According to a chiropractic and osteopathy study, 80% of women wear the wrong bra size, with 70% wearing undersized bras and 10% wearing oversized bras.
However, that statistic may not come as a surprise, given how difficult it is to find the correct bra size. The abrasions caused by a strap pressing into the shoulders or the ache of the underwire sitting too tightly against the rib cage are all too familiar. It’s not fun to wear a bra that’s are either too tiny, too big, too old or too stretched out.
There are plenty of sources that reveal many women experiencing pain and discomfort from wearing the incorrect bra size. Fortunately, there’s a correct bra size for everybody — you just need to get fitted for it.
Here are 8 consequences of wearing the wrong bra size
1. Breast ache
Breast soreness is one of the first signs that you’re wearing the wrong bra size. People with larger breast cup sizes, who exercise infrequently, or who are premenopausal are more likely to complain.
Breast soreness can be caused by wearing the wrong size bra in a variety of ways. If your bra is too small, it will dig into your breasts; if it is too large, your breasts will have too much room and can move around, causing soreness. Finally, if you have asymmetry or other anomalies in your breasts, you may feel as if every bra is the wrong size.
Other causes of breast discomfort include pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, and exercise, so make sure you filter out those possibilities before assuming the pain is caused by your bra.
2. Back Ache
While most studies on the association between ill-fitting bras and back discomfort are equivocal or contradictory, certain studies do reveal a link. Furthermore, many women, particularly those with larger breasts, use the wrong size bra. Back pain is clearly caused by larger breasts, or at the very least, exacerbated by them, according to research.
Back pain can be caused directly or indirectly by improper breast support. In any case, make selecting the appropriate size bra a priority. The size of your bra cup should be the same as the size of your breasts. Make sure your bra fits properly by having it fitted by a professional. If you have recurrent back pain, a well-fitted bra might be an excellent solution.
3. Discomfort in the Shoulders and Neck
Shoulder and neck pain is common in women with bigger breasts. Larger straps are commonly found on bras made for larger breasts in order to disperse weight and provide greater support. These wide straps, on an incorrectly fitted bra, might create shoulder pain, which can subsequently lead to neck trouble.
Even a correctly fitted bra can’t always alleviate shoulder and neck pain — or any other pain for that matter. If you’ve had a bra fitting but are still experiencing these problems, it’s time to see your doctor.
4. Abrasions and Chafing of the Skin
Because of the frequent rubbing against your skin, a bra that is overly tight can quickly create skin abrasions and chafing. You may notice red lines on your overbust, underbust, back, or shoulders, depending on where the bra lies.
You could discover that utilizing a strap extender or switching to a different bra fabric or texture helps, in addition to correcting your bra size. Chafing may be common in sports bras, necessitating the purchase of a different style.
5. Pain in the Rib Cage
Bras are designed to sit directly on top of your rib cage. When you’re wearing one that’s too tight, it might feel restrictive and even cause pain. Abrasions and chafing are also likely to occur.
Underwire bras are usually the number one cause of rib cage pain. While there is no evidence that this causes physical damage to the area, if you’re feeling discomfort, it might be worth looking at other bra types.
6. Sagging Before It’s Time
Bras are supposed to elevate and support your breasts, but if you’re wearing the wrong size, they can just do the opposite. One that is excessively big, for example, may leave your breasts with too much space instead of giving the support they require.
Get a bra professionally fitted to avoid premature sagging.
7. Improper Posture
Several of the aforementioned ailments, including breast, back, shoulder, and neck pain, can lead to poor posture. In an attempt to relieve the agony, a person may hunch forward. Back, shoulder, and neck pain can all be exacerbated by poor posture, creating a vicious cycle.
8. Unease and self-conscious in general
Last but not least, an ill-fitting bra might make you feel self-conscious. Your breasts may spill out of your bra, causing your clothes to fit incorrectly. Bra straps may dig into your skin, causing agony, or they may slide off your shoulders, requiring you to constantly pull them back up.
Mothers may be especially concerned about the discomfort and distress that an ill-fitting bra can cause. While it takes time for the body to heal after giving birth, some changes are permanent.
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