It’s estimated that roughly 80% of people wearing bras are wearing the incorrect size. Because sizes fluctuate due to weight changes, hormones, and age, the bra you bought three years ago might not be what you need today.

Here are five tell-tale signs that it’s time to remeasure and go shopping.

1. The Band Rides Up Your Back

This is the most common issue we see! If your band forms a ‘U’ shape on your back rather than sitting straight across, your band size is likely too large.

  • Why it matters: The band provides 80% of a bra’s support. If it’s loose and riding up, your straps are doing all the heavy lifting, leading to shoulder and neck pain.
  • The Fix: Go down a band size. (Remember: if you go down a band size, you must go up one cup size to maintain the same volume. E.g., moving from a 36C to a 34D).

2. Spillage (“Quad-Boob”)

If breast tissue is spilling over the top edge of the cup, or escaping out the sides near your underarm, the cups are too small.

  • The Fix: Go up a cup size (or two!). Make sure to completely “scoop and swoop” your tissue into the cups to accurately judge the fit.

3. The Gore Doesn’t Sit Flat

The “gore” is the center piece of the bra between the two cups. On an underwire bra, the gore should sit perfectly flat against your sternum.

If it’s floating away from your chest:

  • The cups are likely too small (the breasts are pushing the bra away from your body).
  • The cups may be too shallow for your shape.

4. Gaping Cups

If there is empty space at the top or sides of your cups, the cups might be too large. However, it could also be a shape mismatch! If you have “shallow” breasts and are wearing a bra designed for “projected” breasts, you’ll experience gaping even if the volume is technically correct.

  • The Fix: Try going down a cup size. If the problem persists, try a different style altogether, like a demi-cup or balconette rather than a molded t-shirt bra.

5. Falling Straps

Constantly slipping straps are incredibly annoying. While adjusting the sliders is step one, if they continue to fall it usually means:

  • The band is too loose, causing the straps to sit too wide on your shoulders.
  • You have narrow or sloping shoulders, and need a style like a “racerback” or “ballet back” where straps are set closer inwards.

Conclusion

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t suffer in silence! Use our calculator to check your starting size and begin finding a bra that makes you feel amazing.