A bra should fit comfortably and provide proper support without causing discomfort or visible issues. Here are the key points for a well-fitting bra:
Band Fit
- The band should lie straight and level around your torso, both front and back, without riding up or digging into your skin.
- It should feel firm but comfortable, providing about 70-80% of the support.
- You should be able to fasten the bra on the loosest hook when new, allowing for tightening as the band stretches with wear.
- You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the band, but it should not be loose or allow the band to move up your back
Cup Fit
- The cups should fully enclose your breasts without any bulging, overflow ("quad boob"), or gaps.
- The top edge of the cup should lie flat against your breast without wrinkling or digging in.
- The underwire should sit flat against your ribcage, surrounding the breast tissue without poking or cutting into it.
- The center gore (the part between the cups) should lie flat against your sternum without lifting off or digging in.
- If the cups are too small, you may notice bulging or the center not lying flat; if too large, the cups may wrinkle or gap
Strap Fit
- Straps should support comfortably without slipping off or digging into your shoulders.
- They provide only a small part of the support, so the band should carry most of the weight.
- Straps should be adjustable to fit your shoulder shape and length without causing discomfort
Additional Fit Tips
- The side seams or underwires should sit at your underarm, not too far forward or back.
- If the bra rides up at the back, the band is likely too big; if it digs in, it may be too small.
- Adjusting cup and band sizes may be necessary to achieve the best fit, often going down a band size and up a cup size or vice versa
In summary, a bra fits well when the band is snug and level, cups fully contain the breasts without overflow or gaps, the underwire lies flat on the ribcage, the center gore rests against the chest, and straps stay comfortably in place without digging or slipping. This ensures both comfort and adequate support throughout the day
