Bra Fit Tips
It’s time to put your favorite bra to the test! Check out these helpful hints to see if it’s pulling its weight.

Focus on the Fit
Size isn’t everything. A great-fitting bra shouldn’t pull, poke, dig, or cause any type of discomfort. To test the fit, sit down and take a deep breath. If it feels too snug or too loose, you may need to adjust the size.

Cups Runneth Over
Are the cups too small? Take a look at the front. If you have any spillage on either the top or the bottom, size up for a more natural-looking fit.

Excess Baggage
If you notice extra fabric or wrinkly, baggy cups, go for a smaller size.

Mind the Gap
Your bra should lie flat against the breastbone — not on top of any breast tissue. If there's a large gap, increase the cup size.

Set It Straight
Face sideways and look in the mirror. Your bra’s band should rest at the same level all the way around. If it’s riding up in back, chances are the band’s too big. Go down a size or use tighter hooks.

Strapped for Support?
Surprisingly, a bra’s support derives from the band, not the straps. If the band’s too big, the straps end up bearing all the weight, causing unnecessary pressure on your shoulders.

How Tight is Right?
Check your band’s tightness by slipping two fingers underneath the back and one under the front. If you’re not able to do this, loosen the band or increase the size.

Unwieldy Underwires
Underwires should lie flat against the ribcage. If you feel them digging in, try larger cups or a different style.

Consider the Stretch Factor
Bras have a tendency to stretch under normal wash and wear. If your bra fits properly on the loosest hook, you’re in great shape — you can always tighten as needed.

Which Way to the Fitting Room?
Need to trade in your beloved bra? When trying on new styles, wear a T-shirt to get a good idea of how it will look. With the right design, you can appear slimmer, taller, and even more defined at the waist.

Place yourself in your bra
Now that you've found your size, test your fit. Take the opposite hand from the side you are adjusting and gently bring the breast tissue from the back to the front. This movement will help you settle your breasts correctly into the cups.

It should feel good
A great fitting bra shouldn't dig, pull, poke or otherwise cause discomfort. If it does, it's not the right bra (or size) for you. Make sure it feels comfortable when you sit down and move around.

It should look good!
Always try your bras on wearing a t-shirt – it's the best way to see what it's doing for you. A great fitting bra can make you look taller, will define your waist, and even make you look slimmer!

Don't settle for wrinkles
If you see extra fabric or wrinkly, baggy cups, the cup size is too big. Try sizing down.

Don't fall out
Take a look at the front of the bra. There shouldn't be any breast tissue spillage, puddling, or falling out of the bottom of the cups. If there is, your cup size is too small. Try sizing up for a flattering, more natural looking fit.

Straps shouldn't work too hard
Your bra's support comes from the band, not the straps. So be sure that you're wearing the correct band size. Too big, and your straps will end up taking the weight, which will cause them to put pressure on your shoulders and dig in.

Is your band straight?
Look in the mirror from the side. Your band should be at the same level all the way around. If it is riding up in back, it's probably too big. Try sizing down a band size or tightening your band.

Mind the gap
The center front of your bra should lie flat against the breastbone. It should not lie on top of any breast tissue. If there's a large gap, you may need to go up a cup size.

How tight is right?
Your band should feel firm and secure, but you should also be able to slip two fingers beneath the band in back, and one in the center in front. If you can't, you may need to loosen your band a bit, or go up a size.

Underwires shouldn't dig
Underwires should lie flat at the front of your bra, against your ribcage. If you feel your underwire digging into any breast tissue, you should try a larger cup size or a different style.

Bras stretch over time
Be sure you're wearing your bra on the loosest hook. Your bras can stretch with washing and wear, so when you buy a new bra, it's best to ensure it fits properly on a loose hook, so you can tighten it as needed.

How to know when you've found a perfect fit?
Your breasts will feel like they are "sitting" in the cups, you will not feel any underwire pinching and your bra will feel comfortable and supportive. You shouldn't have to settle for a so-so fit. Sometimes you will have to go up a cup size or two. Don't let it concern you – sizes do vary among brands. Finding the perfect bra takes time and patience, but the way you will look (and feel) once you have found it will be worth all of your effort.

Reminder
Check back in six months or so. You should re-evaluate your bras regularly to be sure they are fitting you the way they should – because a woman's body does change over time, and bras stretch and lose shape with repeated wear and washing. It may be time to stock-up again, soon!