Are You Wearing The Right Bra Size?
- Posted on
- By The Bra Bar & Panterie
- Posted in Bra Fitting, Everyday Bra
It’s no surprise that many women find their bra uncomfortable; it’s estimated that over 80% of women wear the incorrect bra size!
At the BraBar & Panterie, we offer personalized bra fittings at our Winnipeg stores. We focus on educating our customers on the perfect fit.
Digging wires, slipping straps, back pain, neck pain, and poor support are most likely the result of an ill fitting bra. So how do you know if your bra fits properly? Watch for these signs that you may need to re-evaluate your bra size:
Does the back of your bra ride up?
If the band is riding up, the bra is too loose. Most women are wearing too big of a band and too small of a cup. Since 80% -85% of the support comes from the band it’s important for the bra to be properly anchored. A bra should fit comfortably around the rib cage and come straight across the back from under the bust. When the support comes from the band rather than relying solely on the straps, back and neck pain is reduced or eliminated.
Do your underwires dig into your breast tissue?
If you find underwire bras uncomfortable, it's most likely due to a poor quality or poorly fitting bra. Many women find themselves in a cup size that is too small, resulting in a wire that digs into the breast tissue rather than wrapping around the breast. The underwire should lay flat in the center and wrap around to sit just behind the breast tissue. If it doesn’t, try a cup up.
Do your straps slip off your shoulders?
Slipping bra straps shouldn’t be a daily annoyance. If your bra straps constantly slip off your shoulders, chances are your bra isn’t fitting properly. Since most women wear their bras too loose in the band, the result is a band size that is meant for a bigger frame (wider set shoulders). A proper fitting brand will help ensure the straps are appropriate for your frame. Women with narrow or sloped shoulders may find slipping straps an issue even in the correct size, so styles that are closer set are recommended.
Does your bra come away from your body when you raise your hands?
A simple hand raise can help determine if you’re in the right size. A bra that lifts away when you raise your hands is most likely due to too small of a cup or too loose of a band (or a combination of the two). When a bra fits properly, the cup shouldn’t come away and the bra should remain anchored when your arms are raised.
Does your bra cut into your breasts?
The dreaded double bump is a result of cups that are too small. When a bra fits properly, it should encase the breast tissues and have a seamless transition to the body. You want a bra that holds your breasts comfortably—not one that forces tissue out the tops or sides of it.
Does the bra provide separation?
Are your breasts squeezed together in the bra? The cups should provide separation between them, not make them look like one uniform shape. This is often due to a cup size that’s too small. With a little extra room, your breasts should fit comfortably in the cups and the wire should sit flat in the center.
How old is the bra?
Our favourite bras see a lot of use—you might wear them on a daily or weekly basis! If the bra is several years old, it’s probably due for a replacement.
Even if the bra fit perfectly when you bought it, it’s likely lost some shape over the years. You might notice that the straps are loose and the band is stretched out.
If you’re eager to take your bra off at the end of the day, then it could be time for a new one. Considering how often we wear these articles of clothing, it’s important to find bras that fit your body properly!
Tired of an ill-fitting bra? With our personalized bra fitting services in Winnipeg, you’ll experience the difference a proper fitting bra can make. Our bra fitters will help you find pieces that support your figure and improve your posture. We want you to adore the lingerie you wear - and ultimately, to adore what’s underneath. Visit The BraBar today to receive your personalized bra fitting.