Cotton bras are incredibly sought-after, and for good reason. Many people love them for their softness, while others appreciate the high durability, or the biodegradability of this natural fibre. But not all cotton bras are made equal, and even if they were, the best cotton bra for you will depend on a few different factors.
So, here are five things to think about when you’re shopping for your next cotton bra.
1. What’s better, a pure cotton bra or a cotton blend?
100% cotton is obviously best, right? Not necessarily. If you’re choosing cotton due to sensitive skin or allergies, then sticking with a pure cotton bra is probably a sensible option. However, cotton doesn’t have a huge amount of natural stretch, and adding even just a dash of elastane to it can make the fit that much more flexible, comfortable, and perfectly-contoured to your body.
Some of our bras, such as the Naturana 5346 cotton bra, have 100% cotton cups because a non-stretch fabric is more supportive, but combine them with a stretch cotton band so that the bra doesn’t feel restrictive. That’s not to say that a pure cotton bra will feel uncomfortable – it all boils down to your personal preference and how much stretch you like your bras to have. If you’re thinking pure cotton sounds like the better choice for you, we recommend Bestform’s Wirefree Full Cup Unlined 100% Cotton Bra as one of the best 100% cotton bras Australia has to offer.
2. Is the bra designed for comfort?
Whether it’s a pure cotton bra or a mix with other fibres, choosing cotton is a great step towards finding a comfortable bra. But there’s more to a comfy fit than just the fabric it’s made from! While there are some great underwired cotton bras, if you find wires irritating then switching to cotton isn’t going to help with that – you’ll also want to make sure the bra is wirefree.
Other comfort-enhancing features you can look for include wide or padded straps, a seamless design, a front closure (so the back is completely smooth), and a tag-free interior.
3. Regular vs. organic cotton bras
Does organic cotton really make a difference? If all you care about is the softness of the fabric, you probably won’t notice that much between them. Both organic and inorganic cotton bras are very soft!
However, if you have sensitive skin, choosing organic can really take that comfort factor to the next level. That’s because organic cotton is grown, harvested and processed using various chemicals which your skin might not like. Organic cotton uses none of these, so it’s a lot more hypoallergenic.
And from a sustainability perspective, while all cotton bras are biodegradable, organic cotton is mostly rain-fed since it grows in healthier soil that’s able to retain water and hence requires far less of it – as much as 90% less than irrigated cotton fields – which makes it the more eco-friendly option of the two. We particularly love the organic cotton and lace Coton d’Arum collection by Sans Complexe.
4. Do I know my correct bra size?
It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for a pure cotton bra or a nylon one – if your bra doesn’t fit right, it’s more likely to be uncomfortable and less likely to give you the lift and shape you’re after!
So don’t immediately add to cart in your usual size; take the time to remeasure yourself, check the size chart, and look at the reviews to see what other customers are saying about the fit. It’s normal to sometimes need different bra sizes in different brands, and a pure cotton bra in particular might fit a little firmer than you’re used to.
5. Is cotton actually the best fabric choice?
We love cotton bras at Style Gallery! However, while cotton is known to be very breathable, it also holds onto a lot of moisture. This means that on a regular day you’re likely to find it very comfortable and breathable, but in exceptionally hot, humid weather that has you sweating, it might start to feel damp after a while. In these circumstances, a sheer lace or mesh might actually be the better option since these open fabrics are also very light and ‘airy’. So, take your local climate into consideration.
The best cotton-blend and 100% cotton bras in Australia
Now you know what to keep in mind while shopping, you’re ready to find your perfect cotton bra! Here at Style Gallery, we have one of the widest selections of cotton-blend and 100% cotton bras Australia has available – including wired and wirefree options, nursing styles, front-closure options, plus sizes, full bust sizes, and even teen bras from an 8AA. You’re sure to find just what you need.