How your bra can affect your posture

A good, well-fitting bra offers support and comfort and can boost your confidence.

However, a poor-fitting bra can have a negative effect on your posture, potentially leading to back and neck pain, as well as other health issues.

Why can a poor-fitting bra lead to bad posture?

Surveys show that only one in five women wear the right-sized bra for their breasts. A bra that is too large or too small can lead to a lot of issues.

Some of the tell-tale signs that a bra isn’t correctly fitted include:

• The band is riding up or is too loose – you should be able to fit two fingers under it
• The shoulder straps are digging in
• The centre part of your bra isn’t lying flat against your skin
• Your breasts are spilling out over the top of the cups – the dreaded ‘quadboob’!

A bra that is too tight or too small can put pressure on your shoulders, which can cause them to hunch forward. This puts stress on the neck and upper back. Tight straps can also put additional pressure on your neck.

A bra that is too big doesn’t offer enough support. This can lead to your breasts pulling your body downwards, leading to a rounded spine. This can put a strain on your chest and might mean you have to shift weight onto your hips or feet to alleviate the pain.

When you wear a bra that is too tight, small, or large, your body has to work harder to maintain good posture. This can lead to discomfort, tiredness, and muscle aches.

How to choose the perfect bra for your posture

Picking out a well-fitting bra can make a world of difference to your posture and overall health! Here are some of our top tips for making sure your bra offers the proper support:

• Get professionally fitted for a bra. Most bra specialists and women’s clothing stores offer bra fitting services and will make sure you’re wearing the right-sized bra
• Get refitted once a year, or if you experience a lifestyle change. For example, if you have lost weight or are pregnant
• Don’t wash your bra after every wear, as this can cause the bra to lose elasticity and provide less support. Handwash where you can, or put in a mesh bag or pillowcase to protect it in the washing machine
• Choose a bra with wide straps – this means a more even distribution of pressure on the shoulders
• A posture bra can remind you to pull your shoulders back and stand up straight, helping to improve your posture over time. Alternatively, why not invest in a posture corrector?

Choose the right bra, and your posture will thank you for it!