Why do bras pinch skin?

Bras pinch skin primarily due to fit issues that concentrate pressure at specific contact points, creating discomfort where the band, underwire, or straps meet your body.

When a band sits too loose or tight, or when cup size doesn't match your shape, the weight distribution shifts incorrectly, causing the center gore to press into your sternum, underwires to dig into your ribs, or straps to carry too much load and create shoulder grooves.

Design elements like stiff underwires, narrow straps, rough seams, and hardware containing nickel can amplify pinching, especially at high-movement zones like the underarm and underbust area.