Playtex Women's 18 Hour 4695 Front-Close Wireless Bra with Flex Back, Full Coverage Bra, Cushioned Straps

When I moved to a larger city, I assumed Playtex 18-hour bras would be easy to find in stores. Surprisingly, this was not the case. I found brand names that were new to me, in what I was told were fashionable bra styles. To my frustration and disappointment, none of them were what I really looked for.I don't use underwear to make a fashion statement. Bra ads to the contrary, this has never made a difference to my having a happy, satisfying social life or dating life. I simply like wearing the well-fitting, discreet, dependable, durable bras I've bought and worn for decades.The bras I found in stores lack a supportive band under the cups and around the body. They also have puffy, padded cups that are uncomfortable from the start and ride up as the day goes by. The newer styles were pricey and a waste of my money. I very soon gave up and tossed them in the trash bin. The one benefit I gained was once again being personally, privately fitted to determine my current, correct bra size. This matters because every woman's bra size changes over time.It's a pleasure to find my personal favorite bras offered at Amazon and at a reasonable price. I knew the exact size bra to order. Playtex provides the supportive band and padded straps I prefer. They're my choice for comfortable wear on long days at work, for travel, or for just kicking back at home. The front closure is also a plus. It's now easier for me to get dressed, not having to reach around to the back.** If the hooks or eye clasps need adjustment I would use a small, lightweight flat head screwdriver to carefully, slowly pry the the hook gap wider or use a small, light tack hammer to carefully and slowly tap the gap closer to the garment. I personally wouldn't attempt these slight adjustments or even attempt to connect the hook-and-eye fasteners while dressing without also wearing my eyeglasses. **Amazon, please keep selling this brand and product. I wouldn't want to buy or wear any other. Playtex 18-hour bras really are my personal favorite.

The bra was great for the price. Very tight fitting around the back area. I guess I needed a larger size. I don't like that tightness around my back.

Good fitting bra but needs one more hook and eye on the very bottom. Very comfortable. I am 77 years young so need comfort. So far the bra has not ridden up. I hate bras that ride up to your shoulder blades.

This is one of the most comfortable bras I've ever had. Love the front closure. Will definitely be buying more.

This is an update to my December 8th review when I rated the bra at two stars. I never did wear this bra out of the house, but I was determined to have it fit properly so that I could comfortably wear it outside of the house. I purchased a pack of the 6 hook bra extenders. The use of 1 extender was not successful in adding enough room to connect the front of the bra properly! When I used 2 bra extenders, the fit was what I had been hoping for from the time I ordered it -- a front closure with a firm fit. However, there was still the issue of hooking the bra while still trying to keep the lace that covered the line of hooks, free from damage while manipulating each set of hooks for proper, and successful closure. The first three hooks, beginning from the bottom, were hooking successfully. In trying to hook the fourth hook, the third hook unhooked itself and continued to do so every time I hooked the ones above it. I switched to hooking them from the top, but the success of that technique was dismal, because the hooks, both above and below unhooked themselves. The entire incident was a lesson for me in ordering underwear online -- unless it's the very design and size I have ordered no more than 6-9 months before, I need to skip it in favor of trying it on in a store that carries the item, which would allow me to know before I leave the store the design, size and firmness of the item I'm shopping for.Review I wrote in early December: Historically, I've purchased this bra a number of times, but at the time it was an underwire. I measured to assure I was going to have a correct size. I wanted a bra that would give me independence from relying on my husband to hook my bra in the back. Unfortunately, I have a major issue that prevents me from hooking my bra in the front also. I'm very disappointed to find that this bra won't allow me to put it on and hook it closed. I have arthritic hands, and my hands have weakened with age. I was able to loosen the straps to give me more room. I used a four hook bra extender I had on hand, and that wasn't able to do the job. I have on order a six hook extender and I hope that will allow me to manage getting the bra on. For all of you thinking about purchasing this bra, it's important to know why this bra may not be satisfactory for some women. In order to describe how the bra is made to avoid relying an underwire it has higher sides and a taller back for extra side and back support, fuller cups and wide straps. Plus, a criss cross flex elastic back that adjusts for an all day custom fit. In order to make the bra more attractive, there is a pattern on the front of the bra, and lace has been added. The major issue with the lace is that it is added up and down the six hook closure, and it lays over the hooks to hide that they are there. I can not move the hooks that need to close the bra together. There's too much resistance so that without the full use of my hands , the bra'sconstruction fails me. Having to move the lace out of the way in order to get to the line of hooks is impossible with the condition of my hands. I'm not able to pull the front of the bra . The criss cross elastic design that creates the flex support in the back is, simply too stiff. Additionally, the lace just won't stay clear of the the hooks for me to get them hooked. Having said all of that, for the great majority of women, this bra might be the one of choice. We all are different.SEE UPDATE --> One star review update: 01/05/2022

Unless one actually wears a full cup, the cups are too big and the wrinkle that results from a cup that's too big is noticeable. The straps sort of squeak or make a noticeable creaking sound, I'm hoping that goes away with wear. The front closure is very nice, especially for anyone with difficulties with back hooks. Gives a very nice shape and hold the "girls" where they belong - great support.

Happy with this purchase and bra. It fits perfectly, it's soft yet adds support and shape, and is comfortable.Shipping was fast and arrived on time as described by Amazon. I'm glad I ordered this.

I remember working at a major retailer in the 90’s and restocking/sorting these Playtex bras on the sales floor, referring to them as the “ugly, old-lady bras.” Oh, how naive I was… these are so comfortable and well made, and most importantly they WORK! The straps dont slip off my small, sloped shoulders. My back is supported and instantly improves my posture. And my 44DD girls are supported with NO droop, side-boob, or uni-boob appearance. I’d have never expected such great performance from a wireless bra!! And the front-closure is just an extra bonus for easy dressing. I dont even care that it’s not “pretty” because it’s a workhorse. Now I know why they’re still made 30+ years later!!I will definitely be ordering more Playtex bras!