If you have never been professionally fitted for a bra, then you may be wearing the wrong size. The right bra should be comfortable and provide all the support you need in the right places. There are many signs that indicate whether you’re wearing the wrong garment or not. If you experience any of the below issues, head to a lingerie shop for a professional fitting.

How to Tell If Your Bras Are the Wrong Size

1. Band Rides Up

The band of the bra should be horizontal from front to back. If your bra rides up in the back where the clasp is located, then you are wearing the wrong size bra. You could try loosening the straps on the bra, but if the band still rides up then your band size is too big.  You may need to go down a band size to give you the support you need.  

2. Wires Dig In

The bra’s underwire should never be digging into your flesh or resting on any part of your breast tissue.  This may indicate that the cup and/or band is too small.  Another possibility, could be that your bra needs to be replaced.  If you are wearing the wrong size, then the life of the bra also decreases.  The wires may also dig in, due to improper care and washing of the bra.  Bras should be hand washed and hung to dry, or put in a laundry bag to be washed in the machine on a gentle cycle.  Bras should never be put into the dryer.  This causes wear and tear on the bra, which could result in the wires popping out.

3. There Are Cup Gaps or Overflow

The cup of the bra should sit flush with your breasts. If there is a gap between the cup and the breast, then you may need to go down a cup size. If you have breast tissue spilling over the top of the cups, or over the side of the cups under your arm, you may need to go up a cup size.   

4. Straps Fall Down

The bra straps should feel firm and comfortable.  They should not be digging into your shoulders or falling off your shoulders.  If you feel that you’re constantly pulling your straps back up, then try to shorten your straps. If this makes your band ride up, then you may need a different band size.  Some women have sloping shoulders, which causes the bra strap to slide off.  In this case, we recommend soft silicone pads that fit discretely under clothes, eliminates strap slippage, and eases shoulder discomfort.    

Lady Olga’s Lingerie specializes in hard-to-fit sizes for bras, so you can always find ones that fit comfortably.  We recommend coming in to be measured and refit, approximately every six months. This women’s clothing store has a wide selection of lingerie and shapewear in Hamden, CT. Their certified “bra-tenders” have years of experience fitting and measuring clients to find the perfect size for them. Browse their products online or call (203) 288-1133 to schedule a fitting.