Your bra does not fit if the band rides up at the back, the straps dig in, the cups gape or overflow, or the centre panel does not sit flat against your chest. Most people are wearing the wrong size, usually a band that is too loose and a cup that is too small.
This is one chapter of our complete guide to bras.
Here are the seven signs, and what each one tells you.
1. The band rides up at the back
A band that rides up is too big. The band should sit level all the way around, parallel to the floor.
This is the most common fault of all. The band does around 80 percent of the supporting work, so a loose band means the straps take the load, which is why your shoulders hurt. Go down a band size and up a cup size to compensate.
2. The straps dig into your shoulders
Digging straps usually mean the band is too loose, not that the straps are wrong. People instinctively tighten the straps to get more support, which transfers all the weight onto the shoulders.
If you have tightened the straps as far as they go and still lack support, the band is the problem. See how to stop bra straps slipping for the opposite problem.
3. The cups gape or wrinkle
Gaping cups mean the cup is too big. If there is empty space at the top of the cup, or the fabric wrinkles, size down.
Be careful here: cup gaping can also mean the wrong shape rather than the wrong size. If you have a smaller bust, a moulded or slightly padded cup often fits better than a soft cup. See the best bras for a smaller bust.
4. You are spilling over the top or sides
Overflow means the cup is too small. If tissue spills over the top of the cup, at the side under the arm, or creates a visible double line under a fitted top, you need a larger cup.
This is extremely common, because people size up the band when a bra feels tight, when actually the cup was the problem. See the best bras for a bigger bust.
5. The centre panel does not sit flat
The centre of the bra, between the cups, should sit flat against your breastbone. If it floats away from your chest, the cup is too small.
This is the single most reliable fit test, and it takes two seconds. Put a finger on the centre panel. It should touch your chest.
6. The underwire sits on breast tissue
The wire should sit against your rib cage, not on top of breast tissue. If the wire is resting on the breast itself, it will hurt, and the cup is too small.
Wire should follow the natural crease underneath and around the side, sitting entirely on the rib cage.
7. You are constantly adjusting it
A correctly fitted bra requires no adjustment through the day. If you are pulling the band down, hitching the straps up or resettling the cups, the bra does not fit.
You should be able to forget you are wearing it. If you cannot, that is the answer.
How do you check your size properly?
Measure your underbust and your bust, and use the difference to find your cup. Sizes change over time with weight, age and pregnancy, so a bra that fit two years ago may not fit now.
Work through our bra size guide and, if your label is in a different sizing system, our bra size conversion chart.
If you are between sizes or simply want less to go wrong, a wireless bra like Blossom Beauty has more tolerance in the fit than a moulded underwired style. A convertible bra also adapts to more outfits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common bra fitting mistake?
Wearing a band that is too loose and a cup that is too small. The two go together, because people size up the band when the cup is the real problem.
How tight should a bra band be?
Tight enough that it stays level when you raise your arms, but loose enough to slide two fingers underneath. It should feel firm, not restrictive.
How often should I check my bra size?
Roughly once a year, and after any significant weight change, pregnancy, or if a bra that used to be comfortable no longer is.
Should the underwire touch my breast?
No. The wire should sit on the rib cage, following the crease under the breast. If it rests on breast tissue, the cup is too small.
Where can I buy well-fitting bras in Karachi?
Erblis delivers bras across Karachi with free delivery and Cash on Delivery available, so you can pay when it arrives. Use WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order.
The short version
Level band, flat centre panel, wire on the rib cage, no gaping and no overflow, and no adjusting through the day. If any of those fail, your size is wrong.