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which bra is comfortable

We need to talk. You know that feeling of immense relief you get when you finally take your bra off after a long day of work? Well, that’s a problem. Because no bra should be so uncomfortable that you’re counting down the hours until you can remove it.

There are many things that can cause a bra to be uncomfortable, including the fit, style, quality, and features, and we’ll address all of them in this guide. The bottom line is that ultimately, you should be able to wear your bras all day or night without suffering for it.

Comfort is not the only issue, either — an uncomfortable bra can also cause more serious problems. In fact, wearing the wrong bra can cause back pain, neck pain, headaches, and also poor posture.

But what can you do to make your bras more comfortable? Try any of these simple tips, which make a serious difference.

Get a bra fitting

It may sound obvious, but wearing the right bra size is about the best thing you can do to make sure your bras are as comfy as possible. Pesky problems like straps that dig into your shoulders, a band that rides up, and underwire or cups that cut into your breast tissue are all typically caused by an ill-fitting bra. So, have you been measured by a professional in the last six months? If not, it’s time to head to your nearest department store or lingerie boutique to get fitted. Your bra size may have changed without you even realizing it, causing all kinds of fit issues that cause discomfort. As an added bonus, a bra that fits well is also far more flattering.

Try your bra sister size

Did you know that every woman has multiple bra sizes? They’re called your “sister sizes” and they can be a serious lifesaver. The reality is that you’re not likely the same size across every brand and style. Different companies use their own fit standards and measurement methods, so you may need to experiment until you find the perfect size for you in a particular line. That’s where your sister size comes in. You can find your sister size by going up one cup size and down one band size, or conversely, down one cup size and up one band size, from what you normally wear. For example, if you typically wear a 34DD, your sister sizes would be 36D and 32DDD/32E.

Don’t be afraid to play around with your sister sizes — you may just find that they’re more comfortable than the size you’ve been wearing. It’s also worth mentioning that you may need to utilize your sister size depending on what style of bra you’re buying. For instance, you may find that you need a smaller cup and larger band on a longline bra, but a larger cup and a smaller band on a push-up bra.


Related: If You Don’t Like Your Bra, Ask Yourself These 5 Questions


how to make your bra more comfortable

Elissa Strapless Bra in Pearl White

Wash before wearing

When you buy a new bra, you may be so eager to put it on that you neglect to wash it first (we don’t blame you — snagging a pretty new bra is undoubtedly exciting). But did you know that washing your bra before wearing it can make it feel comfier? It softens up the fabric so that it feels a bit less stiff. So consider hand-washing your bras in lukewarm or cool water before putting them on, and they’re bound to feel softer against your skin.

Opt for wide straps

There are so many benefits to wide bra straps. For one, if you have a full bust, they can more support, and are overall sturdier, meaning they’re better at holding the weight of your breasts. But not only that — wide straps also tend to be more comfortable on your shoulders than narrow ones. This is especially true in regards to sports bras. Simply put, wide straps are a must if you’re shopping for medium or high-impact sports bras, particularly if you have larger breasts.

Speaking of straps, if yours keep digging into your shoulders (and you’ve already determined it’s not a fit issue), you can also invest in silicone covers, which add a little extra cushioning.

Try a racerback

Some women find that racerback bras are more comfortable than their other bras. Why? Because the straps are angled inward and meet at the center of the upper back, putting a bit less weight on the shoulders. If you have narrow shoulders, you can avoid the irritating issue of your straps constantly falling off with a racerback bra. But if you’re not sure about investing in a racerback, you can also opt for a convertible bra. This style allows you to convert the straps into a racerback, along with a number of other styles as well, making it super versatile. And another option is to buy a bra clip, which you can use to hook around each strap, instantly converting any bra into a racerback.

Repeat after us: You deserve to feel good in your bras, no matter what style they are or how long you’re wearing them for. So hopefully, these tactics can help you to make any of your favorites a little more comfortable.


Related: How To Build A Lingerie Wardrobe You Love


how to make a strapless bra comfortable

Elissa Low-Back Bustier Bra in Nude

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!


Featured image lingerie:
Elissa Strapless Bra in Black
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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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