Does Your Bra Fit? Here’s How To Tell

You’ve probably heard the statistics by now: the majority of women are wearing the wrong bra size. In fact, a 2008 study found that 80%—eighty percent!—of women were wearing the wrong size bra. Ladies, we have an epidemic on our hands.

Part of the problem is that with so many lousy bras out there, women have been led to simply accept that bras are uncomfortable or a hassle. But the truth is, when you have a great bra that fits well, it’s easy to forget you’re even wearing it. Our goal at ThirdLove is to get every woman into a bra that fits her impeccably so she can take her mind off of it.

Here are some key ways to tell if your bra isn’t fitting right—and what to do about it:

1. Slipping straps.

If you find yourself constantly hoisting your straps back up onto your shoulders, it’s probably time to tighten them. The elastic can stretch out as you wear your bra and it’s easy to forget to adjust them as you go. If slipping persists, it could be time for a new style. Try one with narrower-set straps, like Full Coverage, Demi, or Convertible to help to keep them on you shoulders.

2. Underwire sits on breasts.

Also known as slipping out the bottom, this fit issue is one of the more annoying ones. Try a smaller band size so it fits more snugly. Be sure to test the new band on the loosest hook: it should fit snugly and you can tighten it over time.

3. Straps digging in.

If your shoulders are bearing the weight of your breasts, your bra isn’t fitting correctly. Try a smaller band size since it’s what should be supporting you. (We’ve even designed some of our bras, like our Full Coverage, to have additional padding on the straps to help keep them in place comfortably.)

4. Cup gaping.

Room between the cup and the top of your breast can mess with a sleek silhouette. First, try tightening the straps. If that doesn’t clear it up, you may need a smaller cup size. Our ½ cup sizes can often do the trick.

5. Cup overflow.

If your cups runneth over, it’s time for a larger cup size. That way, you’ll stay supported without being squeezed. Our Full Coverage style can also help, as its cups rise higher on your breast, reducing “spillage.”

6. Side overflow.

Similar to cup overflow, the culprit here is often too-small cups. Go up a full or half-cup size—that should do the trick. If not, try a smaller band.

Half the reason we get out of bed in the morning is to troubleshoot fit issues, so check out our full guide to fit issues, and if you still need help with your size, by all means, let us know!