How To Fix Bra Gaps: 3 Ways to Fill Loose Fitting Bra Cups

Have you ever found a cute bra only to try it on and find that it has a space between your breast and the upper cup of the bra? Or you look down after putting on your go-to bra and notice a gap? This space where the fabric does not sit flush against the skin is known as a bra gap. Bra gaps can affect how clothing looks and fits over a bra, and they can also reduce the support and comfort that a well-fitting bra provides.

In this article, we’ll cover 3 ways you can fill the gap so you can buy and enjoy that cute bra or keep using the bras you own.

Bra gaps usually happen due to the following:

1. Bodily factors 
2. The type of bra you are wearing

As far as bodily factors are concerned, here are some common reasons as to why bra gaps occur:

1. Breast Shape: Women have different breast shapes, and not all shapes fill out every style of bra cup equally. For example, women with shallow, slender, belle-shaped or “teardrop” shaped breasts (where there is less breast tissue at the top of the breasts) often experience bra gaps at the top of the bra cups. Additionally, women with wide-set breasts (where there is a wider space between their breasts) may find that bras designed for closer-set breasts do not fit snugly, resulting in bra gaps. Lastly, women with asymmetrical breasts can have the issue where a bra fits well on one side but not the other, causing a bra gap.

2. Ribcage Shape: The shape and size of the ribcage can also affect how a bra fits. For example, a woman with a more prominent ribcage may experience gaps because the bra does not sit flush against her body.

3. Age and Hormonal Changes: As women age, their breast tissue naturally changes and may become less dense. This, along with the hormonal changes that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, weight gain/loss, and menopause, can alter breast size and shape, potentially leading to bra gaps.

4. Posture: The way a woman stands and holds her body can influence how a bra fits. Poor posture, caused by occasional slouching, or from medical conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis can also cause bra gaps.

Understanding your unique body can help you know what measures you need to take to minimize bra gaps.

Aside from bodily factors, the most common cause of bra gaps usually lies in the design of the bra itself.

Below are the most common bra issues that contribute to bra gaps :

1. Incorrect Cup Size: If the cup size is too big, the fabric will not adequately contour the breast, leading to gaps. Try going down a cup size to see if that helps.
2. Large Band Size: Most bra fitters will be the first to tell you that the bra band which is found underneath the cups and typically measured in inches in the U.S. (i.e. 34”, 36” etc) is most likely the main contributing factor to an ill-fitting bra. Most women have a bra band that is too large, and bra cups that are too small. To correct this, it is recommended to go down a band size, and up a bra cup size.
3. Bra Style: Certain bra styles may not suit every breast shape, causing gaps for women whose breasts do not completely fill the cups. Bra styles most prone to gaps include:

• Unlined bras
• Mesh bras
• Strapless bras
• Bustier bras
• Molded Cup Bras
• Full Coverage Bras

1. Loose Bra Straps: With daily, wear bra straps can loosen causing bra gaps to occur. The quickest way to remedy this is to tighten the bra strap by pulling on the bra slider/adjuster until it fits snuggly around your shoulders.
2. Worn-Out Bras: Over time, bras can lose their elasticity and structure, leading to a less snug fit and gaps. If you love your bra and are not ready to replace it yet, the easiest thing to do is to buy a bra insert to fill in the gap (We’ll discuss later on how Honey Cloudz bra inserts can help with this!).

Now that we've covered the bodily factors and bra issues that contribute to bra gaps, let's explore some ways you can “fill” the gap.

• RELATED: What Is Bra Strap Syndrome? (Causes & Solutions)

If you’re looking to fix bra gaps, there are three main things you can do to ensure a snugger fit between your bra and your breasts. 

1. Ensure that you are wearing the correct bra size and style for your breasts.
2. Adjust your bra straps.
3. Utilize bra inserts/pads like the ones we have here at Honey Cloudz.

Did you know that over 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra for their bodies?

This is most likely due to the fact that many women do not take the time to measure their band, bust, or cup size.

To accurately measure your bra size, you'll need the following:

• A soft measuring tape
• A mirror

Once you have your soft measuring tape and a mirror, here’s how you can go about measuring your bra size:

1. Measure Your Band Size

• Step 1: Stand in front of a mirror and wrap the measuring tape snugly around your ribcage, directly under your bust where the band of your bra would sit.
• Step 2: Ensure the tape is level all the way around and take the measurement in inches. If the number is even, add 4 inches; if it’s odd, add 5 inches. This is your band size.

2 . Measure Your Bust Size

• Step 1: With the measuring tape, measure around the fullest part of your bust, typically across the nipples.
• Step 2: Ensure the tape is straight and not too tight. Note this measurement in inches.

3. Calculate Your Cup Size

• Step 1:Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. The difference between these two numbers determines your cup size:
  • 1 inch = A cup
  • 2 inches = B cup
  • 3 inches = C cup
  • 4 inches = D cup
  • 5 inches = DD/E cup, and so on.

If you don’t have a soft measuring tape or happen to be intimidated at the thought of using one, you can call or go into your local independent lingerie or bra fitting store and ask if they do professional fittings. Most have Bra Fitters on staff, they can measure and recommend the best bra size and styles for you.

• RELATED: What Is Bra Strap Syndrome? (Causes & Solutions)

In addition to taking accurate measurements, trying on different bra styles and testing out bra alternatives can help you minimize bra gaps.

Here are some bra styles that are particularly effective in reducing or preventing gaps in the cups:

1. Seamed Bras: These bras have strategically placed seams that act like support pillars. Seamed bras provide better lift and support compared to non-seamed or seamless bras. They are also better at shaping the breasts more effectively.
2. T-Shirt Bras: These bras have smooth cups that are designed to be invisible under clothing. The seamless and snug fit helps prevent gaps.
3. Plunge Bras: Ideal for low-cut tops, plunge bras have a lower cut at the center gore which helps them conform closely to the body, reducing the chance of gaps at the top of the cups.
4. Demi Bras: These bras offer less coverage than full-cup bras but more than plunge bras, with a wide set strap and cups that only cover about half of the breast. They are designed to lift and support from beneath without covering the entire breast, which helps to eliminate gaps.
5. Push-Up Bras: These bras lift the breasts and push them together, often featuring padding at the bottom of the cups. This design reduces the space between the bra and the breast, minimizing gaps.
6. Balconette Bras: With cups cut horizontally just above the bust line, balconette bras offer a lifting effect rather than full coverage, which helps to form a nice rounded look without gaps.
7. Contour Bras: These bras have cups lined with foam or other padding that helps to shape the breast and maintain a uniform appearance. The contouring nature of these bras prevents gaps by ensuring the fabric lies flat against the skin.
8. Full-Cup Bras: For those who need more coverage, full-cup bras can be effective in preventing gaps, especially for larger breasts. These bras cover most of the breast, reducing the possibility of space between the cup and the breast.
9. Minimizer Bras: These bras are designed to reduce the projection of the breasts and thus they compress the breasts. Minimizer bras work best for larger breasts as they can make breasts appear smaller and flatter, often reducing the bust line by an inch or more.
10. Racerback Bras: A racerback bra features straps that converge in a "V" or "T" shape at the back, between the shoulder blades. This design is common in sports bras but also appears in everyday and fashion bras. The racerback’s central positioning of the straps distributes weight more evenly across the back, often providing better support and thus helps to reduce bra gaps.
11. Halter Bras: Halter bras have straps that either tie or clip behind the neck or are designed as a single strap that runs from the front of the bra around the neck. Many halter bras are designed to push the breasts together, enhancing cleavage that can reduce bra gaps.

If you don’t seem to have luck with certain bra styles and you find that no matter what style you choose there always seems to be a bra gap, you may want to consider some bra alternatives. 

Here are 8 bra alternatives you can choose from:

1. Bralettes

2. Sports Bras

3. Tank Tops/Camisoles with Built-In Support

4. Bandeaus

5. Nipple Covers/Pasties

6. Shapewear 

7. Adhesive Bras

8. Bra Tapes

To learn more about bra alternatives, check out our article What To Wear Instead of A Bra: 8 Best Bra Alternatives.

Adjusting the straps and bands of your bra is a simple yet effective way to reduce gaps in the bra cups.

Here’s how you can make these adjustments to achieve a better fit:

1. Tighten the Straps: Sometimes, loose straps are a primary reason for bar gaps at the top of the cup. Tightening the straps can help lift the breasts and fill out the cup more fully, reducing the bra gap. However, be cautious not to tighten them so much that they become uncomfortable or dig into your shoulders. One option to keep straps in place and provide some cushioning on your shoulders is to purchase a silicone bra strap cushion.

2. Check the Band Fit: The band provides the majority of the support in a bra, not the straps. Ensure that the band is snug but comfortable around your body. It should be level and parallel to the ground without riding up at the back. If the band is too loose, the entire bra can shift and cause gaping. Tightening the band might solve the problem, or you may need a smaller band size.

3. Adjust the Band on the Tightest Hook: If your bra is new, start wearing it on the loosest hook. Over time, as the bra stretches out, you can adjust it to the tighter hooks to maintain a snug fit. If you’re already on the tightest hook and the band still feels loose, it’s time to go down a band size.

4. Positioning the Breasts: After putting on your bra, lean forward slightly and use your hands to gently move your breast tissue so it fully sits within the cups. This ensures that the breasts are properly positioned and can help eliminate any bra gaps.

5. Cross-Back or Racerback Adjustment: Some bras come with the option to convert the straps into a cross-back or racerback style. This adjustment not only changes the way the bra fits around the torso but can also provide extra lift and support, helping to reduce cup gaping, especially for those with sloping shoulders. If your bra does not have the option to convert to a cross-back or racerback style, you can look into purchasing bra strap holders/clips.

By making these adjustments, you can often see an immediate improvement in how your bra fits and feels.

If you have a pricer bra, one option is to take it to a professional seamstress who can make appropriate adjustments that are custom to your body.

Pro Tip! It’s important to regularly assess the fit of your bras and make adjustments as needed, considering that your size and shape can change due to various factors like weight changes, hormonal fluctuations, or the natural aging process.

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By far, using bra inserts is the quickest way to fill a bra gap!

Utilizing bra inserts can provide a more flattering, gap-free silhouette under clothing and increase comfort by ensuring the bra fits securely and properly.

Before we dive into selecting the perfect bra inserts for your needs, let's first explore the correct way to position and place inserts in your bra. This step is crucial for ensuring that bra gaps are effectively minimized.

Many women tend to place inserts in their bra while their bra is on. However, it’s much easier to start with your bra off.  Just place the insert on the bra (or in the pocket liner if the bra has one) and then put your bra on. 

For lifting and reducing gaps at the top of the cup, place the insert at the bottom of the bra cup. This pushes the breast tissue upward, filling out the upper part of the cup.

If filling side gaps, place the insert on the side of the cup closest to your armpit to push breast tissue inward.

Once on, bend forward to allow your breasts to fall naturally into the cups, then stand up and smooth the bra and inserts with your hands.

Here at Honey Cloudz, we've developed a special line of bra inserts designed to enhance your bustline.

Our Plus Inserts collection offers extra cushioning that not only creates the illusion of a fuller bust but also assists in filling any gaps in your bra for a smoother appearance.

In addition to our Plus inserts, we also have a line of Push-Up Bra Inserts that are designed to boost cleavage. By lifting the breast tissue upwards and inwards, push-up bra inserts also help to fill out the upper part of the bra cups where gaps often occur.

If you try on our inserts and decide you’d like to test out a different size or shape you can always return our inserts within thirty days.

To learn more about returns, visit our return policy page.

• RELATED: Finding The Right Bra Inserts for Wedding Dress Support & Shaping

While there are many tactics and gadgets you can buy to minimize bra gaps, utilizing bra inserts is a remarkably effective solution for correcting bra gaps.

Bra inserts offer both a practical and simple way to enhance the fit and appearance of your bras.

By selecting the appropriate type and size of inserts and positioning them correctly, you can say goodbye to those frustrating gaps and enjoy a perfect, flattering fit every time. 

Bra gaps usually happen due to the following:

• Breast Shape
• Ribcage Shape
• Age and Hormonal Factors such as menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, weight gain/weight loss, and menopause.
• Posture - due to slouching or medical conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis.The type of bra you are wearing

• Incorrect Bra Size
• Large Band Size
• Bra Style
• Loose Bra Straps
• Worn Out Bras

There are a few things you can do to fix a bra gap without buying a new bra. They include:

1. Ensure that you are wearing the correct bra size and style for your breasts.
2. Adjust your bra straps.
3. Utilize bra inserts/pads like the ones we have here at Honey Cloudz.

Here are some telltale signs that your bra may be the wrong size: 

1. Cup Spillage or Gapping: If your breasts spill over the top, sides, or bottom of the bra cups, the cups are too small. Conversely, if there is noticeable gapping between your breast and the bra cup, the cups are too large.

2. Underwire Issues: The underwire should sit flat against your ribcage without digging into your chest or underarm area. If the underwire lifts away from your body or feels uncomfortable, your bra might be the wrong size or style.

3. Center Panel Not Lying Flat: The center panel (or gore) of the bra should lie flat against your sternum. If it doesn't, the cups may be too small, or the band size might be too large.

4. Band Riding Up: If the back of your bra rides up instead of staying horizontal around your body, the band is probably too large. The band should fit snugly on the loosest hook when new.

5. Straps Digging In or Falling Off: If the straps are digging into your shoulders, the band might not be providing enough support, causing the straps to take on more weight than they should. If they’re constantly slipping off, it could be a sign that the bra is too big or the straps need adjusting.

6. Discomfort Around the Body: If the bra feels too tight around your body, leaving marks or causing discomfort, the band size may be too small. Conversely, if you can easily pull the band away from your body, it might be too large.

7. Breast Tissue Under the Arms: If breast tissue is bulging under the arms, it could be that the cups are too small or the style is not suited to your breast type.

If you experience any of these issues, it’s a good idea to measure your breasts, get professionally measured, or try different sizes or styles to find a better fit.

Remember, your bra size can change due to weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, or other factors, so it’s worth rechecking your size periodically.