A lot of discomfort that we quietly put up with all day, at work, at home, on a long commute, actually comes down to one thing: the wrong bra size. Since sizing isn’t standardised across brands and our bodies change over time, it’s worth checking in on your fit every so often. Here are five clear signs it’s time to.
1. The Band Rides Up at the Back
Your band should sit level, front and back, and stay put. If it creeps up towards your shoulder blades over the course of the day, the band is too loose, or too large. Try going down a band size and up a cup size to keep the same volume with a snugger fit.
2. Straps Dig In or Keep Slipping
Straps that leave deep marks on your shoulders are usually doing work the band should be doing. Since the band provides roughly 80% of a bra’s support, a too-loose band forces the straps to compensate, digging in as a result. Straps that keep sliding off, on the other hand, often mean the band is too big or the strap length hasn’t been adjusted.
3. Cups Gape or Spill Over
Gaping at the top of the cup means the cup size is too big for you; visible spillage at the top or sides means it’s too small. Both are common, and both are simple to fix by adjusting cup size while keeping the band size steady, moving up or down what’s called a “sister size.”
4. The Underwire Pokes or Sits on Breast Tissue
An underwire should sit flat against your ribcage, framing the breast tissue rather than cutting across it. If it pokes at the sides or centre, the cup is too small. If you find wired styles uncomfortable altogether, a well-fitted non-wired, full-coverage bra can offer the same support with a softer feel.
5. You’re Adjusting It All Day
If you find yourself constantly pulling straps up, tugging the band down, or shifting the cups, that’s your body telling you something doesn’t fit. A correctly sized bra should feel secure enough that you forget you’re wearing it.
How to Fix It
Start with a fresh measurement using our guide on how to measure your bra size at home, or use the free size calculator for an instant result. From there, our plus size bra collection is built in cotton hosiery fabric with a wider size range, so it’s easier to land on a size that actually feels right.
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