Why Bra Cups Gap (and How To Avoid It)

Among the most unsightly bra fit issues are gaping cups. And if you’ve experienced this problem, rest assured it’s very common, but also very simple to solve. In fact, there is a multitude of different ways to go about preventing your cups from gaping — the key is to get to the bottom of why it’s happening.

So, if you’re tired of seeing wrinkles and puckers on your bra cups (which, tragically, can tend to show through your clothing), follow this guide to solving the issue for good.

Step 1: Tighten the straps

Very often, gaping is a sign that there’s too much room in your cups. And to deal with this extra room, the fix may be as simple as tightening your straps to ensure the cups lay flat against your breasts.

Step 2: Re-assess your cup size

If tightening your straps doesn’t do the trick, you may need to consider a smaller cup size. Particularly if you’re seeing gaping near the top of the cups, you’ll want to try sizing down. The best way to determine your true cup size is to get fitted by a professional (most department store lingerie sections and independent lingerie boutiques offer these).

Related: Bra Sizing Explained: Here’s How Bra Sizing Works

Step 3: Experiment with different styles

If you’re filling out the cups entirely but still seeing creases or puckering, the bra style may simply not be well suited to your breast shape. Depending on whether you have projected or shallow breasts, whether they’re fuller on the top or the bottom, and whether you have short or tall roots, certain styles may conform better to your boobs. That’s why it’s important to have a strong grasp on your specific shape, and which bras work best for you.

For example, if you have shallower or slender breasts, you may find that a push-up bra helps to lift your breast tissue up so that it fully fills out the tops of the cups. Or, if your breasts have short roots or are a teardrop shape, you might consider demi cup bras and balconette bras — since they have less coverage in the cups than full cup bras, you’re more likely to fill them out with no gaping. A plunge bra can also be a phenomenal choice for avoiding gaping as it features angled cups.

Step 4: Strategically put on your bra

Did you know that the way you put your bra on can affect the way it fits? Many women have been putting them on the same way without any thought ever since they started wearing them. But if you’re struggling with gaping in your cups, you should follow a specific method to try and address the issue. After hooking the closures in the back of the band, lift the breast tissue into each individual cup, making sure your nipples are centered and the tissue is lifted to fill out the whole cup.

Pro tips

Gaping cups aren’t just unflattering — they’re also often a sign that your bra isn’t fitting you quite right. And the fact is, you deserve better. If you’ve been experiencing this nuisance, any of the aforementioned tactics should clear the problem right up. Keep in mind, though, if you’ve had a bra for a year or more and it suddenly starts gaping (but you haven’t lost a notable amount of weight), it may simply be past its prime. Particularly bras with stretch in the cups begin to steadily lose elasticity over time, and once they lose their shape, it’s time to toss them and buy some well-fitting, supportive replacements.

Related: How To Find The Right Bra For Your Breast Shape

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!