Is Your Bra the Wrong Size? 

Symptom: 

The Bra cups pucker

   Problem: 

Your cup size is too large

Solution: 

Go down one cup size (e.g.: from a D cup to a C cup) or tighten your bra straps.

Symptom: 

Breasts are "bulging" out over the top of the bra.

Problem: 

Cup size is either too small or cut too low for the size of your breasts.

Solution: 

Try going up a cup size (e.g.: from a B cup to a C cup) or choose a bra style which has more fabric in the cup.

Symptom: 

One cup fits fine, the other cup puckers.

Problem: 

One breast is larger than the other (very common).

Solution: 

Almost all women have one breast larger than the other. Sometimes the difference is noticeable, most often it's not. If your difference is significant, you have several choices. You can purchase a bra with stretch fabric in the cup. The size difference will then not be noticeable. You can also try a bra with fiberfill or light padding which will hide the size difference. Also, try adjusting the straps so that the larger breast cup is looser than the smaller breast cup. And, you can purchase a padded bra with removable "cookies," and take the cookie out of the side with the larger breast.

Symptom: 

Center bra panel does not rest on breastbone.

Problem: 

Cup size is too small or you're not wearing your bra correctly.

Solution: 

Re-arrange your breast tissue in the cup and see if the fit changes. If this doesn't solve the problem, try on the bra in the next larger cup size (e.g. go from a 32B to a 32C).

Symptom: 

Center bra panel has a gap.

Problem: 

Style of bra does not work with your figure.

Solution: 

Try a different style bra or have the bra altered.

Symptom: 

Bra rides up in back.

Problem: 

Your band size is too large.

Solution: 

Try hooking your bra on a tighter setting and loosening the straps. If this doesn't work, your band size is too big and you need to buy a smaller size (e.g.: from a 36C to a 34C).

Symptom: 

Your bra is uncomfortable; cutting and pinching when you move.

Problem: 

Your bra is hooked too tightly, your band size is too small, or the sides of your bra are too narrow for your figure type.

Solution: 

Try hooking your bra on a looser setting or adding a back extender accessory. It may also be that the bra style is inappropriate for your figure. Consider a style with wider sides and a three-hook closure in back.

Symptom: 

Straps keep falling off shoulders.

Problem: 

If tightening the strap is not working, the problem could be that your cup size is too big. You're not filling out the top of your cup and this is causing your straps to slide down your shoulders. The bra style could also be the problem. Wide-set straps are very popular. However, if you have small or sloping shoulders, this style is not for you.

Solution: 

Try a bra with a smaller cup size or a different style bra. Racer-back bras are a great solution for falling straps. There are also accessories that help to keep your straps in place. Visit our accessory department to see a selection.

Symptom: 

Underwire is uncomfortable and poking.

Problem: 

Either the cup size is too small, placing the underwire right on the tender breast tissue, or the style of the bra is not providing a wide enough cup to support your breast, or the design of the bra is placing the cups too close together.

Solution: 

Try going up a cup size and see if the underwire fits more comfortably (e.g.: 36C to a 36D). Or try a different style bra with fuller cups and/or a larger center panel in front. A large-breasted woman can still experience poking on the sides, even in a bra that is the correct size.

Symptom: 

Stretch marks are visible running up and down the breasts.

Problem: 

Your breast tissue is breaking down from lack of wearing a bra, or wearing a bra with loose support. Breakdown of the breast tissue is causing your breasts to sag, creating stretch marks. This problem can occur on small- breasted women as well.

Solution: 

Wear a well-constructed, supportive bra during the day and a firm sports bra for exercising.