underwire
UN-der-wy-er
/ˈʌndərwaɪər/
A rigid semi-circular strip of metal or plastic sewn into the underside of a brassiere cup to provide structural support and lift.
Underwire represents maximum structural engineering in lingerie, prioritizing shape and lift, though sometimes criticized for causing discomfort if the wire pokes through the fabric.
The story behind the word. While early patents for bust-supporting wires appeared in the late 19th century, the modern underwire bra became commercially successful in the late 1930s. It was designed to lift and separate, moving away from the flat-chested flapper silhouette of the 1920s.
Word relationships
- wire support: Wire support is a descriptive phrase, whereas underwire is the specific, universally recognized noun for this garment component.
- wireless: Wireless garments rely entirely on fabric tension and elastic bands for support, containing no rigid structural elements.
Commonly confused with
- stay: A stay is a vertical rigid strip used in corsets to stiffen the torso, whereas an underwire is a curved semi-circle designed specifically to cradle the breast.
Word family
- underwired (adjective): Equipped with an underwire.
Collocations
- underwire bra
- flexible underwire
- underwire support
- exposed underwire
Example sentences
- "If the underwire is digging into your ribs, it is a clear sign that you are wearing the wrong cup size." An article about bra fitting tips.
- "I prefer this underwire swimsuit because it offers the same level of bust support as my everyday bras." A product review on an online store.
Memory hook
It is literally a 'wire' that sits 'under' the cup. It acts like a bridge support under a road. Underwire: The wire under the cup that holds things up.
When not to use
Do not use to describe the elastic band of a wireless bra or sports bra.
Fun facts
- Underwire bras frequently trigger metal detectors at airport security checkpoints, leading some manufacturers to develop heavy-duty plastic or resin alternatives.
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