These bras do not have underwires - which means they don't get mangled in the washing machine or poke through. I have been buying this model number for almost 10 years now. Each bra has lasted me for almost 5 years with weekly washings in the washing machine and clothes dryer.

During their productive life span, they do not falter in support or comfort. I've never had a problem with hooks or eyes coming off the fasteners, or loose threads coming off after a wash.

Like any elastic garment, however, it will not last forever when you wash and dry all the time. Some people hand wash their bras and line dry them - I'm sure they would last much longer if I did this - but I just don't make the time to go through that effort.

The straps have a tiny amount of tapered padding that also helps in the comfort arena. When they call this an 18-hour bra, they are not kidding. I have had a number of situations at work where I have had to stay late - sometimes stay at work for a 24-hour shift now and then. When I've had to do this in the past w/ other bras, I thought I was going to drop dead from the fatigue and neck aches - but even after 20+ hours with this Playtex 4693 18hr bra, I am barely aware that it's even there - because it does it's job without needing constant fiddling and re-adjusting.

I don't even try on other bras anymore - this is THE best bra there is for comfort and support.

24 of 25 found the following review helpful:

Great Bra for the money  Mar 29, 2007
By Elizabeth "Elizabeth"
Great bra for the money and very durable. I gave it 4 stars because the comfort straps need to be improved. The straps tend to be sharp in certain areas, making it uncomfortable and even a bit painful. I do have very large breast so I know that makes it worst. Overall I do recommend. For smaller breast it may be perfect.

23 of 24 found the following review helpful:

Good quality for the price.  Jul 03, 2006
By Laura R. Schmidt "product collector"
This is probably one of the best bras I've owned. I like the wider straps. They don't dig into my shoulders. The material is smooth enough to wear under most clothes if you don't wear anything that's too tight. My only complaint, and I have this problem with most bras, is that I don't think they can get by calling it an "18-hour" bra. Every bra I wear, and I've experimented with different sizes, seems to eventually ride up in the back and sag in the front. It's like I either have to wear more than one or change half way through the day. For the price though, it is good.

12 of 12 found the following review helpful:

Great support, weird cups.  Jun 04, 2009
By Ilianexy Morales
The bra has great support everywhere which I loved but I don't think I will be able to wear it because the cups look like two cones and it just looks weird. It reminds me of Madonna's corset with the two long cones in each breast. I think they design it this way to make women's breast look perky but they just look weird and unnatural, I prefer circular cones not triangular ones.

10 of 10 found the following review helpful:

Best Bra ever!!  Jul 20, 2006
By D. Schmuck
This is the best bra I have ever bought. Being a bigger size, its very hard to find the perfect bra because none of them ever seem to fit right or give much support. This bra fits perfectly and provides the support a full-figured woman needs. I really recommend you try one of these, its well worth the money and its the only bra I will use from now on.

See all 138 customer reviews on Amazon.com