To wear a bra or to not wear a bra – that’s the question. For women with bigger boobs, going braless may seem horrifying. And for others with small boobs, like myself, we could potentially go sans bra without anyone realizing.

Regardless of which side of the spectrum you’re on, it seems that society tells us we need to wear a bra. Without wearing a bra, you risk your nipples peeking through your shirt or it being visually apparent you’re braless. But, is wearing a bra necessary? Let’s walk through the benefits of wearing a bra, as well as the benefits of not wearing a bra.

Benefits of Wearing a Bra

The benefits of wearing a bra are centered around enhancing and supporting your bust. Here are some benefits of wearing a bra:

Feel supported

Wearing a bra will provide support for your breasts. All the bra’s parts – straps, band, cups, etc. – work together to distribute the weight of your breasts. And during exercise or high-impact situations, sports bras hold your boobs in place to reduce stress on the breast tissue. Your boobs move around less during strenuous activity, which alleviates post-activity breast soreness.

Enhance your bust

Bras come in various styles and can enhance the appearance of your bust. If you want some good cleavage, opt for a push-up bra. Or, if you want a lifted, rounded look, go for a demi cup bra.

Mood booster

Wearing a perfectly fitting, beautiful bra under your clothes is like your sexy little secret.

Benefits of Not Wearing a Bra

Whether you have small or big boobs, we all agree that taking off your bra is an amazing feeling. So, it’s no surprise some women prefer to braless! Let’s take a look at the benefits of not wearing a bra.

Save money

When you don’t wear bras, you don’t need to buy them. And, when bras cost $40, $60 or more, you can save quite a bit of money by going braless.

Enjoy the “bra free” feeling all day

If a bra is uncomfortable, it’s usually because it’s the wrong size. Regardless, some women prefer going “au naturel” and not feeling contained. Putting on and taking off your bra is just one less thing you have to worry about.

Confidence and comfort

An enhanced bust can boost your confidence, but freeing your boobs can too. When you go braless, you feel liberated, feminine and fierce. That’s quite the confidence boost cocktail, if you ask me.

So, back to our original question: To wear a bra or to not wear a bra. It comes down to personal preference, so do what makes you feel most confident! The benefits of not wearing a bra focus on comfort and liberation. And, though there may not be health-related benefits of wearing a bra, there is certainly instant gratification to be had by putting one on.

Which do you prefer: wearing a bra or going braless?

We all have goals – whether you want to lose 10 pounds or get that promotion. It becomes frustrating when you have all these goals, yet you aren’t making progress towards them. I’ve been there. In my experience, I don’t reach goals when I don’t create a strategy to do so.

So, if you aren’t reaching your goals, perhaps you’re just lacking a little strategy. Let’s walk through the steps of how to reach your goals.

How to Reach Your Goals

With some planning, determination and accountability, you can achieve every single one of your goals. But, don’t look at your goal as one massive thing to accomplish. Break it down into less overwhelming, manageable tasks. Here’s a four-step process for how to reach your goals:

1.  Write down goals.

Studies show that you are 42 percent more likely to achieve goals when you write them down. I can attest to this. When I write down a goal where I can see it, I’m reminded that I need to take action towards it. But, when I keep a goal in my head, it gets mixed around with all the other goals floating around up there. When I keep goals in my head, they’re not organized, so there’s no plan to reach them.

Write down your goal – or goals – and make sure you have easy access to them. Whether it’s a sticky note on your mirror or a page in a journal, seeing your goals will motivate you to work on them.

2.  Prioritize your goals.

After you’ve written down your goals, you must prioritize them. You can’t accomplish all goals at once, and you likely can’t achieve one goal overnight. You also can’t give 100 percent if you’re spreading your efforts thinly across too many items. So, if you do strive to reach all your goals simultaneously, you risk burning out or reaching them at a slower pace.

Prioritize your goals based on what’s most important to you. It’s possible some goals may need to be completed first in order to accomplish the next one.

3.  Create stepping stones to achieve goals.

Once your goals are prioritized, it’s time to plan how you’ll reach each one. To begin this strategic process, write down all the steps needed to meet one goal. Let’s say one goal of your goals is to go on an elaborate vacation. You’d need to decide on a budget, select your destination, save money for the trip and book the trip. These items act as your “stepping stones” towards the goal. Put stepping stones in an order you think is most efficient for reaching your goal.

You may need to accomplish a few small tasks in order to meet a stepping stone. If that’s the case, write those tasks under the accompanying stepping stone. Ta-da – you now have a step by step plan for achieving each of your goals.

4.  Set deadlines for goals, when applicable.

Setting deadlines helps you remain accountable for your goals. You created a goal, a plan to achieve it and a date to achieve it by. You don’t want to let yourself down, so you do your best to work towards that date.

However, it’s essential you are realistic with your deadlines so you don’t set yourself up for failure. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and don’t forget that you’re living life while also accomplishing a goal. Set achievable deadlines, so you’re excited – not stressed – about reaching the goal.

Having goals is fantastic, but you must have a plan for how to reach your goals. Otherwise, it’s possible those ambitions may never come to fruition. So, be strategic and chase those dreams – you can do this!

Beautiful, high-quality lingerie isn’t cheap. So, it’s easy to guilt trip yourself out of buying the nicer items while lingerie shopping. You talk yourself out of buying an expensive garment you’d love, and opt for a less expensive one you’ll “be okay with” instead. But when it comes to lingerie, you won’t wear it if you don’t love it. So, is it worth spending an extra $20 to $40 bucks on lingerie that you’ll love? Absolutely.

Here’s why you should allow yourself to splurge on lingerie you love.

1.  High-quality lingerie will last longer.

Quality lingerie can be expensive because it’s designed (literally) to last longer. Everything about the garment is quality – from the materials it’s made of to the way it’s sewn together. On the other hand, cheap lingerie can be itchy, fit oddly or show early signs of wear and tear. A garment may cost a little more, but you can rest assured it will still be in your lingerie drawer for years to come.

2.  You’ll get more wear out of it because you love it.

If you don’t like a lingerie garment, you won’t wear it. So, you should make your selection based on how you feel in the lingerie, not solely on price. When you love the lingerie, you’ll feel great every time you put it on. Consequently, you’ll wear it more often and get your money’s worth. And, you’ll be reminded each time that you’re glad you splurged a bit for an item that makes you feel so good.

3.  It will make you feel beautiful and confident.

Lingerie is meant to make you feel beautiful and confident. And confidence is not something you want to sacrifice. If you feel fierce in a garment that costs a little more, don’t feel discouraged by the price. Remind yourself that you’re not just paying for fabric. You’re paying for something that will boost your confidence every time you wear it.

4.  You probably don’t splurge on lingerie often.

If you’re reading this article, you likely don’t splurge on nice lingerie often. And, that’s exactly why you should! Every woman deserves to have beautiful lingerie that makes her feel like a goddess. If you don’t treat yourself to lingerie often, you absolutely should splurge a little on an item you will love to wear.

5.  Lingerie is about quality, not quantity.

You could have a lingerie drawer full of garments, but only wear three of them. When it comes to lingerie, you want to focus on quality, not quantity. After all, what’s the point of having 15 garments if you only like three of them? Consider how much money you spent on all the items in your drawer that you’re not even wearing. Then, consider if you would have splurged a little bit on pieces you adored. You’d be wearing those lingerie pieces consistently, making them worth the money spent.

Don’t focus only on the price tag while lingerie shopping. If an item is more expensive than the budget you had in mind, but within reach, try it on. Let the way you feel in that lingerie be your decision maker.

Related: The True Cost of Buying Cheap Lingerie

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, 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:

Parfait Casey Plunge Molded Bra 2801 | Parfait Casey Boyshort 2805 in Rose Print/Black

It’s very common to throw a lingerie shower for a bride-to-be. The lingerie shower can be part of the bachelorette party, or it can stand as an event on its own. But gifting lingerie – like bras, panties, chemises or teddies – to other women can be tricky. Some women prefer to try on lingerie before buying it and would rather not receive lingerie gifts they may need to return.

Here are some lingerie shower gift ideas:

Sexy pajamas

A bachelorette lingerie shower is about giving a bride-to-be gifts that make her feel beautiful and confident – and that she’ll want show-off to her new spouse. So, sexy pajamas are a great fit. Some ideas would be a silk nightie, a camisole and shorts set or even a long sleeve shirt and pants set. As long as you stick to the bride-to-be’s style, you can’t go wrong.

Robe

A robe is an excellent lingerie shower gift idea. And there are many options for you to choose from. Whether the woman you’re buying for would like a lacy see-through robe or a warm, plush robe, options are endless.

Stockings

Stockings are a fun accessory for bachelorette lingerie. Sometimes, we don’t think of buying stockings for ourselves, so this is a gift many bachelorettes would love. If you don’t plan on buying a garter belt, or if you’re unsure if the she has one already, buy stockings with elastic on the thighs. The elastic is on the inside of the thigh area and helps keep the stockings up on your thighs without a garter belt.

Bra travel container

Bra travel containers are handy because they keep your bras in an ideal position during travel. They allow bra cups to remain in their round position so they don’t lose their shape. A bra travel container makes a great bachelorette gift idea since the bride-to-be will likely be traveling on a honeymoon. Whether she packs bikini tops or bras in the container, she’ll have peace of mind knowing her intimate items can’t get damaged.

Sensual products

I love giving at least one sensual product at a lingerie shower because the bride may not think to buy these items herself. These products can range from pheromone perfumes to lubrications. You could also consider buying fun, travel-sized items for the couple to use on the honeymoon.

Bath accessories

If your bachelorette loves a good bath, bath accessories may be the perfect lingerie shower gift. Give her a bath basket with items she’ll love to pamper herself with. You could include bubble bath, lotion, Epsom salts, face masks, bath bombs, candles or wine. A little relaxation will do her a lot of good – whether it’s before the wedding or after she gets back from her honeymoon.

Date night at home kit

The bachelorette will want to parade all of her new lingerie gifts for her new spouse. And what better way to do that than with a date night at home! Your date night at home gift basket could include the couple’s drink of choice, sweets, a candle and a sensual game. Two of my favorite sensual games are Love or Lust and Date Night.

Lingerie set

If you do want to buy the bachelorette true lingerie, a matching lingerie set is a great gift idea! Many women don’t buy their lingerie in sets, so she’d appreciate having beautiful and matching intimates. This white, lacey set is dainty, sexy and perfect for a bride-to-be. And remember, just because it’s a bachelorette lingerie shower doesn’t you must gift white lingerie. This longline bra with floral embroidery and matching hipster panty, for instance, is feminine and can be worn before or after the wedding.

Don’t be worried if you don’t want to give bridal lingerie at a lingerie shower! Think about what would make the bride feel confident and beautiful as she starts the next chapter of her life. Keep her personality and preference top of mind, and you’ll find the perfect gift.

It’s no question that we tend to eat a little more during the holiday season. There are family dinners to attend, celebrations to be had and treats to be baked. Between the excess sugar and carbs, all that “celebrating” can leave us feeling not-so body positive. But that’s no way to end a year! With a few conscious tips, you can have your pumpkin cake and eat it, too.

Here are eight tips to help you stay focused on staying body positive throughout the holidays.

1.  Consume everything in moderation.

We should consume everything in moderation year-round. However, it’s especially important to consume in moderation during the holiday season. From adult beverages to pumpkin pie and casseroles, be mindful of how much you’re eating and drinking. And remember, what you don’t get to consume today, you can consume tomorrow. When you think of it that way, you’re less convinced you need to fit in that piece of pie.

2.  Drink lots of water.

It’s important to drink lots of water during the holidays. The foods we eat during the season typically aren’t the healthiest. And consequently, those bad foods can add a cog in your digestive wheel. Drinking lots of water will help aid in the digestion of your food and help keep your bathroom visits regular.

3.  Continue doing little things that boost your confidence.

When you’re not feeling very body positive, it’s essential you continue doing the things that boost your confidence. For me, manicured nails and a weekly face mask help me to feel more confident. Whether it’s attending yoga class or listening to a body positive podcast, do things that make you feel healthy and confident. Don’t let the holiday season get you so busy that you forget to do the things that make you feel good.

4.  Have positive thoughts only.

Part of being in on the body positive movement is having positive thoughts. After all, how can you have negative thoughts about yourself and still feel body positive? Remember that when you look at yourself, you are being harsher than others would be. Enjoy the holiday season, rejoice in spending time with loved ones and lift yourself up in any way possible.

Related: Feel Fabulous About Food This Festive Season

Parfait Casey Plunge Molded Bra 2801 | Parfait Casey Boyshort 2805 in Ruby Wine

5.  Know your limits.

Knowing your limits will help you to not slip into a misery state during the holidays. For instance, with my family being from the south, food at our gatherings can include a lot of carbs. If we have biscuits and gravy for breakfast, I know I need to avoid carbs at lunch so I don’t feel too bloated or uncomfortable. And once you hit that discomfort level, it can last all day – or even for a couple days. If you know your limits, you can hopefully avoid reaching that level.

6.  Get regular exercise.

Regular exercise is as important as ever during the holidays. Getting all the family together can be stressful, and sometimes stress makes you over eat. Of course, you’re already overeating as it is, which can make you feel a little down. Regular exercise will lower stress levels and decrease those sad feelings. Plus, the exercise will help burn off some of those extra calories you’re packing in. So, don’t forget to pack those tennis shoes before you start your holiday travels!

7.  Eat simply prepared fruits and vegetables.

Although some holiday side dishes contain fruits and veggies, they’re not always healthily prepared. Don’t forget to eat fruits and vegetables during your holiday visits. Your body still needs good nutrition, and these foods can help keep your digestion regular during the season.

8.  Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Don’t be too hard on yourself for indulging in all the holiday season has to offer. Remind yourself that it’s not just you that over-consumes during the holidays. We all do it. The holiday lifestyle is temporary, and you’ll soon be back to your normal diet. However, if you can’t help but be hard on yourself, adjust what you allow yourself to consume. Your goal is to remain confident and body positive throughout the holidays.

The trick to remaining body positive during the holiday season isn’t avoiding all the holiday delicacies. Instead, it’s about continuing the healthy habits you practice year-round. As soon as you forget your healthy habits at the holidays, you can guarantee your body positivity will plummet.

Related: 10 Reasons To Adore Your Body

Featured image lingerie:

Casey Plunge Molded Bra 2801 | Casey Bikini 2803 in Lollipop Red

Have you ever wondered exactly why bras are constructed the way they are? You’ve been fitted for bras many times, and you’ve been wearing them for years. But, do you know how the parts of a bra work together or what each part does? Understanding the purpose of each part of a bra will help you quickly determine what fits and what doesn’t when bra shopping.

Let’s discuss the different parts of a bra and their purposes.

1.  Cups

The cups are designed to hold your breasts, and the cups should fit your breasts snugly, but comfortably. Your breasts shouldn’t popping over the top or out the sides of your bra cups. If this occurs, it’s a sign that your bra is too small. On the other hand, space between your breast and the cup signifies the bra is too big.

2.  Seams

Seams not only help keep the bra’s fabric sewn together, but seams offer support as well. And, the support and shape can vary depending on the type of seam – such as vertical or horizontal. For example, a 3-part cup bra provides extra support and lifting. (I know, you’re probably thinking, “What is a 3-part cup bra?”) A 3-part cup bra simply means the bra has three seams to maximize support.

3.  Underwire

The underwire is sewn into the fabric under the cups and is designed to give your breasts a rounder, fuller look. The fuller look comes from the fact that the underwire is helping to support and lift your breasts. Of course, not all bras have underwire because every woman’s preference is different. However, it’s important to note that bras with underwire shouldn’t be uncomfortable. If you find that your underwire bra is painful, it’s most likely because you’re wearing the wrong size bra. It’s not because the bra has underwire.

4.  Center panel (gore)

The center panel of a bra, also known as the gore, is meant to separate your breasts and create a rounder look. The gore connects the bra cups, and it also holds the ends of the underwire, if applicable. The gore should sit against your chest if the bra fits well. If the gore is sitting on breast tissue or is lifted off your chest, you need a different bra size.

Related Post: 7 Signs You Are Wearing The Wrong Bra Size

5.  Bra sides (bra wings)

The bra sides (or bra wings) extend off the sides of the cups and eventually turn into the bra band. The bra sides help keep your skin smooth under the bra, alleviating bulging around the bra sides and band. However, if a bra has a very thin band and wings, bulging around the band may be inevitable. Some bras come with very wide bra sides to provide an even smoother silhouette.

6.  Bra band

The bra band provides the most support for the breasts. So, it’s essential that your bra band is truly the right size for you. A bra band that is too large will ride up on your back, putting extra weight on your bra straps. A bra band that is too small will squeeze your back, bulging your skin around the band. The band should fit tightly so it remains in place to fully support your breasts.

7.  Bra straps

Bra straps are not meant to provide support. In fact, the straps shouldn’t be providing any support because this can be painful on your shoulders. Instead, bra straps are designed to help keep the bra in place. And because each woman’s torso varies in size, the straps come with adjusters. Adjusters allow the straps to tighten or loosen depending on your needs.

However, you shouldn’t need to overly tighten your straps to make your bra fit tighter on your breasts. If you have to do this, you probably need a smaller cup size. It’s also important to know that bra straps shouldn’t be uncomfortable or cause pain. (This is just one of many bra myths.) If the straps are digging into your shoulders, it’s likely the band is too big.

8.  Hooks (hook and eye closure)

A bra has several sets of hooks to fasten the bra band. Your bra should fit comfortably on the first or second hook. A bra will stretch over time as you wear and wash it. As the material stretches, you can move to tighter fitting hooks to bring that bra band back to your size.

Bra knowledge is power! (After all, you need to be knowledgeable when bra shopping.) All parts of a bra work together to carry the weight of your breasts. If one part isn’t doing its job well, the entire bra can’t do its job – which is to be supportive or comfortable.

Featured image lingerie:

Mod By Parfait Tattoo Padded Balconet Longline Bra A14315 in Clematis Blue/Champagne

When women are empowered, we’re a more positive influence within our families and communities. And, empowered women empower women. All it takes is one woman to empower another woman, and it’s probably easier than you thought. You don’t have to be a celebrity or have a large social media following to be part of the women empowering women movement. Profound words or embellished compliments aren’t necessary either. Women empowering women comes down to a couple of concepts: positivity and kindness.

Here are seven ways women can empower women:

Speak positively about yourself.

Speaking positively about yourself is an indirect way to empower other women. The way you speak about yourself is often a reflection of how you feel about yourself. If you tell yourself that your hips are too big, your eyes will obsess over your hips every time you look in a mirror. However, speaking positively about yourself changes how you see yourself. Do this when you’re around other women, and it will remind them to think more positively about themselves as well.

Don’t speak negatively about other women.

Speaking negatively about other women is a sign of insecurity. And let’s face it – we all have insecurities. But don’t let your insecurities come out in the form of speaking poorly about others. As mom always said, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

Give genuine compliments.

Giving genuine compliments is an easy way for women to empower women. And some of the most rewarding compliments a woman receives are from women she doesn’t know. Whether you love a woman’s shoes or you see her doing good, don’t be hesitant to give a compliment. Be the woman that is so secure she’ll hand out compliments without needing one in return. And remember: her success is not your failure.

Related: 8 Body Positive Podcasts Every Woman Should Hear

Be a source of positivity for other women.

When a fellow woman is struggling, lift her up by showing her the positive side of things. Now, this doesn’t mean to be annoyingly positive during tough times. Instead, it means to be a bright light when things feel dark for her. Life comes with ups and downs, and it’s helpful to have someone around who can bring positivity into a bad situation.

Show more love and less judgement.

There’s a fine line between being concerned and judgmental. You often don’t have the full story, even when it seems that you do. Instead of judging another woman’s actions or situations, show her love. When you shower her with love, she can rise up. If you shower her with judgement, you’re keeping her down.

Be kind.

When you’re kind to another woman, you’re showing her compassion and love. They say to treat others the way you’d want to be treated. So, set an example of how women should treat other women by acting in kindness.

Be slower to advise, and quicker to listen.

A woman doesn’t always need your advice when she comes to you with a complaint. Sometimes she just wants to vent in a judge-free space. And if you give your opinion without her asking for it, she can feel bummed out. Be slower to advise on a situation, and quicker to just lend a listening ear.

Related: What No One Tells You About Body Positivity and Self Love

By simply showing a woman kindness, love and positivity, you can empower her to change her perspective. And, when you empower other women, you empower yourself. After all, empowered women empower women.

Your bra is one of the first things you put on in the morning, and how you feel in that bra will impact your day. Just as a killer outfit can boost your confidence, a poor fitting bra will kill your confidence – even if your outfit is on point. Let’s talk about the poor fitting bra symptoms and how they can decrease your confidence.

Your clothes won’t be as flattering on your body.

Feeling like your clothes aren’t flattering can be one of the poor fitting bra symptoms. A bra that’s too small will hug your body too tightly, creating skin bulges around the bra. Whether you’re wearing a tight- or loose-fitting shirt, skin bulges don’t make any woman feel confident. And a bra that’s too big can leave gaps in between your breast and the cup of the bra. This gap can be seen even with a shirt on because it makes the shirt’s fabric buckle. (Trust me, I experienced this for years, then I finally realized I was wearing the wrong bra size.)

Wearing a bra that’s truly the right size for you will make your clothes fit better, and you’ll feel more confident in them.

You won’t like how you look in the bra.

I’m a firm believer that how you look on the outside dictates how you feel on the inside. If you feel great about how you look, you’ll feel even better. But, when you don’t like how you look, you tend to not feel as well. This concept is extremely important when it comes to your bra. Your bra is most likely the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off each day. So, how you feel when you see yourself in just the bra affects your confidence that day.

If the bra doesn’t fit you, you’ll be able to tell just by looking at it. (For instance, the center part of the bra may not be touching your chest.) Omit the chances of your confidence plummeting first thing in the morning by only wearing bras that fit you and make you feel fierce.

Related Post: 7 Signs You Are Wearing The Wrong Bra Size

Mod By Parfait Sweetheart Padded Bra A1391 | Mod By Parfait Sweetheart Hipster A1395 in Bright White/Almond Blossom

You’ll have to adjust the bra often.

How do you feel when you’re wearing a dress that requires constant adjusting? Maybe the dress is too tight or too short, so you must continuously put it back in place. It’s frustrating, and it can tug at your confidence, right? The same goes for your bra. You don’t need to be pulling up your bra straps or adjusting your breasts to better fill your bra. The right sized bra will give you peace of mind that your bra will stay in place and do its job all day long.

It will be uncomfortable and unsupportive.

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in your bra, it was probably the wrong bra size. Poor fitting bras can squeeze your back, dig into your shoulders and hurt your back and breasts. Yes, you read that correctly – the wrong bra size can hurt your breasts. This is because the bra may squeeze them too tightly or not support them appropriately. And it can be painful when your breasts aren’t fully supported by your bra!

Discomfort caused by your bra will certainly not help your confidence. If your body is hurting, you’re not going to feel enthusiastic about what your day entails. All you’ll think about is getting home and taking off that dreaded bra. And, that’s no way to have to go through your day!

Poor fitting bra symptoms can be detrimental to your confidence. And, confidence is key to being positive and loving yourself. If your bra isn’t boosting your confidence, go for a bra fitting and treat yourself to a new bra or two. Once you feel your confidence boost, you won’t know how you survived a day in the wrong sized bra.

Related Post: 10 Signs You Need To Throw Out Your Bra

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 fitterhelp.

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:

Mod By Parfait Butterfly Plunge Padded Bra A1401 | Mod By Parfait Butterfly Mid-Waist Brief 14031 in Butterfly Print

Wearing a bra that is too small for you isn’t comfortable. You may think the discomfort is simply from wearing the bra, but it could be because your bra is too small. We’ve covered how to tell if you’re wearing the wrong bra size. However, let’s discuss specifically how you’ll know if you need a bigger bra.

Here’s how to tell if your bra is too small: 

Your boobs pop out of the cups.

Some “side boob” in a bra can be normal. However, a lot of “spillover” is a sign that you need a bigger bra. You may be popping out of the tops of the cups, on the side of the cups or even under the underwire. If you experience this degree of spillover, you need a bigger cup size.

There’s a gap between the center of the bra and your chest.

The center of the bra between your breasts is called the “gore.” The gore is important because it helps to keep the front of the bra in place. A gap between the gore and your chest signifies that your bra band is too small. Because the band is so tight, it rides up, leaving that gap. And, the gap clearly shows that your bra isn’t supporting your sufficiently. Try going up a band size to get rid of that space.

The underwire pokes you.

Underwire isn’t meant to be painful or uncomfortable. However, if the underwire is poking you, you’ll want a bigger cup size. Larger cups will provide more space for your breasts, so the underwire isn’t pushing up against them.

Your back bulges around the band.

Back bulge is another sign that your bra is too small. Of course, bras with very thin bands may squeeze more since the band has less skin to hold on to. However, the average bra shouldn’t make you feel like you have excess back fat. If your bra is giving you a back bulge, it’s likely because the band is too small. Try going up a band size.

Your upper body hurts.

A bra that is too small compresses your upper body. It squeezes your back, and it squeezes your beasts. Overtime, this type of compression can make your upper body hurt. If your neck, shoulders or back hurt, it’s a good idea to get a bra fitting to determine your exact bra size. Many stores offer professional bra fittings free of charge. And, if you’ve never had a bra fitting, do not be intimidated the process! You’ll be working with a skilled professional who knows the ins and outs of lingerie.

Bras aren’t intended to cause you discomfort. In fact, they’re supposed to do the exact opposite. Bras take pressure off your shoulders and back by fully supporting your breasts. And when you find the right sized bra, you’ll feel lighter and so comfortable – in your skin and in your bra.

Related Post: 7 Signs You Are Wearing The Wrong Bra Size

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:

Mod By Parfait Tattoo Padded Balconet Longline Bra A14315 | Mod By Parfait Tattoo Hipster A1435 in Clematis Blue/Champagne

As women, we start wearing bras as early as the beginning of adolescence. And let’s face it – our bras probably didn’t fit well as our bodies were changing and growing. But this skews our mentality of bras. By the time we reach adulthood, we go bra shopping the way we always have. We head into a store and try on bras to see what fits and what doesn’t. If there’s too much side boob, it’s just the price you pay, and you buy it anyways. However, many women don’t realize that bra discrepancies – like excess side boob –  signify that the bra doesn’t fit. In fact, many women have been wearing the wrong bra size for years.

Let’s talk through the most obvious signs that your bra is too big.

1.  There’s a gap between the cup and your breast.

A gap between the cup and your breast signifies that the cups are too big. Your breasts should fill in your cups without any adjustments needed. And when you stand, sit or bend over, the cups should remain supportive of your breasts. If you have a gap in your cup, it’s time to get your next bra fitting.

2.  The band rides up on your back.

Your bra band isn’t tight enough if the band of your bra rides up on your back. You can try fastening your band on a tighter hook. However, if that doesn’t fix the issue – or if the band is already on the last hook – you’ll need a smaller band size.

3.  The bra cups are wrinkly.

If your bra cups are wrinkly even while wearing the bra, the cups are too big. Your breasts should fill out the cups and alleviate extra material and space. Wrinkly cups also mean your breasts are being supported well by the bra. You could tighten your straps to make the bra fit tighter. However, if the cups are wrinkly, tightening the straps likely won’t resolve the problem. Try going down a cup size to ensure your breasts can fill out the cups and receive maximum support.

4.  Your shoulders are sore.

Sore shoulders are signs that your bra is too big. If a bra makes your shoulders hurt, it’s usually because the bra band isn’t tight enough. The band rides up on your back, forcing your straps to carry the weight of your breasts. Consequently, your bra straps dig into your shoulders, leaving unfortunate marks. If this describes your shoulders, you’ll need to go bra shopping for a smaller band.

5.  Your bra straps fall down.

If a bra is too big, you may find it hard to keep your bra straps on your shoulders. You can always tighten the straps, as this could very easily reverse the situation. However, if the straps still fall after being tightened, they aren’t providing enough support. You’ll need to decrease the band size.

6.  Your bra is fastened on the last hook.

Your bra should fit well and comfortably when fastened on the middle hook. This allows you to adjust your bra band as needed. For instance, if you were to gain or lose a couple of pounds. So, if you always wear your bra on the last (and tightest) hook, your bra may be too big. Going down a band size could allow you to fasten the bra on the middle hook. And after changing band sizes, you may realize that the bigger band wasn’t very supportive.

Wearing a bra that is too big for you can be painful and annoying. But, it’s also not good for your breasts. Your breasts should be supported by the bra, making the bra do all the work. If you experience any signs that your bra is too big, it’s a good idea to get a professional bra fitting. (Bonus, bra fittings are typically free!)

Related Post: 4 Ways A Poor Fitting Bra Will Kill Your Confidence

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 fitterhelp.

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:

Mod By Parfait Modern T-Shirt Padded Bra A1381 | Mod By Parfait Modern Hipster A1385 in Bare