Fitting Tips and Instructions
Sometimes it’s immediately obvious that a bra you’re trying on doesn’t fit right. But sometimes there are less obvious signs that the bra you have on is doing little to optimize your shape. Even if a bra may “feel right,” it may not be giving you proper support or enhancing your assets.
Measure your size
Step 1. Measure for Band Size
Measure your underbust using a tape measure, making sure the tape is parallel with the ground. It should not be loose or binding. Exhale to get the smallest measurement possible.
Find your number (inches or centimeters) and write it down. Be sure to round all fractional measurements to the nearest whole number.
Step 2. Measure for Cup Size
While wearing a non-padded bra, stand straight with your arms at your sides and measure the fullest part of your bust. Make sure the measuring tape is parallel with the ground and not loose or binding.
Find your number (inches or centimeters) and enter it in the box below. Again, round all fractional measurements to the nearest whole
Band size chart
| Measurement is: | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 30 |
| Band size is: | 30 | 30 | 32 | 32 | 34 | 34 | 36 | 36 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 30 |
| Bra Size | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 |
| Chest (inches) | 26.6 - 28.5” | 28.5 - 30.5” | 30.5 - 32.5” | 32.5 - 34.4” | 34.4 - 36.5” |
| Chest (cm) | 67.5 - 72.5 | 72.5 - 77.5 | 77.5 - 82.5 | 82.5 - 87.5 | 87.5 - 92.5” |
| Bust (inches) | 80cm | 85cm | 90cm | 95cm | 103cm |
| Bust (cm) | 31.5” | 33.5” | 35.4” | 37.4” | 40.6” |
| Cup | A | B | C | D | DD / E |
| Difference (inches) | 0” - 1/2” | 1/2” - 1” | 2” | 3” | 4” |
| Difference (cm) | 0 - 1.3cm | 1.3cm - 1.6cm | 5.1cm | 7.6cm | 10.2cm |
Check your fit
1. Smooth Fitting Cups
If you don’t fill out your bra cups – wrinkling, or gapping – you need a smaller cup size. If you’re “overflowing” in your cups, or the top of your bra cups are cutting into your breast tissue, try a larger cup size or a style with a fuller cup design. The edges of the cups should also lie flat against your breast. Some women complain the cups look “pointy” (when the bra design is not meant to look this way). This too can be another sign that you are not fully filling out your cups and need to go down a cup size.
3. Bra band is parallel to the floor or slightly lower in the back.
The lower edge of your bra band should anchor below the shoulder blades. The lower the back fits, the better the support. Women with spine curvature can have special issues with where the back of their bra will land.
5. Cup fabric is stable.
The cup fabric should give support as well as a good breast shape. Bras with cups made from stretchy fabric will be comfortable, but your shape and support will be compromised.
7. Good breast uplift.
The apex of your breasts should be mid-way between your shoulders and your elbows. Uplifted breasts look more youthful and give a slimming appearance.
9. A finger can be run under your front band.
Your bra should be snug, but not too tight. If you find it difficult to get your finger between you and your bra band in front, you need a larger band size or a looser hook position in back.
2. Center panel lays flat against your breastbone.
If your bra’s center panel is not resting on your sternum, this could be a sign that your cup size is too small. If the underwires are pointing outward and away from your body, this too is a sign that your cup size could be too small. Also, how far apart your breasts are from each other can affect how your center panel rests on your sternum.
4. Straps stay put and don’t dig into your shoulders.
Only 10% of your bra’s support should come from your bra straps. If your straps are working harder than this, you probably need a smaller band size. Women with sloping shoulders need to look for specific bra styles and features to keep their straps up and on their shoulders.
6. Underwires encircle your breasts.
Underwires shouldn’t poke, protrude or pinch. If your wires bend away from your chest in the center, this usually means your cup size is too small. However, your unique breast placement, shape and size can also impact how bra underwires will fit you.
8. Breasts point forward; do not sag or fall to your sides.
The correct bra style for you will have your breasts pointing forward so that you may freely swing your arms forward and backward without obstruction.