The correct way to wear a bra is essential for comfort and proper support. To ensure you are wearing your bra correctly, start by fastening the band on the loosest hook when trying on a new bra. The band should sit parallel to the ground and snugly against your ribcage, without digging in or riding up. Adjust the straps so they provide gentle lift and support without causing any discomfort or indentations on your shoulders. The underwire, if applicable, should rest flat against your sternum and encase your breasts fully without pinching or poking.
It’s important to make sure that the cups fully encapsulate each breast with no spillage over the top or sides. The center gore (the part of the bra between the cups) should lay flat against your chest without any gaping. Be sure to adjust any additional features such as racerback clips or convertible straps according to personal preference for an optimal fit.
A common misconception about wearing bras is that tighter is always better for support; however, this can lead to discomfort and even tissue damage in some cases. It’s more about finding a balance between firmness and comfort while ensuring all aspects of fit align properly for optimal support.
One less-known fact about wearing bras correctly is that it’s essential to re-evaluate your size regularly as weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, and aging can all impact breast size and shape. Knowing this fact can help prevent discomfort from ill-fitting bras and ensure continued proper support for healthy breasts. I recommend getting professionally fitted every 6 months at minimum or whenever you notice significant changes in fit.
Remember: A well-fitted bra means a happier you.
| Step | Correct Action | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Measure your band size | Use a measuring tape to measure around your ribcage just under your bust. Round to the nearest even number. |
| 2 | Measure your bust size | Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Round to the nearest inch. |
| 3 | Find your bra size | Subtract your band size from your bust size. Each inch difference represents a cup size (1 inch = A, 2 inches = B, etc). |
| 4 | Try on different styles | Not all bras are created equal. Find a few different styles and try them on to see which one fits best. |
| 5 | Fasten the bra on the loosest hook | As the bra stretches over time, you can move to the tighter hooks to maintain support. |
| 6 | Adjust the straps | Straps should be snug but not digging into your shoulders. Make sure they are adjusted evenly. |
| 7 | Ensure the underwire sits flat | The underwire should lay flat against your ribcage, not poking or digging in. |
| 8 | Check for proper cup fit | Your breast tissue should be fully enclosed in the cups without any spillage or gaps. |
| 9 | Stand and move around | Make sure the bra stays in place and provides support as you move. |
| 10 | Replace bras as needed | Bras should be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on wear and care. |