Have you ever noticed that the centre front panel of your bra is gaping or lifting off your chest? This small (but very important) detail is a key to a proper fitting and supportive bra. The centre front panel, also called to the centre gore, is the piece of fabric that connects the cups between your breasts. When you are wearing a well-fitting bra, it should lie flat against your sternum between your breasts, which ensures that your bra provides proper separation and support. When it doesn’t sit flush against your body, it can indicate a sizing issue, a bra style mismatch, or even a problem with the bra’s structure. 

The 5 Most Common Reasons Your Bra Centre Front Won’t Lay Flat 

Problem 1: Your Cup Size Is Too Small 

If your bra cups are too small, your breasts don’t have enough room to sit properly within the cups which causes the gore to be pushed away from your chest. Try going up a cup size to ensure your breasts are fully encased in the bra without spillage. 

Problem 2: The Underwire Is the Wrong Shape 

Underwires are designed to contour around your breast tissue, however if the wire doesn’t match your natural shape, the gore may not sit properly. If you find that your underwire is feeling uncomfortable or is ill-fitting, try a different bra style with a wire shape that better suits your body or, alternatively, an underwire-free bra can provide a comfortable alternative. 

Problem 3: Your Band Is Too Big 

When your bra band is too loose it means the support isn’t coming from where it should. Instead, the straps and cups overcompensate, causing the gore to lift away from your sternum. Try tightening your band or opting for a smaller band size. The band should feel snug, but not restrictive, and you should be able to fit two fingers under it comfortably.  

Problem 4: The Bra Style Isn’t Right for Your Shape 

Not all bras are designed for all breast shapes. If you have fuller, close-set breasts a bra with a high gore might not work for you, as your breast tissue can push against the centre panel. If this is the case, a plunge bra with a lower centre gore is a better style for close-set breasts while still providing support. However, if you have wide-set breasts, a bra with a higher gore may work better because it can help anchor the bra more securely to your chest, ensuring better separation and support. 

Problem 5: Your Breast Tissue Is Soft or Full at the Centre 

If you have softer breast tissue or fuller volume near your cleavage, a firm gore might struggle to sit flat. Bras with more structured cups or a wider gore can help distribute support more evenly. A bra with more structured cups or a wider gore can help distribute support more evenly, providing a better fit for your shape. 

Our Most Frequently Asked Questions About Bra Centre Fronts 

Answered by our Fine Lines Lingerie Fit Experts 

Q: Why does my bra lift up in front? 

A: If your bra is lifting at the front, it’s often a sign that the band is too loose or the cups aren’t providing enough coverage or support. A loose band can shift throughout the day, causing the front to rise. Try a smaller band size or a style with a moulded cup, such as our Attitude T-Shirt Bra or best-selling Refined 5 Way Convertible Bra.  

Q: Why does the middle of my bra not sit against my chest? 

A: When the middle of your bra doesn't sit flat against your chest, it usually means the cup size is too small or the style doesn’t suit your breast shape which can lead to gaping or pressure points that lift the middle section away from your body. To fix this, try sizing up in the cup or switching to a plunge style like our Weightless Padded Plunge Bra that suits close-set breasts.  

Q: Why does the middle part of my bra stick out? 

A: A centre gore that sticks out usually comes down to a mismatch between your body shape and the bra’s design. Some bras have a stiff gore that won’t contour to softer or fuller tissue at the centre of your chest which creates that awkward floating effect. We suggest trying a bra made from more flexible materials or bras with a lower gore like the Attitude Wireless Plunge Bra, which gently moulds to your body.  

Q: Why is my bra digging into the middle of my chest? 

A: If your bra is digging into the centre of your chest, it’s likely the gore is too narrow. We recommend looking for a bra with a wider centre gore or a softer underwire (or wire free) like our Supersoft Convertible Wireless Bra which removes pressure in the front centre of your bra while still giving you lift. 

Whether you need a smaller cup, tighter straps or a completely new style, the best way to solve all bra centre gore issues this is to get a professional bra fitting – or measure yourself at home using our Bra Size Calculator & Fit Quiz or our Bra Sizing Guide. Explore our range of women’s bras designed to stay put and support you all day long.  

Ready to find the fit of your life with Fine Lines Lingerie?