Common Bra Sizing Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Most women wear the wrong bra size, but why?

Many of us assume we’re a certain size—often defaulting to a 34B or a double D—because that’s what stores typically carry. However, the truth is that the most common bra sizes in the U.S. are 36G, 34G, and 38G, which are rarely found in mainstream retailers.

 

Why Bra Fit Matters More Than You Think

A properly fitting bra is more than just fabric covering your chest. It’s a foundational piece of clothing designed to support your body. Here’s how a bra should fit and why it’s essential:

 

 

1. Common Sizing Pitfalls

Many women wear bras that are too large in the band and too small in the cup because they’re trying to fit into what’s readily available in big box stores like Soma, Lane Bryant, and Victoria's Secret. Often the staff at these stores are not fully trained in bra fitting or are inexperienced in how bras fit on various body types. 

 

 

2. The Online Shopping Challenge

While convenient, online shopping can lead to frustration if the size isn’t right. Returning bras can be a hassle, and many women settle for “good enough” instead of perfect. Online sizing calculators help, but they often mis-measure due to variations in breast shape and positioning. 

3. The Band: Your Bra’s Backbone

The band is the most critical part of any bra, providing up to 80% of the support. A poorly fitting band will ride up your back, causing discomfort and loss of support.

A properly fitted band should feel snug—like a supportive hug—without digging into your skin.

4. Cup Size: More Than Just Coverage

The cups of a bra are designed to narrow, lift and shape your breast tissue. The center panel of the bra, known as the gore, should rest flat against your breastbone. Additionally, the underwire should extend to the edge of your breast tissue, almost reaching your armpit. If your cups are too small, the underwire will sit on top of breast tissue, causing discomfort and potential tissue damage.

How to fix your bra when your cups don't fit:

• Ensure all breast tissue is positioned inside the cups by using a simple "swoop and scoop" motion: reach into the cup from the outside, gently moving tissue forward.
• Try a larger cup size if the gore isn't tucking between your breast tissue
• Try a larger cup size if the wire isn't sitting almost under your arm.
• Gaps in a molded cup or wrinkles in a soft cup necessitate a smaller cup size.   

Pro Tip:

One breast on your body will always be a different size from the other. Always fit for the larger breast, as you can adjust bras to fit the smaller size by changing bra types or utilizing an insert. 

 

 

 

 

5. Why In-Store Bra Fittings Are Best

Bra sizing is personal, and each brand and style fits differently. When we conduct fittings, customers often try on a dozen bras before finding the perfect one. Experiencing the difference in fit, fabric, and support is key to finding a bra that feels right.

Pro Tip:

Once you know your correct size and preferred styles, online purchases become easier—but in-person fittings should always come first.

 

 

 

Don’t Let Old Bras Go to Waste

If you have bras that don’t fit, don’t let them gather dust. Here at Circadian Intimates, we partner with I Support the Girls, a national organization that refurbishes bras and distributes them to women in need. Bring your gently used bras to us, and we’ll ensure they find a new home.

Reminder: If your underwire breaks, it’s best to discard the bra. Underwire breakage typically indicates poor quality or incorrect wear.

 

 

Ready to get out of uncomfortable bras? 

A well-fitted bra can transform your comfort, posture, and confidence. Invest time in finding the right fit—you deserve it!

Schedule a free bra fitting at Circadian Intimates in our Prairie Village location.