Are you wearing the right size bra?  Most women would say “yes,” without hesitation, but did you know that 85% of women are wearing the wrong size bra?  Yes, 85%!  So on average, 8 out of 10 women are in the wrong bra!  If you are still wearing the same size bra that you were wearing 10 years ago, or even 5 years ago, it’s probably time for a different sized bra.  The average woman changes bra sizes 6 times in her lifetime.  There are many factors that contribute to this including pregnancy, weight loss or gain, and age.  A 10% loss or gain in weight usually equals a change in one cup size.

Believe it or not, your bra is the most important piece in your wardrobe.  It’s the foundation of every outfit.  What most women don’t realize is that getting a well-fitting bra, regardless of size, will give them a better shape by lifting the breasts to where they belong and giving a slimming appearance to their overall figure.  So with that being said, wearing an unsupportive bra can make you look heavier than you really are and can cause your breasts to sag, especially if you have a large chest.  No one wants that!  The average woman is wearing her bra 1 – 1 ½ inches too big in the band and 1 cup too small.  A common misconception is that the looser the bra, the more comfortable.   This is not true.  A firm fitting bra is the most comfortable and better for your back and shoulders.

But how do you know if you are wearing the right bra or not?  Here are 4 of the most common signs that you are wearing the wrong bra:

1.  Your bra is constantly riding up in the back:  If your bra is riding up then your band is too big.
2. Breasts are spilling out of front and sides:  If you notice that your breasts are bulging over the top or sides of bra, then the cups are too small.  Sometimes women confuse side breast tissue as “fat” not realizing that it should actually be inside the cup of the bra.
3. Bra straps are digging into your shoulders:  While straps need to be tight, they don’t need to be so tight that they are digging into your skin.  The straps only account for 20% of the support that a bra gives, the other 80% is provided by the band.
4. Bra has wrinkles in cup:  This is an indication that the cup is too big and you need to go down in size.

As with clothing, do not get hung up on numbers, and just focus on the best fit.  It’s all about having the confidence to buy the size you NEED, as opposed to the size you think you ought to be.  If you are wearing the right bra, then it should not be painful or uncomfortable.  It is important for women to get fitted by a professional bra specialist every 6 months to a year to ensure that the proper bra is being worn.  Bra fittings are free and only take a few minutes.  With the right fitting bra, the bust line will be lifted and centered with on the body, making you look more proportionate and therefore creating a taller and slimmer appearance.   Once the right bra is on you will notice a huge difference in your appearance and how much better your clothes look and fit.