What Should I Do If My Bra Cups Are Too Roomy?

Our team of Fit Specialists is here to help you find bras that feel like they were made for you. We’ve worked with thousands of women find their perfect fit, so we’re sharing some of our best advice here.

In the world of travel, a little extra room is a good thing. Airline seats, hotel rooms and even ride sharing apps require you to pony up extra cash for more space. But with bras, it’s a whole different story. When your breasts have too much room, it feels more like you’re in the cargo hold than flying first class.

 

Signs of Roomy Bra Cups

Sometimes, our bras let us down. It might not be a dramatic wardrobe malfunction, but they can feel less than supportive. Maybe you look into the mirror and ask, "Is my bra too big?" Don't worry; we've got you covered! Let's delve into the signs that your bra might be a tad too spacious: 

• Gaping cups at the top: When you put on your bra, the cups should lie flat against your breasts. If you look down at your bra and notice a space between your breasts and the cups, then your bra cup is too big. The gapping is especially noticeable when you move your arms or bend forward.
• Wrinkled Fabric: With a perfectly fitting bra, the breasts should fill the cups with no room for wrinkles, giving a seamless look. If the fabric of your cups is wrinkling or creasing, it means the cups aren't filled out, indicating they're too large.
• Lack of lift and support: A bra is intended to lift and keep your boobs in place. While some bounce is natural, if you feel like your breasts are not supported and you experience too much bounce, your bra cups might not be offering enough containment.
• Constant readjusting: Ideally, you shouldn't have to fidget with your bra throughout the day. Once you scoop and set your breasts as you wear your bra in the morning, you should not need to readjust every now and then. If you need to scoop and set throughout the day, it signs your bra is too big.
• Constantly tightening your bra straps: If your bra band feels tight yet you are not getting enough support, you need to tighten the straps. However, if the cups are too big, despite tightening the straps, you might not get the support you seek.

 

How Do You Know if Your Bra Fits You?

Now that you know how to tell if your bra is too roomy, here's how to tell if you have found a bra that fits like a glove.

• Band comfort: The band is the foundation of your bra's support system. It should fit snugly around your body without being too tight. Imagine a gentle hug where you can fit two fingers under the band. If it rides up or feels loose, it might be too big.
• Proper cup fit: The cups should encase your breasts without gaping or spillage. Breast tissue should not be sneaking out the sides or over the top.
• Center gore laying flat: The center gore (the part between the cups) should lie flat against your chest. If it's floating away or poking out, your cups might be too big or too small.
• Even underwire: The underwire (if your bra has one) should sit comfortably against your ribcage and encircle your breasts without poking or digging in. 
• The comfort check: This might seem obvious, but ultimately, your bra should feel comfortable throughout the day—no digging, pinching, or constant adjustments.

 

How to Fix a Bra Cup that’s Too Big

First, determine what kind of extra space you have. Are the cups roomy all over? If so, try going down a whole (or even a half-cup size). Lots of women have told us that something as small as a half-cup adjustment has made all the difference in fit.

If your cups are just roomy at the top—what we call cup gaping—you’ll know because of the dreaded t-shirt ridge. If you can see the edge of your bra cup through a lightweight shirt, try tightening the straps. Sometimes a simple fix is all you need.

If tighter straps don’t fix the problem, you might need a different style. Women with East West, Asymmetric, Bell Shape, and Slender breasts often fare better in an uplift plunge or push-up styles. The angled cups on these bras help them fit snugly against your breast for a great fit and all-around smooth sailing. Our 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge is a closet staple and features inserts for uplift when you want it.

 

Importance of Wearing a Properly Fitting Bra

Wearing a properly fitting bra is more than just a comfort issue (although that's pretty important, too!)—it's essential for your overall well-being. A good bra can make or break your day. There's nothing like the comfort of a fitting bra; gentle support with no poking, pinching, or sliding – pure bliss. A well-fitting bra provides adequate support, reducing your back and shoulder strain. It helps distribute the breasts' weight, improving your posture and reducing back pain. 

Moreover, feeling supported and comfortable in your clothes does wonders for your confidence! Knowing your bra won't let you down makes you feel more comfortable and poised throughout the day.

 

Tips for Bra Shopping

Bra shopping can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips to make your next bra-buying adventure a breeze. 

For starters, get your accurate size. Your body changes, and so does your bra size. A professional fitting can save you a lot of guessing. Alternatively, use our Bra Size Chart or Online Fitting Room to know your size and get recommendations for women’s bras that will best suit you. Additionally, understanding your breast shape can help you find bras that fit better. ThirdLove offers a range of bras designed for different shapes and sizes.

Try different styles and sizes to find the perfect fit whenever possible. ThirdLove offers a 60-day return policy to ensure you get your exact match before you commit to a bra. 

A good bra is an investment in your comfort and confidence; therefore, always invest in quality bras to serve you better and last longer. Lastly, know your styles. Different bras are best for various purposes, and understanding what each style offers can help you build a versatile bra wardrobe.

 

FAQs

How should a bra cup fit?

The bra cup should comfortably encompass your breast tissue without spillage or gaping at the top or sides. The top edge of the cup should lie flat against your breast without digging in or creating bulges. The underwire should sit flat against your ribcage, following your natural curves.

Is there an easy fix for a bra cup that is too big?

Yes! If your bra cups are too roomy, try tightening the straps to pull the cups closer to your chest. Alternatively, bra inserts or padding can help fill out the space. However, these are temporary fixes; the ultimate solution is often to get a smaller cup size or a different style that fits better.

Is there an easy way to tell if your bra is too large?

Signs your bra is too big include gaping cups, wrinkled fabric, falling straps, and a loose band that will often ride up. If your bra shifts around or doesn't provide adequate support, it's likely too large.

Is there an easy way to tell if your bra is too small?

Yes! If your bra is too small, you might experience spillage over the top or sides of the cups, discomfort from tight straps or bands, and the underwire digging into your skin.