October 25, 2023

Back support bra vs. professional bra fitting

Womens health is so important and there are many seemingly small choices we make that can greatly improve our health. A well-fitted bra can help to alleviate back, neck and shoulder pain, and improve posture by holding the breasts securely in place. This can mean that women don’t need a specialty back support or posture support bra, but rather, they need a bra that fits them well.

What are the benefits of a well-fitted bra for back support?

In 2008, a study published in the Journal of Chiropractic and Osteopathy found that 80% of women were not wearing their correct bra size – 70% were wearing a size that was too small for them and 10% were wearing a bra that was too big for them. This is something we very commonly see in our bra fitting suites and why it is so important to be fitted correctly.

Wearing the wrong size bra can cause a multitude of problems – breast, neck, back and shoulder pain, skin abrasions and chafing, bad posture, and breast tissue damage. A quick and simple way to help fix some of these health issues is to purchase a well-fitted bra. The benefits of wearing a well-fitting bra can include:

Better support – a well-fitted bra will evenly distribute the weight of the breasts, reducing tension on the back, neck, and shoulders.
Better breast health – a bra that reduces displacement and holds the breasts securely will help reduce the stretch and damage to the soft tissue and Cooper’s Ligaments.
Increased comfort – a correctly-fitted bra will have straps that don’t dig into your shoulders and the band will fit well, rather than being too firm or loose. There will be less marking on the skin and the bra will fit comfortably, rather than constantly noticing it is there.

(Image: Bodywell Healthcare 2023)

Posture Support: How do you know if your bra fits well?

A well-fitted bra can make a world of difference to your posture, shape, and any pain you may be experiencing around the back, neck and shoulder area. Many women have never had a professional bra fitting and it can be really difficult to determine what your correct bra size is.

We can divide the bra into different sections to look at the different components, which can help us decide if the bra fits well or not. Let’s take a look at them.

Best bra band fit for back support

Majority of a bra’s support system, around 80%, comes from the band. It is extremely important that the bra band fits well. It should be firm, but comfortable, and it also should be horizontal across your back. It should ride high or slope down. The band should also be on the loosest hook-and-eye fastening, as the band will stretch over time, and you will need to move up to the next fastening.

How the Underwire should fit for maximum posture support

The underwire should be flat on your ribcage and run smoothly up towards the armpit. If the underwire is sitting on your breast tissue, the bra is not the right size for you. This can also lead to tissue damage and soreness.

Centre gore bra fit

The gore – the strip of material in the centre of the bra – should lie flat against your chest and shouldn’t dig in, poke into you, or rub against you. If the gore is digging or rubbing, this can be a sign that your bra size is too small and if it is poking out or not sitting against your chest, this can mean the bra size is too big.

Best bra cup fit

The cups should fully encase both breasts, without bulging or spillage. Ideally, there shouldn’t be any gaping at the top, but this will depend on the style of bra and your breast tissue density.

Ideal strap setting

Majority of people think most of a bra’s support comes from the strap, but as we have learnt, it primarily comes from the band. However, the straps do account for about 10% of the bra’s total support. This is why it is very important that the straps sit comfortably in the middle of the shoulder with digging in. They also shouldn’t slip down or feel loose.

🎥 Here's a link to a video explaining 'How a bra should fit and why'

Posture support bra: The Enell Sports Bra

After gaining worldwide fame on the Oprah Winfrey Show, people have discovered (and loved) the Enell Sports Bra. It lifts the weight off the shoulders and distributes it to the back – where it should be ideally.

The Enell Sports Bra needs to fit firmly to achieve its best results. It works by flattening breast tissue to the chest wall, with the compression allowing the breasts to move in better alignment with the body. If you have been wearing two bras or are constantly feeling like you want to rip your bra off, the Enell Sports Bra might be for you!

Enell Sports Bra | Sizes 00-8

Compressive and weight-shifting

One of the lucky ones located in Victoria? 😉

Come and see us for a bra fitting in Camberwell. Our team of dedicated experienced Bra Fitters will spend 30 minutes with you trying on as many Everyday and Sports Bra options as you'll allow us to. We work with 18 industry leading brands from all over the world, so there really is something for everyone. We run strictly by appointment (and are often booked out) so don't forget to make a booking before you arrive 💁🏽‍♀️

She Science, our Specialty Bra Store, offers cup sizes A - J and band sizes 6 - 26. We work with 18 industry leading brands from all over the world. Our comprehensive Sports and Everyday Bra fitting service is available by appointment, out of our fitting suite in Camberwell, Melbourne (Australia). Come on in and we'll find you your best match taking in to account your size, shape, activity demands and personal style preferences. Our team of experienced bra fitters would love to meet you.