If you’re not wearing the right bra or wearing bras correctly – you’re going to have issues and these issues will develop quickly. There are many different best lingerie types for different bodies and it’s important to get it right. Our mothers don’t always know these things, because often, they’ve also been wearing the wrong sized bra.
In this article we’ll discuss three things.
- Health issues associated with ill-fitting bras.
- How to ensure that you’re wearing the right bra.
- And also how to trouble shoot bras. This idea of trouble shooting might sound odd to begin with. But it is important to understand what is happening when a bra doesn’t fit right, and also how to fix it.
Wearing Bras Correctly
There can be dangerous health issues associated with wearing the wrong sized bra. Which many of you might be familiar with, but have not yet made the connection to your bra.
Let’s briefly go over those now.
Back Pain
This one is fairly common. Most people acknowledge that it’s because of their breasts, especially women with larger breasts. What they may not realize, is that their bra’s should actually be working on that support and assisting with that back pain.
If you’re developing back pain, then you’re most likely wearing the wrong sized cup. Thing is that a bra that isn’t necessarily fitting that well places a lot of pressure on the chest area. And because women with larger breasts will naturally tend to stoop, you’re essentially doubling that pressure. Here’s the thing, if the bra is tight, it’s actually going to work against your body. As opposed to supporting it, and that’s going to translate into back pain.
Breast Pain
This one is actually the most common form of pain with people wearing bras. Again, it’s due to the wrong breast cup size. If it’s tight, it’s most certainly going to lend itself to the development of breast pain.
Shoulder and Neck Pain
If the straps aren’t fitting correctly, then this will create pressure on the shoulders. This strain can move from the shoulders and up to the neck causing severe pain in the neck and shoulders.
Blockage of the Lymph Nodes
Your Lymphatic vessels are quite thin. When these are compressed against a tight fitting bra, the pressure can close these little vessels and cause blockages.
Breast Ligaments
Wearing the wrong sized bra can spoil the tender ligament muscles in the breasts. What will happen where is that loose bras will fail to lift the breasts. This will mean that they have the potential to lose shape, get heavier and most likely sag.
Skin Issues
An ill-fitting bra can cause blisters. This results when too much pressure is placed around the breasts and the friction of the bras create skin issues. It is especially an issue on the underside of the breasts.
These are just some of the minor issues.
Ill-fitting bras can also result in things such as bad posture which can lead to multiple issues with spinal pain. Setting off an entire chain of events for an individual’s health. So now that you know what issues ill-fitting bras can cause, let’s look at some of the ways to notice when a bra isn’t fitting properly and how to fix it.
Signs Your Bra is not Fitting Properly
1. Slipping Straps
It may seem obvious, but a lot of people don’t realize that they have to continually tighten up their bra.
For the most part, they’re made of a stretchy material and what will happen is that over time, they will stretch. It is therefore essential that at least couple of months, you tighten up your bra straps. You’ll see the same thing happen in various shirts, and pants. More you wear them, the stretchier and looser the fabric tends to be. If you’re finding that the straps are still slipping then you may need to explore a different bra style with a different style of strap system.
2. Wire Sits on Breasts
If the wire is sitting on the breast then you need to get a smaller band size. Just remember that if you go a smaller band size, it is most recommended that you increase your cup size as well. So if you’re currently wearing a 34C then you might need to consider a 32D. Aim for your bra size should be that it can be snug of the loosest hook. This is so that when the bra stretches out so that you can still tighten it periodically.
3. Straps digging In
So, straps aren’t designed to do heavy lifting. It’s the band that should be doing the majority of the work. And if it isn’t then you probably should consider buying one band size smaller. Keeping in mind to go the bigger cup size as well. Another hint. If you’re larger than a D-cup it is probably best to obtain a style that consists of narrower straps. What this will do is centre the on the shoulders and ensure that there is an even distribution of the breast.
4. Cup Gaping
This is a common issue with women that have outwardly pointing breasts, asymmetrical breasts and bell shaped breasts. Since the majority of the breast is situated at the bottom, it can create a gaping aspect at the top of the bra.
If you try tightening the straps first, this will most likely solve the issue. But if that’s not working then you may need to consider dropping down a cup size. If you’re not keen on the idea of dropping a cup size (and please give it a go first before you dismiss it). Then you could try a push-up style as these cups are angled and tend to be quite efficient at reducing gaping.
5. Side Overflow
When you have excess breast spilling out of the cup, it’s generally an easy fix. Just up the size in the cup and you should be fine! A secondary possibility will be that the band is simply not tight enough. Which in turn will cause the wire of the bra to dig into your breast and give it an unshapely form. A snugger band will in most cases pull the wire back and allow it to fit in the cup properly.
6. Cup Overflow:
When you’re overflowing you’re going to need to give your breasts some much needed breathing room and move up in a cup size. Believe me, you’ll be thankful for it.
It’s time to trade in for a bigger cup and give your breasts some breathing room. Go up one size in the cup. Example: If you’re a 34D, trade up for a 34E. You and your breasts will breathe a sigh of relief!
Choosing a Bra – Tips On Shopping For Bras
It’s that time to replace those old bra’s that are becoming tired and frayed around the edges so here is some help in Choosing A Bra. Before you step out into the shops let’s make sure that you are going to get the right one for you.
Better a bra fits the ‘healthier’ you will feel. A poor fitting bra has impacts and one that is too loose can cause back pains. Whilst one that is too tight will be uncomfortable, restrict blood flow and cause irritation or rashes. It is important that the bra you choose reflects both your shape and body needs.
Tip number one is measure up before you go out.
Your weight and body shape fluctuates over the years. But one of the most common mistakes made by women is buying the same size year in and year out. Pregnancy, menopause, age all effect boob size and shape. If you are unsure of how exactly to measure your bust size go to a bra fitting shop. Get them to measure you up before you start trying them on.
When you are going to fit your new bra wear a light and thin top.
A T-Shirt is perfect for this as you want to see what it is going to look like when wearing it out.
Once you have put your bra on correctly use your normal body posture.
Wear it in the positions that you will be in for most of the day to see that it is comfortable during long time wear. Put the straps in the right position they are designed for – stand up, bend over, walk around.
Choosing A Bra
- Make sure the bra is not too tight. If you are struggling to put that third hook on it is too tight. Or if you are having overflow at the top or the sides it is too tight. Trust me it is not a turn on to see half your breasts overflowing the top.
- If your breasts are swimming in the cup like boys in a tent it is too big. Having a bra that is too big will not give you the support that is needed. And can lead to soreness and even injury to your boobs. Also makes for an ooglers delight as men will peer down your tops and see your breasts.
- Buy the correct bra for your lifestyle choices. If you are a fitness freak purchase a bra that is going to support you, generally a cross fit bra. But if you are a receptionist buy something that is lacy. Make sure that the bras you choose will fit your lifestyle demands.
- Finally, buy more than one. Look, you probably went bra shopping because your old ones were tired and most of us only go bra shopping every six months. So buy enough to last with one spare, until next time when you will measure up again. And perhaps change your bra style choice because of changes in your lifestyle.