Remember that “Hair IS everything!” epic scene from Fleabag? That protagonist’s monologue about the importance of hair was both hilarious and relatable. If you think about it for a minute – those arguments could be said about many things, not just the hair, depending on what you are struggling with the most about yourself in your daily life or the detail about you that can drastically change your whole look. Here is my personal alteration to this statement, which I’m sure many of you can relate to as well, especially those of you ladies wearing a bra cup size larger than D, F, or, as in my case, H – you probably know what I’m going to talk about. For us big-busted girls out there, in a lot of cases in life, the “BRA is everything!”

And it’s not just a quip. Having started navigating the complexities of bra models and sizing since I was 12 years old, I’ve learned firsthand the profound impact of a well-fitted bra. Moreover, my weight and, with that, my sizes have changed a few times over the past two decades, and I’ve been spending time and money experimenting and learning new hacks on the way, some of them – the hard way. And so, if you ask me – the right bra “is everything” when it comes to natural D+ cup sizes. Think about it. Wearing the right one immensely affects everything – the way you look, the way your clothes suit you, your comfort, your confidence, your feelings and perceptions about yourself, the attention you receive, and, most importantly, your health.

So, let’s delve into why finding the right bra size and fit is paramount. Feel free to use my findings on the topic to double-check and see if any of the below relates to you, as the points I’m about to highlight are universal, while corresponding mistakes can happen to even the best of us.

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Reasons for the importance of selecting the right bra size

Probably many of you heard all those horror stories about bras, why they were evil, bad for you, and shouldn’t be worn at all. Well, the truth is, those stories and undesirable health effects are precisely the consequences of wearing the wrong-sized bras – not all bras whatsoever. A good bra always works for you, not against you, and in my below points, you’ll see why.

1. Posture:

A properly fitting bra can do wonders for your posture, distributing weight evenly and preventing slouching and rounded shoulders. Remember, your bra isn’t just about supporting your bust; it’s about supporting your entire body through posture regulation. Developing and maintaining a healthy posture is a challenging task for many, and if you are like me and find yourself struggling to improve it, crossing out one problem off the list by checking and correcting your bra size will totally be worth it.

2. Impact on your activity levels and workout habits

Ever noticed how the right sports bra can elevate your workout experience and vice versa? The right level of support is king. Yet, It’s not just about support; it’s about freedom of movement and comfort, and eliminating psychological discomfort related to excessive breast movement, all of which benefit the quality of your workouts. Being equipped with the right sportswear, including the sports bra, will boost your sports performance, confidence, willingness to participate in various activities, and as a result – your overall wellbeing.

A study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sports found that women with larger breasts are more likely to choose a sedentary lifestyle and stay away from workouts.

3. Preventing Pain:

An ill-fitting bra can cause pain and discomfort in the shoulders, back, and neck. This can result from straps digging into your skin or the band riding up your back. A correctly sized bra can alleviate these issues. Ever experienced unexplained shoulder, back or neck pain or discomfort? Try checking our guide for measuring your right bra size and see if your bra size needs adjustment.

Research has shown that a lack of breast support often leads to breast pain, which is reported by 50% of women.

4. Breast Health:

An improperly fitting bra can negatively affect your breast health. Bras that are too tight may compress breast tissue, which can lead to issues like mastitis or blocked milk ducts in nursing mothers. On the other hand, bras that are too loose may not provide the necessary support, leading to sagging over time (read my Bonus point below for more details on the matter). Please don’t neglect any symptoms as these subtle feelings of discomfort may go unnoticed, yet over time, the adverse effects can accumulate and result in some serious health issues that would require substantial effort to fix – trust me, you don’t want any of that.

5. Comfort and peace of mind:

The primary purpose of a bra is to provide comfort and support to your breasts. An ill-fitting bra can lead to discomfort, chafing, and even pain. Moreover, it’s crucial to select a size that allows you to go about your day without unnecessary worrying, constantly adjusting, or feeling uncomfortable. Totally not worth it. In the long run, your peace of mind is way more valuable than the time or cash you’d think you’d save if you compromise on the quality, size, or shape of your bra.

6. Appearance and confidence:

The visual aspect of finding the right bra is undeniable. I could talk for hours about that, but in brief, a bra that fits perfectly not only enhances the appearance of outfits by providing lift, shape, and support but most importantly boosts self-confidence. For example, the right bra will improve your silhouette and make your favorite dress look even more stunning on you. Your clothing will fit better, which will raise your self-esteem and make you feel more attractive. To check the effect yourself – try the fitting room test from our sizing guide.

According to a study published in the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), women with asymmetric breasts/ those whose breast size is “too large” or “too small” are more likely to suffer from a poor emotional well being and lower self-esteem.

Bonus point for DD-K Cup-sized women

Did you know that the form and look of your breasts depend not so much on the pectoral muscles’ strength but on the skin condition in the neckline area? Good news for those not sweating their back off in the gym for that, right? Yet, also bad news for those neglecting the need for proper breast support by wearing a randomly picked bra or not wearing one at all. The thing is that we cannot prevent gravity from having undesirable effects on your breasts, like pulling them down and making the skin that holds them stretch in time. But unlike muscles that can be regained from scratch after a significant break in sports, the skin cannot be pumped back! Once overstretched – there’s no return (not talking about surgeries here, of course). This is why the habit of picking fitting bras with proper support, not just for workouts and activities but generally for your everyday life, will play a vital role in prolonging the beauty and firmness of your breasts for many years ahead. Even if you are still young now and your breasts look great, the earlier you start thinking about this, keeping that gravity thing in mind, the better you can look 10-20 years from now. Promise, you’re gonna thank yourself later!

Conclusion: The Foundation of Your Wardrobe and Well-being

The quest for the perfect bra is more than a shopping trip; it’s an investment in your health, comfort, and confidence. With the right fit, a bra becomes a supportive companion in your daily life, seamlessly blending function and fashion. Never underestimate the power of a perfectly fitted bra to transform not just your outfit but your outlook on life.