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There’s a certain kind of confidence that comes from knowing your lingerie fits like a dream. Your posture improves, your silhouette looks better, and you feel supported—literally and emotionally. But here's the uncomfortable truth: the majority of women are wearing the wrong bra size, according to multiple industry studies.
Whether you're wearing the same bra size you got measured as five years ago, or you’re guessing your fit when you buy bras online and then just putting up with it if it’s not quite right, you're not alone. Many women deal with discomfort, spillage, gaping or pain—all signs of a poor fit. The silver lining? These issues are easily fixable once you know what to look for.
At Style Gallery, we want every Australian woman to feel supported, confident and comfortable in her lingerie. That’s why today, we’re breaking down the most common bra fitting mistakes, their telltale signs, and how to fix them—so your next lingerie purchase becomes a long-term love affair.
1. Wearing the Wrong Band Size
The Mistake:
The band is the foundation of your bra—it should be firm and snug, providing almost all the support. Yet many women wear bands that are too loose, causing the straps to overcompensate and dig into the shoulders.
Signs:
- Your bra curves up at the back.
- You’re fastening your bra on the tightest hook, even if it’s relatively new.
- You feel like you’re not getting enough lift.
The Fix:
When trying on a new bra, it should fit snugly on the loosest hook. As the fabric stretches over time, you’ll move inward to the tighter hooks. If you can easily slot more than two fingers under your bra band, it’s likely too loose.
At Style Gallery, we recommend measuring your underbust and referring to the brand’s specific size chart before you buy any bra online. Fit varies by brand and you may not need the same size in every bra you buy, so sizing guidance is crucial.
2. Choosing a Cup Size That’s Too Small or Too Big
The Mistake:
Cup size confusion is at the heart of many bra fitting mistakes. Women often choose a cup that's too small (causing spillage and a ‘lumpy’ look under clothing) or too large (leading to gaping cups and a lack of support).
Signs:
- Double-boob effect under your clothes (cup too small).
- Gaping or wrinkled cups (cup too big).
- The underwire doesn’t fully encircle your breast tissue (cups too small oryou haven’t put it on correctly).
The Fix:
Your breasts should fill the cup completely without bulging or gaping. The underwire should lie flat against your chest and wrap comfortably all the way around the base of your breast tissue.
If you're unsure about your size when trying a new brand, consider buying a few that you can evaluate to determine your ideal fit. Our flexible returns policy makes returns and exchanges seamless. Our site also includes detailed fit notes where relevant, and friendly customer support to help you choose the right size first time round when you buy bras online.
3. Ignoring Breast Shape
The Mistake:
Not all breasts are shaped the same. Some are fuller at the bottom, others at the top. Some are widely spaced; others are close-set. Wearing a bra that doesn’t suit your shape is another one of the most common bra fitting issues and affects both comfort and aesthetics.
Signs:
- Cups wrinkle at the top or bottom.
- You struggle to get a good cleavage effect despite correct sizing.
- Your bra seems to ‘float’ in areas instead of hugging your bust.
The Fix:
Choose bra styles that cater to your breast shape:
- Balconette bras (such as those from Passionata and Skarlett Blue) are great for full-on-bottom shapes.
- Plunge bras work well for close-set breasts.
- T-shirt bras with molded cups suit fuller, rounder busts.
- Full-coverage bras or minimisers (offered by Naturana) help contain and lift larger busts.
Understanding your shape will make shopping for online lingerie a much smoother process—and help you avoid disappointment.
4. Letting the Straps Do All the Work
The Mistake:
Many women tighten their straps to compensate for poor support from the band or cup. This results in shoulder pain and grooves, without solving the core problem.
Signs:
- Shoulder pain or deep strap marks.
- Straps constantly slipping off or digging in.
- You rely entirely on straps for lift.
The Fix:
Your bra's support should come 80% from the band and only 20% from the straps. If you feel like your straps are doing all the heavy lifting, it’s time to revisit your band and cup size.
Brands such as Exquisite Form and Leonisa engineer bras with smart posture support systems in the band, so you get the lift you need without shoulder strain. But any bra with a wide band and correct fit should lead to pain-free shoulders.
5. Not Adjusting Your Bra Regularly
The Mistake:
You find a bra that fits perfectly and never adjust it again. But bras aren’t static—they stretch and shift with time and washing.
Signs:
- You’ve had the same bra for more than a year and it no longer supports well.
- The bra fits differently than when you first bought it.
- You’ve changed weight but are still buying the same bra size.
The Fix:
Every few months, check your band tightness and move to the next hook if needed. Replace your bras every 6–12 months, depending on wear. At Style Gallery, ourrewards programmeans that every order earns you some credit towards the next one.
6. Sticking to One Style for Every Outfit
The Mistake:
Wearing the same bra style with all outfits is a shortcut to wardrobe frustration. That lacy balconette probably won’t sit well under your clingy white blouse!
Signs:
- Visible bra lines or textures through clothes.
- Straps peeking out from unusual necklines.
- Your silhouette doesn’t look seamless under clothing.
The Fix:
Diversify your lingerie drawer:
- T-shirt bras for smooth everyday wear.
- Plunge bras for V-neck tops.
- Convertible or strapless bras for tricky necklines.
- Shapewear bras such as those from Naomi & Nicole for contouring under form-fitting dresses.
Remember, form follows function—even in lingerie.
7. Not Trying Before Buying (Even Online!)
The Mistake:
Adding a bra to your cart without checking fit recommendations or brand size guides is risky. Each brand fits differently, and you won’t always need the same size.
Signs:
- You always return bras you buy online.
- You’ve never checked the fit guide.
- You rely solely on the size you think you are.
The Fix:
When you buy bras online, especially on a platform like Style Gallery that offers detailed fit information and product-level customer reviews, make full use of those resources to be sure you’re adding the right size to your cart.
8. Forgetting the Impact of Hormones & Life Changes
The Mistake:
Assuming your size never changes, even through life events like pregnancy, weight fluctuation, or menopause.
Signs:
- Bra suddenly feels uncomfortable after months of perfect fit.
- You’re still buying the same size you did a decade ago.
- You've experienced a general body size change recently.
The Fix:
Reassess your bra size every 6 months, especially if you’ve undergone physical or hormonal changes.Follow our fitting guide herefor best results.
Why Fixing These Bra Fitting Mistakes Matters
Correcting these common bra fitting issues is about more than comfort—it’s about confidence. A well-fitted bra can:
- Improve your posture
- Enhance your silhouette
- Boost your self-esteem
- Make your clothes fit better
- Reduce physical discomfort
That’s why our customers across Australia trust Style Gallery to help them make informed decisions when they buy bras online. We don’t just offer beautiful lingerie—we offer a better experience of your body.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Lingerie Empower You
The right bra doesn't just support your bust—it supports your life. It allows you to move, breathe, laugh, work, and feel beautiful doing all of it. Avoiding bra fitting mistakes helps you to embrace every outfit and every moment with comfort and confidence.
At Style Gallery, we believe that premium lingerie isn’t a luxury—it’s a daily essential. That’s why we bring you curated collections from global leaders in the intimates sphere such as Passionata, adidas Underwear, Natori, Naturana, and Miraclesuit—and the expert advice to go with them.
Ready to upgrade your fit?
Buy bra online: click now to browse our handpicked collection and shop with confidence today. The perfect fit is waiting—don’t settle for anything less.
