Many women wear a bra almost every day for several hours. That's why it's important for it to fit well and be comfortable. When it fits correctly, you'll hardly notice you're wearing one. However, if it doesn't fit right, it can lead to discomfort, including redness and pain. The primary purpose of a bra is to provide support to the breasts, but it can only do that when it fits properly.

There are several good reasons to ensure your bra fits correctly, and there are specific features to watch for when wearing it. We'll share what you can do to make sure your bra fits as it should and provide you with 9 signs that indicate it's not fitting correctly.

Find Your Bra Size

The most crucial step is ensuring you're wearing the right bra size. However, it can be challenging to find the correct size on your own. It's best to determine your size by getting measured by a professional.

If you want to figure out your bra size by yourself, you can take a measuring tape and measure just below your bust and over the fullest part of your breast. Then, you need to use a size chart to compare your two measurements and find your size. In our bra guide, you can input your measurements, calculate your size, and view a size chart. You can also learn more about the process there.

How Your Bra Should Fit

Regardless of whether you're looking for the best bra for a large bust or a small one, you should pay attention to the same features when wearing your bra. When you wear your bra, there are five areas to consider.

1. Band Size: The band of your bra should neither be too loose nor too tight. The bra should sit comfortably without being too snug. If the band is too small, it will dig in and leave marks, while a band that's too large will cause the bra to ride up. Neither situation provides proper breast support. When you wear your bra, the band should lie flat against your body horizontally, and you should be able to pull it a few inches away from your body. If the band is just a few inches too small, you can try using a bra extender to see if that helps.

2. Cup Size: Just like with band size, the cup size should not be too big or too small. If the cup is slightly too big, and you can see into it, you should choose a smaller cup size. If the cup doesn't cover the breast or if the breast spills out of the cup, you should opt for a larger cup size. Remember that the cup should fit snugly and cover the entire breast.

3. Underwire: If your bra has underwires, make sure they lie flat against your body. The underwire should also sit against your body beneath the breast and along the sides of each breast. If the underwire doesn't do this or if it feels uncomfortable and presses against you, you should try a different size or fit.

4. Fastening: Most bras have an adjustable fastening. Your body may change a bit, or your bra may be made of stretchy material. In such cases, an adjustable fastening comes in handy to ensure you have a comfortable bra with proper support. Many bras have the fastening in the back, while others have it in the front. It's a matter of preference. The most important thing is to use the adjustable fastening to ensure the band of your bra fits correctly.

5. Straps: It's a good idea to choose bras with adjustable straps. This increases the likelihood of your bra providing the necessary support. If the straps are too loose, they will slip down and not offer support. If they are too tight, they will dig into your shoulders and cause the bra to ride up at the back. Ideally, you should be able to fit one or two fingers under the straps. If you need the best bra for a large bust, you can look for extra-wide or padded straps.

9 Signs Your Bra Doesn't Fit Properly

There can be various reasons why your bra doesn't fit correctly. If you're unsure whether your bra fits as it should, here are nine signs that indicate it may not. This could be due to wearing the wrong size or having the wrong fit. A poorly fitting bra can not only be uncomfortable but also cause back pain and skin irritation, so pay attention to these signs.

1. Breasts are Compressed: If the underwire doesn't separate the breasts or if the bra sits on top of the breasts and compresses them, it may be a sign that you need a larger cup size.

2. Folds or Gaps in the Cup: The cup should not have folds or gaps at the top or bottom. This suggests that the cup is too large. It's not uncommon for one breast to be slightly larger or smaller than the other, but if this happens with both breasts, consider changing the cup size.

3. Double Breasts: When the edge of the cup cuts into the breast, creating a bulge above each breast, your cup size is likely too small. The cup should cover the entire breast. If it doesn't, you may notice extra bulges when wearing tight-fitting clothing.

4. Loose Band Under the Bust: If the band of your bra is loose around your body and your breasts are visible under the cup, then the band size is too big. Adjusting the fastening can help, but if not, consider trying a smaller band size and possibly a larger cup size.

5. Red Marks Under the Bust: If you have red marks under your bust after wearing a bra all day, it's likely that the band size is too small. We recommend choosing a larger size or using a bra extender.

6. Side Bulges: When skin protrudes at the sides or the underwire sticks out at the sides, it may indicate that the cup size is too small. The cup should cover the entire breast for the best comfort and support. Try a larger cup size.

7. Bra Rides Up at the Back: If the band of your bra rides up too high at the back, it means the band size is too large, and the straps are too tight. The bra should lie flat horizontally against your body. If it doesn't, consider trying a larger band size.

8. Fabric Folds Over the Breasts: If the cup size is too large, and your breasts don't completely fill the cup, the fabric may fold over the breasts. In this case, try a smaller cup size.

9. Center Gore Doesn't Touch the Sternum: If the center of the bra doesn't touch your sternum and instead sits on top of the breasts, creating a gap in the middle, it indicates that the cup size is too small. You need a larger cup size and possibly a smaller band size.

Remember that a properly fitting bra not only enhances comfort but also provides better support for your breasts. It's essential to regularly check the fit of your bras, as your body can change over time, affecting your bra size and fit.