How to Wear a Bra Properly

Co-authored by Katie Quinn and Caroline Heiderscheit

Last Updated: November 10, 2022 References

Bras: they can make you feel great—or leave you feeling totally uncomfortable. You've been wearing bras for years now, but how do you know if you're wearing yours the right way? You want a bra that's comfortable, flattering, and perfectly fitted to your breasts' size and shape. This means that you need a bra that fits you well, and you have to be able to put it on the correct way. Confused? Don't worry! In this complete guide, we'll solve the mystery for you. Read on to learn how to wear a bra properly!

Section 1 of 3:

Putting on an Underwire Bra (Scoop & Swoop Method)

1
Lean forward. Keeping your legs straight, lean your back, chest, and shoulders forward at around a ~135-degree angle. Make sure your breasts are hanging down over your feet.^{[1]
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Place the bra onto your chest and hook the clasp on your back. Slide your arms through your bra, and, holding your bra’s clasps with both hands, pull the bra to your chest so that the cups catch your breasts. Guide the clasps under your shoulders so that they meet on your back. Finally, clasp the band together.^{[2]
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- Make sure to hook every clasp. If your bra has 3 clasps, for example, hook all 3.
- By leaning forward first, you allow your breasts to perfectly fit into your bra’s cups.
3
Adjust your straps so the band is parallel to the floor. Your bra’s strap shouldn’t hike up on your back. Make sure your strap forms a straight line that’s parallel to the floor. Use your hands to feel your straps position or use a mirror to check it visually.^{[3]
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- If your band is hiked up, loosen the arm straps.
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Adjust the underwire so it fits flat on your body. If your bra’s underwire is hitched up onto your breast (not under your breast), it’s not properly fitted. Pull down the underwire so that it’s situated flat across the ribs directly under your breasts.^{[4]
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Lift your breasts up, pushing the tissue fully into your bra's cup. Use your hands to gently cup and raise your breasts. Then, remove your hands so that your breasts fall into the bras’ cups. This makes for a perfect, super comfortable fit.^{[5]
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Section 2 of 3:

Finding the Right Fit

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Have a professional fitting done. Bra sizing can be confusing, and while you can measure your own bra size, your best bet is to go to a lingerie specialist who can help you identify your perfect fit. They can help you find a bra that’s not only the right size, but also the right shape and style for your needs.^{[6]
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- Cup sizes vary depending on band sizing, which can make finding a bra that fits difficult. For example, the cups on a 34B are actually the same size as those on a 32C, but the 32C has a shorter band.
- If you’d rather not do a professional fitting, consult a bra sizing chart. Figure out your cup size by subtracting your bust measurement from your band size. For example, if the difference is about 3 inches (7.6 cm), that probably means you need a C-cup in your band size.^{[7]
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- If you know your measurements, you can also fill out online questionnaires to help you find your perfect fit. Do a search using terms like “bra fit questionnaire” or “find my bra fit” to get started.
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Buy a bra that suits your breast shape. In addition to being different sizes, breasts also come in a wide variety of shapes. To get a truly comfortable bra, it’s a good idea to take the shape of your breasts into account. Examine your breasts and determine if they are:^{[8]
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- East-west, or outward-facing: T-shirt bras and partial underwires work best with this breast shape.
- Widely separated: If your breasts are relatively full but there’s a lot of space between them, try a plunge bra.
- Bell-shaped: If your breasts are narrower on the top and rounder at the bottom, a full-coverage bra is a good bet.
- Globe-shaped: Thin, light-coverage bras work well with this breast type.
- Long and narrow: Opt for a plunge bra, which can help lift and center your breasts.
- Asymmetrical: Try a bra with removable inserts to create a more even appearance.
- Teardrop: These are similar to the bell shape, but not as narrow at the top. They also work well with balconette bras and pushup bras.
- Get a bra with close-set straps if you have narrow shoulders. Try a bra in a plunge or racerback style with straps that rest relatively far in on your shoulders.
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Choose a bra with a snug band.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Katie Quinn
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} Finding a band that fits right can be a major challenge. Make sure your band is snug, but not so tight that it feels hard to breathe or the underwire digs into your breasts. Look for a band that you can slip 1 finger under with only about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of additional stretch.^{[10]
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- The band provides 80% of the support for your breasts, so choosing the right band size is very important!^{[11]
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Section 3 of 3:

Advantages of Wearing a Bra

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A well-fitted bra can reduce the appearance of sagging. Though wearing a bra won’t actually reduce breast sagging, it can reduce the appearance of sagging while the bra is worn. This is especially true for support, padded, t-shirt, or underwire bras.^{[12]
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Bras can increase your body confidence. For some people, bras provide an extra dose of self-confidence that can actually boost mood. Bras can make your breasts appear in the size or shape you prefer, and that can leave you feeling completely amazing.^{[13]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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Bras can keep you comfortable during your day-to-day activities. Jogging, dancing, jumping, or even walking up the stairs might feel uncomfortable (or even painful!) in your chest. Especially if you have larger breasts, wearing a well-supported bra can be a huge source of comfort for you.^{[14]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

Community Q&A

Question

What bra should 17 year old girls should wear?

Community Answer

It depends on their cup size. There is not one ideal size for a 17 year old.
Question

How do I know which bra is right for me?

Community Answer

The bra that's right for you is the one that fits and supports you properly. Measure yourself, or have a store salesperson measure you, before you go bra shopping. When you try on different bras, buy the one that fits you and feels the most comfortable. If you exercise a lot, wear a sports bra.