 

Shop our selection of high-quality bras to find your perfect fit and put bra irritation behind you once and for all.

• Lingerie Care 101 
• 9 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Bra 
• Bra Fitting 101