All bra brands will fit slightly differently. Even different styles within the same brand may require a slightly different size. Confusing and frustrating, right?
We can help with all of this and take the mystery and frustation out of bra shopping, well as walk you through the different bra styles and fit profiles of each brand when you book a bespoke in person or virtual fitting session.
If you would rather simply shop online, it helps to know your dress/top size as a starting point. What shirt or top size do you normally wear? This is a good indicator of the band size you should be wearing. For example, if you wear a size 14 top or dress size, your BAND size should be no larger than a 14 (or even a 12). It should be low and firm - parallel to the floor and with only space for two fingers to slip under it. Make sure your new bras are fastened on the LOOSEST hook, allowing room to move once you wear them in a little.
You know how those new shoes or new jeans tend to be a little firm with the first few wears? Well, your new bra will be the same. Provided it is well fitting and the correct size, it will take a couple of wears to mould to your body and feel like a second skin.
Cup sizing can be a little trickier to get right. We tend to think a D or DD+ cup is very large, when in fact the average size we see in our store is an F cup! Your breasts should sit entirely within the cups, with the centre of the bra (gore) sitting flat against your breast bone. The underwire should also sit flat against your ribs with no breast tissue trapped in it. The wires should not dig in at any point, or sit up in your armpit.
By using the 'scoop and swoop' method (place your hand inside the cup and lift your breast tissue into place, then smooth over the top of your breasts to fill the cups properly), you will notice if the cup is too small (breast tissue spilling out) or too large (bra is gaping or puckering).
Just remember that if you need to DOWNSIZE your band, be sure to UPSIZE your cup - eg. 14F, down to 12FF. This works the same in reverse - eg. 10G, up to 12FF.
We always recommend getting a personalised bra fitting in order to get an accurate reflection of your size, acknowledging that your size may fluctuate due to factors such as hormonal changes, your menstrual cycle, and changes in weight. Our bespoke fitting service also ensures your size is the best fit for YOU, as sometimes the usual band and cup measurements don't suit every individual body.
If you have been fitted recently, or are aware of your size, see below for our specific brand fit guides and videos for some extra fit advice and tips.
Need some extra support or have fit questions? Get in touch with us.
