Six signs your bra is the wrong size according to an M&S lingerie expert

Finding a bra that fits properly can make a huge difference, but many women may be wearing the wrong size without even realising it.

From straps digging into your shoulders to underwiring that leaves you sore, there are several telltale signs that your bra might not be giving you the support you need.

Stephanie Dear, senior lingerie technologist at M&S, has revealed six warning signs to look out for when checking whether your bra fits correctly.

An ill-fitting bra can contribute to back and neck pain, poor posture, rubbing and chafing, so it is worth checking your size regularly.

Six signs your bra doesn't fit properly:

1. Spilling out over the cups

“If you're spilling out at the front and under the arms, you might need to go up a cup size.”

2. Straps digging in

“Support should come from your bra's underband, not the straps. Loosen the straps and then see if the underband feels too loose or too tight.”

3. The breast escapes from the bottom of the cup

“In this case, a bigger cup size and possibly a smaller underband is needed.”

4. Uncomfortable front underwiring

“Wiring should always sit flat between your boobs. If it doesn't, you need to increase your cup size.”

5. Bra rising up at the back

“If the bra is less than a year old, you need a smaller back size. If it's older, the elastic might have gone, so it needs replacing.”

6. Wiring digging in at the side

“You need a bigger cup size and a smaller underband size.”

Stephanie recommends getting professionally fitted every six to 12 months, as breast size can change due to hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, menopause and weight loss or gain.

She also advises choosing a bra that fits comfortably on the middle hook, allowing you to tighten or loosen the band as needed.

Women with larger busts should pay particular attention to the fit of their underband, as this provides much of the bra's support. However, getting the right fit is important regardless of your cup size.

Whether you prefer a wired bra, a non-wired style or a comfortable bralette, finding the right size can help you feel more comfortable and supported.

You can shop the M&S bra collection here and book a fitting to check you're wearing the right size.