Most people think tightening their straps will fix a bra that rides up. But actually, a properly fitting bra gets most of its support from the band. After testing dozens of bras for the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab with thousands of consumer testers, I’ve learned how to find a bra that’ll stay put and feel comfortable without riding up.
There are three main components of a bra: band, cups, and straps, and they all need to fit in order to keep your bra band in place. To prevent a bra from riding up, you need to make sure all three fit you properly.
Why your bra is riding up (and how to fix it):
- The bra straps are too tight: Your straps should help support the bra, but they shouldn’t be doing the heavy lifting in terms of support. Try loosening the straps to prevent the bra from riding up. If you need the straps super tight for support, then the band is likely too loose and you should try a tighter fit.
- The band is too loose: The band should fit snuggly under your breasts without digging in. Bras include multiple rows of hook and eye closures in the back and are made with stretchy materials that stretch out over time. When you first purchase a bra, it should fit on the loosest setting, so you have the option to tighten it as the material stretches.
- The cups are too small for your breasts: When the cups are too small, the band can ride up to try to accommodate the incorrect fit. You can try to adjust your breasts within the cups, but if they are spilling out the top or the band is riding up underneath them, then you should try a cup size up.
- The material may be stretched out: Bras are made with stretchy fibers that intrinsically degrade over time. A well-loved bra will stretch out and become ill-fitting after extensive wear. If the material is stretched out and the above tips don’t help, then I recommend replacing the bra with a new one (which is to be expected every 6-12 months). Avoiding high heat when laundering your bras can help extend their life.
- You are wearing the wrong size: If you cannot fix the issue from adjusting the straps or band then you are likely wearing the wrong size bra. Bra sizes and fit can vary brand to brand (even style to style), so I recommend always trying on a range of styles and sizes to find the right fit.
Need a new one?
How to know your bra fits correctly:
- The center of the bra between the cups will lay flat against your breastbone. If that center piece (also called the gore) is hovering in the air, then the cups are either too small or the band is too big.
- The straps don’t dig in. You shouldn’t need super tight straps for the bra to offer support. If you have indentations or tired shoulders, try loosening the straps or trying a bra with a tighter band and better-fitting cups.
- The cups don’t gape or dig into your breasts. Make sure your cups still fit as you move around—try bending, jumping, and lifting your arms up to make sure your cups still fit properly as you move.
- The band should sit level all the way around your ribcage without riding up, constricting or squeezing.
How to measure your bra size:
Why trust Good Housekeeping
Emma Seymour is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. She has been testing bras since 2018 and is an expert in bra fit and sizing. Seymour has a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University.
