Lingerie 101: 6 Signs You Need a Smaller Size Bra

What is your level of comfort with the bra you are currently wearing? If your comfort level is between very good to excellent (fits like a second skin), you are among the 20% of women who wear the right size. However, if it falls below good (uncomfortable or indifferent), you are definitely wearing the wrong size. Understanding how to determine your correct bra size is essential, as is recognising the signs indicating whether you need a smaller bra or a bigger one.

Signs You Are Wearing a Bra That’s Too Big and Need to Switch to a Smaller Size

Breast Bouncing Within the Cups

Your breasts should fill the bra cups without any spillage or gaping .  If you feel your breasts bounce inside the cups more than usual, you need a smaller cup size. This discomfort is more noticeable when wearing a  moulded bra  than other types. Remember, if your breasts do not fit snugly within the cups, you are wearing a size too large, and downsizing is the best option.

Breast Spillage

When the bra cups are too large, two common issues arise—bouncing and spillage at the sides or bottom. This can be quite frustrating, as you may find yourself frequently adjusting your bra to secure your breast tissue properly.  

Loose Underband That Does Not Sit on Your Ribcage

It is easy to identify an underband that does not fit snugly because it tends to ride up when you raise your arms or hang loosely without providing proper support. The bra fails to offer the necessary support when the band or wings are loose. You may even experience skin irritation or rashes due to unsecured fabric. If your bra does not fit even on the tightest hook and eye closure, you are definitely wearing a size too big and should switch to a smaller one.

Gaping Inside the Cups and at the Sides

Even if you do not notice bouncing or spillage, gaping is a clear sign of an ill-fitting bra. If your breast tissue does not completely fill the cups, you are not receiving adequate support. In this case, you should remeasure your bra size and opt for a smaller cup size.  

Underwire Not Sitting Properly Under the Roots of Your Breasts

If you are wearing a bra that is too big, the underwire will not sit at the root of your breasts. Instead, it will dig into the breast tissue and lift away when you move or raise your arms, causing discomfort. The underwires of an oversized cup may also dig into your underarms due to their extended construction.

Straps That Keep Falling Off the Shoulders

If your bra straps keep slipping off your shoulders even after adjusting them to the tightest setting—and you are also experiencing cup issues, breast spillage, or a loose underband—this is a clear sign that your bra is too big. Downsizing to a smaller size is the best solution.

Bottom Line

Now, examine your bra, and if you notice one or more of these signs, you should use a bra size calculator to determine the correct size. So, what should you do if your bra is too tight? Read on to identify the signs that indicate you need a bigger size