We've all heard the data. More than half the women out there are wearing the wrong bra size—and yeah, that's pretty bad for you. Wearing the wrong bra size could lead to shoulder and back pain, not to mention that an errant underwire poking into your sensitive breast tissue just plain old hurts. You already know how important it is to get fitted twice a year by a professional bra fitter, as our bodies change with age and even the seasons. But what about the bras you already own. They can't all be the wrong ones, can they? Well, thanks to British lingerie retailer, Rigby & Peller there's an easy way to find out. The company, which holds the royal warrant to provide Queen Elizabeth II with her knickers and brassieres (Hey, if they're good enough for THE QUEEN, they're certainly good enough for us) gave us their are five never-fail signs you're wearing the wrong bra. Read them and try them out for yourself. 5 Signs You're Wearing the Wrong Bra: 1. You Can't Fit Two Fingers Underneath the Back Band: About ninety percent of the bra's support should come from the band. Think of the shoulder straps as a back up plan. The bra band should feel snug around your torso—and don't freak out that it's going to give you "back fat." Firstly, the right-sized bra pushes your breasts up and forward, giving you a leaner look. Second, you're human and it's normal to have an slight indentation in that area. You should start off on the first or middle hook when you first buy a bra, and be able to fit your index and forefinger in the back comfortably. That way, it's not to tight or too loose, and you can tighten the strap as it wears and stretches out over time. 2. The Underwire Is Poking Into Your Breast Tissue: Breast tissue is super delicate and the last thing you want to do is irritate that part of your body–especially with a metal wire. Your underwire should sit on your ribs and be in line with the middle of your underarm. That way, your breasts fit completely inside the cups, letting your bra do what it's supposed to do. 3. Your Bra Gaps In Between Your Breasts: Front-gapping is a telltale sign you're in the wrong size. The center part of your bra, in-between the cups, should sit flush against your skin. 4. Your Straps Are Digging Into Your Shoulders: As stated earlier, most of the support should come from the bra band, NOT the straps. A common mistake women make is buying a bra that's too wide across, and compensating the unbalance by tightening the straps…a lot. Too-tight straps can cause myriad problems, and repeated wear can even cause permanent marks on your shoulders. 5. Your Bra Just Isn't…Comfortable: Do you take off your bra the second you get home for the night? Then this one's for you. It may seem basic, but bras should not feel like a Medieval torture device. We're in 2016, guys, and with all the technology out there, we actually have access to bras that don't hurt. Your bra should help you feel like your best self…and if it's a sexy lacy one on top of that, well, we most definitely approve. For more proof that bras are just the most fascinating garments out there, check out the evolution of every woman's wardrobe foundation right here.
