It is our aim here at AmpleBosom to help ladies find a well fitting bra that can make them feel comfortable and confident everyday. Sometimes your bra may not fit comfortably and we are here to help resolve this for you so please give our friendly team of bra specialists a call on 01439 798388.
What To Do If Your Bra Band Digs Into Your Side Or Back
If your bra band digs into your side or back or the sides bulge, this can be very uncomfortable. This is a very common bra problem but can be easily sorted.
Why does my bra band dig in?
There are a number of reasons that your bra band digs into your back or side.
- If your bra band digs into your side or back it could be that the bra back band is too small.
- It may be that your weight has changed recently.
- The age of the bra can sometimes be a factor as machine washing the bra over time can have an affect and it may have shrunk.
Our bra specialists advise – ” Try one band size larger (40 instead of 38), this may mean you need a smaller cup. Alternatively, opt for a bra with a wider band.”
What to look for – The band should be firm and level all the way around the body. Make sure the underband sits under the breast tissue. Fasten a new bra on its loosest hooks so that it’s not too tight. A cushioned band can give comfort.
Tips & Advice To Help If Your Bra Band Dig Into Side Or Back
Our bra specialists tips to try and resolve the bra band digging in are:
- Try ordering a bra with one band size larger (46 instead of 44) as the band could be too small. If you are trying a larger band size you may need to alter the cup size. Sometimes if the band size increases the cup size decreases. For example, if you are wearing size 34C and the band is too small, you could try size 36B.
- Alternatively opt for a bra with a wider band as this will still give you the support your breasts need but help give you a smoother looking back.
- Choose a style that provides more cup coverage - a full cup bra. Make sure that the seam under your arms sits behind the bust and that it is not sitting on breast tissue.
- If the band digs into your sides and your sides bulge then check the cup size is correct. Also check that your breasts are sitting in the cups correctly. You may need to change your cup size. We have written a blogpost advising about bra bulges at the sides.
- 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.
- Wash your bra in a cool wash so that it doesn’t shrink in the wash. Also 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.
- Check your size – you can remeasure your band and cup size at home following our helpful bra measuring guide for advice about how to measure your bra size. Please give us a ring on 01439 798388 and we can help with measuring and sizing.
- 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 – arrange a bra fitting with one of our helpful team. Our fitting appointments have now restarted, give us a call on 01439 798 388 and we can arrange a day for you.
Your bra should never dig into your sides or back and hurt you.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TRY A BRA ON?
When we put on our bra in the morning we often don't think about the best way to put the bra on. Here are some tips and advice to help you get a comfortable fit.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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 23/03/2019 and edited by Sara 12/03/2024.