It can be frustrating to try on a bra that has the perfect band size and cups that are too big. Even when you know your bra size, cup size varies between brands and across styles. The shape of your breasts and hormonal fluctuations can also affect the fit of bra cups. Take a bra quiz to make sure that your bra is the right size and get a few tips for finding a bra with cups that fit.
Finding Your Breast Type & Shape
When the cups gap on a bra with the right band size, you may want to consider whether the style is a good match for your breast shape. There are several breast shapes, including athletic, bell, side set, round and teardrop. Cup gaping is most likely to occur with athletic or teardrop breasts.
Once you know your bra size and breast type, you can determine the best options when bra cup too big but band fits. You might want to try a different style of bra that is better suited for the shape of your breasts. Some brands also offer half-cup sizes to provide the best fit.
Measure Your Correct Bra Size
To get a bra that fits, you should know how to measure bra size. Use a soft measuring tape or a long piece of string and a measuring stick to measure around your ribcage under your breasts. Add two inches to an even number or three inches to an odd number to ensure that a bra will provide a comfortable fit for active or all-day wear.
Next, measure around the fullest part of your chest. Subtract the first measurement from this measurement to determine your cup size. An over-bust differential of zero inches is an AA cup, 1 inch is an A cup, 2 inches is a B cup, 3 inches is a C cup and 4 inches is a D cup. If your cup size falls between any of these measurements, try the closest half-cup size. Greater differentials correspond to larger cup sizes.
Try Another Bra Style
If the cups of a bra in the right size are gaping, try a different style. Bras that provide lift, such as t-shirt bras and sports bras, can reduce gapping for wearers who have wider breasts with less volume at the top. If you have teardrop-shaped breasts, you may find that full coverage bras are more likely to gap. You may prefer the fit of bralettes, plunge bras or t-shirt bras. Plunge bras can eliminate gaping for round or side set breasts.
Whether you end up selecting a bra style that provides a better fit or size down a half cup size or selecting a sister size, there are several ways to ensure that the band and cups of your bras provide a good fit. A brand that offers a wide range of bra styles and size options is your best bet for getting a bra that provides the right amount of coverage, style and support.
