Bra Fitting Advice : Are Your Wearing The Wrong Size Bra?
Posted: Monday, February 14, 2005
by Mark Falco
Treadmill Machines
Studies have shown that up to, and perhaps even more than, 70% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. Some women have never been properly measured, others have been buying the same size bra for many years (and many dress sizes!) after their last measurement.
The size which suits you now is unlikely to be the size which suits you forever. It's no secret that a woman's bust size changes over time due to natural variations such as weight gain/loss, pregnancy, menstrual cycle etc. In addition, even the most expensive bras do not remain the same size and are to be expected to stretch by as much as 4 inches after a few washes and with wear.
Sounds complicated huh? Well, now you know why around 70% of women are getting it wrong right about now. Are you one of them? Let's find out...
Symptoms Of A Poorly Fitting Bra
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If any of the following symptoms sounds familiar then you just might just be wearing the wrong size bra.
1) Back, Neck and/or Shoulder Pain
Lack of support from a bra which is either too big or otherwise doesn't offer enough support can cause pain and muscle tension in the upper body area particularly amongst larger chested ladies. Frequent headaches too are another common symptom.
2) Chaffing and Scratching
A bra should fit snugly and not slip or ride up at the back. A bra which is too large can rub and cause chaffing and irritation to the skin.
3) Red Marks and 'Digging In'
The symptom of a bra which is too small are the ugly red marks and signs of digging in it leaves behind after you remove it.
4) Bumps and Bulges
If you are bulging out over the top, bottom or side of your bra than you probably need a larger cup size as this is a tell tale sign your bra is too small.
5) Prominent Center Panel
The section between the cups at the front of the bra should lay flat against your body. It it does not, then you've got the wrong size.
If any of the above sounds familiar then you should seriously consider being re-measured to ensure you buy the right size bras in future. You can get this done professionally at most lingerie stores, or you do it yourself from home if you have a tape measure and know where to measure (there are plenty of pictoral measuring guides online).
Either way, get a correctly fitted bra and you'll see the benefits immediately, not just in terms of comfort but in terms of your health and wellbeing too.
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Mark Falco is the webmaster and owner of the UK Lingerie buying guide luvlingerie.co.uk.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)It's funny you mentioned this. I worked in a Lingerie Company for 2 yrs and everyday at least one woman came into the store wearing the wrong bra size. This is because most women think they only get measured once in a their lifetime.
Thanks so much. I have been experiencing a lot of those symptoms but wasn't sure it was my bra.
I don't know if I need a bigger cup size. when I lift my arms up the underwire lifts up too and the underwire near the middle of my chest doesn't touch my chest I can put 2 fingers under it but the rest of the wire lays flat. If you know the answer or advice please comment back :)
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