Even after finding your size from precise measurements, bra-fitting is still not exactly down to a science. Many things can change: You may have another breast surgery, you may lose weight or muscle, or gain weight. Sizes also may vary between different brands and materials. All of these factors can affect how your bra fits you, so it’s important to recognize the signs that you may need to readjust.
1. Your underwire digs in
If the underwire of your bra leaves marks under your breast or near your underarms, it’s time to upgrade. Underwire also gets deformed with frequent washes and with time, so it may cause some unwanted pressure and poking. If you are open to wireless bras, that may be the solution for you, but sometimes, it’s due to the cup size being too small or your bra just wearing down.
2. Your underwire sits on your breasts
If the underwire slides its way up to the lower part of your breasts, it may be due to the band size being too large. Remember that if you reduce the band size of your next bra, make sure you adjust by making the cups one size larger; this rule of thumb is called “sister sizing.”
3. Your Straps Dig into your shoulders
Women with larger cup sizes tend to deal with strap problems more often and padded straps may just do the trick. Other times, it may mean you need to find a bra with a smaller band size. Once again, keep in mind the “sister sizing” rule. The right band size will mean that you can put two fingers under the band; if it feels too loose, it may have stretched out over time.
4. Band rises too far up the back
This also calls for a smaller band size and can be a problem that occurs alongside digging strap, as mentioned above.
5. Your Straps Don’t Stay on Your Shoulders
By just tightening your straps- which also stretch out over time- this may be an easy fix, but this may also mean you need a narrower strap. Wide straps tend to slip off shoulders more easily. You can also opt for a racerback or a bra with convertible straps.
6. Your breasts spill out of the bra
This can be resolved with a larger cup size, or a type of bra that provides more coverage. Full-cup or full coverage bras may be more ideal if you experience spillage with your current bras. In this case, you may want to keep your band size the same.
7. The center isn’t flat against your chest
The center of the bra, called the “gore”, should be up against your sternum. If it’s not, either a smaller band or larger cup is the best bet to solve this. If that doesn’t seem to be the issue, perhaps a different style of bra, such as a plunge bra or one with demi-cups will work; these styles have shorter gores.
8. Your bra makes your back bulge
Depending on what works for your body, you may need a wider band or a larger sized band. Try out different kinds of bras to see if the band style is the issue; longline bras are good for covering your back more and smoothing out the clothes you wear on top.
If the band is too tight, you may just want to buy a bra extender rather than a whole new bra.
9. There is too much space in the cups
This may just be a case of tightening your straps, but if not, you probably need a smaller cup size. If your breasts are still not filling up the cup after reducing the size, or if it fits strangely, you can try out demi-cup or balconette bras. Demi-cups will work better if your breasts aren’t full or projected enough for a full-cup.
10. One cup fits – but the other doesn’t
Always buy the bra which fits the larger breast. Once your size is figured out, you can even out your breasts with a molded bra or with an insert in the cup. If your breasts are sized differently from surgery, remember that we offer custom bra modifications to meet your unique needs!
We hope this insight will have you buying the best bras ideal for your style and comfort. And of course, always remember to hand-wash to help prevent some of these issues.