How To Buy Bras For Different Sized Breasts
Noticed your breasts are looking a little uneven? Fret not — you’re far from alone. In fact, asymmetrical breasts affect more than half of the female population. And one study of women who were seeking breast augmentation, 88 percent of them had breasts that were out of proportion. Medical professionals aren’t positive on what causes uneven breasts, though some of the factors that could be responsible include menopause, breastfeeding, weight loss or weight gain, and hormonal imbalances. Did you know that even a dominance in one hand (the one you write with) can cause breasts to be slightly asymmetrical as well?
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to fix this issue with the right bras — here are some foolproof tips for achieving a more proportional bust.
Start with the right style
Certain bra styles are simply better for asymmetrical breasts. Firstly, it’s a good idea to opt only for padded bras, or at least those with lined cups, as they can help to minimize the appearance of any asymmetry.
A molded bra, for example, features superior structure and optimal shaping capabilities, and thus, can create the illusion that your breasts are the same size and shape. If the size difference in your breasts is super subtle, even a T-shirt bra might do the trick.
Another option is to try a push-up bra that has removable padding. That way, you can leave the padding in on the smaller side and remove the padding from the cup on the larger side to even them out. Note that the effectiveness of this approach depends on how significant the breast size difference is.
Focus on the fit
Whatever you do, don’t try to squeeze the larger breast into a cup that’s too small — instead, when choosing bras, make sure they fit the larger breast. There are ways to fill in the cup on the smaller breast (more on that later), but choosing the size based on the smaller breast could cause pain, discomfort, and spillage for the larger breast. Not to mention, you might not get adequate support for the larger breast if you choose a size based on the smaller one.
That being said, bras can vary from style to style, so this is more of a suggestion than a rule. Some cups have more stretch than others, so you can get away with fitting the smaller breast if there is a subtle difference in breast size.
To get the best fit, hook the bra band and scoop all over your breast tissue into the cups (check out our 4-step guide here). Check to make sure that all of your breast tissue is contained within the bra’s underwire. If you notice an extreme amount of spillage or you experience pain or discomfort, try a bra in the next cup size up.
Related: Why All Women Should Get A Professional Bra Fitting
Add volume as needed
When it comes to filling out the smaller breast to make your set look even, there is a wide range of inserts that you can slip into the cups. Also called “breast enhancers,” “bra pads,” “push-up pads,” “cookies,” and “cleavage enhancers,” they come in varying sizes, fullness and shapes depending on your needs and the bra you’ll be inserting them into.
All you have to do is slip the pad under the bottom or side of the cup (you can experiment to see where it needs the most volume). Note that you shouldn’t use more than one pad, or the cup could end up too heavy on that side. Some bras also have pockets sewn into the cups with space for interchangeable pads. Once you’ve inserted the pad, take a minute to adjust the back hooks or straps as needed for a perfect fit. Most importantly, lift your hands in the air as though you are stretching. If your bra band moves up with your hands, your bra band is probably too loose. In order for the cookies to stay in place all day, make sure the band provides a snug fit. You can even try your sister size (go one size down in the band and one size up in the cup), for a snug, supportive fit.
Pro tip: You can also use double-sided fashion tape to ensure the pad stays in place.
Hopefully, by now, you’re feeling a bit better about your uneven breasts. The good news? It’s incredibly common, and there is a myriad of ways to make your boobs look more even. By following these bra tips, you’ll have a more symmetrical looking bust in no time.
Related: 10 Bra Fitting and Lingerie Store Secrets Professional Bra Fitters Want You To Know
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!
