Globally, research suggests that as many as 8 in 10 women are wearing the wrong bra size (Greenbaum et al., Annals of Plastic Surgery, 2003). Here in Singapore, after fitting hundreds of women in less than a year, I believe the figure is even higher — edging closer to 95%.
If you’ve ever struggled to find the right bra size, you are not alone. This isn’t just a fashion statistic. Wearing the wrong bra size has real consequences for health, posture, and everyday comfort. In this article, I’ll share why so many women end up in the wrong size, the health risks, and how to start checking your own bra fit at home.
Why So Many Women in Singapore End Up in the Wrong Bra Size
There are three main reasons women often wear bras that don’t fit:
1. Lack of education – Most women were never taught how a bra should fit. Instead, we inherit habits from our mothers, or guess based on what’s available in stores.
2. Limited size ranges – Mainstream lingerie shops in Singapore often stock only a narrow size range (e.g., 32–38 A–D). Many women end up buying “close enough,” even if it isn’t right.
3. Changing bodies – Our bodies change with pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, weight fluctuations, or surgery. Yet many women don’t update their bras to match these changes.
The Impact of Wearing the Wrong Bra Size
A poor fit isn’t just uncomfortable — it can have real health consequences. Research shows:
-
Musculoskeletal pain: Poor bra fit contributes to neck, shoulder, and back pain, especially in women with larger breasts (Burnett et al., Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2015).
-
Restricted activity: Inadequate support discourages women from exercising (Scurr et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2010).
-
Breast sagging (ptosis): Over time, age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight changes naturally affect breast ligaments and skin elasticity. While bras can’t completely prevent sagging, the right support reduces strain on ligaments and makes daily life more comfortable
-
Bulging & spillage: Ill-fitting bras often create noticeable bulges under the arms, around the back, or at the top of the cups. This isn’t “tissue migration,” but rather tissue being pushed into areas where the bra isn’t providing enough room or support.
How to Check if Your Bra Fits: 3 Easy Steps
You don’t need to be an expert to start checking whether your bra fits. Here are three simple tests you can try at home:
1. Band Test – The band should do 80% of the support. It should sit on the loosest hooks when new, be level around your body, and the cups should sit exactly where the breast meets the torso — not lower. The band should never ride up your back. If it moves upwards, it’s too loose.
2. Strap Test – Straps should add light support but not take over the job of the band. If your straps leave deep grooves or slip off constantly, your band or cups may not be the right size.
3. Cup Test – Your breast tissue should be fully contained within the cups. No gaping (too big), no spillage (too small). The cups should sit smoothly against your skin, with the underwire (if present) following the natural crease of your breast.
Why a Professional Fitting Still Matters
These checks are a great starting point — but they only go so far. Every woman’s body is unique: breast shape, spacing, tissue density, posture, even lifestyle all affect which bras truly work for you.
That’s where a professional fitter makes the difference. We don’t just measure — we read the cues your body gives, bring options you may never have tried, and adjust until you feel both supported and comfortable.
It’s like the difference between buying shoes by guessing your size online, versus trying them on with an expert who knows the brand, the cut, and what will last. A fitter’s eye can spot in seconds what a mirror can’t.
👉 A quick at-home check is valuable, but lasting comfort, health, and confidence only come with the expertise of a professional fitting.
Why a Well-Fitted Bra Boosts Confidence
A good bra fit doesn’t just support your body — it transforms how you feel.
• Clothes fit better.
• You stand taller.
• Most importantly, you feel more confident.
Many women say that after their first correct bra fitting, they felt as if a weight had been lifted — and finally discovered what true comfort feels like.
Where to Find Bra Fitting Expertise in Singapore
Supporting Eve is Singapore’s go-to destination for expert bra fittings and one of the widest size ranges in Asia.
I founded Supporting Eve because I personally struggled with bra shopping after 2 children, a breast reduction and early menopause. Our boutique in Cluny Court now carries band sizes 28–44 and cup sizes A–K, including sports bras, maternity bras, teen bras, and everyday essentials from world‑renowned brands.
But more importantly, we focus on education — teaching women how a bra should fit so they never have to settle for “close enough.”
Final Thoughts
If 9 out of 10 women in Singapore are wearing the wrong bra size, it’s not an individual failure — it’s a system problem. Women haven’t been taught what they deserve to know about their own bodies.
The good news? Once you know the basics of bra fitting, small changes — like adjusting your band size or cup style — can make a huge difference in daily comfort.
Take the Next Step
If you found this guide useful, share it with a friend — one quick fit-check could change her whole day.
And if you’re in Singapore, visit us at Supporting Eve in Cluny Court to learn more about professional bra fitting.
Our mission is simple: to help women feel supported, comfortable, and confident every single day.
About Supporting Eve
Supporting Eve is Singapore’s go-to lingerie boutique for D+ cup bras, specialising in hard-to-find sizes, luxury bra fittings, and everyday support that actually fits.
We stock band sizes 28–44 and cup sizes A–K, including sports bras, maternity bras, teen bras, and everyday essentials from world-renowned brands.
Located at #02-10 Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road — right next to Botanic Gardens MRT — our boutique is a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free space where every woman can feel confident, comfortable, and supported.
🕙 Opening Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 10am–7pm
Sunday: 10am–5pm
Come visit us in-store or shop online at supportingeve.sg to experience the difference of a truly supportive fit.
References
Burnett, E., White, J. & Scurr, J. (2015) ‘The influence of the breast on physical activity participation in females’, Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 12(4), pp. 588–594. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2013-0236. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2013-0236 (Accessed: September 2025).
Haake, S. & Scurr, J. (2010) ‘A dynamic model of the breast during exercise’, Sports Engineering, 12, pp. 189–197. doi: 10.1007/s12283-010-0046-z. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-010-0046-z (Accessed: September 2025).
Norris, M., Harrison, R., Hardy, R., Harrison, S. & Scurr, J. (2020) ‘Do static and dynamic activities induce potentially damaging breast skin strain?’, BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 6(1). doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000781. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7365429/ (Accessed: September 2025).
Gilmer, D., Eglin, C., Smith, N., & Risius, D. (2024) ‘The Impact of Breasts and Bras on Physical Activity: A Systematic Review’, Journal of Women’s Sports Medicine, 4(2). Available at: https://www.jwomenssportsmed.org/index.php/jwsm/article/view/49 (Accessed: September 2025).