Bra band feels too tight: test the band without the cups first
Going straight to a larger band can create a new support problem if the cups are what made the bra feel tight.
Do the band-only test
Fasten the bra upside down and backwards so the cups cannot pull on the band. The goal is to learn whether the circumference itself is uncomfortable.
If the band becomes comfortable
Keep the band size as your first comparison and investigate cup volume, depth, or wire width.
If the band is still too tight
Test one band step larger. To preserve approximate cup volume, move one cup step smaller in a standardized system, then reassess the cups.
Do not use pain as a fit target
Supportive does not mean painful. Persistent pain, skin injury, or a new body change belongs with a qualified healthcare professional rather than a fitting algorithm.
What to do next
Use Bra Fit Rescue with the bra you have already tried. The tool combines band, cup, wire, center, strap, wear, and asymmetry signals rather than treating one symptom in isolation.
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