If the BRA FITS...wear it!

When evaluating the fit of a new bra, make sure to try it on using the loosest hook.  Over the bra’s lifetime, washing and wearing will cause it to stretch, so you’ll want to be able to use the tighter hook settings in the future.

Signs that Your Bra Band is the Wrong Size

This is perhaps the most misunderstood sign of an improperly-fitting bra.  The bra band’s responsible for providing 80% of the support for your bust.  The straps should only be doing 20% of the work.  If the straps are digging into you, they’re shouldering too much of the burden.  Your band is likely too large and you need to move down a band size.  Making this change will allow the band to do its fair share of the “heavy lifting.”  


*If it’s curved or riding up on your back, it’s too loose.  You need to move down a band size.

*If the band digs into you and creates back-fat bulges or red marks on your torso, it’s too tight and you need to move up a band size.

*If you can fit more than two fingers between your band and your back, your band’s too loose and you need to move down a band size; if you can’t fit two fingers back there, your band’s too tight and you need to move up a band size.

*If there’s space between the band and your back when it’s fastened, the band’s too loose and you need to move down a band size.

*If you can pull the band back that far, it’s too loose and you need to move down a band size.

The bra band’s perhaps the most important, functional component of your bra.  Making sure it’s the right size is critical.  But, keep in mind, if you move up or down in band size you may need to make an opposite move in cup size in order to maintain an overall correct fit.

Signs that Your Bra Cups are the Wrong Size

If you’re wearing non-molded cups, and there seems to be extra fabric at their tops, the cups are too large and you should move down a cup size.

The cups, including the wires, should completely contain your breasts.  The wires should rest on your rib cage.  If the wires rest on your breast tissue, your cups are too small and you should move up a cup size.

If you’re being poked in the sides, where the cups meet the wings, your cups are too small and you should move up a cup size.

If you can put your finger between the fabric and your skin, your cups are too small causing your breasts to exert too much tension on the center gore.  Again, try moving up a cup size.

If the underwires don’t lie flatly against you, the cups are again too small and you need to move up a cup size.

If part of your bust appears to be jumping from the top of the cups, or spilling out from the sides of them under your arms, the cups are too small and you need to move up a cup size.  Again, the cups should completely contain all of the breast tissue; wearing cups that are a size too small to enhance cleavage only produces an uncomfortable fit.

When evaluating the fit of your bra cups, keep a couple of things in mind.  First, few women have two breasts that are exactly the same size.  When determining the right cup size for you, always judge the fit according to your larger side.  Second, a great way to judge “spillage” out of the cups is to put on a tight T-shirt over your bra.  You’ll be able to see any excess tissue more clearly than by just wearing a bra alone.  If bulges are apparent, you’ll need to move up a cup size.

If you have adjustable straps, increase their tension if more than two fingers fit underneath them; decrease their tension if two fingers can’t fit underneath them.

Signs that Your Bra Straps Don’t Fit Properly

Bra straps shouldn't slide off of your shoulders.  If this occurs, they’re too loose.  Increase their tension if they’re adjustable.

Bras that fit correctly are comfortable, improve posture, create a thinner appearance, and bolster confidence and self-esteem by creating an overall better silhouette.  They can be the most important items in any woman’s wardrobe.