How to Know If a Bra Fits

Chris Ondatje September 20, 2021

By: Heather Bien

When it comes to bras, there’s no one-size-fits-all. All breasts come in different sizes and shapes—and that can fluctuate over time. For the best support and comfort, you’ll need a bra that forms to your body. With simplified and versatile sizing, our sustainable bras are equal parts beauty and function. You can feel confident hitting the gym, office, or living room with Boody Eco Wear bras.

Smiling young woman in black bamboo underware

Unsure what that optimal size feels like? We can help you find out. In our brief guide, we’ll take you through some simple tips on how to know if a bra fits and why the perfect fit matters.

Is Knowing Your Bra Size Important?

In one word? Yes.

Women's bras are more than just decorative pieces of clothing. A good fitting bra provides vital support and cushioning, oftentimes easing pain for women. A properly-sized bra can help with:¹

Breast sagging
Back and shoulder pain
Poor posture
Sensitive tissue protection
Athletic movements & support
Clothes fitting

Remember—these benefits apply to well-fitted bras. When you're wearing the wrong size, it can actually exacerbate the effects of wearing no bra.

Unfortunately, while bra size labels are standardized across stores, the actual measurements are not. One shop’s 34B could feel loose, while another store’s 36C might dig into your shoulders. However, there are a few signs for how to tell if a bra fits.

What Are Signs You’re Wearing the Wrong Bra Size?

If you think you have the right bra size, you might want to recheck. While old stats—such as 80% of women wearing the wrong bra size—have been debunked,² plenty of women still choose an ill-fitting bra.

Not sure if your bra is the right size? Whether too big or too small, let’s explore the telltale signs of improper bra sizing.

A Bra That’s Too Big

While less common, oversized bras are still an issue. Here are some ways for how to tell if a bra is too big:³

Cup wrinkling – Over-sized bras leave extra space between your breasts and the cup, creating wrinkles in the fabric overtime. This effect is prominent in bralettes or non-molded bras (a.k.a., no padding or shells).

Body pain – Bras take a (literal) weight off your back. But when loose, that supportive structure is gone. If your shoulders and back are sore after wearing a bra all day, it’s likely your straps or entire bra is too big.

Arm-raise test – Adjust your bra to the tightest hook, and raise your arms overhead. If your bra rides up as well, you likely need a smaller band size.

Cup gaps – There should be no gaps or space between the breasts and bra cups. If your breasts don’t fill out the cup, you need to size down.

A Bra That’s Too Small

The tighter the bra, the more support? Not exactly. Tight bras can actually heighten pain and create a whole new set of problems. Not sure how to know if your bra is too small? Here are some clues:⁴

Skin marks – Chafing, indents, redness, and rashes all point to a tight bra. Most wearers will often find these marks along the band, underwire, and underarm areas.

Gore gaps – The gore is that little band section that sits between the bra cups in front. It should rest easy on your skin. Gapping between the gore and your body indicates a tight bra.

Spilling breasts – If your breasts are spilling over, under, or to the sides of your bra, then the fit is too snug. Bra cups should be full, but not overflowing or stuffed.

Young woman lying in bed in bamboo underware

How Do I Know My Bra Size is Right?

You know the signs for wrong bra sizes. But what about the right size?

Of course, comfort should lead the way with choosing a bra size. But to make shopping easier, consider these sizing tips inside the fitting room:⁵

Get your measurements – Not all 36D bras are alike. That’s why when bra shopping, coming to a store with your exact measurements (your band and breast circumferences) is more useful than naming a size label. Ask for a professional measurement or size yourself at home. And remember—it can be helpful to remeasure every six to twelve months. For information on how to measure your bra size, reach out today!

Consider breast shape – It’s not just the inches that matter. Breasts come in seven shape categories, from round to teardrop to narrow.⁶ Certain bra types and bra styles accommodate each breast shape best.

Wear it correctly – To truly test the bra fit, don’t just throw it on. Lean forward at the hips, hold the cups to your breasts, and then hook the outermost claps. That way, you won’t set up an inaccurate bra fitting.

Check fit signs – With a well-fitted bra, your breasts should sit evenly between your shoulders and elbows. The front and back bands should also stay at an equal height. And for tightness, one to two fingers should easily sneak under the band.

Finger Test – One simple test? See how many fingers can easily slip between your back and the bra’s band. About two fingers (or a half-inch gap) is ideal.

Easy Bra Fits with Boody

The bottom line? The right bra and correct size will feel comfortable, supportive, and quality. And while that can look different for everyone, Boody makes sure all of our bras meet those standards.

Need assistance with how to pack bras or wondering if you should wear a bra to bed? We have the answers you need!

About the Author:

Heather Bien is a copywriter and writer based in Washington, DC. She works with retail, ecommerce, and creative brands on their website copy and digital presence, and her freelance writing has appeared on MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, and more. When she's not with laptop and coffee in hand, you'll find her planning her next weekend getaway, working on her budding green thumb, or scouting for her next great vintage find.

Sources:

Willingham, J. Why You Should Be Thanking Your Bra. https://www.bustle.com/articles/100873-5-reasons-you-should-be-thanking-your-bra-because-wearing-them-can-actually-be-good-for
Perling, A., et al. Are 8 Out of 10 Women Really Wearing the Wrong Bra Size? https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/10/style/lingerie-are-8-out-of-10-women-really-wearing-the-wrong-bra-size-a-bra-myth-busted.html
London, B. The 6 warning signs your bra is the wrong size and damaging your breasts. https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/signs-bra-is-wrong-size
Torgerson, R. All the Expert Bra Fit Tips and Tricks That You Should Know, Like, Yesterday. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/advice/a6792/bra-fit-tips-and-tricks/
Real Simple. How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home. https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/shopping-guide/how-to-measure-bra-size
Marhol, A. Breast Shapes and Sizes: Everything You Need to Know. https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/teens/your-body/breast-shapes-and-sizes

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Here are the basics: Cotton comes from the cotton plant – The cotton plant is a warm-season woody perennial shrub from the genus Gossypium and the family Malvaceae. Cotton fabric is made from the plant’s fibrous seed-hair (which is also called a cotton boll). Cotton is one of the top agricultural crops – Traditional cotton is the most widespread and profitable non-food crop in the world. Although the plant is capable of growing in any warm-weather climate, India and China are now the top producers of cotton globally. Cotton is thirsty – A normal cotton plant requires 10 gallons of water to reach peak potential. That doesn’t sound so bad, but multiplying it outward, that means it takes about 5,000 gallons of water to produce just 2.2 pounds of cotton fabric. Pests think it’s delicious – Not only is cotton thirsty, but it’s prone to pest infestations from bollworms, weevils, aphids, stink bugs, thrips, and spider mites. In order to combat these common pests, conventional cotton is routinely sprayed with a veritable salad-dressing of pesticides, many of which can remain in the soil and water supply for years afterward. Cotton harvesting requires defoliation – In order to quickly and efficiently harvest cotton, many commercial growers use chemical defoliants to strip the leaves from the cotton plant prior to harvesting the bolls. Like pesticides, these chemicals remain in the environment and on the cotton itself. Is organic cotton better? All of those cotton factoids point pretty compellingly to buying and wearing organic cotton fabric. But first, it’s important to understand what sets this organic alternative apart. Why exactly is “organic” cotton anyway? You might associate the word organic with your healthy fruits and veggies, but it’s not always clear what this term means when it comes to cotton. 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But when it comes to plant-derived textiles, the ones which help us create a healthier world are always a better alternative. Explore the benefits of bamboo with Boody Whether you choose to purchase conventional or organic cotton clothing, the fact that you are shopping mindfully for yourself is a win for the environment. At Boody, we believe in bringing you quality, comfy, sustainable clothing basics that keep you feeling good about yourself and your personal impact on Mother Earth. From our sleepwear to our loungewear, women’s bamboo shirts to our underwear, sustainable and ethical are our touchstones. Our clothing is made of bamboo viscose, requiring less water than cotton while putting precious oxygen back into the environment. That just feels good, doesn’t it? Explore the bamboo benefits today, with Boody. Sources: Britannica. Cotton. https://www.britannica.com/topic/cotton-fibre-and-plant Cotton. The Story of Cotton - Where Cotton Grows. https://www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/story/where.cfm World Wildlife Federation. Cotton. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton Textile Exchange. Quick Guide to Organic Cotton. https://textileexchange.org/quick-guide-to-organic-cotton Soil Association. What is organic cotton? https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/fashion-textiles/organic-cotton/ USDA. Conservation and Biological Diversity in Organic Production. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/02/29/conservation-and-biological-diversity-organic-production About the Author: Heather Bien is a copywriter and writer based in Washington, DC. She works with retail, ecommerce, and creative brands on their website copy and digital presence, and her freelance writing has appeared on MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, and more. When she's not with laptop and coffee in hand, you'll find her planning her next weekend getaway, working on her budding green thumb, or scouting for her next great vintage find.