To All the Bras I've Loved Before: Finding the Right Bra for My Body Type
What If None of the Bras I Try On Feel Right?
GIRL GUIDE
brabar
GIRL GUIDE
BRABAR
girl guide
If every bra you try feels wrong, it might not be your body—it might just be the bra.
By: Lucy DiChristina
Maybe you have been bra shopping for years and never found something that truly makes you feel comfortable and supported. You have ten bras in your drawer and look forward to putting none of them on and wish you were someone who felt comfortable going bra free. There are so many women suffering in silence feeling like they cannot find a bra that actually fulfills their desires. Although this discomfort is not uncommon it is also not something to coexist with, bottom line you deserve better. If there is something wrong with how your bra is fitting it is not your body's fault, I promise, it is your bras.
What is Wrong With My Bra?
Not all bra discomfort points to all of the same bra problems. Does your bra feel too tight? Your band and straps may be digging into your body, and you might even find it hard to breathe or just super uncomfortable to exist in. Do you think your bra is too loose? Your band is probably riding up. Your straps are thawing and your cups do not feel secure. Do you think your cops don’t fit? Are they constantly gapping, overflowing and drinking under all of your clothes? Or are you just overall uncomfortable? Are you getting scratched and irritated by your bra on a daily basis poked and prodded by your straps and under wire or just feel awkward in your bra. All of these feelings are valid and should not become your norm. Once you know what feels wrong, it is easier to fix it.
Am I Wearing The Wrong Size Bra?
Well, we know your body is never the problem so you might be wearing the wrong size bra. 80% of women are currently in a bra that does not fit them correctly, a lot of this ends up being sizing issues. Don’t worry, this is not your fault, bra sizing is a super confusing process, and every brand fits a little bit differently. Common sizing mistakes include your band being too big or too small, your cup volume being incorrect, which is a result of wrong measurement, processes, or guessing bra size based on old bras. A bra being supportive does not mean it is uncomfortable, the right size bras should actually be supportive and uncomfortable on something you look forward to putting on every morning to improve your confidence.
Am I Wearing The Wrong Style Bra?
Your bra style being wrong is an under-discovered but common issue that women have with their bras. Every single bra style can accommodate a different body and a different outfit so bra style can actually affect the way your bras fit and make you feel uncomfortable or think something is wrong. For example, T-shirt bras are renowned for their every day where however they don’t accommodate every single breast shape. Bralettes on the other hand accommodate a wider range of breast shapes however, they’re softer and less structured so people don’t love them as much for higher support. Finding a style of bra that works for you is just as important as finding your size. The most important thing is that you’re not blaming your body for problems that your bra is causing.
What is Sister Sizing?
OK, so sister sizing has become way too normalized. It is one of those things that stores used to try to get you to buy their product and not realize that you’re purchasing something that is actually setting you up for failure. Sister Sizing is when your band or cup size is adjusted to compensate for one thing not being a size that is normally carried by retail stores. For example, sister sizing would justify a girl that has the measurements of a 32C could also be wearing a 34B and a 30D size bra. This logic is clearly flawed even from just looking at these numbers, if all of these sizes actually fit the same person then why would they be considered different? They are considered different because they are different and fit three different people with different measurements. When your bra sizing is representative of cup volume and band size it makes no sense that you can adjust one in order to compensate for the other. Usually this is identifiable when your band feels too tight, but your cups are fitting or your band feels too loose, but your cups are fitting. Sizing although it can solve small problems also creates larger issues with an overall fit problem. Sister sizing is not a solution. It is a new way of reaching a different problem.
Should I Just Give Up On Bras?
OK, OK so I totally understand why having repeated issues with bras and more and more discomfort might seem like a reason to give up on bras altogether. However, you’re probably in the wrong item or wrong size for your body. Unfortunately, women becoming uncomfortable in their bras is a norm, however, we are trying to fix that. Even though you shouldn’t give up on bras as a whole, it is OK to give up on a specific bra. If you’re constantly adjusting your bra, it’s not actually supporting you. You can’t take your mind off of your bra. It might be time to try another style or another size. Your end goal should not be making bras that you have work. It should be finding a bra that supports your body. You should not feel like you need to adjust your body to fit your bra. You should feel like your bra needs to be adjusted in order to fit your body. A bra is a very personal experience and fits differently for everyone.
Am I The Problem?
This is the easiest question I’ll ever have to answer. No you are not the problem. Breaux shopping can feel different and difficult for everyone. There is inconsistent sizing a multitude of styles that don’t really make sense, especially to people who have not been living in the bra industry for years, there’s limited education on what your bra should actually feel like and a slew of unrealistic advertising that only leads to you comparing yourself to models and your friends. Bodies are not supposed to all be the same, so why do we think that one bra should fit everyone similarly. Your bra is made to fit your body and unfortunately, it might be failing you, but it is not too late. You have time to find a different item and one that actually makes you feel good about yourself. The right bra should make you forget you’re wearing it, you should feel comfortable and confident and not constricted.
One Last Thing Before You Go
Remember every single uncomfortable bra is a learning experience and you will find a bra that is right for you. Your body is going to keep changing and with that you might need to change the bras that you wear. Don’t give up and keep trying until you find something that works for you.
XOXO BRABAR
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
FAQS
No. While it can take time to find the right bra, constant discomfort isn't something you should accept. If every bra feels too tight, slips around, digs in, or makes you want to take it off immediately, it's a sign that the size, style, or fit isn't right for your body. A well-fitting bra should feel comfortable enough that you almost forget you're wearing it.
There's no magic number. Some people find a bra they love after trying on two or three styles, while others need to visit several stores or experiment with different brands. Every bra teaches you something about what works for your body, so don't feel discouraged if it takes a little time. Finding the right bra is a process—not a test you can fail.
No. A new bra may feel slightly different at first, but it should never be painful or make you dread wearing it. If it consistently pinches, gaps, rides up, or requires constant adjusting, it's probably the wrong size or style for you. It's much better to exchange it or keep looking than to force yourself to wear a bra that doesn't make you feel comfortable and supported.
