You get home, take your bra off, and there's a red line where the band was. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, and it's usually fixable. A bra band that digs in is almost always telling you something about the fit. Here's what's most likely going on, and what to try.

The Two Usual Reasons

Most of the time, a band digs in for one of two opposite reasons. It's either too tight, or too loose.

• The band is too tight — it squeezes, leaves marks and may feel hard to breathe in. The fix is usually a bigger band.
• The band is too loose — it rides up your back, and digs in where it ends up. The fix is usually a smaller band.

That second one surprises people. A loose band can dig in just as much as a tight one, because it doesn't stay where it should.

Try a Sister Size

When you change the band size, change the cup size too, so the cups hold a similar amount. This is called a sister size.

• Band too tight? Go up a band size and down a cup size. For example, 14D becomes 16C.
• Band too loose? Go down a band size and up a cup size. For example, 14D becomes 12DD.

Check Your Hooks

A new bra should start on the loosest hook. As the band stretches over time, move in to a tighter hook. If you're already on the tightest hook and the band is still loose, that bra has done its job and it's time for a new one.

Look for a Smoother Band

Some bras are designed with a smoother band to help reduce bulge at the back and sides. It's worth looking for this in the product description if a smooth line under clothes matters to you.

How to Tell the Band Fits

• It sits level — straight across your back, not higher than at the front.
• It's snug, not squeezing — firm enough to hold, without leaving deep marks.
• It stays put — raise your arms and it shouldn't ride up.
• The straps aren't doing the work — a good band carries most of the support.

Still not right? Try the sister size, check the hook, and try a different style. A different shape of band can change everything.

Frequently Asked Questions