Bra fit issues are a universal blight among bra-wearers. In fact, a 2008 study has shown that roughly 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Perhaps no bra fit issue is as prominent, however, as bra cup gaps.
Cup gaping refers to any space left at the top of the cup after the bra has been put on. It usually signifies that the bra is the wrong size or style, though it could also be an issue with the straps.
Keep reading to learn what causes bra gaping, how to avoid it, and what steps to take if you’re already experiencing this common issue. Your best bra fit is out there waiting for you!
There are a few potential causes of bra cup gaps:
Discovering the root cause of your bra gap is critical in finding a solution. After all, there’s no need to throw out all your old bras if the issue is just loose straps. Likewise, if adjusting the straps doesn’t work, you might need to replace your current bras with ones that fit better.
No one wants to walk around with a bra cup gap. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this predicament.
Wearing the wrong bra size is the most common reason for gaping at the top of the cup. We recommend getting your bra size professionally measured at one of our stores or taking our Fitting Room Quiz online to find your perfect size before making a purchase. This will ensure you get the best-fitting bra every time.
Not all breasts are created equal (though they are all equally beautiful) and depending on your breast shape, some styles will fit and flatter you better than others. There are several bra styles to choose from, so we recommend trying on a few different silhouettes to find the perfect bra that makes you look and feel great.
If you’re struggling with bra cup gaps, you may need to consider opting for a balconette, demi, or push-up bra. Balconette and demi bras tend to have less cup to fill, making them better for slender breast shapes. Push-up bras use extra padding to help even smaller breasts fill in the entire bra cup.
The more you wear a bra, the more it loses its elasticity and integrity. This can result in cup gaps over time as the bra becomes less able to support your breasts. We recommend replacing your bra every 6 months to a year, depending on how often you wear them. Avoid bra cup gaps by replacing your worn out bras with new ones on a regular basis.
If you’re already experiencing bra cup gaps, there are steps you can take to fix the problem.
Sometimes, cup gaping is the result of the bra straps loosening or losing their elasticity. Try to tighten the straps and see whether this remedies the cup gap.
If you notice that your breast rests at the bottom of the cup, it’s possible that your bra is simply too big for you. Go down a cup size and determine whether the fit is any better. ThirdLove offers half cup sizes, as well, so you’re more likely to find your optimal fit.
The style of bra has a major impact on how the bra fits, and different styles tend to work better for different breast shapes. If you’re experiencing bra cup gaps, you’ll likely benefit from trying bra styles better suited for slender breasts:
The way you put your bra on influences the way it fits you. For the perfect fit, ensure your breasts fill their respective cups entirely and align your nipples with the center of the cups. This is the proper way to wear a bra, so if cup gaps remain, it means the bra is too big or the straps are too loose.
At ThirdLove we make it easy to find a perfect fitting bra that makes you feel comfortable and supported all day long. Take our Fitting Room Quiz to find your perfect bra size and silhouette in the comfort of your own home. Still need a bit more help finding a solution to your bra woes? Chat with our Fit Stylists and say hello to better bras!
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Returns & exchanges free for 60 days for all 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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