Underwires do give a more lifted and rounded feminine shape pulling the tissue along the sides more into the cups giving a boost and enhances the breasts, a look women like, because it enhances the look of the breasts, but not something men may like. But it is still more comfortable and gives better support than a soft cup bra because it takes more fabric and coverage to give as much support as an underwire bra, which to me, adds bulk and in the summer time, makes the bra hotter to wear because of the weight of the fabric and the amount of skin covered. But with the right style, even an underwire can be hidden or camouflaged successfully. You see women doing it all the time with their choices of bra styles and tops. That was a nice surprise to discover when I started wearing bras. I finally had control over what my breasts looked like. I could amp them up like women do or I could tone them down and give them a more pec type look while still getting the support and containment I was needing. Once I learned what styles did what, I gained an unexpected confidence in my appearance and the fear and paranoia of be a male wearing such a "feminine" article of clothing went away and the bra became just another piece of clothing. When that happened, it was truly a freeing moment. Comfort became the driving force and appearance, took a back seat, so to speak. That's not to say that I don't pay attention to looks, because I do, but if I have a little more projection or shape showing at times, I don't freak out about it. No one seems to notice anyway and if they do, they don't make it obvious. Before I started wearing a bra, I was noticed, frequently. I also wasn't aware of my appearance either. But since I started wearing and became aware that I can control my look, I get by with much less looks than before even though my breasts now have a much more feminine appearance in an underwire bra. I must admit, that it has taken time to become more comfortable with this feminine look of the breasts in a bra, but now, I have come to like it. It sure looks better than the unsupported, uncomfortable, floppy mess I had before.