8 Out of 10 Women Wear a Bra That Doesn’t Fit. We’ll Tell You How to Avoid This

It’s hard to believe this but, according to statistics, 80% of women wear a bra that doesn’t fit. The study, which was published in the journal of Chiropractic & Osteopathy, found that 70% of the women involved wore bras that were too small, while 10% of women wore bras that were too big. But a bra is important not only for our appearance and comfort but also for our health. So, we decided to look into the matter, and have come up with this guide which will help you choose a perfectly fitting bra.

Measure your cup size while bending over.

To find a perfectly fitting bra, you need to know the size of your chest. Many women often wrap the tape around the most prominent part of the bust while standing upright. But experts recommend bending over to do it. Make sure that the tape is not too tight. This method guarantees that you are including all your breast tissue in the measurement.

Add a couple of inches to your band size.

The other number that you’ll need in order to choose a perfectly fitting bra is the band size. First, wrap the tape around your torso, just below your breasts. This time, hold it firmly yet comfortably against your skin. If the number you’ve got is even, add 4 inches. If it’s odd, add 5 inches. So, if you measured 32 inches, your band size is 36.

Now, subtract your band size from the bust measurement you did above. The resulting difference is your cup size. So, if it’s 4 inches, your cup is D, if it’s 1 inch, your cup is A.

Buy a bra in the middle of your cycle.

You can find the right underwear at any phase of your period. However, keep in mind that the breasts become larger and more sensitive to pain right before your period starts due to an increase in progesterone levels. Some women even have to wear sports bras during these days. If you’re looking for a bra that you’ll feel comfortable in most of the time, go shopping during ovulation.

Fasten your bra on the loosest hook.

A perfectly fitting bra is very important because it’s responsible for the breast support. When trying a bra on, always fasten it on the loosest hook. The fact is that bras tend to stretch as you wash and wear them. So, you’ll have an opportunity to fasten it tighter when this happens.

Try a bra with a smaller band size and a bigger cup size.

You’ve probably noticed that 2 women with different body types and bust sizes can wear the same size bra. This happens because cup size is measured by volume, not visual projection. For example, the wider-set breasts will appear to be shallower. If this is your case and a bra doesn’t provide you with the necessary support on the sides, try a model with a bigger cup and a smaller band size.

Loosen the straps before putting on a bra.

You might have noticed that the straps tend to either fall off your shoulders or cut into your skin. But it’s possible to find a comfortable fit. To do it, loosen the straps all the way before putting a bra on and fasten it on the hook you would normally wear. After that, adjust the straps until you feel the necessary support. If this hasn’t worked out, then the bra is probably too big for you, or too narrow/wide in the shoulders.

Turn to a bra fitter for help.

Bra fitters are professionals who can help you find a perfectly fitting bra. Usually you can find them in big chain stores. But don’t get discouraged if there is no big store near you. Recently, remote bra fitter services have become very popular. This person is trained to visually analyze the width and slope of your shoulders, the distance from shoulder to foot, and the shape and orientation of your breasts.

Make sure that the bra underwire doesn’t squeeze your breast.

If you wear an underwire bra, make sure that it doesn’t squeeze your breast tissue. To test this, press gently against the wire. If it bounces back, this is an indication that it’s sitting on the breast, not on the rib cage. And this is important for your health.

Say no to a padded bra.

A padded bra won’t harm you if you wear it once for an important event. But it’s definitely not the best model for everyday wear. Padded bras unnaturally alter the shape of the breasts which results in compressing and constricting of the lymphatic vessels. And this may lead to sagging of the breasts over time.

Choose a bra according to season.

The rainy season is a special time of year. If there is a risk you may get totally wet, choose a polyamide bra. Polyamide has natural fibers that absorb moisture and dry up quickly. It is also soft and feels like a second skin.

Replace your bra every 3 months.

When you find a perfectly fitting bra, you want to serve it to you for as long as possible. To make it happen, it’s best to handwash it after 2-3 wears. If your wear the same bra every day, it will lose its shape in 3 months. But if you alternate your bras regularly, they will last longer.

Go braless from time to time.

Some women even sleep in a bra because they are afraid that their breasts will sag without it. However, science disagrees with this. The breasts tend to sag due to aging and gravity. If you go braless for some time, the muscles surrounding the breast tissue start working. This may help decrease any sagging.

Have you ever used the help of a bra fitter? Are you sure that you’re wearing a well-fitting bra?