Around 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Usually, the band is too large and the cups too small. This creates a lack of support and back pain.

Throughout our lives as women, our bodies go through many changes. Our bra size drastically changes at least 6 times during our lifetime.

You should be measured every year to determine if you are still the same size.

To find your measurements, measure your underbust first.

Take a tailor’s tape measure and measure around your ribcage where the band would go.

The measuring tape should be parallel to the floor in a straight line from front to back. If you are an even number, more than likely that will be your band size. If you are an odd number, round up to the nearest even number.

A new bra should be worn on the loosest set of clasps.

If a bra band is too tight, but the next size up is too loose, I recommend temporarily wearing a bra extender. I advise not going up a size in the band.

In my experience, I’ve gone up a band size because it was more comfortable, only to have it ride up my back shortly after purchasing. Bras tend to lose their elasticity over time (which is why there are three clasps).

It shouldn’t be uncomfortable, just snug. You should be able to slide two fingers in the band easily.

The band is the foundation of a bra. Without the correct band size, the measurement of the cups will be wrong.

Honestly, I don’t like to measure the cups because I feel like the methods are always inaccurate. Different breast shapes affect the size tremendously.

Take a good hard look at the bra you are wearing now.

To determine what size you are, I have created these guidelines:

1. Is there Spillage?

They can either be pouring out from the top, also known as the quad-boob effect, spilling out from the sides, or falling out the bottom.

Don’t think you are going to wear that itsy-bitsy bra and everything will be ok. The quad-boob is not a cute look for anybody! Also, that can’t be comfortable.

You should go up a cup size.

2. Do you have Backfat?

Wearing the correct band size will diminish the dreaded “back fat” that is created from a loose fitting band riding up your back. Wearing the right size will also make you look slimmer because you are more lifted, which is something we all want.

If your band is an upside down U or frown, switch to a smaller band. Your band should not be trying to climb your back like Mt. Everest. It should be level with the ground.

On the flip side, the band shouldn’t be digging into your skin causing bulges. Remember, if you can’t fit two fingers under your band, move up a band size.

3. Is Your Underwire Trying to Kill You?

Your underwire should not be poking you anywhere. It shouldn’t be sitting on your breast tissue or stabbing you in the armpit.

The underwire is meant to run along your root width. Unfortunately for us, some women have wide root widths and other women have a shallow root width and bra manufacturers don’t necessarily change the length of the underwire according to bra size.

The solution? If your underwire is on your breast tissue, increase the cup size and you may need to decrease the band size.

If the underwire is stabbing your armpit, you may need to either drop a cup size or find a different style/brand that works better for your unique shape.

Sometimes the shape of the bra doesn’t fit and it’s not your body’s fault, it’s the bra’s fault. We aren’t one size fits all!

4. Do Your Straps Fall Down?

The band is what gives support to your breasts. Very little support should come from the straps. The straps just keep the cups up and the band in place.

If the bands are constantly loose, maybe the straps aren’t the problem. You need a proper fitting band first, and then cups, and finally you can adjust the straps.

The straps should rest comfortably on your shoulders. They should not be so tight that they are digging into your flesh. You want to be able to fit two fingers between the straps and your shoulders comfortably.

5. Are There Gaps?

Is there a gap between your breasts and the cups? If so, there are a few things you can try:

• Going a size down in the cups
• Adjusting the straps to be tighter (usually, this will be accompanied by falling straps)
• Try a different style (if you have shallow top fullness, your breasts just might not fill the cup)

If the gore is pulling away from your chest, the size of your bra should be reevaluated. The band size should decrease while increasing the cup size.

If there’s spillage out the bottom and a gap under the band, you may need to go down a band size.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that if you change your band size, your cup size will change also. Know your sister sizes! (Post coming soon)

For example, if you are a 34F, but your band is too big, you would need to adjust to a 32 band size. Well an F cup would now be too small unless your cups were also too big at a 34. The cup size is relative to the band size.

34F=32FF

If the cup was also too small, you will need to increase the letter by two. So instead of being the equivalent (32FF) you would now be a 32G (decreasing the band and increasing the cup).

Different styles and brands are going to fit differently so finding your correct size isn’t enough. Check out some of my other articles on finding the perfect bra.

Bras shouldn’t hurt or be uncomfortable. They are your most supportive friend so finding the perfect one is essential.

XOXO,
Stephanie

P.S. Let me know if you have any of these bra fitting problems in the comments.

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