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thick bra band

Ah, back bulge — it’s one of the most commonly dreaded bra-related problems, so you’re certainly not alone if you’re battling this unsightly issue. So why does this happen? And are there any ways to resolve it?

You may have heard that a wider bra band can help to prevent this problem. But is that really effective? If you’re aiming to banish back bulge for good, read on.

What’s the cause of back bulge?

Of course, the band is most likely the culprit if you’re seeing some bulge in the back. For example, it may be too tight, and as a result, it’s digging into your skin. You could try going up a size. However, contrary to popular belief, it’s more often a matter of your bra band being too big. When the band isn’t tight enough, it can ride up, the back tissue upward along with it to create those pesky rolls. If you can easily fit more than two fingers underneath the band, you’ll know it’s definitely too big.


Related: This Is Why Your Bra Band Rides Up Your Back


How can I prevent it?

Avoiding back bulge starts with knowing your bra size. This is just one more reason why it’s crucial to get fitted by a professional every six months — as the band provides a vast majority of the bra’s support, you want to ensure you’re wearing the correct size. To boot, if you’re wearing the correct size, you can rest assured you shouldn’t see any more back bulge. Whenever you buy a new bra, be sure that it fits snugly on the loosest hook-and-eye closure in the back so that you can gradually tighten it as needed and still get a perfect fit.

Sometimes it’s not an issue of the bra size, though. If you know you’re wearing the right size and you’re still struggling with back bulge, then it’s likely due to the construction of the actual bra — especially if it has a narrow band. Bras that feature wider backs can provide more smoothing across the back, and are less likely to cut into the tissue to make any rolls appear. A bra with a leotard back is a phenomenal choice because it has taller sides, which also lend some smoothing power by spreading out the pressure across a larger surface area on your skin. Another benefit to this style is that by distributing the weight of your breasts more evenly throughout the band, the leotard back takes some of the weight off your shoulders.

Another ideal option for eliminating back bulge is the longline bra. Since it has additional fabric that extends beneath the cups and the underwire, it can help to smooth out your torso. In other words, you can think of this style as a bra and shapewear all in one!

So, to recap: The first thing you need to examine when addressing back bulge is your bra size.

Once you know you’re wearing the correct size, you can start to experiment with different bra styles, focusing specifically on products that feature a wider bra band and taller sides.


Related: Here’s How To Put On A Bra Without Stretching The Band


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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