How Many Rows Of Hooks Do I Need On My Bra?
A bra is a pretty complicated little garment. Between the band, which offers support; the cups, which contain your breasts; the center gore, which separates the breasts; and the straps, which hold the bra in place, there are many different components that come into play. Each obviously has a different purpose, so it’s crucial to understand how they function while shopping for a bra. Depending on your bra size and breast shape, you may have unique needs that require different features. One of the oft-forgotten aspects of a bra are the closures — you know, those little rows of hooks in the back of the bra that fasten it. They may seem like an insignificant feature, but they actually serve a very important purpose.
Some bras have one or two rows of hook and eye closures, while others have four or more. How many rows do you need? Follow this guide to find out.
What do the hooks do?
Of course, we all know that the hooks keep the bra closed. But what do additional rows do?
In case you didn’t know, the band provides the majority of the support on a bra. So, the wider the band, the more support it can typically offer. More hooks translate to a wider band, and thus, a more secure and usually more supportive one.
Related: A Guide To The Different Parts Of A Bra and What They Do
Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra P5351 | Sandrine Hipster P5355 in Wild Pink
How many do I need?
In order to determine how many rows of hooks you need, you’ll want to consider how much support you need.
Women with larger/heavier breasts will benefit from bras that have at least three rows of hook and eye closures, which offer additional stability and support. This is why you’ll find that bras made by brands that specialize in full bust bras will typically always have a minimum of three rows. It’s also why you’ll observe that most bras that are D-cup size and above have three or four rows (or more). Additionally, you may notice that many sports bras (especially high-impact ones) usually have more rows of closures, because this aspect helps to minimize movement and keep the breasts supported during exercise (thereby protecting them from damage and possible discomfort).
On the other hand, women who have smaller breasts may find that one or two rows of hook and eye closures is perfectly adequate.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and comfort. But as a general rule, the more rows of hooks, the greater the level of support. And as an added bonus, the wider the band, the less likely it is to cut into your back in an unflattering way. In other words, a wider band with more rows of hooks can have a smoothing effect for your silhouette.
Final considerations
When you buy a bra, it’s imperative that you pay attention to which row of hooks it fits on. Ideally, the bra should fit comfortably on the loosest hook. This is because bras gradually stretch out over time due to wearing and washing them as the elasticity wears down. By buying a bra that fits on the loosest setting, you’ll want to be able to tighten the bra as needed.
Deciding how many rows of hook and eye closures your bra should have is a matter of assessing how much support you require. And when it comes down to it, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the bra should at least have one row of closures (unless it’s a front-close bra). Since the band serves a key function, you want to make sure it’s adjustable. Because whether you wear a B cup or F cup, it’s critical that your bra can conform to your body because that’s the only way to achieve a flawless fit, as well as the right amount of support for your bust.
Related: How To Tell If A Bra Fits In 4 Easy Steps
Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra P5351 | Sandrine Hipster P5355 in Wild Pink
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!
