Ask A Fit Specialist: What Do I Do If My Band Digs In?

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 to find their perfect fit, so we’re sharing some of our best advice here.

If your bra band is so tight that it’s becoming a thorn in your side, not to fear. Although it’s a pain to feel like you’re wearing a modern-day corset, we have good news and even better news for you.

The good news is that the fix for a too-tight band is exactly what you think it is: a looser band. Take our Fit Finder Quiz—there’s a question specifically about your band digging in. We’ll recommend the best bra style and size for you, and once you order you’ll have a more comfortable bra at your doorstep in just a few days. The even better news? We have a few tips to prevent you from being plagued by a boa constrictor band in the future.

Here’s how to prevent a too-tight band:

• Use the hooks wisely: Don’t rely on the wider hooks in the back of a bra to make up for a too-tight band. Those hooks are there to make the band tighter, not looser. Make sure to use the loosest hook when trying on new bras. That way, as the elastic naturally stretches over time, you can maintain a proper fit by moving to the smaller hooks.
• Test to see if it’s the right size: Your band should be snug enough so that it’s not riding up in the back or front (underwire sitting on your breasts is a no-no). However, you don’t want it so tight that it’s uncomfortable, so make sure you can slide two fingers under the band in back.
• Remember to adjust cup size, too: If your cups fit well but you need to go up a band size, remember to size down in your cup size for equivalent volume. So if you’re a 34D, your sister size (the equivalent cup size) would be a 36C.