How should a bra fit?

Have you ever spent hours trying on bras only to realize that you don't even know what to look for to tell if it is fitting correctly? First, let's ask ourselves:

Why is it important to wear a well-fitting bra?

Wearing a bra that fits correctly is key for comfort. A properly fitting bra provides the support necessary to prevent things like back or shoulder pain and general bra-related discomfort. It even does wonders for your posture and self-confidence! Now, you might be wondering: How can you tell if your bra is actually fitting right?

 Are the straps digging into your shoulders?

If your bra straps are leaving significant marks on your shoulders or digging into your skin, it's a good sign that your bra is not quite the right fit. The straps should provide about 20% of the support while the rest comes from a nice snug band. When the band is too loose the weight of your breasts gets put on the straps which can cause them to dig in leaving red marks or indents. The straps should mainly be there to keep the bra against your body, not do the heavy lifting. Try a smaller band size if this is an issue.

 Is the center gore lying flat against your sternum?

The center gore is the piece of fabric between the cups where the wires meet at the front. It should lie flat against your sternum without any gaps. If it's lifting away from your body, you may need a larger cup or a tighter band.

 Are the wires sitting directly under your breast tissue?

To get the maximum support from an underwire, it must sit right where the bottom of your breast tissue attaches to your body. This is called the Inframammary fold. If the wire is below this area it can’t give you as much lift. The breast tissue can “sag” down into the cup instead of the cup meeting your breast tissue and lifting it off your rib cage. If the wire is sitting too low, grab the top of the wire in the center and under your armpit and pull it up into the inframammary fold. 

 Do your breasts spill out of the cups?

If your breasts are overflowing the cups, or the tops of the cups cut into your breast tissue, chances are your cup is too small. The cups should fully encapsulate your breasts without any spillage over the top or out the sides.

 Do the underwires poke you in your armpit?

The underwires of your bra should encircle your breasts without digging into your skin or causing discomfort. If you experience poking or pinching sensations, it's a sign that the bra is not the right fit. Breast tissue goes all the way back into the armpits, and the wire needs to be fully behind your breast tissue to be the most comfortable. If you are being poked, you may need a bigger cup size or a bra with a different wire shape.

 Is the band parallel to the floor all the way around?

The band of your bra should sit horizontally across your back, parallel to the ground. If it keeps riding up, it means the band is too loose. When your band is too loose it can create a see-saw effect! When the band is riding up in the back it drops down in the front, negating any support the bra should be giving you. A properly fitting band should be snug but not overly tight; you should be able to pull it 1-2" away from your back, but not much more. Try adjusting the hooks to a tighter setting or trying a smaller band size.

Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort?

If you're experiencing any pain, discomfort, or irritation while wearing your bra, it's a clear indication that something is not right. Your bra should feel comfortable and supportive throughout the day—you might even forget you’re wearing it! If it doesn't, come in for a bra fitting and try different styles and sizes to find the perfect fit for you. Your breasts will thank you!