Why Bras Cost So Much

Why Quality Bras Cost More

You probably wear your bras more than any other piece of clothing. So, it’s worth investing in quality bras for comfort, outstanding fit, support and durability.

How Bra Construction and Materials Affect Price

Here’s a great example. The Luxury brand Prima Donna’s President sent this to me. These are all the parts that go into making their Deauville bra style. Prima Donna bras generally have 50 elements or pieces. They use luxurious fabrics, laces and trims, and create a superior fit by designing and constructing (some by hand) using many pieces – all this attention and detail costs more. Less expensive bras use fewer parts, and bargain trims.

What You Get at Different Bra Price Points

To show you what I mean, I’ve selected 3 bras from different price ranges.

Bras Under $25

This first bra is under $25. To keep its cost low, there is no trim and minimal sewing has occurred. Its center panel here tells the story with just a minimal amount of stitching at the casing. The top cup edge is not sewn or taped, but rather fused – the result is the cup can gap as you move. The light padding used in the cups is the less expensive dense variety that doesn’t breath. The strap hardware is plastic. The strap elastic is thin (which is less expensive), simple, and quite stretchy which reduces support – you want somewhat ridged elastic. The bra’s side/back wings and clasp attachment are narrow to save on fabric, and very stretchy which again, doesn’t provide much support. Most bras at this price point stretch out quickly and need frequent replacing.

Bras From $45 to $65

This second bra represents the $45-$65 price range. It’s at the $45 price point where I’ve found bra quality to take a major leap. The center panel is more incorporated into the design and. The top cup edge has an elasticized tape finish to provide a more custom fit, reduce gaping and extend the life of the bra. The light padding in the cups is the more expensive variety that’s breathable, supportive and malleable to custom fit your shape. The strap hardware is metal. The strap elastic is wider with a feathered edge and more ridged to give better support. The back clasp is wider for better support and is backed with a felt or velvet to prevent itching and scratching. Special design details such as these mesh vent panels start appearing at this price point. The fabrics used have “kickback” which means they don’t’ stretch out easily and return to their original shape and size after wearing and washing. So your bra lasts longer.

Bras Over $80

Above $80 is when exciting and beautiful things happen to a bra. Intricate lace, soft and luxurious trims, pretty design details and beautiful fabrics make these bras a real treat to wear (montage of several expensive bras). In this example, the lace and elastic along the top of the cup give a seamless transition from breast to cup so is invisible under t-shirts. This bra uses power net mesh – an expensive fabric that gives great support while being sheer, sexy and breathable. Construction and trims are superior as in this example where the elastic is carried out along the entire bottom of the bra. The underwire casing is a soft padded velvet to eliminate any possible irritation. Strap detail keeps the back flat and smooth. Elastic between the strap and side gives additional custom fitting and further reduces cup gapping, And the back clasp is even wider apart for more stability, reduced rolling, reduced back bulges and increased comfort.

How Bra Price Affects Quality, Fit and Durability

Having met with almost all the design teams from most bra manufacturing companies, the’ve concurred that price point really does dictate what fabrics, construction and trims they will use. So, when it comes to bras, you really get what you pay for. And the better the bra, the better you’ll look. And, you are absolutely worth it.