Bra 101: Is there a right way to put your bra on?
People have different ways of putting on their clothes. For instance, some people wear both socks before slipping their feet into their shoes, while others fit their left foot into a sock and shoe first before doing the right one. Women also have their own styles when it comes to putting on their bras—a garment they wear every day.
An online discussion started on Threads after a social media user found out one of her best friends positions her bra differently. The woman, according to the post, puts it on back to front, clips it at the front, spins it around, and then puts her arms through the straps.
One user shared that this is what she's been doing, too.
"How would you do it otherwise? If you've been trying to clip the back yourself with some double-jointed arm magicbless you," she said.
"Almost 62 and have done that since day one," another added.
Another user echoed the original poster's surprise at the said "spinning" method.
"I thought only older women did this. I'm not doing all that twisting. I'm putting my arms in the straps then [reaching] around the back to clasp myself in," she said.
Whether you're wearing an everyday bra, sports bra, or something else, the right one can make all the difference. It's about more than just appearance; it's about feeling at ease and supported in every situation. But how do you ensure you're putting it on the right way?
'No right or wrong way'
Camille Escudero, founder of the health innerwear brand Lily of the Valley, told PhilSTAR L!fe that there is no "correct" way to put on a bra, but there are traditional styles.
"It's important to note that individual needs and preferences can vary," Escudero said, adding that the traditional method for putting on a bra involves putting your arms through the shoulder straps, fitting the cup over your breasts, pulling the back bands around, and clasping the bra at the back.
Escudero also emphasized that while experts often recommend the traditional method, it's important to acknowledge that some people find this challenging due to mobility issues or personal preferences.
She then suggested the method that Threads users were talking about.
"This method can potentially stretch the bra elastic and affect the underwire, but it's crucial to recognize that this may be the most practical or only feasible method for some wearers," she told L!fe.
While there are design limitations and innovations, Escudero said the most important factor in positioning bras is finding a method and design that works for you.
"Bra fit and comfort are highly individual, and what works for one person may not work for another. The goal is to achieve proper support and comfort, regardless of the method used to put on the bra," she said.
"While there are recommended methods for putting on a bra, it's not accurate to label methods as 'right' or 'wrong,' especially when they accommodate different needs and abilities. The focus should be on finding a comfortable, well-fitting bra and a method of putting it on that works for the individual."
Finding the right bra
While there's no wrong way to put on a bra, mistakes can happen when choosing the garment. Maddie Cruz, founder of Filipino lingerie brand Love, Maddie shared that most women don't know their correct size. Others also experience the straps digging in, bands riding up, or cups that just don't fit right.
"For instance, we've had experiences where the customers purposely size down to achieve a sexier, more lifted look, but they end up with pieces that are just uncomfortable. But we get it; having the right bra can take your outfit on another level."
Nonetheless, Cruz emphasized that women should find bras that actually fit them instead of bras that they need to fit into.
Taking time to adjust our bra straps is the simplest and easiest solution for a snug fit, according to Escudero.
If you're getting indentations on your shoulder (and sometimes headaches or pain), you may be tightening your straps too much. Escudero suggests that loosening them to find the right length will help you.
Moreover, if you're finding yourself tightening your straps to hold up your breasts, then your band is likely incorrect.
"Our breasts should be lifted from the band, not the straps. Go down a size for better support. Remember, when we get a smaller band size, we must go one size up on the cup. For example, from a 36C, go down to a 34D. Conversely, if we need to go up a band, from a 36C we go up to a 38B," Escudero suggested.
Similarly, if the band is still riding up when the straps are correctly adjusted, you can go a size down for better support. A properly fitting band should sit snugly and run straight across your back.
If the band fits and there's some spillage happening either over the side band or over the bra cups, you should go for a bigger cup.
"Our breast tissue goes all the way back to under our armpits, so we need to scoop in all that tissue into the cup and ensure the bra cup carries everything in. Wires shouldn't be cutting into breast tissue; if they do, we need to go a cup higher," Escudero chided.
When the summer heat kicks in, staying comfortable while looking stylish can feel like a balancing act—especially when finding the right bra. Rising temperatures and humidity can make it tricky to wear supportive and breathable bras.
"Don't sacrifice comfort, ever!" Cruz advised. "The heat can make everything a bit more stressful. If you don't feel good, it will most likely show. Take time to find your right size and consider getting something custom done."
