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How Should a Bra Fit?

Published in Bra Fitting 3 mins read

A bra should fit comfortably and provide the right support, and key indicators determine a perfect fit.

Essential Fit Components

A well-fitting bra ensures both comfort and proper support. Here's a breakdown of the key areas to consider:

The Band

  • Placement: The band should lie straight around your torso, both in the front and back, without riding up. This indicates the band provides the necessary support, not the shoulder straps.
  • Support: The band should be snug but not tight. You should be able to slide two fingers underneath the band. If it's too loose, it won't provide adequate support.

The Center Gore

  • Placement: The center of the bra, also known as the gore, should sit flat against your breastbone. This separation between the breasts ensures they are properly supported and prevents discomfort.

The Underwires

  • Comfort: The underwires should not dig or poke into your breast tissue. They should sit flush against your ribcage and fully encircle your breast tissue.
  • Coverage: The underwires should encapsulate all of the breast tissue. If the underwires lie on the breast tissue, the cup is too small.

The Sides

  • Smoothness: The sides of the bra should lie smoothly against your skin without any binding, pinching, or cutting into your flesh. Any cutting or indentations are signs of an improper fit.

Key Indicators of a Perfect Bra Fit

Here's a summarized view based on the reference:

Feature Ideal Fit
Band Lies straight around the front and back of the body
Center Gore Lies flat against the breastbone, separating the breasts
Underwires Do not cut or poke into breast tissue
Sides Lie smoothly without binding or cutting

Checking Your Bra Fit

To assess if your bra fits correctly, follow these simple steps:

  1. Look in a Mirror: Check the band placement, center gore, underwire position, and side smoothness.
  2. Raise Your Arms: Ensure that the band stays in place and the bra doesn't ride up.
  3. Check for Spillage: Look for spillage over the cup or under the arms. This indicates a too small cup size.
  4. Adjust and Re-check: After adjustments to the band or straps, check again to see if the fit has improved.

Common Bra Fit Issues and Solutions

Here are some common fitting issues and how to address them:

  • Band Riding Up: Indicates a band that is too loose; tighten or try a smaller band size.
  • Spillage: The cup size is too small; try a larger cup size.
  • Digging Straps: The band is too loose; try a smaller band size.
  • Gapping Cups: The cup size is too large; try a smaller cup size.

Why a Correct Fit Matters

A properly fitted bra provides not only comfort, but also:

  • Support: Prevents back and shoulder strain.
  • Shape: Enhances the silhouette and provides a more flattering shape.
  • Confidence: Makes you feel more comfortable and confident in your clothing.