Wondering how to stop a bra from curling? Read our guide to find out.

Preventing the bra band from curling is something you should do right from the start. This is because there’s little you can do if it’s happening now.

If the bra band starts to curl during wear, get a different bra with a broader band and firm edging. You’ll only get these features in good quality bras.

If the curling began before wearing the bra, you can return the bra and get a refund. However, curling may happen over time and the product return window may have elapsed. Besides, old and worn-out bras can start curling out at the top of the cups. In such cases, you won’t be able to get a refund.

What Causes Curling?

Over time, the bra stitches begin to stretch. This makes it to lose shape. To prevent the stretching and ensure the bras keep their shape, store them upright.

However, curling is bound to happen over time. You can’t fix all curls, and repetitive curling will make the bra take that position permanently. If the curl happens when you are wearing the bra, but tends to flatten after making adjustments or removing it, there is nothing you can do.

Bra curling is easy to be seen with women that are overweight or have rolls of skin under the arms or where the bra curls. The bra can also curl if it’s too small. In such a case, size up the same bra style to see if that will fix the problem.

To find out more about sizing up, check our bra sister size guide.

How to Stop Bra from Curling

Wearing a smaller bra around the waist makes the band stretch. In turn, this causes the curling effect. Now that you know the causes of bra curling, let’s look at some solutions.

1. Ensure the bra is not damaged

Your bra could be curling because it is damaged The damage could have happened at the store where you bought it, especially if it’s a physical store.

Some customers fit bras over the clothes they are wearing, and this can lead to damages. Feeling and touching the bras while they are on the store hangers and shelves can also damage them. Here, the quality of the bra will deteriorates since many people keep trying or touching it in the shop.

If you purchase your bra online, the band could be damaged, and this can lead to curling. The band can be damaged as the bra is on transit from the manufacturing company, to the wholesaler, to the online store, and finally to your address.

If the product is not packaged properly, the long travel can make the band deteriorate, leading to formation of curls.

If you have any issues with a bra that you have bough online, take action. For example, if the bra was faulty, you can return it before wearing.

2. Avoid touching the bra band repetitively

If the bra curls after wearing it several times, it could be because you are mishandling the bra by touching the band repetitively. Over time, underwear usually shapes into the way the user handles it.

For instance, if the band may curl to take the particular shape you wear before making it fit perfectly. The bra gets damaged when you repetitively put it on in a certain way. Eventually, it takes that shape. If this is the case, find a new way of putting on the bra.

However, keep in mind that the bra band curling is not a fixable problem. Continue wearing the bra to get your money’s worth before getting rid of it.

3. Get wide strap bras

The bra’s band may curl on the sides, under the arms, cups, and back strap. Wide straps prevent curling, especially for good quality bras. Also, fit the bra well as this helps to stop curling.

Over time, fat and excess skin can also lead to the bra rolling or folding. This will make the band to curl regardless of its width and fit right under the arms.

The bra’s band width is important for comfort, preventing rolling over and curling. So, the next time you are out shopping for a bra, go for those with wider bands on the sides. Alternatively, the bra should have a smaller band at the front and back or whichever way.

4. Buy high quality bras

Quality is crucial when it comes to bras functionality. Bras available at the local stores may not be as high quality as you may think.

Department stores usually prioritize their range of wide bras. However, all these bras are shipped from one manufacturer that makes similar products for different stores dealing with the same. Therefore, you can expect the quality of bras from department stores to be nearly the same.

Visit small independent underwear stores or shops that only deal with quality branded bras. The bras shouldn’t necessarily be in the name of the stores. In fact, you want to shop at stores that stock bras from the top brands.

A bra made of poor or low-quality fabric will have a shorter shelf life and eventually start showing issues, including curling. Before buying a particular bra,  check customer reviews to see what other people are saying about fit, curling, and band twisting.

5. Buy well-constructed bras

Most expensive bras are well designed to fit well, be comfortable and last long. For instance, if you are in the United States, Victoria’s Secret is a perfect example of a store specializing in its quality underwear.

However, in the UK, the Brits typically shop at department stores such as Marks & Spencer for their branded bras. Plus, you can also make use of the high street shops in Top Shop, Next, Ann Summers, or New Look if you want a sexy bra.

However, keep in mind that just because you buy bras from the mentioned stores doesn’t necessarily guarantee that they will not curl or have other problems. Ensure you get a bra in the right size and style for comfort and support. Plus, prioritize places that specialize in quality underwear over the cheaper ones.

If you can’t find bras with brand names in department stores, check places like FigLeaves with the local UK store or USA page where they sell top brands or their bras.

Conclusion

If your bra started curling when you first bought it or after wearing several times, there is nothing you can do to reverse the damage. Simply take the bra back to the store for a refund.

Consider the design when buying a new bra. Ensure the band is wide on the sides and under the arms are supported with thick seams and edging. If the edging is made with a different fabric and is wide enough, the curling effect will be minimized.

Thick wide edging keeps the band in perfect shape. However, over time, the band may start curling when it rolls over with excess skin. Invest in a quality bra even if it’s expensive instead of going for poor quality ones that won’t last long.

The easiest way to stop your bra from curling is going up a bra size. Also, the bra should have a stronger edging or seam and wide straps.