Bra Problem – Bra Wires Are Digging In
When an underwired bra fits correctly it will be comfortable and supportive but if your bra wires are digging in and poking into your flesh then this indicates that you are wearing the wrong size bra. If your underwire bra doesn't fit correctly then the wires could be digging into your body and ribcage under your breasts.
The fit is also not right if the wires are poking into your skin under your arms or at the centre point of your chest.
Either way you need to look at the fit of your bra and make some changes so that you can get a well fitting underwired bra that is comfortable and supportive. We have a large selection of underwired bras. Please give us a call on 01439 798388 and one of our friendly team of bra specialists will be happy to help you find a comfortable and well fitting underwired bra.
Why do the underwires dig in at the side of the breasts?
If the underwires dig into your breast at the side then your bra cup size could be too small, or the bra sizing could be wrong.
Our bra specialists advise – “Try increasing the cup size (E to F) to find your correct cup size. Alternatively try a non-wired soft cup style.”
What to look for – The underwires should sit flat directly under the breast tissue, totally supporting the breast, so that there is no breast tissue touching the chest.
The breasts should be encased comfortably inside the cups and wired area.
Different bras and different bra styles can have different shaped wires and bras with a shorter or flatter underwire won’t dig into the sides of the bust.
Why do the underwires dig into my ribcage?
If the underwires dig into your ribcage then your bra may be too tight.
Our bra specialists advise – “Try a larger bra band size so that the wires don’t dig in.”
What to look for – The wires should lie flat, look out for a cushioned wire for extra comfort.
Bra Wires Digging In – Advice & Tips To Help Get A Comfortable Well Fitting Bra
Here are our bra specialists tips to try and resolve why bra wires are digging in and suggestions to help you find a comfortable fit:
- Cup size - Your cup size may be too small if the wires are digging in. Try a larger cup size eg: E to F, this will allow more room for your breasts and the wires will lie flat.
- Band size - Try a larger band size eg: 38 to 40, if a bra is too small by stretching this to fasten it can cause the wires to become misshapen.
- Wires - Look for a bra with lower wires under the arm, the wire shape is just too high for you.
- Non Wired- To solve the problem completely you could try a soft cup bra/ wire free bra / non wired bra. A non wired soft cup bra doesn't have wires that can dig in and wireless bras are a comfortable bra style.
- Washing Bra - Make sure you always wash your lingerie by hand, a washing machine is too hot for the plastic casing and this can cause the wires to be exposed and eventually pierce the fabric channelling.
- Wash your bra in a cool wash so that it doesn’t shrink in the wash. Placing your bra in a bra bag or a pillowcase when washing, can help the bra from getting damaged in the wash. Read our care advice for washing bras.
General Bra Fitting Tips & Advice
- We recommend checking your bra every 6 months to check it still fits correctly and that it doesn’t show signs of wear and tear that can affect the fit.
- Check your size – you can remeasure your back band and cup size at home following our helpful bra measuring guide for advice and our useful size guide page.
Finding Your Bra Cup Size - the difference between your back size measurement (your initial measurement) and you bust size measurement will give you your cup size. Please note that different manufacturers use different bra sizing methods.
To check your bra size, you need two measurements which are:
Underbust Measurement – Bra Back Size
Making sure the bra back band fit is correct and comfortable is key, and if you're wearing the right band size it should fit comfortably even on its tightest hook. If you have a larger bust, the band has an impact on the support of the bra and needs to be tight to your back. Combined with straps adjusted correctly, a well fitted bra band can help to avoid gaping cups.
Use a soft tape measure to measure (in inches) under directly your bust keeping the tape measure tight and level all around your body. Add 4ins if the underbust (ribcage) measurement obtained is an even number of inches or add 5ins if the underbust (ribcage) measurement obtained is an odd number of inches.
For example, if your underbust (ribcage) measurement is 31ins, add 5ins. to obtain bra size 36, or, if your underbust (ribcage) measurement is 30ins add 4ins to obtain bra size 34.
Sally says every daughter puts her mother in a bra that's too small, if you are sure you don't need to add the extra then don't, but if your bra is uncomfortable, especially at night, then please follow the guide in the first instance or give us a call on 01439 798388.
Overbust Measurement – Bust Size
The bust size is important for ensuring that your breast tissue fits comfortably and seamlessly in your bra. If your breast tissue is spilling over the cups or you are experiencing gaping cups, these are signs that you are wearing the wrong size for you and that your bra is too small or too big. In some cases, ill fitting bras or bra cups can change the shape or appearance of the breasts if the cups are the wrong size. Measuring your bust size is the best way to get cups that are the perfect fit.
To measure the bra size, measure (in inches) round the fullest part of your bust to determine the cup size. Keep the tape level all the way around your body. We recommend wearing your best fitting bra when measuring this area.
If the bust measurement is:
Same as your underbust (ribcage) measurement, your Cup size is A.
1in more gives Cup size B.
2in more gives Cup size C.
3in more gives Cup size D.
4in more gives Cup size DD.
5in more gives Cup size E.
and so on through F, FF and G
An example: Underbust measurement of 29in + 5in = Bra size 34 Overbust measurement of 34in = Cup E So the correct fitting would be 34E.
Please give us a call on 01439 798388 if you would like any help or advice about measuring your bra size.
- Have a bra fitting – arrange a bra fitting with one of our helpful team on 01439 798 388.
Your bra should fit well, with your breasts comfortably encased in the cups for all day comfort.
How To Check A Bra Fits Well and Comfortably
A well fitting and supportive bra will be comfortable but how do you know if the bra is fitted correctly? We have put together a guide to help you find a well fitting bra that looks and feels good everyday.
- Band – the band should be secure and level all the way round, not riding up at the back. The band should sit snug underneath the breast tissue.
- Straps – the straps should run parallel at the back and take the weight from the shoulders. Straps should not dig into the shoulders. Adjust the shoulder straps to ensure they are neither too loose nor too tight. The straps should sit parallel at the back. When trying on a new bra always wriggle the shoulders to ensure the straps do not slip.
- Cups – breasts should be comfortably enclosed in the cups. No bulging or gaping at the top or the sides. Always make sure the nipples are centralised in the cup. Put your hand inside the cup and lift and sweep the breasts.
- Centre panel - the centre front fitting should be snug to the chest wall with no gaps or digging in.
- Underarm - snug fit at the underarm, not too tight and not gaping.
- Wires – if underwired the wires should lie flat. You should not be able to feel the wires when you move around and touch your toes. Stretch your arms towards the ceiling. When you bring your arms back down to your sides, the wires should not dig in.
If you would like any help finding a well fitting and comfortable bra then please give our friendly team of bra specialists a call on 01439 798388 or email us here, we will be happy to help.
Also visit our bra fitting guide, our handy bra measuring guide, our useful size guide page with size charts for bras, briefs and nightwear and our blog for advice, tips and recommendations. We are here to help you find your perfect fit!
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Blogpost written by AmpleBosom 01/03/2020 and edited by Sara 07/03/2024