If there is anything that ranks right up there— in terms of unpleasantness— with swimsuit shopping, it would have to be enduring the process of finding the illusive, well-fitting bra. It seems bras are always pinching in on the sides, causing spillage, or the opposite, gaps in the cups. Don’t even get me started on straps that dig into your shoulders or underwires that make marks on the underside of your boobs. Suffice it to say that a poor-fitting bra is one you would love to burn and one you are more than ready to take off at the end of a long day. Thankfully, when a bra fits properly, or you can determine your proper fit, bra shopping and wearing that bra doesn’t have to be a drudgery any longer.
How is My Bra Supposed to Fit?
There are five main areas that indicate your bra fits properly. When any of these areas are off, then your bra will not fit properly overall. Here is a quick rundown of the proper fit of a bra:
- Band: The band of the bra should be level and straight. It should never ride up.
- Straps: The straps of a bra should stay in place, not fall down over the shoulder. It also shouldn’t be so tight that it digs into the shoulders. It just simply sits on top of the shoulder and stays in place.
- Cups: The bra cups should encompass the breasts but without overspilling or gaps between the breasts and the cup.
- Underwire: The underwire should not pinch in any way. Instead, it should surround the breasts.
- Center: The center of the bra should lie flat between the breasts. It should not stand up or lift off the chest.
Importance of Proper Fit for Comfort and Support: How Should a Bra Fit?
A bra serves the purpose of providing support for your breasts, along with protection and coverage. If your bra doesn’t fit properly, it can cause discomfort, obviously, but it can also cause bulging that is unattractive and not at all what you want. You want your bra to become practically invisible under your clothing. It should provide support but not be confining or uncomfortable. Instead, it should be a support that enhances your figure, and provides structure to your silhouette. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to measure yourself properly and ensure that your bra fits as designed. This will help you create that beautiful aesthetic you desire from a bra, all while providing comfort and support.
Steps for Measuring Correctly
The following will outline how to determine how each aspect of a bra is measured and how to know if it fits properly:
Band
The band is perhaps the most important aspect of your bra in terms of comfort and support. In fact, it is estimated that the band provides around 80% of the support within a bra. A properly fitted band should be able to pull out to the side by about two inches without feeling loose. This can be represented by two fingers.
Straps
You won’t have to really measure these, but ensure that they fit in the proper place. The straps should sit in the center of your shoulders. They shouldn’t dig in or pull. They also shouldn’t slip down. Be aware that if you find a bra keeps digging into your shoulders or falling off despite your adjustments, then you might want to change the style of bra to one that better fits your anatomy.
Cups
The next step in measuring a bra properly includes looking at the cups. A well-fitted cup should fully enclose both breasts, without spillage. When you lie flat, the top of the cup should sit comfortably around each breast without digging in. They should not be loose or wrinkled either, as this indicates that the cup is too large. Therefore, if a cup is digging in, it’s likely too small, and if it’s loose or wrinkling or buckling, it’s likely too large.
Underwire
The underwire of a properly fitted bra should not sit on top of breast tissue in any way. It should fit flat on the top of your rib cage. Be aware that having an improperly fitted underwire can not only cause discomfort but can also lead to soreness, breast damage, and even sagging!
Center
While an often-overlooked aspect of any bra, the center strip, right in the middle of the bra in the center of your chest, is immensely important when it comes to proper fit. It is a great indicator that something isn’t right, so it’s always important to look at this when judging fit. Again, the center should lie flat on your chest. It shouldn’t dig in, rub, poke, or push out.
Common Fit Issues and How to Address Them
A good rule of thumb is that an uncomfortable bra is likely to be one that doesn’t fit you right. Therefore, it’s important to constantly monitor the fit of your bras, replace them when they are worn and no longer fit properly, and ensure that your bra is always providing the right amount of comfort and support. Common issues include straps that dig in, bands that ride up, and cups that dig in or gap out. All of these “fit” issues can be fixed with proper attention to measurement, ensuring your bra fits you as designed.
Check Out EBY Bras for Well-Fitting Options
Once you know your size and what you prefer in terms of bra fit, consider looking at EBY bras selection. We offer a wide variety of options, ensuring you can find something that will provide you with the support and comfort you desire, all while fitting you as designed.
