Is it normal for your bra to leave marks?

It’s been a long day. You get home and sometimes the first thing you want to do is take your bra off. We get it, we’ve been there too.

Bad fitting bras can dig in, cause shoulder pain, cut into your under boob – basically everything that might make you want to join the bra burning conventions.

However, the truth is, bras aren’t meant to hurt you. If they do, they don’t fit you. Simple as that. Bra’s leaving marks on you, however, could mean several different things. Let’s break it down .... 

It just doesn’t fit

Do any of the following signs ring true to you - Underwires sitting on the breast tissue? Do they dig in underneath your armpit? Does your band feel so tight it restricts movement?

If you’re saying yes to any of the above, it’s a sign that you need a new bra and to be refitted. We recommend our community gets refitted every 6 – 8 months as our bodies are consciously changing and we can change bra size up to 9 times in our life. Remember, a good fitting bra should feel like a consistent hug throughout the day, without feeling too restrictive or causing any pain. 

Hormones, hormones, hormones.

Our bodies change consistently throughout our lives, not to mention throughout the month, week, or day. Being kind to our bodies and their evolution is important – it’s natural to have shifting shapes and boobs that don’t always look and feel the same. During your time of the month breasts can increase in size, meaning that bras which once fitted perhaps are no longer a good option. Sensitive boobs and tender areas are common, so we recommend adding a bra or bralette to your collection that allows you to have support without adding any pressure to yourself to squeeze into your everyday option. Plus, goodbye any unwanted pressure marks – win win 

It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes …

Balmy summer days can mean one thing, swelling. As our bodies try to remain cool, our body may swell slightly. On those days, we recommend opting for bralettes to avoid adding extra pressure. If you’re in need of support and want an underwired option, we recommend opting for styles with thicker underbands and more uplifting straps.

Sometimes it’s best to blame the bra

If you’re still holding onto the old bras you used to wear more than 5 years ago, it’s time to let them go. Yes, that means parting ways with your old Topshop padded underwires that don’t fit anymore. Think about it this way, you wouldn’t walk around every day in shoes that don’t fit would you? Supporting ourselves in more ways than one with a good fitting bra is key. We might be biased, but the confidence a good fitting bra can provide is second to none. 

In short, marks on the skin from our underwear can mean several things. Always take into consideration external factors such as bodily changes or the seasons. But don’t ignore signs that your bra doesn’t fit and that your old bras need a makeover. A good fitting bra may leave shoulder marks after a long day, or band marks on your back; but it shouldn’t be digging in, ridding up or causing pain.

The image shown is from @charlihoward and her lingerie collection with Playful Promises is available to shop here