Are you always itching to get home so you can take off your bra and finally breathe again? That feeling is something most women can relate to, especially those with breast asymmetry.
Finding the right bra can feel like a game of chance, thanks to inconsistent brand sizing, limited size varieties, and fluctuating breast shapes. Wearing the wrong size bra is so common that most women don’t realize that their discomfort results from an ill-fitting bra. So, how can you prevent this? Let’s look at the typical tell-tale signs that prove your bra is the culprit behind your discomfort, how to change that, and more.
Take a step closer to finding your perfect fit so you can feel more comfortable and confident!
7 Common Signs Your Bra is Too Small
The best way to know you’re wearing a smaller bra is to put it on, stand in front of a mirror, and look for the following signs:
1. Your breasts are bulging out
A properly fitting bra should be able to contain all of your breast tissue within the cup volume. So if your breasts spill out of your bra from the top, bottom, or sides, it’s a sure sign that your bra is too small.
For example, when your boobs are popping out from the bottom, it means your bra band size is big, but your cup size is small.
If they’re bulging out from the top, it’s because the cup size is too small to encase all of your breast tissue. It’s common for certain bra designs, like the push-up or plunge bra.
Breasts bulging from the side is also common if your cup size is small, but it could also have to do with your type of breast shape and the style of bra you’re wearing. If you have east-west or side-set boobs, you may want to consider a full-coverage bra with a cup size big enough to fully contain your breasts.
2. The bra band is tight on the loosest setting.
As you may know, bras tend to lose elasticity over time with frequent wash and wear. That’s why when buying a new bra, you’re meant to look for one that fits on the loosest setting, so you can tighter settings as the bra stretches out over time.
But, if the bra band feels tight even on the loosest hook, then it’s a sign that the band size or the overall bra size is too small. You can also test this by trying to put two fingers under the bra band. If you can’t easily slip two fingers through, then it’s time to go up a band size.
3. Your bra straps dig into your shoulders.
Bra straps digging into your shoulders are painful and another sign that your bra size may be too small. This is especially true if you’ve adjusted the straps to their maximum length, but they are still too tight. If you have uneven breasts, you’ll notice that the “strap dip” on your shoulders is more noticeable on the larger breast side.
However, sometimes your bra straps digging into your shoulder could also be an indication that your band size is too big. To ensure this isn’t the case, check to see that the bra band is not riding up at the back and your straps are fully adjusted to the maximum length.
4. The underwire digs into your skin.
Your bra’s underwire should sit comfortably under your breasts and encase each breast fully for the best support. However, if the cup size is small, then the underwire will sit on top of the breast tissue or dig into the breast, which can be painful.
If the band size is too small, but the cup size is correct, then you’ll notice the underwire digging into the bottom of your breasts, which is equally uncomfortable.
5. The bra gore isn’t sitting flush on your chest.
The gore is the center bridge of the bra that joins the two cups together. Ideally, the gore is meant to rest flat on your breastbone and help separate the two breasts.
But if it is lifted or lies on top of the breasts, it’s a sign your cup size is too small and shallow. Also, check to see if the gore is digging into your skin. This could also be a sign that the bra is too tight or too small.
6. Redness and chafing
Chafing happens when there is friction between the bra and your skin, either because it’s too tight or too loose. For a smaller bra, you’ll notice the bra seams, hooks, and tags are the main culprits of the friction that causes irritation and redness.
If you have extremely sensitive skin, you may also be reacting to the material of the bra. Just to be sure it’s a size issue, you can get a bigger bra size and see if the redness and chaffing reduce. If not then maybe try going for 100% cotton bras which are better for sensitive skin.
7. Visible bra imprint on the skin
You’ll notice this whenever you take off your bra. For a smaller or tighter bra, there will be lines of the bra imprinted on your skin. Even if there is no redness involved, it’s still a sign that you’re wearing a bra that’s too small.
Ideally, your bra should be a snug fit, but not so tight that it leaves a mark. Try adjusting the bra band and straps to loosen them. If the bra is still tight enough to leave an imprint, then it's time for a bigger bra size.
What Happens If You Wear a Bra Too Small?
The biggest issue with wearing a bra that’s too small – which we’re sure you’ve experienced – is the discomfort. But considering how stressful it can be to find the perfect size, it’s easier to think, “Oh well – What’s a little discomfort anyway?”
However, squeezing into a bra that’s too small, just because it’s the next best size, could also lead to health issues down the road. Here are the common health consequences of wearing a bra too small:
Restricted blood and lymph flow
Your body requires proper lymph and blood circulation to maintain its health. Wearing a tight or too-small bra could constrict the blood vessels and prevent their normal delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
It can also restrict the lymphatic flow that’s responsible for flushing out toxins from your body. If all of this is prolonged, it could set the stage for several chronic issues, beginning with inflammation and possibly infections.
Neck and shoulder pain
Wearing a bra that’s too small with tight narrow straps could lead to a condition called Costoclavicular Syndrome, a.k.a. Bra Strap Syndrome. This condition is caused by the narrow, tight straps cutting into the shoulder, which compresses the arteries and veins around your shoulders and neck.
It also exerts downward pressure on your clavicle (collarbone). All of this leads to a narrowed costoclavicular passage and pain around the neck and shoulders.
Back pain and bad posture
There are several reasons behind back pain, and wearing an ill-fitted bra could directly or indirectly be one of the reasons, especially for women with larger breasts. This is due to the lack of proper support that puts a strain on your back, to carry the weight of your breasts. The tightness of a small bra also contributes to back pain.
What’s more, you may start to hunch over to try and alleviate the pain. But could lead to bad posture which worsens the back pain, leaving you stuck in a vicious pain cycle.
Breast and chest pain
A smaller bra is too tight and will squeeze your sensitive breast tissue, leading to breast pain. The wrong cup size also cuts into the breast tissue, leading to what is commonly referred to as a double boob, which is both uncomfortable and painful.
You may also experience pain in your chest or around your ribs because of the constricting band or underwire digging into your skin.
Skin issues
Wearing a smaller bra can host a lot of skin issues aside from skin abrasions. The tightness of the bra can block sweat ducts and cause excessive friction, which could lead to heat rashes or hives respectively.
According to Dr. Heather Downes, a certified dermatologist, the tight bra can also trap bacteria and/or fungi and make it easier to penetrate the skin in contact and possibly cause infections.
Headaches
With all the pain around the neck, shoulders, back, and chest, don’t be surprised if it leads to a headache. The tension on your muscles caused by a bra that’s too small could lead to tension headaches.
Aside from the medical concerns, wearing smaller bras could also lead to emotional discomfort. If you have breast asymmetry, especially, the smaller bra accentuates the differences between your breasts, which ruins your body’s silhouette. You may feel more self-conscious and lack confidence, which can significantly impact your body image and mental state.
How Do You Find the Right Bra Size?
Now that you’re sure your bra is too small, it’s time to go bra shopping. Here are a few tips to help you get the right size this time around:
Get your measurements right
You can’t get the right size if you don’t know your breast measurements. Also, measuring your breasts once isn’t enough. Our bodies as women go through a lot of changes, so make it a habit to measure your breasts regularly.
You can use Symmetrista’s free size calculator and also follow our detailed measuring guide, especially for women with uneven breasts. Eliminate any guesswork! With our guide and calculator, you’ll be able to accurately measure each of your breasts individually.
Use sister sizes
The obvious solution to a bra that’s too small is increasing the size. But depending on whether you increase the band or cup size, using your sister size will help you get a better fit.
Learn more about sister sizes and size conversions through our detailed and insightful guide “Bra Size Comparison Chart: Choosing the Right Bra Size”
Buy different cup sizes.
You’re not limited to just one size. Your breasts are constantly changing due to factors like weight or hormonal fluctuations. So it’s important to have a few cup-size options to cater to these changes.
Shop for the Perfect Bra Fit!
We understand shopping for the right bra fit can seem like an uphill task, especially with breast asymmetry. No traditional bra ever seems to be the right fit.
But that’s not enough reason to deny your breasts the comfort and support they deserve. So, if you notice one or more of the signs we’ve mentioned in this article when wearing your bra, it’s time to get a new bra.
At Symmetrista we make it easy for you to find the perfect fit regardless of the size difference between your breasts.
Our Signature bra has individually tailored cups with specialized padding and molding to ensure each of your breasts gets customized support and coverage. Wearing our bra gives your breasts a symmetrical appearance and a smooth silhouette, leaving you more confident about your body.
Stop struggling to find the right fit. Explore Symmetrista’s revolutionary bra that’s designed to adapt to you and not the other way around.