A correctly fitted bra will make your life so much easier. You deserve to forget that you are wearing one, look incredible and feel comfortable all day. That’s what DeBra’s fitting consultants do day in and day out. They work hard to boost customer confidence and comfort regardless of the occasion.
A wrongly fitted bra can create havoc. Imagine constantly having to adjust your boobs into the cups, pull your straps up, the raising back band from wearing the wrong band size, or it could be from neglect and the ever-famous ouch from the wire digging into your ribs. Ahhhh! The issues women unnecessarily tolerate daily. In this blog we will identify and address some of the most common bra problems to help you make better choices in the future.
What Are Some Common Bra Problems?
The Rising Back Band
A common problem that many women choose to accept. A rising back band indicates that you could be wearing the incorrect band size (sizes 6-36), or the fabric may have stretched over time. The band provides 80% of the support, and we must get this right. We recommend adjusting the band to a tighter hook-and-eye setting in the first instance. If the problem continues, you may need to buy a larger band size, but remember, if you go up a band size, you may need a smaller cup size. It is also known as sister sizing and is a common practice amongst professional fitters.
Breast Spillage
Let’s face it, we have all been there at some time or another. If your breasts spill over the top or sides of your bra, it’s time to go up a size (or two or three) in the cup. Another option is to consider a full cup bra for better encapsulation of breast tissue and coverage.
Empty Cups
The opposite of breast spillage. Your breasts should feel perfectly encased within the cups. Empty cups, also known as cup gaping, means you have too much room in the cups. Firstly, try to tighten the straps to see if this helps. If the cups are still not full, you will need a smaller size in the cup (A – K). If you are wearing a full-cup bra and have lost fullness in your breast (which does happen with age), you might want to consider a different style of bra, such as a balconette / padded half cup bra, for extra lift and support.
Back Bulge
If you are getting back bulging when you wear your bra, it’s safe to say your bra band is too tight. The dreaded bulge is usually a symptom of a band that is too tight or narrow to accommodate your shape. Your bra should not be creating rolls that aren’t usually there. We recommend changing to a bra with smooth stretch fabrics that are less likely to dig in. Check out DeBra's range of Back Smoothing Bra Styles. Another option may be to wear a longer-lined bra, so the support extends down the body to refrain strain on the chest and pressure on the back.
Falling Straps
Bra straps can stretch over time due to overwear and overuse, so keeping your favourite garments clean, laundered and stored correctly is crucial. First of all, try tightening the straps. DeBra’s recommends tightening the straps every few days to maintain good support; however, if your straps are still slipping, you could try switching to a bra with silicone straps or a racerback style for enhanced comfort.
Straps Digging Into Your Shoulder
Are you ripping your bra off as soon as you walk through the door? The most common reason women feel uncomfortable at the end of the day is that their bra straps dig in and, in some cases, lacerate the skin. There are a few reasons this may happen, the first being that the straps are too tight. Try loosening the straps to see if that makes a difference - usually, it can ease chafing and swelling dramatically. If the problem continues, DeBra’s recommends checking the sizing of the band. A band that is too big can shift the support that the band is meant to have to the straps, causing them to dig in and do the heavy lifting. You should only fit two fingers underneath the band. Any more than that, the band size is either too big or stretched, and it’s time for you to go bra shopping.
Centre Gore Is Not Flat
If it looks like the panel at the centre of the cups is rising away from your torso, you either need a larger cup size (A – K) or a smaller band size (6 – 36). If you can slide more than two fingers underneath the band, you may need to go down a band size. If you are spilling out the cups, you must go up a cup size. If neither of the above work, the best option would be to try a different bra shape, perhaps a demi or plunge bra, that has a narrower, shorter centre gore and works well for women with a close set of breasts.
Chafing And Sweating
Your bra should be your best buddy, and best buddies don't hurt each other. Something is wrong if yours starts to cause you pain, chafe, or lead to skin inflammation from friction. Most of the time, this is a symptom of your breasts rubbing against the skin, meaning that your bra may not fully encapsulate your breasts and leaves them somewhat unsupported. Our fitters at DeBra’s recommend opting for a light, breathable fabric like cotton that will reduce sweating and not irritate sensitive skin. Have you tried any of these fixes? Let us know how they went in the comments below!
Get Fitted
Too many women out there are wearing the wrong size bra. Wearing a well-fitted bra can be a game changer that improves your posture, comfort, and confidence. DeBra’s has a professional team of fitting consultants that can help you find the most comfortable and appropriate bra for your body size and shape. Our team is passionate about bras and has fitted women of all shapes and sizes for 22 years and counting.
Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our customer service team during business hours through Live Chat, which can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my bra band ride up at the back?
A rising back band usually means the band is too big or the fabric has stretched, and since the band provides about 80% of your support, this matters. Try a tighter hook-and-eye setting first. If it keeps riding up, go up a band size, remembering you may then need a smaller cup (known as sister sizing).
What should I do if my breasts spill over the cups?
Breast spillage over the top or sides means the cup is too small, so it's time to go up a size or two in the cup. If spillage continues or you want more coverage, a full cup bra encapsulates the breast tissue better and gives a smoother line under clothing.
How do I fix cups that gape or look empty?
Cup gaping means there's too much room in the cups. First try tightening the straps to see if that takes up the slack. If the cups are still not full, go down a cup size. If you've lost fullness at the top of the bust (which can happen with age), a balconette or padded half cup adds lift and fills the cup better.
Why do my bra straps dig into my shoulders?
Often the straps are simply too tight, so loosen them first, which usually eases chafing quickly. If it continues, check the band: a band that's too big shifts the support onto the straps, forcing them to do the heavy lifting. You should only fit two fingers under the band, and if it's more, the band is too big or stretched.
What causes chafing and how do I stop it?
Chafing usually happens when the bra doesn't fully encapsulate the breasts, leaving them rubbing against the skin unsupported. Getting the right size and full coverage is the real fix. In the meantime, choosing a light, breathable fabric like cotton helps reduce sweating and irritation on sensitive skin.