7 Most Common Bra Fitting Problems

Over the years, wearing bras have become a bigger and bigger headache. The list of bra fitting problems just keeps getting longer! Sometimes it even gets to the point where it is painful! Wearing a bra should be a pleasant experience throughout the whole day, and if it’s the right one for you, you should even forget you have it on altogether! Now if that sounds too good to be true, check out our list of the most common bra fitting problems and see which one(s) you identify with, and let us help you fix them!

Top 8 Most Common Bra Fitting Problems
Image Credit littlethings.com

1. Incorrect Band Size

The band of the bra should fit snugly around the body, but not be too tight. A band that is too loose or too tight can cause discomfort and a lack of support.

If the band size of your bra is incorrect, it may not provide the proper support and may feel uncomfortable to wear. The band size is responsible for most of the support in a bra, so it is important that it fits properly. If the band is too loose, the bra may ride up the back or the straps may fall down. If the band is too tight, it may cause pain or discomfort in the back or ribcage. It’s important to get professionally fitted for a bra to ensure the best fit and support.

2. Straps Digging Into Your Shoulders

This can be caused by straps that are too tight or not adjusted properly. It can also be caused by a band that is too loose, which causes the straps to take on more of the load of supporting the breasts.

Bra straps digging into your shoulders can be caused by a few different factors. One common cause is that the straps are adjusted too tightly, which can put too much pressure on your shoulders. Another cause could be that the band size is too large, and the straps are having to bear more of the weight of your breasts than they should be. Additionally, if the cup size is too small, it can cause the straps to dig into your shoulders as they try to compensate for the inadequate support.

It is also possible that the design of the bra is not appropriate for your body shape or size, some bras are designed with thinner straps, which may dig into your shoulders.

bra straps digging in
Image Credit Curvy Kate

To resolve this issue, you may try to adjust the straps to a looser setting or consider getting a bra fitting to ensure that you are wearing the correct size. If the problem persist, you may also consider trying bras with wider straps or different styles of bras that distribute the weight of your breasts more evenly.

3. Bands That Rise Up in the Back

This can be caused by a band that is too big or by straps that are too tight. It can also be caused by a lack of elasticity in the band, which can be a sign that the bra needs to be replaced.

There are a few different reasons why the band on the back of a bra may ride up. One common cause is that the band size is too large. When the band is too loose, it can’t provide the proper support and may ride up the back. This can happen if the band size is not accurate, or if the band has stretched out over time. Another reason could be that the straps are adjusted too tightly, this can cause the band to ride up as the straps pull the back of the bra up.

It is also possible that the bra you are wearing is worn out, or just doesn’t fit your body shape or size properly. The bras that have lost their elasticity or have stretched out over time can also cause the band to ride up.

4. Incorrect Cup Size

The cups should fit smoothly and cover the entire breast, without any gaping or bulging. Wearing a cup size that is too small or too large can result in discomfort and a lack of support.

If the cup size of your bra is incorrect, it may not provide proper coverage and support for your breasts. If the cup is too small, it can cause spillage or bulging, and if the cup is too large, there may be gaps or wrinkles in the fabric. Wearing a bra that is the wrong cup size can also cause discomfort and may not provide the support you need. If the cup is too small, it can cause pain or discomfort in the breast tissue, and if the cup is too large, it may not provide adequate support. It’s important to get professionally fitted for a bra to ensure the best fit and support.

Bra Cups are Too Big

This can cause gaping or wrinkles in the cups and can result in a lack of support for the breasts.

If the cups of your bra are too big, it can cause gaping or wrinkles in the cups. This can result in a lack of support for the breasts and can make it difficult to find clothes that fit well. The excess fabric in the cups can also cause the bra to shift around, which can make you feel uncomfortable. Additionally, a bra with too big cups may not provide the proper lift and shape to the breasts that you are looking for.

You may try tightening the straps of the bra to bring the cups closer to your body and make sure the cups are filled properly.

bra cups fitting improperly
Image Credit Glamorise

Bra Cups are Too Small

This can cause the breast tissue to spill out over the top or sides of the cups, resulting in discomfort and a lack of support.

If your bra cups are too small, it can cause a number of issues. One common issue is spillage or bulging, where the breast tissue spills over or bulges out of the top, bottom or sides of the cups. This can make it difficult to find clothes that fit well, and may make you feel self-conscious.

Another issue is that the cups may not provide adequate support and coverage for your breasts, which can cause discomfort and pain in the breast tissue. Wearing a bra that is too small in the cups can also lead to the straps digging into your shoulders and the band riding up your back, as the straps and band are trying to compensate for the inadequate support provided by the cups.

To resolve this issue, you may consider getting a bra fitting to ensure that you are wearing the correct size. If you’ve been fitted and the problem persists, you may also consider trying bras with different styles of cups, such as full-coverage, plunge or balconette bras, to see if they fit better.

5. Digging Underwire

This can be caused by a bra that is too small or by underwire that is not properly adjusted to fit the shape of the body.

There are a few different reasons why the underwire of a bra may poke through. One common cause is that the bra has worn out, and the underwire is no longer securely encased in the fabric. Another reason could be that the bra is not the right size for you, if the bra is too tight or too loose, it can cause the underwire to shift and poke through.

Black bra with underwire digging in
Image Credit Petticoat Fair

It’s also possible that the underwire is not the right shape for your body. Everyone’s body shape is different and sometimes the underwire of the bra may not align with the shape of your breast bone. Lastly, the material of the bra, if it’s not a good quality one, it can wear out quickly, and the underwire can poke through.

To resolve this issue, you should consider replacing the bra, or if the problem persist you may want to try bras with different styles of underwire or different materials to see if they fit better.

6. Straps That Slip Off Your Shoulders

Straps that slip off the shoulders: This can be caused by straps that are not adjusted properly or by straps that are too wide for the shoulders. It can also be caused by a lack of support from the band, which can cause the straps to take on more of the load of supporting the breasts.

There are a few different ways to stop bra straps from slipping off your shoulders:

  1. Adjust the straps: Make sure the straps are adjusted to fit snugly on your shoulders. You can adjust the straps by using the sliding adjusters or hooks on the straps.
  2. Tighten the straps: If the straps are too loose, they may slip off your shoulders. Tightening the straps can help keep them in place.
  3. Use bra strap clips: Bra strap clips are small clips that attach to the front of your bra straps, pulling them together. They can help keep the straps in place and prevent them from slipping off your shoulders.
  4. Use bra strap cushions: Bra strap cushions are small pads that attach to the inside of your bra straps, helping to distribute the weight of your breasts more evenly and keep the straps from slipping off.
  5. Check the size of the band: If the band of your bra is too big, it can cause the straps to slip off your shoulders. Wearing a bra that fits more snugly can help keep the straps in place.
  6. Look for specific designs: Some bras have wider straps or straps that cross in the back, these designs can help keep the straps from slipping off your shoulders.
Bra Strap Falling Off
Image Credit Shapeez

It’s important to keep in mind that if the problem persists after trying all of these solutions, it could be that the bra isn’t the right size or style for you. Use our bra size calculator to double check that you are wearing the correct size bra.

It is also good to keep in mind that some companies are more prone to this than others.

7. Lack of Support

This can be caused by a variety of factors, including an incorrect band size, cups that are too small or too big, straps that are too tight or too loose, or a lack of structure in the cups. A lack of support can result in discomfort and a less flattering shape.

There are a few different reasons why a bra may lack support:

  1. The bra is not the right size: If the bra is too big or too small, it may not provide enough support for your breasts. Getting a professional fitting can help you find the right size bra for your body.
  2. The bra is not the right style for your breast shape: Different breast shapes may require different styles of bras. For example, a full-coverage cup may be more appropriate for someone with a fuller bust, whereas a plunge or balconette cup may be more appropriate for someone with a more shallow bust.
  3. The straps are not adjusted correctly: If the straps are too loose, they may not provide enough support. Adjusting the straps to fit snugly on your shoulders can help provide more support.
  4. The band is too loose: The band of the bra is responsible for providing most of the support. If the band is too loose, it may not provide enough support. Wearing a bra that fits more snugly can help keep the band in place and provide more support.
  5. The material is not supportive: Some fabrics like stretchy lace or cotton may not provide enough support. Look for bras made from more supportive materials such as cotton with spandex or microfiber.
  6. The bra is worn out: Over time, the elastic in a bra can lose its shape and support, so it’s important to replace your bras regularly.
Thirdlove bra with support
Image Credit Thirdlove

It’s important to keep in mind that the right bra for you can change over time, so it’s a good idea to get to remeasure yourself over time.

Wrap Up

It is important to note that finding the perfect fitting bra can be a challenge and it may take trying on different styles, brands, and sizes to find the one that works best for you. It’s also recommended to get measured every 6 months, as your body can change over time. Just remember that there are different styles of bras in addition to different sizes out there. But most importantly, YOU deserve a bra that fits perfectly!