We all want to feel comfortable and supported in our underwear and when your bra doesn't fit quite right it can be uncomfortable and painful.
My bras centre panel does not sit flat is a question we are sometimes asked. If the centre panel of your bra is not sitting flat then this will be uncomfortable and the bra does not fit correctly as the centre panel should sit flat.
A lady recently emailed about the centre panel on her bra. "Can I ask - my centre panel on my bra does not sit flat against my chest wall what can I do?"
If this happens to you it may be that you need to change the size of your bra.
WHY DOES THE CENTRE PANEL OF MY BRA GAPE AND NOT LIE FLAT?
If the centre panel of your bra gapes and does not lie flat then your bra cup may be too small and the band size too big.
Our bra specialists advise – “Try increasing the bra cup size and reducing the bra band size. Also try a stretchy fabric on the bra.”
What to look for – The centre panel should sit comfortably against the chest wall and there shouldn’t be skin on skin.
Cups Too Small - Increase Your Cup Size
If the bra does not sit flat on the chest then it means the bra could be too small in the cups. If your bra cup size is too small, then it is impossible for the underwire to lie flat against your chest. Instead, the wire sits on top of your breast tissue and the centre panel will not lie flat against your chest wall. So try going up a bra cup size and see if this helps. Please don't hesitate to give our team of bra specialists a call on 01439 798388 as they will be able to advise on sizing.
If your bra's centre panel does not sit flat and you have a fuller bust, check out our bra recommendations for heavy busts to learn more about the specialist bras we stock to provide you with comfort, confidence and style.
Bra Band Size Too Big - Go Down A Back Band Size
It could also mean the band size is too big so that the centre panel doesn't sit flat. In which case try going down a band size and up a cup size and see if this helps.
Either way you need to look at the fit of your bra and make some changes so that you can get a well fitting bra that is comfortable and supportive. We have a large selection of underwired bras and non wired bras from a range of leading brands. 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 bra.
Get Remeasured
Do you need to be remeasured? Read our bra measuring guide for how to measure your bra size.
Check your size by remeasuring your bra band size and bra cup size at home following our helpful bra measuring guide for advice.
Alternatively give our friendly team of bra specialists a call on 01439 798388. They will happily talk you through the bra measuring guide.
Have a Bra Fitting
Have a bra fitting – arrange a bra fitting with one of our helpful team of bra specialists. You can book a fitting with our team by giving us a call on 01439 798 388 and we can arrange a day for you.
Your bra should fit well and feel comfortable. We recommend checking your bra every 6 to 9 months to check it still fits correctly and that it doesn’t show signs of wear and tear that can affect the fit.
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.
What To Look For In A Well Fitting Bra
- Bra 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.
- Bra 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.
What’s the best way to try a bra on?
- Put the bra on the loosest hook to start with so that it can be tightened as the bra starts to give after being worn a few times.
- Adjust the shoulder straps to ensure they are neither too loose nor too tight and they sit parallel at the back.
- If the bra band feels too tight then try going up a size (38 to 40).
- If the bra cups feel too small then try a larger cup size (E to F).
- When trying on a new bra always wriggle the shoulders to ensure the straps do not slip.
- Always make sure the nipples are centralised in the cup. Put your hand inside the cup and lift and sweep the breasts so the nipples are centralised and your breasts are fully encased in the cups.
Different Bra Styles
Different bra styles have different shaped cups and different size centre gore panels so lots can depend on the style of the bra, for example plunge bras are lower than full cup bras. So knowing what bra type you are wearing may give us more idea of how to advise for correct fitting and sizing.
BRAS AT AMPLEBOSOM.COM
The best bras are comfortable, fit well and are supportive for the breasts. We have an extensive collection of bras, lingerie and shapewear ranging from 28-58 back size and AA-N cup size, so plenty of choice. Click on the shop now button to shop our bra collection today which includes a good selection of underwired, non wired, front fastening, full cup and support bras.
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!
Our Facebook group is a place for you to ask questions and seek guidance from our team of bra specialists. We share our expertise for finding the perfect bra for you. Give answers to common bra fitting problems and share exclusive updates on new arrivals, latest trends and special offers. You can also chat with like-minded ladies and share your favourite styles and brands with one another.
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Blogpost written by AmpleBosom 08/03/2022 and edited by Sara 05/03/2024 and 26/11/2024.