(HealthyAccess)- Have you replaced your bra lately? Bras need to be replaced every now and then in order to avoid discomfort, poor support, and literal pain for the wearer.
Many women have a broken in, older bra for comfort. Old Reliable may be the go-to when all other bras are in the dirty laundry or when you’re lounging, but there are several signs that indicate the old bra actually needs to be replaced. As wonderful as it would be to hold onto bras and not cash in for new ones, that’s not realistic. Sometimes, it’s simply time to go shopping for a new, better-fitting bra.
Here are the top indicators that it’s time to replace a bra.
Too Small
Band Bulges
A band bulge is when the skin bulges right below the band on a bra, so it looks like an upper body muffin top. This could be a sign that your bra band is too tight. If it can’t be loosened with the back hooks, then it’s time for a replacement.
High-Riding Back Band
Ideally, the back band of the bra should sit just below the shoulder blades. If the back strap of a bra often rides up, there’s a good chance it needs to be replaced.
Quadraboob
Boobs in the front and the back? It’s not a good look. If a bra is so tight that it causes bulges on the back that look like an extra pair of breasts, then that’s a sure sign it’s time to invest in something better.
Strap Impressions
Ouch! Tight straps that leave impressions in the skin are not only painful, they’re a strong indicator that a bra is a poor fit. If the bra straps can no longer be extended and they’re still painfully tight, it could be time to upgrade.
Too Big
Chafing
If you frequently experience chafing when wearing a bra, there’s a good chance that the bra is too big and that it’s rubbing in all the wrong ways. If tightening the back strap doesn’t reduce all that chafing, then it’s likely time to invest in a new bra.
Half-Filled Cups
Are the cups half full? As it turns out, a considerable gap between the bra cups and your boobs could mean that either the cups are stretched or the breast volume has decreased (this sometimes happens due to weight loss). The bottom line is that this half-full cup isn’t giving the best support.
Slipping Straps
Up and down. Up and down. If straps require constant readjustment or fall down frequently, then there’s a good chance that it’s time to upgrade to a smaller bra.
Too Old
Evil Underwire
Bras with underwire ultimately betray us! It’s worth replacing a bra if the underwire is poking out and stabbing sensitive skin. A painful bra is no one’s friend.
Stringy Bras
Bras are largely made of elastic, which wears down over time. If a bra looks like it’s grown little hairs, then its elastic is probably worn down and broken. When this happens, the bra loses its support and can no longer support you. Replace that hairy bra ASAP.
If you experience one or more of these issues with a bra, then there’s a sure sign that it’s time for an upgrade. In fact, even a six-month-old bra could need to be replaced, as that’s the recommended lifespan for them. Do yourself a favor and replace those old bras. Your boobs (and back, and whole body) will thank you.
~Here’s to a Happier, Healthier Life!
Copyright 2021, HealthyAccess.com
