Lingerie expert reveals the five signs your wearing the wrong size bra – and how often to get fitted

Australia
By William

Are you wearing the right bra size? The five telltale signs your underwear is fitting wrong – including ‘double bust’ and ‘rising band’

By Bridie Pearson-Jones For Mailonline

published: | Updated:

A lingerie expert has revealed the signs you’re wearing the wrong bra size — and why you need a new size once every six months.

From gaping cups to cut-in straps and awkward underwires, about 81 percent of women wear the wrong bra size, and one in three never fits.

Boux Avenue experts have shared their tips on how to make sure a bra fits properly and why they should be reapplied twice a year.

Styles of bras, as well as whether they are padded or non-padded and the store it comes from can also affect sizing.

Here, Femail shares the five checks to make sure your bra fits.

The bottom band

If the underband feels loose and lifts up your back, it could be a sign that your underband is too big

The underband is the primary support area in your bra.

Does the underband feel good and is it in line with the front of the bust?

If it’s a yes, then your underband fits well.

If the underband feels loose and lifts up your back, it could be a sign that your underband is too big.

cups

If the cups are wide or open, go down a cup size

If the cups are wide or open, go down a cup size

Should sit flat against your bust, if they dig in and create a double bust effect then you should go up a cup.

If they are gaping or loose, go down a cup size

Straps

Threads should be tight enough that they don't dig into the skin or fall off your shoulders.

Threads should be tight enough that they don’t dig into the skin or fall off your shoulders.

Should be tight enough so they don’t dig into the ground or fall off your shoulders.

Wires

Should sit under your armpit and enclose your entire bust.

If the wire digs into the bust, go up a cup size.

Center for

This is the part of the bra where the underwires meet in the middle and should fit flush against your sternum.

If the center front is tucked away or digs into the bust, the cup is too small and you should go up a cup size.

The center front is the part of the bra where the underwires meet in the middle and should fit flush against your sternum

The center front is the part of the bra where the underwires meet in the middle and should fit flush against your sternum

Why undergo a refit every six months?

Weight loss or gain – gaining or losing just a few pounds can affect your bra size, as your breasts are made of fatty tissue, so it’s important to get measured with significant weight changes.

Hormones – your breasts may change size during your cycle due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. While Boux doesn’t suggest getting measured every month, it may be worth having a “time of the month” bra for when your breasts feel extra full.

Age – your breasts can even change with age – especially as you approach menopause.

Excercise – if you’ve just started a new fitness regimen, you may be surprised to see changes in your breasts! Exercises that work your chest and back can affect your bra size.

Birth control – it’s no secret that hormonal birth control can affect your bra size! Many women find that their breasts get bigger when they start a new type of contraception, so it’s always worth getting measured when making any changes.

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