5 Tell-Tale Signs You Need a New Bra

Some say that a good bra can last between 6 months to a year, depending on how often it is worn and washed. To make bras last for a long time, they should be alternated and cleaned with lingerie wash–by hand or in a lingerie bag–then hung to dry. But the question still remains: How does one know exactly when to get rid of an old bra? Well, it’s simple: Listen to the clues the bra is giving!

5 Tell-Tale Sings You Need a New Bra:

1. Cups: Your breasts should fill the cups of your bra without any excess spilling over or any gaping. If you have spillage, your cups are too small. If there is space between your breasts and the cups, you may need to tighten your bra straps. If there is still space, the cups are too big.

2. Band: The band wraps entirely around the body. When buying a new bra, the band should feel snug on the loosest hook setting. That way, when the band stretches out after some wears, you will be able to change to a different hook setting to make the band tighter. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers under your band. If there is a lot of space or if you are able to easily pull your bra away from your body from the front, then the band is too big. If your band is riding up in the back, your band is too big and not giving you the right support. If there are marks indented on your body, the band is too small.

3. Gore: The gore, or center front piece of the bra between the cups, should lay flat against your body. If the gore is coming off of your body, then the cups of your bra are too small. Some women have breasts that are very close together and the gore may never fully lay flat. If that is the case, low-plunging bras with a short, small gore will be the best fit.

4. Wings: The wings are the two parts of the bra that wrap around your body and fasten in the back. There should be at least ¼ inch of space between one’s armpit and the top of the wing. People with short torsos should look for wings that are not tall in height, so it will not rub their armpits all day long.

5. Straps: Straps are not the biggest area of support on a bra; 90% of support comes from the band. However, if your straps are continuously falling down even after tightening them, it could be because your band is too big and riding up in the back, causing your straps to slide off your shoulders. If your straps are digging into your shoulders, you need a smaller band size and a larger cup.

Need help deciphering if your bra still fits correctly? You’re not alone. A woman’s bra size can change every 6 months, and 80-85% of women are wearing the incorrect bra size. Come into any of the three Lace Silhouettes Lingerie stores for a free bra fitting and tips from a trained bra specialist. Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA (215) 794-3545 Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ (609) 688-8823 Washington St. Mall, Cape May, NJ (609) 898-7448