Bra too small or too big? Signs you’re wearing the wrong size bra
Many women are bothered every day by bras that pinch, or bustiers that look unflattering on their breasts. Many are unaware that the reason for this is usually that they’ve got the wrong bra size. Even if your standard cup size is a perfect fit for one brand, the same size can be too big or too small with other manufacturers and styles. Read on for the signs suggesting you have the wrong bra size!
21 February 2024 • 4 min reading time
Recognize the signs of an incorrect bra size with our guide.
Maybe you’ve wondered how you can tell if your bra is too big. Sure, you’ll soon notice your straps slipping down, but this can be quickly fixed by tightening them. However, many women actually don’t realise that they need a smaller cup size.
While tight-fitting bras can cause pain, bras that are too big don’t. To ensure you’re getting the support you need, you should always choose the right cup size. Here are three signs indicating that you should go down a size or two when buying a bra.
If your bra looks like a balloon that you rediscover three months after your birthday, it’s a clear sign that your bra is too big! Depending on the material and shape retention, small creases may form on the cups. Also, if you notice that there’s space between your chest and the underwire, you should get yourself a smaller bra.
The underwire is there to support your breasts and mould them into a nice rounded shape. It looks less elegant when the underwire doesn’t sit against your skin and sticks out. If the underwire is too loose on the sides, the cup size is usually too big. If the underwire protrudes under your breasts, opting for a smaller underbust measurement usually helps when choosing a bra.
If the back section of your bra droops down and sits below the level of the centre bridge when viewed from the side, this is another indication that the underbust band is too long. If the clasp is already in the tightest position, a new, smaller bra makes sense. For example, if your ill-fitting bra is a 38C, grab a 36C or even a 34C next time. By doing this, you will support your breasts and shift the weight from the bra straps to the underbust band. This prevents back pain and tension.
Girls going through adolescence very often wear bras that are too small. As breasts grow during adolescence – or due to weight gain or pregnancy – your original bra size can suddenly become too small. Here’s how to tell if your bra is too small!
If your breasts are squashed by the cups and bulge out at the top, this is a clear sign of a too-small bra. This is unflattering, especially under tight tops. If this is the case, you should choose a bra that is at least one cup size larger and completely encloses your breasts.
If your bra is too small, your breasts may bulge out at the sides, not just at the top. If a small bulge appears just below the armpit, it can become very uncomfortable – especially if your bra has underwire that digs into your breast. Again, you should choose a larger bra that encloses your breasts, but without gaping.
If the straps of a bra dig in, you can quickly fix this by simply adjusting them. However, for the underbust band, it’s a bit different: if it continues to leave red marks, even though it’s already fastened on the loosest setting, then your bra is too small. If this is the case, you can buy a new bra with a larger underbust measurement or get a bra extender that you can simply hook into the fastener.
If the centre bridge does not rest flat between your breasts, it is usually because it is being pushed upwards by the volume of your breasts – a clear sign that your bra is too small! In this case, we recommend a larger cup and underbust size. If you had 34B before, try 36C now, for example.
The very thing you want from a push-up bra is often a sign of too small a cup size in other bras. If your breasts don’t naturally sit close together, a simple underwire bra or bustier should only support the natural shape of your breasts. If they are squeezed together instead, you should try a larger cup size or a wireless bra.
The main way you can tell if the straps on your bra are not correctly adjusted is if they slip down, pinch or dig in. However, bra straps can also indicate other issues with your cup size: if, for example, you can keep making your straps tighter and tighter without them digging in, this is usually because the underbust band is too long.
The fastener on your bra is then pulled up at the back and sits well above the level of the centre bridge. This is often seen in women with a large bust and a small underbust measurement. If this is the case for you, then to prevent back problems you should choose a bra with a tighter underbust band. The straps should be adjusted so that the underbust band is at the same level all the way around.
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