How To Know If Your Bra Is Not Pulling Its Weight

Did you know that as many as 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size? According to a Chiropractic & Osteopathy study women with larger breasts are the most likely to be wearing the wrong size, with bras that are not giving them the support they need for a comfortable pain-free body.

At Triumph we’re here to say that you don’t have to settle for a badly fitting bra. Your body is beautiful, and no matter your breast size you deserve a bra that will make you feel good every day. Your body and breasts change over time, so it’s important your bra is keeping up. Here are some key signs that you are wearing a badly fitting bra. If you notice any of these, it’s time to go shopping and get the bra you deserve!

Your skin is chafing or irritated

If your skin is red, blistering, or itchy, this is a classic sign your bra is too small. When your bra is too tight, movement causes the fabric to rub against the skin, leading to chafing. This is especially common in a badly fitting sports bra, since you wear these when you move around.

Your underwire is digging in or out of place

Your bra underwire should sit at your underarm. If it is digging forward into your breast tissue, this means your underwire is sitting on your breasts, rather than supportively around them. This can indicate that your cup size is too small. If your underwire is digging back into your arm pit, then it’s likely your cup size is too large. 

Your bra is riding up, or your breasts are popping out the bottom

If the band of your bra is riding up at the back, then the bra is too big around your body. You’ll need to find an option with a smaller band size. On the other hand, if your bra is riding up at the front of your body, this usually means you need a different style or type of bra to provide the support you need.

Another common sign that your band is too loose is if your breasts are falling out underneath your bra. However, this can also be due to your cup size being too small (see below), so you may want to book in for a fitting.

Your breast don’t fit in the cup

If you notice your breasts bulging out of the cup at either the front or the sides, then your cup is likely to be too small and it’s time to try a size up. This can also be due to the shape of your breasts – a fuller coverage bra style might be a better option than a plunge cut.

There’s too much fabric, or your breasts aren’t filling the entire cup

Excess material is a common sign that your cup size is too large. You’ll also need a smaller cup if you notice gaping at the top of the cup, and can see the inside of the cup while you are wearing a bra. Your breasts should fill the entire cup. If you have conical or slender breasts, this can also mean you are wearing the wrong style, and might want to try a different type of bra.

Can a bad fitting bra cause pain? 

While research on badly fitting bras and pain is still developing, there may be a connection between a poor fitting bra and several kinds of pain and discomfort. According to Joanna Wakefield-Scurr from the University of Portsmouth, research has shown that lack of breast support often leads to breast pain, which is reported by 50% of women. Ill-fitting bras have also been associated with neck, back and shoulder pain, bad posture, and chafing and itching. There’s also a less obvious, but no less significant, side effect of wearing an incorrectly fitting bra, and that is a reluctance to exercise.

At Triumph, we believe you deserve to feel comfortable in your body. The right bra fit can help you in ways that you never expected, from improving your posture, to simply living a more comfortable and confident everyday life.

If you have gone through changes in your life, such as pregnancy or breast-feeding, gaining or losing weight, or starting menopause, then it’s likely that your breasts have changed, and you should check if the bra you are wearing is still the bra you need. But it can also be time for a new bra if it’s just been a while since you had time to look after you. Start now with our bra size calculator and set yourself on the path to finding the right fit.