How to Find the Perfect Bra Fit: A Complete Guide

How to Measure Your Bra Size

Before getting into the styles and types of bras, it’s essential to measure your bra size correctly. Here’s how to do it:

Band Size

Wrap tape around your rib cage, just below your bust. Ensure that the tape is snug but not too tight. Round it up to the nearest even number. This measurement is your band size.

Cup Size

Wrap the tape over the fullest part of your bust. Round it up to the nearest inch. Subtract your band size from your bust measurement. The difference will give you your cup size. Zero difference is AA, one inch is A, two inches are B, and so on.

The Right Fit

The right bra will support your bust, improve your posture, and make you feel confident. Here are some aspects to consider while selecting a bra:

Band fit

A bra band should fit snugly around your rib cage with enough room to move two fingers under the band. If you can’t, it’s too tight. If you can fit more than two fingers, it’s too loose. When wearing a new bra, be sure to start on the loosest hook.
That way, you can tighten it as the band naturally stretches over time. The band should feel comfortably snug around your body without constricting, and it should definitely not feel as though your band is digging in.

Tips: If the underwire sits on your breasts: Also known as slipping out the bottom, this fit issue is one of the more annoying ones. Try a smaller band size so it fits more snugly. Be sure to test the new band on the loosest hook: it should fit snugly and you can tighten it over time.
If your band rides up: If your band is sitting high on your back, it means it’s too loose. Go down a band size or adjust your hook and eye to a tighter closure. However, if you’re experiencing this issue with a new bra, it may be because you’re wearing a band size too big.

Cup fit

The cup should cover your entire breast without any gaps or bulges. If not, try a different cup size. Take a look at where the tops of your cups and your body meet. The cups should form to the curve of your breasts without gaping or causing them to spill over.

Tips:

If your cups gape: Room between the cup and the top of your breast can mess with a sleek silhouette. First, try tightening the straps. If that doesn’t clear it up, you may need a smaller cup size. Our half-cup sizes can often do the trick.
If you have cup overflow: If your cups runneth over, it’s time for a larger cup size. That way, you’ll stay supported without being squeezed. Our full coverage styles can also help, as its cups rise higher on your breast, reducing “spillage.”
If you have side overflow: Similar to cup overflow, the culprit here is often too-small cups. Go up a full or half-cup size — that should do the trick. If not, try a smaller band.

Straps

The straps should be adjusted so that they don’t dig into your skin but can carry some weight. Your straps should sit snugly on your shoulders without digging in or leaving indentations on your skin.

Tips:

If your straps slip: If you find yourself constantly hoisting your straps back up onto your shoulders, it’s probably time to tighten them. The elastic can stretch out as you wear your bra and it’s easy to forget to adjust them as you go. If slipping persists, it could be time for a new style. Try one with narrower-set straps, like t-shirt bras or full-coverage bras to help to keep them on your shoulders.
If your straps dig in: If your shoulders are bearing the weight of your breasts, your bra isn’t fitting correctly. Try a smaller band size since your band (not your straps!) is what should be supporting you. (We’ve even designed some of our bras, like our Perfect Coverage, to have additional padding on the straps to help keep them in place comfortably.)

Centre panel

The center panel between the cups should lie flat on your chest.

Underwire

An underwire bra should encircle the entire breast tissue without digging in or poking. Finding the perfect bra fit can be challenging but not impossible. Take time to measure yourself correctly, know what to look for, and explore different types of bra to find the style that works for you.

Remember, everyone’s body is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to bras. So, take time to find the one that works best for you. Now that you know how to find the right fit, say goodbye to uncomfortable and ill-fitting bras and hello to comfort and confidence.

Bra fitter`s tips

Get Measured by a Professional

Ideally, all ladies should try to get sized about once a year, or after going through any bodily changes. It’s always smart to know how to measure your own bra size, but if you’re getting measured for the first time in a while, leave this task up to a pro.

Have at Least Five Everyday Bras You Love

Yes, five! It might seem like a lot, but having a solid lineup of bras will give each one a longer shelf life. Wearing the same bra every day—or even for more than one day at a time—is one the biggest bra mistakes women tend to make. Over-wear will stretch out the spandex, so don’t discount the importance of a good bra rotation for long-lasting bras.

Go for Quality Over Looks

It’s always fun to have some cute, cheap bras for special occasions, but don’t rely on looks alone to get the job done day in and day out. Even though stronger, quality materials often carry a higher price tag, it’ll always be a worthwhile investment—especially if you’re anything larger than a C cup.

Focus on the Feel of the Band—Not Just Cup Size

You might not realize it, but most of your bra’s support should come from a snug band. To gauge sufficient snugness: When worn on the loosest hook, the band should allow only one of your fingers to slide underneath.

As the band naturally loses elasticity over time, adjust by using the tighter hooks. The band should also be completely level all the way around your rib cage. If it’s too loose, your bra will start riding up your back, which is not only uncomfortable, but causes soft flesh to bulge (making you think you have back fat to lose—when you don’t!).

Avoid Minimizer Bras

Not everyone is after a bigger chest—but if you’re looking for ways to make your breasts appear smaller, minimizer bras aren’t the best route.
A minimizer bra will compress breast tissue and actually increase the surface area of your breasts (exactly what you don’t want), but a high-quality bra with enough lift and side support will help tame your chest area more than you realize.

Know Where Underwire Discomfort Comes From

Where and how the underwire hits you has to do with a few factors. Is the underwire digging into your breasts? You might actually need to try a larger cup size. But if the underwire is cutting into the skin below your breasts, try going down a band size.

Know Your Proportions

Where exactly should your breasts be in relation to the rest of your body?
There are no “rules” here (and everyones’ figure is completely different), but here are some helpful guidelines: If you turn sideways and look in the mirror, a well-fitting bra should hold your breasts comfortably in place midway between your shoulder and elbow crease; looking in the mirror straight-on, a good bra will keep your breasts within the frame of your torso—neither super pushed together nor smushed out toward your arms.