How to Fit an Underwire Bra: Laurel Checklist
By Bendon Lingerie New Zealand: Bendon. It's time to Bra Better | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: How-to Guides
Follow a step-by-step underwire bra fit checklist to check band and cup fit, fix digging wires, and see how the Laurel Underwire Bra in Fig puts these steps into practice.
Quick answer
Start with the band fastened on the loosest hook, then scoop your breast tissue into the cups and check that the wire sits flat against your ribcage without pressing into breast tissue. Adjust the straps last, and if the wire still digs in, try a different size or a style with a softer wire channel.
Why the band does most of the work
An underwire bra supports you mainly through the band, not the straps. If the band rides up at the back or feels loose, the wires can tip forward and dig into your ribcage or breast tissue. Fasten the band on the loosest hook first; as the elastic relaxes over time, you can move to tighter hooks. The band should feel snug but not painful, and it should stay level all the way around.
When the wire digs in, check the cup before sizing up
Digging wires often signal a cup that is too small or too shallow, not a band that is too tight. Before you go up a band size, try a larger cup or a style with a deeper cup profile. Also check that the wire sits in your inframammary fold—the crease under your breast—rather than on top of breast tissue. If the wire presses on your ribs at the sides, a bra with a wider wire or a softer casing may help.
How the Laurel Underwire Bra supports the fit process
The Laurel Underwire Bra in Fig is designed with a three-piece underwire profile that provides full coverage and a rounded shape. Its internal cup sling adds uplift, and the power mesh back reinforces the band for stability. These features can make the checklist steps easier to follow because the bra is built to hold its shape and keep the wire in place. Still, no bra fits everyone, so use the steps below to assess your own fit.
Underwire bra fit checklist: steps to follow
- Fasten the band on the loosest hook: Stand in front of a mirror and fasten the band on the loosest hook. The band should sit level around your ribcage, not ride up at the back. Common mistake: fastening on the tightest hook straight away, which leaves no room for adjustment and can make the band feel too tight. Checkpoint: the band stays level when you move your arms.
- Scoop breast tissue into the cups: Lean forward slightly and use your hand to scoop all breast tissue from under your arms and the sides into the cups. Common mistake: skipping this step, which can leave tissue outside the wire and cause bulging or wire pressure. Checkpoint: the wire sits flat against your ribcage and encloses all breast tissue.
- Check the center gore: The center gore (the fabric between the cups) should lie flat against your sternum. If it floats away, the cups may be too small or too shallow. Common mistake: ignoring a floating gore and tightening the straps to compensate. Checkpoint: the gore touches your chest without digging in.
- Adjust the straps last: Tighten the straps just enough to keep them in place without pulling the band up. You should be able to slide one finger under each strap. Common mistake: over-tightening the straps, which lifts the band at the back and makes the wires dig in. Checkpoint: the band stays level after you adjust the straps.
- Test movement and comfort: Raise your arms, twist your torso, and sit down. The bra should stay in place without shifting or digging. Common mistake: judging fit only while standing still. If the wire digs in during movement, try a different cup size or a style with a softer wire channel. Checkpoint: no red marks or pain after five minutes of movement.
Product facts
- Laurel Underwire Bra - Fig: Three-piece underwire profile with full coverage and a natural rounded shape. This construction helps distribute support across the cup, which can reduce wire pressure points.
Laurel Underwire Bra - Fig - Laurel Underwire Bra - Fig: Internal cup sling for uplift and support. The sling adds lift without relying on tight straps, so you can keep the band comfortably snug.
- Laurel Underwire Bra - Fig: Power mesh back for reinforcement. A reinforced back helps the band stay level and prevents the wires from tipping forward.
