5 Signs Your Everyday Bra Has Stopped Supporting You
Let’s be honest — most of us (me included!) hang onto our favourite bras far longer than we should. They’ve been through it all: the school runs, the workdays, the laundry cycles… maybe even a spin in the tumble dryer 🫣 (no judgement!).
But just like a good pair of jeans or your comfiest winter boots, even the best bras don’t last forever. If your everyday bra has lost its magic, it could be quietly letting you down — literally! We often get a lot of questions on how long a bra should last, and although we say 6-12 months, this really depends on how many times a week you wear it. If you own just two, and wear them every other day, it will be around the 6-9 month mark, however if you have 10 and wear them all on rotation then them might last you a couple of years. That being said, you might not be the same size you were 2 years ago, so that could be your limiting factor.
Here’s how to tell it’s time to book a fitting and find your next perfect match.
1. The band is riding up your back
Do you find yourself tugging the back of your bra down? Your bra band should sit straight and snug across your back — it does around 80% of the work when it comes to support.
If it’s creeping upwards, that’s a sure sign it’s stretched out or too big for your frame. You’ll notice your straps working overtime and your cups sitting lower than they used to.
👉 What we want: a firm, supportive band that stays put on the loosest hook when new, giving you room to tighten as the fabric softens over time.
2. The straps won’t stay put (or they’re digging in)
If you’re constantly hoiking straps back onto your shoulders — or if they’re leaving deep red marks — your bra isn’t doing its job properly.
Falling straps often mean your band’s too loose. Digging straps? The opposite — they’re picking up the slack because the band isn’t offering enough support.
👉 What we want: straps that sit comfortably on the shoulders, holding shape but never doing the heavy lifting.
3. The cups are gaping or overflowing
Cups that gape when you move could mean the bra’s stretched out — or that you’ve changed shape (which is totally normal).
On the flip side, spillage or the dreaded “four-boobs” effect suggests your cups are too small.
👉 What we want: smooth cups that sit flush against the skin with no gaping, bulging or wrinkling.
4. It’s lost its shape (and you’ve lost your lift)
Even high-quality bras have a lifespan. Elastic relaxes, wires can twist, and that reliable lift you loved slowly disappears.
If your bra feels like it’s offering less support than it used to, it’s probably because it is.
👉 What we want: lift, shape and support that still makes you feel like you’re standing taller.
5. It’s just… uncomfortable
You shouldn’t have to look forward to taking your bra off at the end of the day.
If you’re feeling pinching, rubbing, or that nagging “get-me-out-of-this” moment mid-afternoon, something’s not right. The right bra should feel so comfortable you forget you’re wearing it.
👉 What we want: support that moves with you — soft, smooth, and secure from morning coffee to bedtime.
How to fix it
Book a fitting. Honestly — that’s the easiest way to check what’s changed and find something that feels (and looks) right again.
At Mish, we’ve fitted thousands of women by eye, every shape and size imaginable, and we know how much difference the right bra makes to your posture, comfort and confidence.
If it’s been more than a year since your last fitting, or if you recognised yourself in more than one of those signs above… it’s time.
📍 Pop into our Wadebridge store for a free expert fitting, or
🛍️ browse our best-supporting bras online — from everyday favourites to the incredible wireless lift of Evelyn & Bobbie.
Because when your bra fits properly, everything feels better.
