Common Bra Fitting Problems

PROBLEM: The underband is riding up the back.

SOLUTION: The back size is too big for you. Try a smaller back size until it sits square along your back and is parallel to the front. You might need to go down more than one back size.

Test 1: To find out if the back size is too big, stand in front of a mirror and lift up your arms. If there is breast tissue coming out from underneath the cups, the back is most likely too big and the cup is too small.

Test 2: Another test to try is to pull on the back of the underband when fastened up. If the band is the correct size, it should pull out no more than 4cm. If it's more than 4cm, consider trying a back size smaller for more support. You might need to go down more than one back size.

(TIP: If you go down in the back size by one size, you need to increase the cup size by one size as well)

PROBLEM: The underband is causing red marks and sitting too low on my ribcage.

SOLUTION: The back size is too small for you. Try a bigger back size so it sits directly under the breasts instead of on the ribcage. The red marks should stop.

SOLUTION: Your bra might be old and needs replacing. Try our Bra Size Calculator to check your in the right bra size or go for a bra fitting in a bra shop.

(TIP: If you go up in the back size, you need to decrease the cup size)

PROBLEM: There is creasing or gapping in both cups.

SOLUTION 1: The cup size is too big. Try a cup size smaller so your breasts fill the entire cup and there is no more creasing.

SOLUTION 2: It might be the bra style that does not suit your breast shape. Try a different bra style that is shallower in the cup, like a balcony bra or half cup bra.

PROBLEM: There is breast tissue spilling out of the cups in the front or under the arm.

SOLUTION: The cup size is too small. Try a cup size bigger so the underwires do not touch the breast tissue and the centre front sits against your breast bone. You may need to go up more than one cup size.

PROBLEM: The straps are slipping off my shoulders.

SOLUTION 1: Try tightening your straps first, so they are firmer on your shoulders. But, not too tight that they may dig in. Over time with wash and wear, the bra straps do loosen a lot, so it's worth checking this regularly on your bras.

SOLUTION 2: It could be the bra style that is incorrect. Half cup bras and balcony bras sit square on the shoulders. Try a full cup bra, so the straps sit more central on your shoulders.

PROBLEM: The bra straps are digging into my shoulders.

SOLUTION 1: This means your bra straps are too tight. Just try loosening them slightly and see how that feels. Sometimes this can be just down to the weight of your breasts, especially if you are fuller busted, so if you want some light relief, try the Secret Weapons Bra Strap Cushions.

SOLUTION 2: Your bra straps might be compensating for the lack of support around the underband. Try a smaller back size to get more support for your breasts.

(The straps should only give you 20% of the support. The underband should be the most supportive element)

PROBLEM: The underband is lifting up at the centre front.

SOLUTION: This means that the cup size is too small and therefore the breasts are pushing the front of the bra away from the ribcage. Try a cup size bigger, so the underwires sit flat agains the centre.You may need to go up more than one cup size.

PROBLEM: My breasts are two different sizes, I can't get a bra to fit both sides.

SOLUTION: It's very normal for women to have different size breasts, for some it can be more noticeable than others. We advise fitting to your bigger breast to get the most support. You can always add in a Secret Weapons Breast Enhancer or chicken fillet into the smaller side to even the sides out.