The bra curling up under the bust is a sign that your bra does not fit properly and it usually means the bra back band size is too small. Our bra specialists advise – “Try a larger bra back size, avoid deeper bands and consider an underwired bra.”
Why? The weight of your breasts are pulling down on the cups and straps, forcing the back band to ride up. This is why it can still feel tight, while in reality, you need to go down a band size!
While the ideal is to have the front and rear of the bra band parallel, sometimes people can benefit from actually wearing the rear band lower down your back. Adjusting the rear portion of the band into where you naturally curve from your ribs to your waistline can sometimes help the bra band to stop rolling.
Most bras are designed to push up the breasts as a way to support them. The bra's lower band causes the upward force, sometimes resulting in the entire bra rolling up the front if there's little resistance. That said, your bra band will roll up if you have small breasts or are purchasing slightly bigger bras.
When the band rides up the back, it's an indicator the band is too big. Without providing proper support, a band that's too large can prompt the breast tissue to weigh down on the cups and pull the band upwards in the back.
If the band is too tight, digs into your flesh, is uncomfortable or the back is slightly lower (exception would be a strapless bra), it's too small. Signs that your band size is too big include breasts falling out from the bottom of your bra and your bra back riding up.
If the bra does not sit flat on the chest then it means the bra could be too small in the cups. If your bra cup size is too small, then it is impossible for the underwire to lie flat against your chest. Instead, the wire sits on top of your breast tissue and the centre panel will not lie flat against your chest wall.
For women who have issues with their bra band rolling up, a bandless bra may be just what you need. With banded bras, like the Charlotte Padded Bra, there is extra fabric underneath the cups.
As a guideline, you should be able to comfortably run two fingers under both sides of the bra at the same time. If the bra pulls away from your body easily, it is too loose. If you have trouble getting your fingers under the band and it feels uncomfortable, it is too tight. The band should be level front and back.
In order to determine if your cup size is too big or small, look to see if you have an extra bump of breast tissue at the top or at the sides of the cups or if you have a wrinkle in the cups or extra space in the cup.
When you look down at your bra do you notice space between your breasts and the cup? If so, it's too big. If you aren't able to see any gaps while standing up, try leaning over while looking into a mirror. If there is extra space in your cups it's time for a new size.
Your bra should support your bust in a way that encourages your breasts to sit centered on your chest in an upright motion, facing forward. The bra should not overly separate or bring together the breasts in an uncomfortable or overly transformative way.
If you have unwanted bra bulge at the sides it could be the bra band is too narrow. Alternatively the bra band size could be too small or the bra cup size is too small.
You can't actually pick one area of fat to burn, so battling bra bulge will involve a combination of cardio to burn fat and strength training to tone the muscles near your bra. The muscles you'll want to focus on are in your chest, back, and shoulders. Aim to complete cardio 2-3 times a week.
If your bra's center panel is not resting on your sternum, this could be a sign that your cup size is too small. If the underwires are pointing outward and away from your body, this too is a sign that your cup size could be too small. The band of the bra should be parallel to the floor.
If your bra is digging into your ribs, there's a good chance it's not the right style for your shape. You may find a better fit in a wireless bra or bandless style. Luckily, there are loads of different styles out there. It could be worth trying on a range of bra types and seeing what suits you best.
Dr. Blake says wearing a bra doesn't prevent your breasts from sagging and not wearing one doesn't cause your breasts to sag. “Wearing a bra doesn't affect the risk of breast sagging, or what is called 'breast ptosis,'” she says. It also won't impact the shape of your breasts.
TIPS & ADVICE TO RESOLVE A BRA BAND RIDING UP
You may need a new bra. Check your band size is correct if it is too small and tight then the back will ride up. Loosen the straps, it is possible that they are too tight and pulling the bra up. Try going down in the back band size eg: 40 to a 38.
If there are gaps between the cup and your breast, you're wearing a cup size too big. If you find your breast spilling over the top, side, or bottom of the cup, you most likely need to go up in size. You also need to consider a larger cup size if the underwire or bottom of the bra is resting on your breasts.
Costoclavicular syndrome, sometimes referred to as bra strap syndrome, can be caused by tight straps that pinch and dig into your shoulders. This can contribute to pressure on your shoulders and resulting pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Stand upright without a bra on, and using a measuring tape, measure around your back and under your bust, where the band of a bra would usually sit. Make sure the tape is going around in a steady, even line. It should feel snug, but not tight. Measure in inches: if you land at an even number, that is your band size.
If your band and underwire are the right size, then the center gore should lay flat against your sternum. You should not be able to move it easily, but it also shouldn't press too hard on your chest. If the center gore of your underwire bra does not lay correctly, then the cups are too small or the band is too loose.