Bra Fitting Guide

COMMON BRA FITTING PROBLEMS AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM

A well-fitting bra not only feels comfortable, it can improve your posture and even give you a more defined waist. Here’s how to find your perfect fit. Forget the tape measure, it doesn’t work for most women, all you need is your current bra and a mirror.

UNDERBAND NOT SITTING RIGHT
	UNDERBAND RIDING UP YOUR BACK? Problem: A perfectly fitting underband will sit in a horizontal line around your body. If the underband is riding up at the back then it’s too big.
	Solution: To check if your underband fits, lift your arms in the air and check if your breasts spill out under the cups. Then fasten it on the loosest hook and eye and pull it out from the centre back. If you’re wearing the right size underband, then it should not pull out more than 4cms. If you can pull the underband out more than this, you may need to go down a back size or two.
	Check our guide below:
	0-4 CM	correct underband size
	4-8 CM	go down 1 underband size
	8-12 CM	go down 2 underband sizes
	12-16 CM	go down 3 underband sizes

FRONT BAND PULLING DOWN? Problem: Your bra underband should sit just under your breasts. If it is pulling down at the front below your breasts and perhaps even leaving red marks the band could be too small.
Solution: Try going up a back size.

CUPS NOT FITTING RIGHT
	BREASTS SPILLING OUT OF THE TOP OR SIDES? Problem: If the cups are too small, then your breasts may spill out of the top of the cups or at the sides.
	Solution: A perfectly fitting bra should have no overspill at the cups and underarm. Try going up a cup size or two.

CUPS BAGGY? Problem: If the cups are too big, then the cups will be wrinkled or creased, or if it’s a moulded style they will be gaping at the top of the cup.
Solution: Try going down a cup size.

		CENTRE FRONT LIFTING AWAY FROM THE BODY? Problem: The centre front should lie flat against the body. If it doesn’t, this could be a sign that the cups are too small, causing the breasts to push the centre front away.
		Solution: Try going up a cup size.

STRAPS NOT SITTING RIGHT
	STRAPS DIGGING INTO SHOULDERS? Problem: If the straps dig in, it could be because your underband is too big and the straps are having to provide most of the support.
	Solution: Try going down a back size – the underband not the straps should provide the majority of support, 80 per cent in fact. When you know your underband fits perfectly, you should adjust the straps so they sit comfortably on your shoulders.

STRAPS SLIPPING? Problem: Straps keep slipping off your shoulders?
Solution: Try tightening the straps (this might sound obvious but they do loosen over time). Also, if you have narrow shoulders it’s best to avoid balcony styles that have wide set straps.

OTHER COMMON PROBLEMS
	MY BREASTS ARE DIFFERENT SIZES Problem: My breasts are different sizes, which one should I fit to?
	Solution: It is perfectly normal for breasts to be different sizes, but some are more noticeable than others. For the best shape and support, fit your bra to the larger breast. If you notice any creasing to the smaller cup you can always try adding a gel or foam insert. Stretchy as opposed to moulded foam cups will also have more flexibility so may work, for example a non-pad stretch lace style.

UNDERWIRES ARE DIGGING IN Problem: Look at the side of the cups, it’s important that the breast is completely encased by the underwire. Is there any underwire digging into the breast tissue?
Solution: Ouch. You may need a larger cup size. There’s also the possibility that the underband is too tight and is causing the wire to dig in.

HERE'S WHAT A CORRECT FITTING BRA SHOULD LOOK LIKE
THE FRONT The underwire sits flat against the chest. Your breasts should be completely secure within the underwire. The cups fit with no spilling out or sitting away from your breasts.	THE BACK The straps are parallel or slightly V shaped at the back. The band sits level without riding up at the back. The underband feels comfortably snug. Straps do not dig into the shoulders. Straps sit central on your shoulders.
If you still don’t feel comfortable, it may be because the bra you’ve chosen simply doesn’t suit your body shape. Try another bra style and see if you feel more comfortable. For more on breast shapes and styles that suit them check out our Bra Style Guide.