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bra too small

A bra that’s too small comes with a host of unsightly fit side effects, that’s for sure. But did you know that it can cause a ton of other health and skin problems, too? There are many reasons why it’s simply not worth it to buy a bra that’s too small for you.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the top considerations that will have you double-checking your size stat.

Because it doesn’t look good

Take a look in the mirror wearing just your bra. If you notice breast tissue spilling out of the cups, straps digging into your shoulders, a band that rides up in the back, or underwire that sits away from your body as opposed to flush against your skin, the bra is likely too small for you. And let’s be honest, it probably doesn’t look very flattering. Wearing a bra that’s too small can cause unsightly issues that show through your clothing. A bra should help you to look your best and any outfit to look even more stunning, not cause more aesthetic problems.

Because it may lead to breast pain…

When a bra is too small, the underwire will not lay the way it’s supposed to. Instead, it may actually dig into the bottom of the breast tissue, which is bound to cause some chest pain. Moreover, underwire that pokes into your bust or underarms may cause skin irritation, such as soreness, chafing, or even permanent marks or grooves. Friction caused by poorly fitting underwire can not only result in inflamed, itchy skin, but it can also cause an infection. For example, Intertrigo is a rash that can develop underneath the breast tissue. This inflammatory condition is triggered by a combination of friction and heat/moisture being trapped near the skin where there’s little air circulation, which often happens with a bra that’s too small.


Related: 10 Telltale Signs You Are Wearing The Wrong Bra Size


how to tell if your bra is too small

…Or breast damage

Your breasts contain a system of Cooper’s ligaments that help to keep them looking perky. And pressure from an ill-fitting bra can damage those ligaments. The bottom line? A bra that’s too small may eventually exacerbate premature sagging. If that’s not a reason to buy a bigger size, we don’t know what is.

Because it can trigger other health problems

When a bra is too small, it can put pressure on the diaphragm, lower esophagus, and stomach. As a result, you may experience digestive problems such as indigestion and heartburn. What’s more, if you suffer from IBS, this extra pressure can aggravate the condition. In extreme cases, this can cause a hiatus hernia.

Plus, by putting pressure on the bones and muscles in your chest, an ill-fitting bra can lead to breathing issues.

Your spine is meant to be able to bend, rotate, and move freely. But by restricting the movement in your upper back, a too-tight bra can trigger stiffness and aches in the spine and neck. This is mostly because a bra that’s too small will pull the chest farther forward, thereby shortening the muscles in the back.

To boot, bras that are too small can create pressure on the blood vessels and nerves near the rib cage and shoulders, as well as restrict blood supply to the breast tissue. This can result in a constant pins and needles sensation which may spread down the arms.

Because you deserve better

Your undergarments form the foundation of every single outfit you wear. On top of that, a well-fitting bra can do anything from relieve shoulder strain and improve your posture to enhance your breast shape. Why settle for anything less? A bra that’s too small will not only affect your appearance and comfort level but also potentially your self-confidence.

If you suspect you may be wearing the wrong bra size, have experienced noteworthy weight changes, or if you haven’t been fitted in the last six months, it’s well worth it to get some advice from an expert. A professional fitter can assess your breast size and shape to make sure you’re not wearing bras that are too small for you, thus helping you to avoid any of the unpleasant aforementioned problems.


Related: 12 Reasons Why You Should Invest In Beautiful Lingerie


is my bra too small

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

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Published by

Rebecca Strong

Rebecca is a Boston-based freelance writer who focuses on style, fitness, food, and travel. She has contributed to such publications as HuffPost, Elite Daily and U.S. News & World Report. When she's not writing, she can be found at home or in the studio working on the songs for her upcoming album. Her favorite bra is a black demi-cup style with all-over-lace — timeless and feminine.

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