Guides: How should a bra fit?

Many women wear a bra almost every day, and for several hours at a time. Therefore, it's important that it fits well and comfortably. When it fits correctly, you'll hardly even feel like you're wearing one. On the other hand, if it fits incorrectly, it can cause discomfort in the form of redness and pain. The main purpose of a bra is to provide support to the breasts, but it can only do so if it fits correctly.

There are several good reasons to ensure that your bra fits properly, and that's why there are also several features you should pay attention to when wearing your bra. We'll tell you what you can do to ensure that your bra fits as it should, and we'll also give you 9 signs that indicate it's fitting incorrectly.

Find your bra size

The most important thing is to make sure you're wearing the right bra size. However, it can be difficult to find the right size on your own. The best way to find your size is by having a professional measure you.

If you want to find your bra size on your own, you can take a measuring tape and measure just below the bust and across the fullest part of the bust. Then, you'll need to use a size chart to compare your two measurements and find your size. In our bra guide, you can enter your measurements, have your size calculated, and see a size chart. There, you can also read more about the process.

How your bra should fit

Whether you're looking for the best bra for large breasts or the best bra for small breasts, the same features should be considered. When wearing your bra, there are five areas you should pay attention to.

1. Band size

The band of your bra should neither be too loose nor too tight. The bra should fit snugly without being overly tight. If the band is too small, it will pinch and leave marks, while a band that's too big will cause the bra to ride up. Neither of these situations provides the proper support for the breasts. When wearing your bra, the band should sit horizontally around the body, and you should be able to pull it a few centimeters away from your body. If the band is only a few centimeters too small, you can try using a bra extender to see if it helps.

2. Cup size

Just like with the band size, the cup size should neither be too big nor too small. If the cup is gaping and you can see into it, you should use a smaller cup size. And if the cup doesn't cover the breast or if the breast is spilling out of the cup, you should go up a cup size. Remember that the cup should lie smoothly and cover the entire breast.

3. Underwire

If your bra has underwire, make sure it lies flat against the body. At the same time, the underwire should follow the body all the way under and on the sides of each breast. If the underwire doesn't do this, or if it pinches and feels uncomfortable, try a different size or fit.

4. Closure

Most bras have an adjustable closure. Perhaps your body changes slightly, or maybe your bra is made of a material that can stretch a bit. In such cases, an adjustable closure is convenient so you can still have a comfortable bra with good support. For many bras, the closure is in the back, while others have a front closure. It's a matter of preference. The most important thing is that you use the adjustable closure to ensure that the band of your bra fits properly.

5. Straps

It's a good idea to choose bras with adjustable straps. This allows for a greater chance that your bra will provide the support you need. If the straps are too loose, they will slide down and provide no support. But if they are too tight, they will dig into your shoulders and cause the bra to pull upward on the back. Ideally, you should be able to fit a finger or two under the straps. If you need the best bra for large breasts, you can look for extra-wide or padded straps.

9 signs that your bra fits incorrectly

There can be various reasons why your bra fits incorrectly, but if you're unsure whether your bra fits as it should, here are nine signs that indicate your bra is fitting incorrectly. It can be due to wearing the wrong size or the wrong fit. Besides feeling uncomfortable, wearing a bra that doesn't fit properly can also cause back pain and skin irritation. So, pay attention to these signs.

1. Breasts are being pushed together: If the underwire doesn't separate the breasts or if the bra sits on top of the breasts and pushes them together, it may be a sign that you need a larger cup size.

2. Wrinkles or gaps in the cup: There should be no wrinkles or gaps in the cup, either at the top or bottom. This indicates that the cup is too big. It's not uncommon for one breast to be slightly larger or smaller than the other, but if it's the case for both breasts, you should change the cup size.

3. Double breasts: If the edge of the cup cuts into the breast, creating a bulge over each breast, your cup size is likely too small. The cup should cover the entire breast, and if it doesn't, you may notice a couple of extra bulges on the breasts when wearing tight-fitting clothing.

4. Loose band under the breast: If your bra band is loose around your body and if your breasts may even be visible below the cup, then the band size is too big. Adjusting the closure may help, but if not, you should try a smaller band size and possibly a larger cup size.

5. Red marks under the breast: If you experience red marks under the breast after wearing a bra all day, it's likely that the band size is too small. We recommend choosing a larger size or using a bra extender.

6. Side bulges: If the skin bulges out at the sides or if the underwire sticks out on the sides, it may mean that the cup size is too small. The cup should cover the entire breast to provide the best comfort and support. Try a larger cup size.

7. The bra rides up the back: If the band of your bra moves too far up your back, it means the band size is too big and the straps are tightened too much. The bra should sit horizontally around your body, and if it doesn't, it may be a good idea to try a larger band size.

8. Fabric over the breasts folds: If the cup size is too big and your breasts are not filling out the cup completely, you may experience some folding of the fabric over the breasts. In that case, you should try a smaller cup size.

9. The center gore doesn't touch the sternum: When the center part of the bra does not touch your sternum and instead sits on top of the breasts, causing a gap in the middle, it indicates that the cup size is too small. You need a larger cup size and possibly a smaller band size.

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