We’ve all been there—pulling and tugging at a bra that just doesn’t feel right, wondering if it’s us or the bra. Spoiler alert: it’s probably the bra. Studies show that up to 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, and trust me, I’ve been there too! But don’t worry, ThirdLove is on a mission to help women find their perfect fitting bras. So, how should a bra fit? Let’s walk through five tell-tale signs you’re rocking the wrong bra size, whether it’s too big or too small, and how to finally find the perfect fit.
If you constantly pull your bra straps back into place, it’s a sign something’s off. This often happens when your bra straps are stretched out, or your bra is too big, which means it’s not providing enough support.
To fix this, first, try adjusting the length of the straps. If this doesn’t help, recheck your bra fitting and consider sizing down. A correctly fitted bra will stay secure with the band doing the heavy lifting.
Here’s a surprising fact: your bra band should sit parallel to the floor all the way around. If you notice it riding up in the back, making an upward curve, you’re likely wearing a band that’s too loose. This happens because when the weight of the breasts at the front is not adequately supported, it pulls on the straps, and they, in turn, lift the back band. This is one of the most common signs of a wrong-fitting bra.
How your bra cups fit is vitally important since the cups are the part of your bra that holds your boobs. The cup must be sufficiently large to contain all your breast tissues without leaving a gap or causing breasts to overflow. If you’re experiencing spillage (the quad-boob effect) over the top or on the sides, your bra cups are too small. On the flip side, it's too big if there is gapping with structured bras or wrinkling with unlined bras.
An underwire should support you, not torture you. Your bra’s underwire should sit against your chest and follow the natural curve of your breasts. If it’s poking, digging, or sitting on your breast tissue, the size isn’t right. Underwire issues usually point to a cup size that’s too small or a band size that’s too big. When you’ve got the right size, the underwire will support you without causing discomfort.
While we’ve all heard the phrase “beauty is pain”, your bra shouldn’t contribute to that narrative. If your bra leaves red marks or pinches, or you’re counting down the minutes until you can free yourself from it, it’s time for a change. The right size should feel like a second skin—supportive yet comfortable enough to forget you’re even wearing it.
We’ve probably described a condition you are experiencing with your bra, but how do you avoid these mishaps and find your perfect size? Finding your ideal fit doesn’t have to be a guessing game anymore. ThirdLove’s Fit Finder® quiz is an innovative online tool that helps you determine your perfect size. The quiz considers your unique shape, current fit issues, and preferences to recommend your ideal size and style.
By identifying the signs of a wrong bra and using tools like ThirdLove’s Fit Finder® quiz, you’re just steps away from discovering how a bra should fit. Plus, with our inclusive size range, including half-cups, you’re bound to find your perfect match.
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Returns & exchanges free for 60 days for all U.S. orders. Please try on the bra to ensure a good fit, making sure to leave the original tags attached. We only accept underwear in unworn condition, with original tags, in its unopened original polybag. Items marked final sale are not eligible for return or exchange. If something’s not right, we can help. Our Fit Experts are available via live chat, or email to answer any questions you might have.
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