Nothing is worse than feeling your bra dig and pinch into your body. Everybody who wears bras has experienced the joy of ripping a truly uncomfortable one off after a long and painful day of adjusting.
The most common culprit for bra pain is the underwire bra. Made with plastic or metal wires around the cups and band for additional support, wireless bras can pinch, rub, or dig when you’re wearing the wrong size or it’s lost shape.
But never fear! If you're not wearing an underwire bra and you’re still asking yourself, why does my bra hurt my ribs? You're not alone!
There’s a range of possibilities for your bra woes, including wearing the wrong size or style, a change in your body shape, or even that your bra is old (and needs to hit the recycle!)
5 Reasons Your Bra Might Hurt Your Ribs
There are a few reasons why your bra might be feeling more like a medieval torture device than a method of support and style.
1. Wrong Size Bra
A major factor could be that you’re in the wrong bra size! According to a 2008 study, 80% of women wear bras the wrong size. Wearing ill-fitting bras can lead to discomfort and pain. If you're not wearing the correct bra size, the bra can be too tight, which can cause rib pain.
There are a few easy ways to tell if you’re wearing the wrong bra size. Consider whether you’re suffering from any of the following:
- The underwire hurts your ribcage
- The band rides up your back
- Your bra leaves painful marks on your skin
- The straps slide off your shoulders, even after tightening them
- Your breasts bulge out of your cups or sides
- You’re uncomfortable
It’s normal for your body to change throughout your life. You may lose weight, gain weight, or even grow a human. For all these reasons (and more!), you may need a new bra.
Weight changes may make your bra feel too tight or loose, while hormonal changes (which can happen in a month!) can impact breast size and sensitivity. We’re not saying you need a new set of bras throughout your cycle, but you may want to adjust your bra accordingly.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding will increase the size and shape of your breasts. Natural aging will impact the skin's elasticity and breast tissue, which could affect how your bras fit and feel.
2. Type of Bra (Underwire vs. Wireless)
Underwire
Underwire bras have a metal wire sewn into the bottom of the bra cup to lift and separate the breasts. These powerful little wires have stopped bullets and even set off TSA metal detectors.
Underwire bra pain is caused by the bra being the wrong size. You may feel the following if you are wearing the wrong size underwire bra:
- The cup wire is too small if it squeezes and pinches your breasts instead of supporting them.
- The cup wire is too large if it extends too far into the armpit, digging into the skin instead of leaving you with enough space to move freely.
- The bra gore (the fabric between the cups) may chafe at the skin when the cups are too large or small.
- A bra that’s too tight will squeeze the underwire into the sternum, leading to referred pain in the ribs.
- A bra that is too loose will rub against the skin and cause red marks.
Breast cancer survivors and others with breast sensitivity may find that the rigidity of an underwire isn’t the right choice for them.
It’s important to wear a bra that fits and supports your body without being too tight.
Wireless
Wireless bras are a much more comfortable alternative. Since they rely on design and extra fabric to provide support rather than bits of metal, there’s less opportunity for digging and pinching. Of course, if you’re wearing the wrong size wireless bra, it can be uncomfortable as well.
When you head out for your next sweat sesh at the gym, you may be surprised to learn that your sports bra is wireless. Since they’re flexible and made of soft and stretchy, they’re great for the chaos of life, whether you’re wrestling your kids into their clothes or vegging out on the couch.
3. Body Shape
Many folks have rib flares, which makes wearing underwire bras uncomfortable. When your ribs are more prominent and protruding downward, the underwire can’t sit comfortably against your chest. This may result in uneven pressure distribution, making the bra uncomfortable and potentially irritating the areas where the underwire comes into contact with the ribs.
The underwire is designed to sit snugly underneath the bust and follow the natural curve of the ribcage. However, the lower ribs may protrude more than usual in individuals with rib flares. This can lead to the underwire pressing directly against the protruding ribs, causing discomfort or pain.
4. Your Bra Is Old
Over time, bras can lose their elasticity and shape. If the underwire has become distorted or damaged, it may no longer provide proper support and may dig into the rib cage. Regularly replacing bras is important to ensure optimal support and comfort.
Here are a few signs that indicate that your bra needs to be replaced:
- The band is stretched out, causing it to ride up.
- The underwire is poking out or won’t lie flat.
- The bra has lost its shape and support.
If any of the above are happening to your bra, it might be time to replace it. Consider rotating your bras to get more wear, and replace them after 12 months.
5. Certain Health Conditions
If you have any health conditions, these may contribute to bra pain and should be discussed with your doctor. Always check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you continue to experience pain or are experiencing intense and ongoing pain.
- Breast cysts: cysts in the breast can cause tenderness and pain, which can be exacerbated by pressure from your bra
- Fibrocystic breasts: Fibrocystic breasts are painful, lumpy breasts. This refers to common and normal breast changes, usually around your period.
- Dermatitis: irritated skin on the chest may make wearing a bra uncomfortable
- Muscle strain or injury: overusing a muscle in your chest can cause pain, and wearing a bra can make it worse
- Gastric Reflux: gastrointestinal issues can cause chest pain and be mistaken for bra pain
What to Do About a Bra That Hurts
While you may have gotten used to suffering every time you put on your bra, that shouldn’t be your norm. Here are a few simple ways to alleviate your pain and feel comfortable and supported whenever you put on your bra.
Get Fitted Regularly
The easiest way to ensure you’re wearing the right bra size is to take (or retake) your measurements. Since your breasts may have changed since the last time you measured (and can you even remember the last time you did), it’s a good idea to have an up-to-date number.
You can measure yourself at home with a soft measuring tape and a little math for a great jumping-off point. Learn more about the traditional method of measuring your bra size.
Because there’s so much to consider when finding the right bra size and style, it’s strongly recommended that you get professionally fitted (either virtually or in-store).
The right size bra can make a huge difference to comfort and how your clothes fit. There’s no reason to keep suffering with painful bras. Book a virtual fitting.
Adjust Your Straps and Band
While it may seem obvious, a simple adjustment like loosening your bra band may provide some relief. When your band is too tight, it can exert pressure on your ribs, causing discomfort.
There are a number of reasons why your band may feel too tight, including changes to your body or just the result of eating a large meal. You should always feel comfortable and supported in your clothes. Of course, your band should always remain snug to provide support.
Additionally, if the discomfort is coming from your underwire, repositioning it may help. To avoid rib pain, ensure that the underwire is sitting in the crease beneath your breasts rather than on top of the breasts. Proper alignment can help distribute the support evenly and reduce any digging into the ribs.
Consider loosening your bra straps. Tight shoulder straps restrict the movement of the ribcage and chest. Surprisingly, loosening the bra straps allows for unrestricted movement and could help relieve the rib cage pain. However, it's essential to maintain enough tension in the straps to ensure proper support for the breasts.
Maintain Your Bras
Properly washing and caring for your bras is another important step in helping them keep their shape and structure. While it’s often recommended that you wash your bra after every 2-3 wears, there’s a big caveat attached to that answer. You might get less wear from your bras if you’re hot and sweaty in the summer.
Of course, sports bras get extra dirty from sweat and oil and should take a trip to the washing machine after every use. If your bra stinks, then it’s time to wash it. Use common sense! Read all about how to keep your bras in tip-top shape.
Rotate Your Bras
Rotating your bras is a great way to preserve and prolong their lifespan by reducing the wear and tear on the fabric. A good way to do this is by having two to three bras in your closet to swap between. We all have a favorite bra (maybe it’s that cute lacy one or the dependable one that works under everything), but try your best to switch them up.
Wearing the same bra every day means the fibers can lose their elasticity faster and cause the band to lose shape and support. When you rotate between bras, the fabric can rest and return to its original shape.
Consider Going Wireless
One different bra style that might help with rib pain is a wireless bra. A wireless bra is great for everyday wear if you’re constantly digging at your bra and aching from rib pain. Wireless offers more flexibility and less pressure and can adapt to the body without the rigid underwire. These bras are made from soft, stretchy fabric and minimize the risk of rubbing and irritating.
You should always be comfortable and supported, no matter which bra style or brand you prefer. Knix makes super comfy bras for every occasion, whether you’re lounging on the couch or powering through your spin class.
Knix Bras: Discover the Best Bra for You
Here are two recommendations for different bra styles for different kinds of wearers and needs:
Comfiest Everyday Bra: WingWoman Contour Bra
Molded foam cups lift and separate without adding a wire that could dig or scrap the skin. A plunging v-shape makes the WingWoman Bra ideal for wearing on date night, and its comfortable fabric makes it perfect for a night on the couch.
No Fuss, No Muss Bra: Revolution Adjustable Pullover Bra
With a simple pullover design, you don’t have to worry about messing with a back closure when it comes to the Revolution Adjustable Pullover Bra. Buttery soft fabric and removable cups make this ideal and comfortable for every occasion.
The Wear It With Everything Bra: The One&Only Scoop Bra
Everyone should have a go-to bra in their collection, one that works with most tops and outfits in their closet, and the One&Only Scoop Bra is it. The scoop-low neckline makes it ideal for wearing under different styles of shirts, and the customizable straps that can be changed to straight or racerback mean that you never have to battle your bra straps in tank tops again.
Is it Time to Make the Switch?
There’s a good chance your bra pain is from wearing the wrong size or style for your body, and thankfully, that’s an easy fix! Make sure to get fitted by a professional fitter to check your size regularly since changes to your body are normal.
Since underwire bras can be uncomfortable, wireless bras are a great everyday option that can be just as supportive without discomfort. Plus, wireless bras are easier to care for than underwire bras, another plus in their favor.