I’m sure you’re aware of the benefits to wearing the correct size underwear – the difference it can make to your figure (it can make you look slimmer) and how well clothes fit you.
You’re also probably aware of what happens if you don’t wear the right size bra – the bad posture, the terrible back ache, and the ill-fitting clothes.
But despite this, there's a high chance that you're not wearing the correct bra size, but I'm hoping to fix that with this blog post. So read on to find out if you're wearing the incorrect bra size, and correct it if it's wrong.
If you want help figuring out which bra SHAPE is the best for your bust, head on over HERE
bra terminology
band
This wraps around your back and is what should provide the majority of the bust support. In fact, it should be providing around 90% of the support! This is sized numerically - 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 etc...
straps
These help keep your bra in place. They support your bust, however, they are not supposed to completely support it! If you keep having to tighten your bra straps to keep them in place...you are probably wearing the wrong bra size. But more on that later!
cups
The cups are what hold your breast. They come in a variety of shapes offering a variety of coverage and support. They are sized in letters (A, B, C, D , DD etc...)
seams
These aren’t just decorative, they help to shape and support the breast.
centre panel
This is the section between the cups that helps provide support and shape.
underwire
This runs along the edge of the cup and provides extra support for the bust, as well as helping keep the breast in the cups
6 SIGNS THAT YOU ARE WEARING THE WRONG BRA SIZE
1/ The cups of your bra ride up when you reach up
If this happens then the back measurement is too big for you. Try going down a size at the back…and if you do that, go up a cup size as well, to make sure the cup fits you the same.
2/ YOUR BRA STRAPS ARE ALWAYS FALLING DOWN. EVEN WHEN YOU TIGHTEN THEM
If the straps are falling down, it's a signal that the band is too lose so is riding up and making the straps loose. Try a smaller band size (and again, go up a cup size to make sure the cup fits you the same)
3/ the band is riding up
If the band is riding up, then you're straps are probably falling down, too. Go down a band size, and up a cup size.
4/ YOUR CUPS RIDE UP
When the cups ride up it's because the band is too loose. Go down a size in the band to make sure the bra stays put. It can also be a sign that the cups are a size too big so bare than in mind and consider experimenting with a smaller cup size too.
5/ YOUR BREASTS ARE BULGING OUT OF THE CUPS
If this is happening, either the cups are too small for you, or the band is too small. Or both! First try going up a band size, and if that doesn't solve the problem, go up a cup size.
6/ THE BRA CUPS ARE GAPING A LITTLE
This suggests that the cups are too big for you, or the band is too big. It can also indicate that you're in the wrong style of bra for your bust shape. If you think the band size is correct, go down a cups size.
how to determine the corect bra size for you
If you’ve identified that you’re probably not wearing the correct size bra, good! You're one step closer to being more comfortable in your bra!
But before you can correct the size, you need to identify what needs correcting - is it the band size, or the cup size...or both?
The best way to do this is to use one of your own bras (not a strapless or padded bra, just your bog standard, everyday bra) a starting point, and refine the fit until it’s correct.
Pop your bra on, move your arms around, and then stand in front of a mirror and check these areas one by one:
check the cups
The cup size is too small if:
The cup size is too large if:
check the band
Next we need to check the size of the band.
The band size is too small if:
The band size is too large if:
Once you have identified what is wrong with your current bra size, you can correct it. This is often the part that confuses people, but don't' worry it's quite simple.
The rule of thumb when correcting a bra size is:
If the cup size is incorrect but the band is correct
You simply go up or down a cup size, depending on whether the cup was too small or too large.
If the cup size is correct but the band size is too small
You go up to a larger band size, AND you down a cup size. You must do the two things.
If the cup size is correct but the band size is too large
You go down to a smaller band size, AND up to a larger cup size.
If both the cup size and tha band size are incorrect
First alter the band size, and if that doesn’t make a difference to how the cup fits you, alter the cup size.
tip!
It's important to note that you must adjust the cup size every time you adjust the band size to make sure that the fit of the cups remains the same. If you don't adjust the cup size it will be incorrect.
making sure the new size is correct
Once you’ve uncovered your new bra size, it’s a good idea to head to your local lingerie department to test it out! Failing that, order some bras online and try at home.
When you put the new bra on, check the following:
- 1Are the cups filled well, and does the underwire completely encase your bust?
- 2Does the center panel sit flat against your sternum?
- 3Are the straps tight enough to stay put, not so tight that they dig in
- 4Does the band lie horizontally across your back? It should be no higher than the front of the bra, and tight enough to support your bust almost entirely.
Wearing the correct bra size is SO important when it comes to your health, but it's also an important factor in how well your clothes fit.
If you're not sure whether you are wearing the correct bra size, and you don't have the time to figure it out at home, alone. Book in for a fitting at your local lingerie boutique or department store. It's typically free, and is well worth it.
