How to Wear a Bra Perfectly: The Ultimate Fit & Style Guide

Let’s be honest—many women wear a bra every day, but few are ever taught how to wear one properly.

From twisted straps and poking wires to slipping bands and gaping cups, the daily struggle is real. The truth? Even the most luxurious lingerie from brands such as Natori, Lauren Ralph Lauren, or Sans Complexe won’t feel like an elevated second skin if it’s not worn the right way.

At Style Gallery, we’re more than just a premium lingerie destination. We’re here to help you wear your bra perfectly, confidently, and comfortably—every single day.

Whether you're selecting your first underwire or investing in a highly-supportive full bust bra from a brand such as Nessa or Royce Lingerie, this expert guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Wearing a Bra Correctly Matters

Let’s start with the basics—why does wearing a bra properly even matter?

A well-worn bra:

• Improves posture
• Enhances your silhouette
• Prevents back, shoulder, and breast pain
• Prevents rubbing, pinching and poking
• Prolongs the life of the garment
• Boosts confidence and comfort

But a poorly worn bra? It can dig in, slip off, cause bulges, or even lead to chronic pain over time.

Learning how to put on, position, and wear your bra correctly can transform your entire wardrobe experience—and it starts with the first clasp.

Step-by-Step: How to Wear a Bra Perfectly

Step 1: Choose the Right Bra (And Size!)

Before we get to “how”, let’s talk “what”.

If your bra is the wrong size, nothing else matters. Over 70% of women wear the wrong bra size—usually going too large in the band and too small in the cup.

At Style Gallery, we offer bras from A to H+ cups across brands such as Parfait, Nessa, and Naturana, with real customer reviews so you can check how others have found the fit.

Here’s how to determine your size:

• Measure your underbust and bust to calculate your starting bra size (see our full bra fitting guidehere).
• Compare with the brand’s size chart, customer reviews, and any fit notes to decide whether to go up/down a size or not (not all brands fit identically!)
• Know your sister sizes so that if that 12C arrives and feels tight, you’ll know to try a 14B next.

Once you have the right bra in hand, let’s put it on perfectly.

Step 2: Hook It On the Loosest Hook

Most women instinctively go straight for the middle or tightest hook. Don’t.

Always aim for a new bra to fit best on the loosest hook. As the elastic naturally relaxes over time, you’ll have room to tighten it. This preserves the useful life of the garment and ensures you’re getting optimal support throughout.

Step 3: Lean Forward and Position the Cups

This is the step most people skip—but it’s the secret to flawless fit and lift.

Here’s what to do:

• Put your arms through the straps and fasten the band.
• Lean forward at the waist.
• Use your opposite hand to gently scoop each breast into the cup, lifting breast tissue upwards and inwards, and stand upright.

This ensures every bit of your breast is encased inside the underwire/cup and able to be properly supported. If you’re spilling out of the cups after this step, you need a larger cup size.

Tip: This step is especially important for fuller busts or side-set breasts. Combine this technique with side-smoothing bras from Exquisite Form or Naturana for exceptional results.

Step 4: Adjust the Straps (Don’t Over-Tighten!)

Your bra straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders without digging in or falling off. Use the sliders to adjust each side so the bra cups sit flush against your skin.

Remember:

• If the band is doing its job, the straps should carry only about 10-20% of the weight.
• Constantly needing to adjust the straps means either your band is too loose or your bra is too old and has lost its elasticity.

Step 5: Check the Band and Center Gore

This is the final checkpoint for the perfect fit.

• The band should sit level around your torso—not arching up in the back.
• The center gore (the part between your cups) should lie flat against your body. If it floats or gaps, your cup may be too small.

Try a style from wire-free bra specialists Royce Lingerie if you struggle with center gore pressure.

Wearing Different Types of Bras Perfectly

Not all bras are created equal—and different styles need different techniques. Let’s go deeper.

1. Underwire Bras

Brands to try: Natori, Nessa, Parfait, Passionata, Skarlett Blue

Tips:

• The wire should sit against your ribcage and under the breast, not on breast tissue.
• If the wire digs into your sides, the cup size is off.
• In a perfectly-fitted, well-made bra, you should barely notice the wire at all.

2. Strapless Bras

Brands to try: Leonisa, Natori, Parfait

Tips:

• Go for a snug band—the band does all the lifting here.
• Choose silicone-lined edges for a stays-put grip.
• Avoid over-padding—it can push your breasts out of the cup.

3. Sports Bras

Brands to try: Natori, Nessa, Parfait, Royce Lingerie, Bestform, Shock Absorber

Tips:

• For high impact, look for encapsulation styles (individual cups) plus compression.
• The bra should feel snug—like a firm hug—but you should be able to take a deep breath comfortably. You’ll be needing to while you exercise!
• Test it by jumping or stretching—no bounce means it’s working.

4. Bralettes and Wireless Bras

Brands to try: Bestform, Naturana, Parfait, Royce Lingerie, Exquisite Form, Billet Doux

Tips:

• These styles are more forgiving on fit, but you still need a firm band if you want secure support.
• Use the scoop-and-lift method to ensure you're sitting correctly in the cups.
• Don’t size down for a tighter fit—it will just roll or shift during wear.

Common Bra Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Mistake #1: Gaping Cups

Fix: Try a smaller cup size or a style with a lower neckline (e.g. balconette instead of full coverage).

Mistake #2: Spillage or Quad-Boob Effect

Fix: Go up a cup size or choose a full-coverage style for a smoother fit.

Mistake #3: Straps Falling Off

Fix: Shorten the straps, try a racerback or multiway bra, or go down a band size.

Mistake #4: Band Riding Up

Fix: Your band is too big—size down in the band and up the cup (e.g. 14B → 12C).

Mistake #5: Constant Readjusting

Fix: Your bra may be worn out. Bras lose elasticity over time—replace every 6–12 months or whenever you notice a decline in the fit and support.

Style Gallery Fit Promise: Helping You Wear It Right

Every bra you find at Style Gallery is handpicked for its comfort, performance and style. But more than that, we make sure you can wear it the right way from the first try.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Brand-Specific Fit Notes – No guesswork. If a style fits large or small, we’ll mention it in the description.
• Real Reviews – Our extensive customer reviews on the product pages make it easy to see what others before you have thought of the fit.
• Flexible Return Policy – Not quite right? Return or exchange with ease. Exchanges are free within Australia!
• Aussie-Based Customer Care – Need help choosing? Our team is here for you, based right here in Australia.Get in touch.

Final Bra-Wearing Checklist

Before you head out the door, do a quick mirror check:

• Band sits level around your body
• Cups are smooth—no gaps or bulges
• Straps are snug but not uncomfortable
• Center gore lies flat
• No need for readjustment after moving around a bit

If all these boxes are ticked, you’re wearing your bra perfectly.

Ready to Wear Confidence? Start With Style Gallery

The perfect bra isn’t just about fashion—it’s about how it makes you feel. At Style Gallery, we’re here to make sure that every piece you wear feels like it was made for your body and your lifestyle.

Shop Our Bra Collection Now

With the right fit and the perfect wear, every day becomes a good bra day.