Bra Problem #5: “Anybody else end up with a stomach ache (like high up where your actual stomach sits) after wearing almost any kind of bra for more than an hour or two? Like the pressure from even the loosest fits end up hurting deep in my rib cage.”

     Do you have reflux issues also? It’s possible that this could be related to a hiatal hernia, even if subclinical. It sounds like a similar sort of physical experience at least, and the same type of bra solutions might give you some relief. We usually recommend a fairly snug bra band for optimal support and longest wear (due to the elastic stretching out over time,) but this is a good reason to make an exception. We still don’t want anything falling out from the bottom of the cups, of course, but a band size up, or maybe even two, might be necessary to keep pressure off of that sensitive area. Going wireless is a good idea also, since that will give the whole bra structure more flexibility, distribute support evenly around the band, and prevent the possibility of the wires pushing against the area of your diaphragm. The styles pictured above are the Dalis cup-sized bralette from Parfait and the Havanna molded nonwire t-shirt bra from Anita.

Note: “Bra Problems” was originally a series of Facebooks posts written in response to follower queries during the Covid shutdown of spring 2020. Our inboxes are still open, though! If you have a Bra Problem you’d like us to troubleshoot here, email your issue to support@grailbras.com.