“But I’ve had this bra since high school, and it still fits.” Sound familiar? It might be time for a bra check. Just like shoes, bras experience wear and tear, and our bodies change too. If your trusty bra has been a regular in your rotation for over a year, it’s wise to assess its condition. Stretched-out materials mean your bra, and possibly you, might not be the size you used to be! Unsure? A quick Fitting Room Quiz can help you re-discover your perfect size in minutes.
“Oh, that’s just my armpit fat.” We celebrate body diversity, but sometimes what seems like “armpit fat” is actually breast tissue escaping from an ill-fitting bra cup. Smoothing bras can create a streamlined look, but if you notice spillage around the armpit area, your cup size might be the culprit. Check your hook position – if you’re on the tightest hooks, it’s a strong indicator. Try going down a band size and up a cup size; this “sister size” might offer the increased cup depth you need. Experiment with wearing this sister size on the loosest hook to start.
“My bra straps dig in, and it hurts!” Bra strap pain is a common complaint, but here’s a surprising bra fact: straps should only bear about 10% of the support. The bra band and cups are the primary support structures. If your straps are leaving painful marks, they’re working too hard, signaling an issue with band and cup fit. Again, consider a sister size – going down a band size for a firmer fit and up a cup size for greater volume can redistribute support and alleviate strap pressure.
“My band rides up in the back.” A bra band that moves around isn’t doing its job correctly. If your bra is relatively new and the cups fit well, a band that rides up often means the band is too large. Try the sister size adjustment: decrease the band size and increase the cup size to maintain the cup volume but achieve a snugger band fit. Alternatively, consider the age of your bra. Like any garment worn frequently, bras lose elasticity over time. If your favorite bra has seen better days, it might simply be time for a replacement and a bra fit check.
“I can only wear it on the smallest hook. I go through bras so fast!” The hook-and-eye closure on your bra isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s a valuable tool for gauging fit. Think of the hooks as incremental band sizes. If you’re immediately wearing a new bra on the tightest hook, you’re preemptively shortening its lifespan. As the bra stretches with wear, there’s no further adjustment possible. Opting for a sister size with a smaller band and larger cup could be the solution, allowing you to start on the loosest hook and extend the bra’s wearability.
“It’s hard to find my cup size so I just buy the DD, and sometimes, I wear two bras.” Wearing two bras to achieve adequate support, whether for daily wear or workouts, is a clear sign that neither bra is providing the necessary lift and support on its own. Compromising on bra fit leads to discomfort and reduced bra longevity. Modern bra options extend well beyond a D cup, offering sizes up to H and beyond. For those with smaller bands and fuller cups, brands like ThirdLove offer specialized sizing like Precise Sizing™ to address the unique needs of larger busts, even in wireless styles. If you’re struggling to find your size, consider visiting a ThirdLove Store for a professional fitting with a Fit Stylist. Online assistance is also readily available through chat 7 days a week, ready to guide you toward your perfect bra fit and style.
