Why Does My Bra Cup Gap? Does It Mean It’s The Wrong Size?

If you’ve noticed some gaps or wrinkles in your bra cups, or if the center of your bra doesn’t lie flat against your chest, don’t worry, it’s not just you.

Bra cup gaps are more common than you think. The good news is that the solution is quite simple. 

There are a few different ways to solve the problem once you understand why it’s happening in the first place. If you’re dealing with unsightly and uncomfortable gaps in your bra cups read on to learn the possible causes and what you can do to prevent it in the future. 

What causes a gaping bra?

Gaps in your bra cups are caused by one or more of the following reasons:

• You’ve recently lost weight and you’ve lost volume in your breasts.
• Your cup size is too big.
• You’re wearing the wrong style cup for your breast type.
• Your straps have stretched out and need to be adjusted.

How do you fix a bra cup gap?

Now that we know what causes the gaps, here are the simple steps to fix it:

1. Tighten your straps. If your cups are gapping around the top try to tighten the straps a bit. Straps will start to stretch out as the elastic gets worn. This will happen faster if you’re machine washing or drying your bras. Don’t tighten them too much! You don’t want your straps digging into your shoulders (ouch!). If you’ve tightened them and there’s still a gap the straps aren’t the issue. 
2. Check your fit. That’s right, it’s time to measure again! This is especially important to do if your weight has changed or if it’s been a while. Even if you’re the same weight your breasts will start to lose volume overtime at the top of the breast because of aging and/or gravity. Try going down a cup size and see if that takes care of the problem.
3. Reassess your style. If the cup is the correct size but you still notice gaps or puckering you may need to experiment with different bra types. Certain breast shapes such as Bell Shaped, Teardrop, Slender, Pendulous, East-West and Asymmetric have less volume at the top of the breast. Because most of the weight rests at the bottom of the cup there’s room for gaping. Try Demi, Push-Up, or Balconette style bras. Plunge style bras may also be a good choice as the cups are angled helping to eliminate gaps. If your breasts are noticeably uneven it may help to put an insert into the side that’s smaller. Another great option would be to find a style that has cups that stretch either all over or at the top of the cup. 
4. Check your band. Make sure that your bra band is not riding up in the back. It should be parallel to the ground and even with the front of your bra. 
5. Try putting your bra on in a different way. After securing your bra, take time to lift each breast into each individual cup. Make sure that the tissue fills the cup and that the nipples are positioned in the center. 
6. Out with the old and in with the new! If you haven’t lost weight, are wearing the right style for your breast type and are wearing the right size, it may be just that your bra is too old. Just like the straps and band stretch over time, the cups may have stretched. Take this opportunity to get yourself a new bra and ditch the gaping cups!

What about the center gore?

The center gore is the part of the bra that is between the cups. In a bra that fits well, the center gore lies flat against your breastbone. If there is a gap it could mean that your cups are too small and your breast tissue isn’t fitting into the cups properly.

If your breasts are very close together look for bras that have a narrow center gore or a very low gore, like a plunge bra.

How should a bra cup fit?

Ideally, a bra cup will hold all of your breast tissue without any gaping or spillage on the top or on the sides. 

The top of the cup should conform to your breast. The general rule of thumb is if you’re spilling out it’s too small, and if you’re experiencing gaps it’s too big. 

Best bra styles to eliminate gaps

Once you know why your bra cups are gaping it’s time to find a style or size that will suit you better. Here are a few of our top picks.

1. The T-Back Front-Close Underwire Bra features plunge style cups that are angled to help eliminate gaping in some breast types. It also has a low and narrow center gore, great for close-set breasts. The secure front closure makes it easy to put on and take off, and the lace details add a stylish and feminine touch. 
2. The Everyday Seamless Support T-Shirt Bra is a comfortable choice for everyday wear, even under form-fitting clothing. Wide padded straps are perfect for helping to support heavy breasts without digging into your shoulder. The full-coverage cups fully encapsulate the breast tissue seamlessly and the moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and dry. 
3. The Feel the Magic Wire-Free Support Bra is a great option for those who prefer to go wire-free. The MagicLift design provides lift and support like an underwire but without the metal, and the contoured cups add full coverage.
4. The Allover Lace Front-Close Underwire Bra has beautiful lace cups that stretch to give you a perfect fit without any gaps. Cushioned underwire gives you the support that you need without the discomfort. 

Concluding Thoughts

You deserve a bra that fits like it was made for you. If you have cups that gap the first step is to figure out why and then find a bra that solves those issues for you.