Support Without the Suffering: I Tried Understance’s Revolutionary FlexWire™ Bra and It’s Changed Everything
Let’s be honest. Few things in life spark as much joy as finding the perfect bra. But when you’re 40DDD/G and considered large chested by most lingerie companies, it’s almost always a choice between cute and comfort. For nearly 30 years, since I put on my first bra, I have had a hate-hate relationship with underwire. I still have a scar on my right breast where a particularly spicy wire popped through the fabric and pierced my flesh.
Like many women, I haven’t thought about my actual bra size in years. I had a “proper fitting” nearly 15 years ago and have been buying that exact same size ever since. But let’s just say my body and I have done a lot of evolving since my younger years, and I am just so tired of bras that don’t fit, sneaking quick adjustments at the office, spilling out the moment I bend over, and most of all, ending the day with deep, red and sore indentations on my upper torso.
That’s why I was intrigued (and a little skeptical) when I learned about Understance and its innovative FlexWire™ technology—a different kind of underwire bra that promises support without suffering.
I had the chance to visit the Understance boutique in Toronto, located at 2334 Bloor Street West, for a personalized fitting, and it completely reshaped how I think about bras. Walking into the airy, welcoming space, I was greeted by a team that truly gets it—people who understand the unique challenges women and other bra-wearing folks face when it comes to finding a bra that feels good (and looks good) on our bodies.
Bra Fittings Don’t Need to Be Scary
In my 20s, I would ignore function entirely and simply choose whatever bra came in my size and didn’t look like something my grandma would wear. In my 30s, I tried my hand at bras that were primarily supportive, albeit underwhelming in the style department. Both left me wanting more. An accident and permanent nerve damage complicated the situation even more, as even my most comfortable bras had become painful when worn for more than an hour or two.
Even though I’m not shy, I still wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea of standing half naked in a fitting room while someone measured and assessed me. But the staff at Understance made it feel surprisingly natural. They tailor the experience to your level of comfort—some women stroll around in their bras; others prefer to stay behind the curtain. The relaxed vibe put me at ease almost instantly.
I was shocked by how much I learned beyond just my actual bra size. For example, I’m “bottom-full,” meaning my breasts are fuller at the bottom, and I need bras designed with that shape in mind. The team helped me try on bras in different cuts, styles and fabrics, each tailored to different needs—minimizing, lifting, separating, cooling and more.
For those who may not feel comfortable doing an in-person fitting or simply don’t live near a store, Understance offers easy-to-use online tools, like their proprietary Branatomy resource, a virtual fitting service, and their size calculators and style quiz. You can get guidance from their virtual fitting specialists, who will help you determine your best size from the comfort of your home. Their fit assist tools, like Branatomy, help you determine not just the right size, but also the ideal shape for the most flattering silhouette and optimal support.
After my fitting, I realized that the problem isn’t me; it’s the lack of options and information about bras and breast shapes. At Understance, 40DDD/G is an average size. At other stores, it was often the largest size available. And yes, quality truly does make a difference.
FlexWire™: The Underwire Reinvented
When I slipped into a FlexWire™ bra, I immediately noticed the difference. The soft, bendable underwire gently adapted to my body’s shape, offering support without digging or poking. Unlike traditional underwires, which often feel like they’re fighting against your body, FlexWire™ conforms to you, flexing as you breathe, twist or stretch.
The details matter. Understance offers an impressively inclusive size range (A to N cups, 28" to 48" bands) and a thoughtful, technical approach to bra design. After years of struggling with fluctuating sizes and uncomfortable bras, I finally felt seen—and comfortable.
On my first day wearing an Understance bra, I didn’t even notice it. I went about my day, cooked dinner, and only realized at bedtime that I hadn’t switched to my usual “house bra.” Even though bralettes are comfy, they don’t give me the structure and support I need—Understance does. It’s the first bra ever that I forget I’m wearing.
For years, I thought I had to choose between support and comfort, but Understance has shown me that it’s possible to have both. These bras look great under my work attire, are stylish enough to wear on the weekend, and have significantly reduced pain in my breasts, back and shoulders. My favourite is hands-down the Iris, the lace lies flat, the backing is soft and the gold detail and sheer panels make it both comfortable and stunning.
Understance’s mission is to help every person feel good in their body—whether that means finding a bra that fits or embracing their shape in general. They focus on solutions over trends, understanding that bodies are unique and ever-changing. A proudly Canadian brand, Understance is committed to providing high-quality undergarments at reasonable prices. It’s a brand that cares about comfort, impact and doing business the right way.
If you’ve struggled to find a bra that truly fits, it’s time to experience the difference for yourself. Visit Understance’s website or stop by one of their stores in Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver for a fitting experience that puts you first.