Getting a good bra fit
It is often reported that women are wearing the wrong size bra; this is not surprising because the bra sizing system is complicated and confusing. We know that bra sizes vary between manufacturers, making it even more challenging. That is why we advocate these five simple best fit tips, rather than matching bra size with a bra calculator to breast measurements.
It’s not about measurements, it’s about knowing what fits you well. Here’s our simple guide to check that your bra is giving you the best fit. Follow these five simple steps, in this order, to assess your own bra fit.
Check these fit tips
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Band
The band should fit firmly around the chest (firm = no more than 5 cm give). The band should be level all around the body.
Cup
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The breasts should be encased within the cups, with no bulging or gaping.
Underwire
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The underwire should follow the natural crease of the breast and not rest on any breast tissue, particularly under the arm.
Centre front
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The front of the bra (the bit between the breasts) should sit flat against the body.
Straps
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The shoulder straps should not be too tight or too loose - no more than 5 cm give.
Did you fail one (or more) of these fit criteria?
Then you need to change the size and check the fit again. Try a sister size. That means, if your current bra is too loose in the band, if you go down a band size, you need to go up a cup size. If your current bra is too tight in the band, if you go up in the band size, you need to go down in the cup size. For example, if you are currently wearing a 36C bra size and the band is too loose, but the cup size fits well, try a 34D.
Sister sizing means that there is no such thing as an E cup (for example), all E cups have a different size cup depending on the underband size. Watch this video if you don’t believe me.
Confused
What does sister sizing mean? Click here to watch this video showing what sister sizing is and how bra sizes change.