How to Put On Your Bra
Wearing your bra the right way starts with putting it on the right way. This simple technique ensures your bra fits, functions, and lasts as long as possible.
Step 1: Loosen the Straps
Start by fully loosening both straps. This gives your bra more flexibility as you put it on and prevents the straps from pulling the band out of place. You’ll adjust them later once the cups and band are sitting properly.
Step 2: Clasp the Band
You have two main options for clasping your bra. Choose the one that works best for your body and range of motion.
Option 1: Clasp Behind Your Back (Recommended if you can reach)
- Slip your arms through the straps like a vest
- Reach behind and clasp the bra on the loosest hook
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Why the loosest hook? This gives your band more room to stretch over time and helps extend the life of your bra
Option 2: Rotate and Slip On (If clasping behind isn’t comfortable)
- Wrap the band around your torso, cups facing your back
- Clasp on the loosest hook
- Gently rotate the bra so the cups come to the front
- Slip your arms through the straps
⚠️ Note: This method can stretch out the band faster — so rotate gently to help your bra keep its shape.
Step 3: Scoop and Swoop
Now that your bra is on, it’s time to make sure all of your breast tissue is actually inside the cups.
- Lean forward about 45 degrees
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For each side:
- Swoop breast tissue inward toward the center
- Then scoop it up into the cup
- Run a finger along the bottom edge of the cup. You should feel ribcage, not breast tissue. (If you’re wearing a wired bra, this is where the wire should sit, directly against your body, not on breast tissue)
- Check the outer edge near your armpits. If you feel tissue outside the cup, re-swoop to guide it inward
This method helps prevent spillage, gapping, and wires sitting in the wrong place, all of which can throw off your fit.
Step 4: Finally, Adjust the Straps
Once your band and cups are secure, it’s time to fine-tune your straps so they feel snug—but never too tight. If you have someone who can help adjust your straps, that’s ideal, so you can focus fully on fit.
Here are two easy ways to find the right strap length:
Method 1:
Slide one finger underneath your strap, running it from the top of your cup, over your shoulder, to the top of your band. You should be able to comfortably fit just one finger under the strap.
Method 2:
Lift your bra strap straight up above your shoulder. It should move about one inch before feeling snug. Adjust your straps accordingly.
Keep in mind, shoulders are often asymmetrical — so it’s totally normal to adjust each strap differently to get the best fit.
Adjusting for Asymmetry
If your breasts are different sizes (which is very common), fit the bra cup to your larger breast first. Then, tighten the strap on the side with your smaller breast to gently bring that cup closer to your body.
Remember: Your band provides most of the support, not your straps. Straps are there to keep the cups in place and make small adjustments — they shouldn’t be doing any heavy lifting.
Not sure your current size is right?
Radical can help you get fitted easily, and from home.