Finding a Bra That Fits
Putting your bra on correctly?
This is such an important step before even starting to check the fit. Once you perform the Swoop & Scoop, you may find the bra you thought was a good fit, becomes an obviously bad fit. It's like an unveiling of the true fit of your bra! We promise, with some size or style adjustments, you'll be able to wear a bra with comfort and confidence.
Swoop & Scoop
Before we show you how to find your correct bra size, you first need to put your bra on correctly. Putting your bra on incorrectly is like putting your shoes on the wrong feet! Once you're wearing your bra properly, we can assess the fit with confidence.Lean forward so your breasts fall naturally into the cupPlace the straps over your shouldersFasten the back on the loosest hook to begin withLean forward and jiggle your bust (trust us!), while holding the underwiresAdjust your shoulder straps so they are taut, but not too tight! You shouldn't feel like your shoulders are being pulled downIf needed, separate your bust so the middle wires sit flush against your sternumGently smooth over the cups, band, and strapsHave a look in the mirror! You should feel comfortable and supported? If not, don't worry - we're here to help!
The Band
The band is often seen as an afterthought, yet its what needs to be corrected before the cup. The back band should fit snugly, parallel to the ground, without riding up. Fit your new bra on the loosest hook as the fabric naturally stretches over time, you’ll have room to tighten the band. If your band is too big, try a band size down as a start. For every band size that you decrease, you'll need to increase the cup size to maintain the cup depth. Cup sizes aren't static - they are indicative of a ratio between breast volume and band size. (e.g. 14D sizes down to 12DD and 18F sizes down to 16FF).
The Perfect Band Fit
The cup should fully encase your breast tissue and stay put when you raise your arms. It should feel like the band is giving you a hug, firm but not so tight that it's causing pain.
Incorrect Band Fit
If the band rides up failing to stay parallel to the ground. It's too big. If the band lifts up or away from the body when your arms are raised, breast tissue escapes. It's too big.
The Cup
Your breasts should be fully encased by the bra: no spillage, cutting in or gaping. If your breast tissue bulges over the top of the cups, under your arms, or out of the bottom of the bra, you need a larger cup size.If the wires are sitting on top of your breast tissue, you likely need a larger cup size. If your cups are otherwise fitting well, you may just need to try a different brand or style that features wider underwires.
The Perfect Cup Fit
The cup should fully encase your breast tissue and stay put when you raise your arms. It should feel like the band is giving you a hug, firm but not so tight that it's causing pain.
Incorrect Cup Fit
The cups should not cut into the breast nor should there be empty space in the cup. The wires must not sit on the breast tissue and the centre gore should not pull away from the body.
...And there's more
Centre Gore
The centre gore (where the wires meet between the breasts) should sit flat against your sternum. If the gore is pulling away from your chest, or digging into your breast tissue, you likely need a larger cup size.
Bra Straps
Your shoulder straps should be snug, but not so tight that they leave red marks on your shoulders. The weight of your bust should be supported almost entirely by the back band and the cups. The shoulder straps shouldn’t be doing all the work! If your back band is firm enough, your straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders..The straps shouldn't dig into your armpits, or sit so far out they slip off.
Wires
Your shoulder straps should be snug, but not so tight that they leave red marks on your shoulders. The weight of your bust should be supported almost entirely by the back band and the cups. The shoulder straps shouldn’t be doing all the work! If your back band is firm enough, your straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders..The straps shouldn't dig into your armpits, or sit so far out they slip off.
The Ultimate Bra-Fitting Checklist:
- Move around (go ahead, get your groove on!) to determine comfort
- Pop a t-shirt on to see what shape the bra gives you under clothes
- Take a minute to really consider how the bra feels on your body
- If it's uncomfortable, try a different size or style
- Don't buy it if you are unsure! You deserve a bra that doesn't make you think twice, and we promise the perfect one for you is out there.
Other Bra-Fitting Factors
Puberty, menopause, pregnancy, weight loss, weight gain, ill-health, and more can all cause changes in your ideal bra size or style. Fluctuations continue throughout our lifetimes. We understand the changes that bodies experience, and are here to offer our support and expertise in finding you the best bra for your unique circumstance.
Just as we all come in delightfully different shapes and sizes, many bra manufacturers differ dramatically in their size gradings. It’s normal to wear a particular size in one bra and a different size in another. To guarantee the very best fit for you, feel free to enlist the help of our bra-fitting experts online, or visit one of our five stores.
