The 3 Most Common Bra Fit Mistakes Women Make—and How to Fix Them

Like all clothing, bras should fit the body in a specific way, but many women aren't wearing the right option for their figure. If you find yourself wondering, "Why doesn't my bra fit?" and the thought of calculating your bra size makes your head spin, relax and take note because buying a bra is far less intimidating when you're equipped with the correct information. Our experts demystify bra measurements once and for all, and give care tips to ensure your bras wash and wear well for all of their days. We've even rounded up the best everyday-wear bras for all body and bust shapes that you can buy online right now.

Consider these expert tips for finding the perfect bra fit. Once you figure out the size that fits your body best, you can start shopping for different styles.

You’re not doing your breasts any favors by wearing a roomy band. The band provides most of your support, so you want it to be on the snug side but not so tight that you want to take it off ASAP at the end of the day, says Alicia Miller, a fit expert for Chantelle. The elastic will loosen over time, so start on the loosest hook. As the band stretches, you can move to the progressively tighter hooks.

Fit mistake: Wearing a band that’s too big, which is likely the case if it rides up your back. The band should rest on the lower-middle of your back, so the cups stay lifted.

The right bra has cups that accommodate the shape and orientation of your breasts (not just size), so cup size can vary by style. The cups should hold the sides of your breasts and rest comfortably on them—no digging or gaping.

Fit mistake: Wearing too-small cups. How do you know if your bra cups are too small? If there’s spillage at the front or sides, go up a size. Bra cups are also too small if the underwire sits on the breast, not under it.

The primary role of bra straps is to help the cups stay in place. They should lie flat and snug without digging into your skin.

Fit mistake: If you’re tightening the straps every wear, try a smaller band size or different style. A racerback suits a small frame or narrow shoulders. Are you going strapless? Size down on the band and up in the cup; this helps the cups stay up while giving your bust enough room.

After a lumpectomy or reconstruction, wear a wireless or sports bra in soft, stretchy fabric. Avoid molded cups and underwire, which can irritate as you heal, says breast cancer survivor Caitlin Kiernan, author of Pretty Sick, which is available at Target for $9.99.

Your bra isn’t designed to last forever—elastic begins to degrade after six months—but you can extend its lifespan by following a few simple rules.

Don’t toss in your bra with your regular load of laundry. The cycle is too rough for the fragile fabric. Hand wash instead, using cold water and a special detergent intended for lingerie. Your next best option is to stow it inside a lingerie bag and use your washing machine’s delicate cycle. After washing, lay your bra out flat to dry. (A foldable drying rack makes this super easy). Unless the label says otherwise, never throw your bra the dryer, or you risk destroying the fabric, warns Miller.

Don’t wear the same bra every day. It’ll stretch out pretty quickly. Invest in a few bras you love so you can rotate them. “What we say in the biz is one to wash, one to wear, one to spare,” says Miller, who recommends that every woman own at least three everyday bras for this reason.

Too busy or shy to visit a store for a pro bra fitting? Fear not: You can confidently bra-shop online. Strapless bras, wireless bras, sports bras, t-shirt bras, and beyond: these hand-picked favorites have your back (and front).