After Years of Discomfort, She Invented One of the Best Bras for Back Pain
Bree McKeen's wire-free line is more than just comfortable, it started a posture revolution
Bree McKeen, 44, had long known that traditional underwire bras were uncomfortable. But it wasn’t until she started suffering from chronic back pain—and was shocked to discover that bra could be the source—that she realized just how big of an issue it really was. Determined to find long-term relief for herself and the thousands of other women she realized were experiencing the same problem, she set out to invent the best bra for back pain. See her inspiring story and where you can find her wire-free bra line to try it yourself.
How the wrong bra can cause back pain
Why am I in so much pain? Bree asked herself daily after long hours at her finance job. For years, she suffered persistent shoulder pain, back stiffness, tension headaches and a tight neck. Her posture slumped as her body instinctively tried to shield itself from constant discomfort.
In 2011, Bree visited a physiologist seeking answers. She learned about the “neuromuscular feedback loop,” a reflex that shifts posture to guard against pain signals. I wear a 34G bra, and it’s always been torture—this could be the source, she realized.
Woman's World Answers
Intrigued, Bree researched solutions and discovered a key principle: a bra that feels comfortable and supportive while standing upright can prevent the body’s compensatory adjustments. But after a lifetime of searching for a supportive bra that didn’t dig, pinch and bind, she feared such a thing didn’t actually exist.
If my bra contributes to my chronic pain, how many other women are affected? she wondered. Bree launched an informal social media survey and found that 68 percent of respondents experienced bra-related discomfort and back pain. Their shared struggles confirmed one thing: It was time to make a change.
Developing a bra for back pain
In 2012, Bree took a leap of faith, leaving her finance job to design a wire-free bra that offered genuine support to help relieve back pain. From her garage, she tested prototypes, experimenting with fabrics and fits until she created one that was so weightless and comfortable that it made her feel like she was standing two inches taller. Her back tension and headaches quickly became a thing of the past as she realized that the right bra can help reverse poor posture and encourage proper alignment.
By 2013, she had filed a patent. And in 2015, she secured funding. After years of development, her first ergonomically-engineered bra line launched in 2019. It marked the first structural innovation in underwire design since 1931, featuring contoured 3D knit construction that distributes weight evenly and encourages better posture.
Where to find the best bra for back pain
“This is what women have been waiting decades for,” Bree sighed with relief, proud of what she had created. She named her company Evelyn & Bobbie, honoring her grandmother Evelyn and her seamstress aunt Bobbie, who taught her to sew.
In 2020, Evelyn & Bobbie bras debuted at Nordstrom.Each includes the patented EB Core®—a 3D sling that lifts and separates from below—comes in sizes small to 3X and starts at $58. Today, the brand offers everything from full-coverage options with adjustable straps to plunge bras to bras with smoothing support panels.
And women rave about the fit and support. “I’m thrilled to have created a solution for my pain,” says Bree, “and help other women do the same!”
More amazing gadgets that ease aches
No matter where you’re feeling sore or stiff, these inventive products help soothe discomfort from head to toe.
Sore Legs?
Compression socks apply gentle pressure from your feet up through your calves to improve circulation, reduce swelling and relieve pain. Try: SB SOX Knee-High Compression Socks.
Arthritic hands?
Fitted gloves improve circulation and limit fluid buildup, helping reduce painful stiffness in the process. Try: Copper Compression Gloves.
Back stiffness?
Infrared wraps use red light therapy to soothe irritated nerves, often reducing pain by up to 50%. Try: Feangli Red Light Wrap Belt.
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