Information About Wearing the Right Bra

Why the Right Bra Matters

If you wear a bra, its fit can make a difference to your comfort. Some people also wear one at night. This is generally a matter of personal comfort unless you have been given specific clinical advice, and there is no established need to wear a bra overnight to prevent sagging.

Bras vary widely in purpose, shape and sizing, so the size you wore last year, or the size you wear in one shop, may not suit you now. Choose a bra for the activity, then check how it fits rather than relying on the size label.

How a Poor Fit Can Affect Comfort

An uncomfortable or poorly supportive bra can cause problems that depend on your build and the style you wear. These include:

• Neck, shoulder or upper back discomfort, which some people find is aggravated by an uncomfortable or poorly supportive bra
• Soreness or red marks where straps dig into the shoulders
• Rib or chest discomfort from a band that is too tight
• Aching from repeated movement when a bra gives too little support, especially during exercise
• Chafing or sore nipples from rubbing

A better-fitting bra may help reduce discomfort caused by rubbing, pressure or insufficient support. It will not address every cause of neck or back pain, which can have many sources. The NHS back pain page covers self-care and when to get help, and a pharmacist can advise on pain relief.

If breast pain is not improving, contact your GP. The NHS breast pain page explains common causes. Do not wait to change your bra before seeking advice about a new lump or another unusual breast change. If a breast becomes red, hot or swollen, particularly if you have a fever or feel unwell, get urgent advice from your GP or NHS 111.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Signs Your Bra Does Not Fit

Try on the bras you already own in front of a mirror. Check how each feels standing still, then move your arms and bend forward. Look out for:

• A band that rides up at the back, often because it is too loose or the straps are overtightened
• A band tight enough to restrict breathing or leave deep marks
• Breast tissue spilling over the top or sides of the cups
• Cups that gap, wrinkle or pucker
• Underwires that rest on breast tissue or dig in
• Straps that slip off your shoulders or keep needing adjustment

In an underwired bra, the centre panel would usually sit against your chest, although this depends on the design and your chest shape. Many non-wired, sports and nursing bras are not designed to sit flat there.

These signs can reflect the bra's size, shape, adjustment or worn elastic, so changing size is not always the answer. Stretched bands, damaged fastenings and worn fabric can reduce comfort and support even when the labelled size is right. Stop wearing a bra if a wire has broken through the fabric.

Most support should come from the band. When buying a new bra with hook-and-eye fastening, look for a level band that feels firm but comfortable on the loosest setting, which leaves room to tighten it as the elastic stretches.

Choosing a Bra That Suits You

Choose styles that suit your activities, comfort and any specific medical needs. For a sports bra, match the level of support to the activity and check how it feels while moving, not just standing still. A soft-cup or non-wired bra may suit lounging or sleeping. If you are recovering from breast surgery, follow your surgical team's advice on post-surgery bras rather than general fitting rules.

Breasts commonly differ in size. Fitting the larger breast and adjusting the strap on the other side can help. Your size may also change with weight, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause or your monthly cycle, so check again if your bras start to feel different.

Many department stores and lingerie shops offer free fitting, in person or online. Sizes vary between brands, so try bras on where you can.

Fitting is also a chance to notice how your breasts normally look and feel. Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel! explain how to check. See your GP about a new lump in the breast or armpit, skin dimpling, a newly inverted nipple or unusual nipple discharge, especially if bloodstained. Most changes are not cancer, but they should be checked.