Despite being an essential piece of our wardrobe, many of us wind up wearing ill-fitting bras – and that can be bad for our health. Research shows approximately 78 per cent of women worldwide are wearing an incorrect size – that’s a lot of uncomfortable bodies! Here’s how to spot the signs of an ill-fitting bra and how to fix it:
READ MORE:
Are You Washing Your Bras The Right Way?
6 Wardrobe Organising Tips That Will Change Your Life
The Curvy Girl’s Guide To Bra Shopping
If your straps fit snugly, but you still find them slipping, chances are your band is too big for your body’s width. Tighten up and as a rule, you should only be able to fit two stacked fingers comfortably between your shoulder and the strap.
If you’re getting boob spills over the top, sides, or bottom of your bra cups, it’s time to go up a cup size. A bra that is fitting correctly should encircle and contain your breasts so consult a professional bra fitter to find a bra that gives you proper support.
This is when there’s a gap at the top of your bra cups, and the fabric at the top of the cups wrinkle and does not lie flat. Go down one size and see if the gap disappears. (It usually does.) Or tighten your straps – sometimes, that’s all you need to do.
You should feel most comfortable on the middle hook. That way, when your bra stretches over time, you can tighten it. If it’s already too loose, go down a band size.
That slow sensation of your bra band slowly creeping up your back can be a nasty feeling – especially when you’re in public. Go shopping and use tighter hooks. If it doesn’t work, it’s time to replace your bra.
Bra straps that dig into your shoulders are not just a painful nuisance. They can lead to deep grooves in the shoulder, headaches, and even nerve problems. Adjust your straps and remember that support should come from bra band and not by tightening your straps.
The middle piece between the cups should sit flat on your rib cage. If there’s any space, your cup size is too small. Try going up a size. You should be able to lift your arms over your head without the underwire rising up.
Don’t think all underwire is uncomfortable. Go up a cup size to keep it from digging into your skin.
Here, a bump spills out from back of your bra to create an embarrassing bulge that shows even under your clothing. Try a bra with a wider band and a high-cut side for better fit and coverage.
You may not be getting the right support from your bra because it’s the wrong size. Find a lingerie specialist in your area, or hit up a department store, and go get sized properly.
(Text by bauersyndication.com.au / Additional reporting by Natalya Molok)