I do this as well.
The other “problem” with front clasp bras is that the manufacturer can’t put a little bow there. Gotta have the little bow or some other nuisance decoration.
I have seen the front clasp plastic parts cast with half a bow on each side. Looks kinda like a butterfly. Tres cute. Sorta. For inane values of “cute”.
For me, whether I can put it on by touch or have to do the “backwards and turn” can depend on the specific bra (some I own I can do that with, but not others) or if my shoulders are feeling a bit stiff that day. I would happily buy more front-hook if I could easily find them!
I was being fitted once at a lingerie department, and the saleswoman reacted in HORROR when I started to do this. I think her theory was “it won’t fit properly”. Well, the “scoop and swoop” maneuver to make sure the twins are in place solves any such issue anyway. And if you’ve got any kind of shoulder issue, there’s really no other option.
The band fits around the same torso wherever it fastens, so the stretching theory is somewhat suspect. I’ve got bras that are 5+ years old, and their bands still fit just fine.
I haven’t seen a front-fastening bra in my size in decades. I’d genuinely be shocked. I alternate between back-fastening regular underwire (which, IF PROPERLY FITTED, are actually perfectly comfortable), soft-material back-fastening, and one-piece stretch (see decentexposures.com - will RUIN you for any other sort).
Makes sense.
The only thing I can imagine the “stretching” thing is about is the way some women grab and yank at the thing to get a good grip on it while wrenching it around their torso. If one gently slides it around that’s almost certainly fine. If they’re grabbing a handful of fabric and pulling it inches away from their body as they tug & grunt, that’s different.
I’ve never worn one, but I’ve seen a certain number of women put them on with widely varying degrees of finesse. Oaf’s gonna oaf.
Where have you observed these so called “oafs” aka women that grunt and tug at their bras? Ladies fitting rooms? Wth?
Eta- a real gentleman would assist not make rude remarks.
Simply watching various GFs over the years getting dressed. Most were quite refined about it. Others not so much.
Having seen at least one such example, I merely posit that they’re common enough in the wild for the jaded foundations saleslady at @Mama_Zappa’s department store to have also seen such a lot more often than I have. And to have developed her cautionary remarks appropriately.
I have an arthritic shoulder. I can’t even close the bra in front and spin it around. I can wear only front closure bras. The drawback to front closing bras is there is no adjusting the band like. regular bras. You can clasp on a different set of hooks to accommodate a loss or a gain. Can’t do that with front close bras.
Apparently some front-close bras like this one do have adjustable front closure, but probably not as much adjustability as the two inches or so of leeway that a back-close bra strap gives you.
Personally, I find front clasp bras very uncomfortable because they rub against my breast bone - can even leave a bruise. Probably doesn’t help that I’m a sloucher.
A front clasp bra just seems awkward and uncomfortable in many ways. I can’t imagine it fits well in front. I don’t want the bulk and rigidity of a clasp there. I have mostly back clasp bras and some stretch bras. The stretch bras are extremely comfortable if I’m not too active, but don’t provide as much support. Anyway, i doubt I’d seriously consider buying a front clasp bra.