5 Common Bra Mistakes Most Women Make

A bra that fits and feels right can make all the difference in support and comfort day-in and day-out. So too, a bra that doesn’t properly support you can be a drag on your whole day.

We’re here to tell you that it’s not only possible but quite likely easier than you think to feel so good in your bra, you’ll forget you’re wearing it (really). After all, bras done right are a rewarding act of self-care.

These five common bra mistakes may seem simple, but a lot of us get it wrong. So the next time you put on the bra that helps carry you through your day, make sure you’re treating it (and you) right.

1. Your Band Size is too Big

According to an oft-cited study exploring the correlation between bra wearing and back pain, 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size — especially those of us with bigger girls. Most women opt for bands that are too big causing them to ride up in the back.

Over 90 percent of a bra’s support comes from the band, but a loose band can’t support the girls as well as a band that fits snug, tight (but not too tight) and parallel around the chest and back. Thankfully, it’s easier to measure your band size accurately from home with this step-by-step guide.

Remember, a new bra should fit just the way you like it on the loosest hook, not the tightest, so you can adjust it over time as you wash and wear your bra.

2. Your Cup Size is too Small

On the other side of the bra-fitting spectrum, most women are wearing too-small cups by up to three whole cup sizes. That means your girls don’t have enough to space and are going to find another way to make room, usually spilling over the top or out the sides of your bra.

Boob sizes don’t stop at a D cup and neither do Glamorise bras. Use our bra size calculator to do the math and determine which cup size you should be shopping for the most comfortable, supported fit.

3. You’re Wearing the Straps Too Tight

It seems intuitive that tightening the straps should result in more support, but that’s not how bras are designed to work. The heavy lifting should come from the band, not the straps.

But when our band is too loose, our gut reaction is often to tighten the straps instead, resulting in even more pain from them digging into the shoulders. Before you tighten your straps more, see if you can first tighten the band to get the support you need.

4. You’re Wearing Your Bra Too Frequently & Too Long

It’s tempting to reach for your favorite bra day-after-day, month-after-month. But the truth is, bras need time after they’re worn for their elastic to reset.

Instead of wearing the same bra multiple days in a row, stock up on your favorite bra so you can wear it every other day or so to give it recovery time. Not only will this keep your bra fitting better in the short term, but it will help give it a longer lifespan overall.

That said, know the signs pointing to new-bra-shopping time. If your band is on its tightest setting and still too loose to give proper support, you need a new bra — usually after about 8 months. If you take really good care of your bras, they can last up to a year, but as it turns out most of us don’t...

5. You’re Drying Your Bra in the Dryer

It’s OK. We’ve all done it even though we know it’s probably not the best thing for our bras. It’s just so much faster than air drying.

But before you toss your bras in the dryer the next time, consider the damage extreme heat does by breaking down the fiber elasticity. Over time, this can alter the fit and support of your favorite bra.

Head to our Bra Care Guide to learn more about how to wash your bra the right way and how often to get the longest life out of your favorite Glamorise bras.

Author: Katie Joy Blanksma
Last updated on: 8/12/21