7 Common Bra Fit Issues & How to Solve Them

At ThirdLove, our goal is to help women everywhere find their perfect bra fit — but we know it’s not always that simple. On top of having to consider your own unique breast shape, there are many common fit issues that can determine which bras are best for you and will make your boobs look and feel great.
Ever experienced bra fit issues? Read on as we identify some of the most common ones (and their solutions) to help you find your perfect size the next time you go bra shopping. If you would like some more help, take our Fitting Room Quiz to find your perfect size and fit in just a few minutes!
1. Straps Slipping Off Shoulders

Are you always pulling up your straps when you’re wearing your bra? To fix slipping straps, try tightening your bra straps if you haven’t already. Straps can stretch out over time, so we suggest doing this every other month or so.
If tightening your straps doesn’t do the trick, take a look at the style of bra you’re wearing. Did you know that certain styles (Full Coverage and T-Shirt style bras) typically have narrow-set straps that help keep them on your shoulders throughout the day? Other styles, like Balconette and Plunge bras, have wider-set straps and can slip more easily depending on your body type. Take a look at our Bra Style Guide to identify the style you should be wearing.
You should also consider the age of your bra. If you’ve been wearing this bra for a long time, the straps may have deteriorated, stretched out, and lost elasticity over time. It’s time to replace your bra with a new one that will support you comfortably.
2. Bra Straps Digging In
Lastly, if you’re a D cup or bigger, we suggest buying a style of bra with narrower straps, like our 24/7® Perfect Coverage Bra, so that the straps are centered on your shoulders and the weight of your breasts is evenly distributed.
3. Bra Band Riding Up
One of the most common fit issues that women deal with is their bra band riding up on the back. This can be identified by looking in the mirror and checking that the back band is parallel to the ground. This issue is typically a sign that your bra band is too large and that you need to go down a band size.
4. Gaping Bra Cups
If your bra gaps at the top of the cup, try tightening your bra straps. If that doesn’t work, go down a cup size — your cup may be a little too big. If you don’t think you’re an entire cup size smaller, consider one of our half-cup sizes (our Fitting Room quiz can help you identify if half-sizes may be right for you).
If your cups fit well but there’s still room at the top for gaping, consider a plunge or a push-up style to push your breasts upwards. These cups tend to be cut a little smaller to reduce gaping in the first place.
5. Cup Spillage
Or, if your band doesn’t feel tight enough, you might need to size up in the cup and down in the band. A snug band will pull the wire in your bra back, and allow your breasts to sit in the cup where they belong.
Here’s how to deal with cup overflow:
If your breasts are spilling out of the bra cup, you’re wearing the wrong size bra. Similar to side overflow, cup overflow is easy to fix: trade-in for a bigger cup size and give your breasts some much-needed breathing room! If you’re a 34B, trade up a half-size to 34B ½ or a whole cup size to 34C if you need it. You (and your breasts) will breathe a sigh of relief.
6. Underwire Digging In
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