The Wrong Size Report:
How Wearing an Ill-Fitting Bra Can Impact Your Health
When was the last time you had your bra size measured? If your answer is I can’t remember or even never, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: your bra isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good too.
A properly fitted bra can make all the difference – not just for your comfort – but for your health and confidence. So, why are so many people putting it off?
We’ve commissioned research on Brits with boobs to understand how frequently they get measured, what their biggest blockers are, and if they know the signs and symptoms of a bra that doesn’t quite fit right.
Then, we teamed up with Dr Deborah Lee, a GP, sexual and reproductive health and menopause specialist from Dr Fox Pharmacy, to highlight what to look out for, and why it’s important to get fitted.
92% of Brits with boobs aren’t getting their bra measured frequently enough
Regular bra fittings – every six months – are recommended for many reasons, from hormonal changes through to ageing, or simply to resolve discomfort. Our bodies change all the time and it’s important for everyone to feel comfortable in their lingerie.
According to our research, 92% of people with boobs aren’t getting their bra measured as often as they should be, 27% reveal it’s been more than 10 years since their last fitting and a further quarter (25%) share that they have never had one.
In fact, only 8% have had it done according to the recommended guidance, meaning there could be a lot of people wearing bras that don’t fit them properly, and are potentially feeling the impacts.
Looking at how the research compares across different cities, residents in Liverpool are least likely to get their bra size measured, as over a third (35%) admit to never having it done.
Those in Leeds (33%) aren’t far behind, followed by Sheffield and Edinburgh (32%).
Dr Deborah Lee comments: “As a doctor, I would very much like to encourage people to have regular, professional fittings. When you think that up to 47% of the population suffers from musculoskeletal pain – this includes back, head, neck, and shoulders – a significant portion of this is very likely due to wearing the wrong size bra.
“A well-fitted bra can be your best friend, and once it’s the correct size, you will feel better, happier, and have greater self-confidence and self-esteem.”
So what exactly is it that’s stopping Brits from getting their bra measured?
The top five blockers for bra fitting appointments
Despite 69% of those surveyed displaying signs of a poorly-fitted bra, over a third (35%) said that their main reason for not getting measured is because their current bras fit fine.
The second most common reason is feelings of embarrassment or being uncomfortable (23%) – which almost half of Gen Zers listed as their biggest reason – and whilst this is completely understandable, the purpose of a fitting is to make sure you have the support you need and that you feel your best self.
Dr Deborah Lee shares her advice: “Breasts come in all shapes and sizes and our breasts won’t be anything the bra fitter hasn’t seen before. Remember, they are professionals and are trained to help put you at ease. Your dignity will be maintained as much as possible, and the person conducting the fitting will be discreet.
“It’s a few minutes worth of feeling uncomfortable, but afterwards, think about how good you will feel and how much more positively you can embrace life. Take your mum or a friend and make it a day out. Go for coffee or lunch afterwards. Your breasts will thank you for it!”
Over one in five (22%) listed time as a constraint for attending a fitting, with that being the biggest blocker for Millennials.
For those that don’t yet feel ready to venture in-store – whether that’s because you don’t feel comfortable or because you’re limited on time – Lounge has its very own virtual service, The Fitting Room, that carefully quizzes you on your current underwear and how it fits, to help you find the perfect size.
Understanding sister sizing can be key to finding the perfect fit too. Sister sizing involves adjusting the band and cup proportion to suit your shape, ensuring maximum comfort. After all, two people with the same cup size may need different band sizes, and vice versa.
For instance, you notice that a 32D fits perfectly in one shop, but feels snug around the band in another. In this case, opting for a sister size like 34C can provide a better fit without compromising support. You can download our sister sizing chart here.
And whilst we always recommend a professional fitting, you can also look into how to measure your bra size at home.
Eight indicators that your bra doesn’t fit properly
It’s not always easy to spot the signs that your current bra is lacking in both physical and emotional support. To make sure everyone knows what to look out for, we’ve revealed the eight indicators that your bra might be failing you:
Whether it’s tight or loose straps, the cups of your bra gaping, or the band rising up your back, discomfort can arise from just one of these signs. In fact, over two-thirds (69%) of those surveyed highlighted that they experience at least one of the indicators from their current bras, showing just how many people could be experiencing side effects. That’s not all, one in eight (12%) selected half of the indicators on the list.
According to the research, parents are experiencing these signs too, with a higher percentage of them encountering seven out of the eight signals, compared to those without children.
Health implications of an ill-fitting bra
Whilst an ill-fitting bra might not seem like it can cause problems, there are a whole host of side effects that can arise if you are wearing the wrong size, including:
- Back, shoulder, and neck pain
- Poor posture
- Skin irritation and rashes
- Grooves in the shoulders
- Breast tissue damage
- Breast and nipple pain
- Reduced self-confidence
- Restricted blood circulation
- Headaches
- Emotional distress
- Permanent changes in breast shape
- Digestive issues e.g. indigestion
- Numbness in the fingers
Dr Deborah Lee comments: “With so many people wearing the wrong bra size, it undoubtedly has major health implications and can cause all of the above symptoms. When you think that up to 47% of the population suffers from musculoskeletal pain – this includes back, head, neck, and shoulder pain – a significant proportion of this is very likely due to wearing the wrong size bra.
“The pain of wearing too tight a band around your chest can be considerable. Some try to compensate by loosening the shoulder straps which doesn’t help. The tight-fitting also constricts the chest and can make breathing difficult for anyone with a chest condition such as asthma. Too tight a pressure on the chest wall can contribute to acid reflux and indigestion.”
When respondents were asked if they knew all of the symptoms associated with an ill-fitting bra, only 2% were able to spot each one listed. What’s more, as little as 4% successfully selected half. Almost one in five (18%) highlighted one, with a further 15% choosing two.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, back, shoulder, and neck pain was the most common symptom, followed by poor posture, skin irritation and rashes. Numbness in the fingers and digestive issues such as indigestion were the least known associations with a poorly fitted bra.
Remember, wearing underwear that fits well isn’t just an accessory – it’s a form of self-care – so take the time to prioritise your comfort and health in the way that works best for you. Your body will thank you for it.
Survey methodology
Using TLF, in November 2024, we surveyed 1,000 people in the UK that have breasts, gathering insight from different ages and cities, as well as parents and those without children.