The Ultimate Bra Fitting Guide

The Ultimate Bra Fitting Guide Infographic

What is a “good bra” for you? Is it the one that makes you feel sexy? Or the brassiere that doesn’t hamper your movements, so you don’t feel wearing it at all? Or could it be that the best fitting bras are the ones that make your breasts look fuller and prettier?

Some of you will say that it’s all of the above. The others will say that as long as you like your undergarment – it’s perfect! Today we want to talk to you about what the lingerie industry professionals call practical and esthetic must-haves of a “good bra”.

THE BAND:

  • The band is made of strong elastic materials and supports your breasts more than the straps;
  • The band follows a nice horizontal line around your body;
  • The band is not too tight: you can easily stick two fingers underneath it or it stretches out for about 2 inches;
  • The band keeps rising up your back? – Extend the straps or go one size down to make it tighter;
  • The bra is too tight in the chest? – Lessen the hooks in the back by 1 or 2.

Extra tips: When choosing a bra size, define the band size first, then the cup. Always try a new bra having it locked on a middle (2nd out of 3) hook or on the first (the most loose) hook if it’s a microfiber model. Like this you can then later adjust its width in case of any physical modifications of your body or if the fabric slightly loses its shape over time.

THE STRAPS:

  • The straps are soft, elastic and don’t leave any red marks on your body;
  • The straps aren’t visible under the neckline of your clothes;
  • The more volume in your bust line – the thicker the straps should be;
  • The straps keep falling off your shoulders? Adjust them or if it’s impossible – choose a smaller size of bra;
  • The straps leave creases in your shoulders? – Lessen the straps or choose a model with wider ones;
  • Do you feel like your breasts are sagging? – Tighten the straps or choose the size with smaller cups.

Very often women overburden the straps with the support function, thus we see red marks on the shoulders and experience unnecessary back pain. The straps should hold about 15-20% of your bust weight and there’s a simple test to check it. Put on your bra and let the straps fall down. If your upper lingerie is still staying on and gripping firmly to your body – congratulations, it’s a good model and proper size. If your bra begins to slowly slide down – try downsizing the band size.

THE CUP:

  • The wires lie flat against you and don’t dig into your skin;
  • The cup material is smooth and has no wrinkles;
  • The cup’s top is pressing against your breasts and not sticking out;
  • The cup doesn’t create a lumpy look under your clothes;
  • The cup wires are wobbly and don’t hold against your chest? – If it happens in the middle - the band is too big. If the wires aren’t flat against sides – choose a smaller cup;
  • The cup edges hurt your underarms area? – The cup it too small. Try to upsize it;
  • The cups of your bra fold and pucker? – Lean forward to fill up the cup with your breasts. If this happens too often – the cup is too big;
  • The area between the cups is misplaced? – Try a larger cup size.

Extra tip: What to do with the cup size if the breasts overflow the cup?

  • If the bust line is full in the cleavage and neck area – it might be a special bra effect, so choose another model;
  • If the breasts are falling out under arms – the bra is too small;
  • If bust is spilling under the cup – go down in a band size.

Who needs a handbag? I put my money in my bra.” Neneh Cherry

Extra tip: Start putting your bra on with the front part. The straps should go up last. And put your hands up once it’s all on – a good-fitting bra shouldn’t move up or down because of such movements.

The Perfect Size Combination:

How not to get lost in the universe of band vs cup sizes

The variety of bra models is diverse not only in colors, but also in sizes. Has it ever happened to you that you found the bra you’ve been looking for but your regular sizes don’t fit? Don’t panic just yet.

If your regular size didn’t work out (which happens quite often due to different materials used by different manufacturers), and you aren’t sure what size of cup to choose when you are changing a band size, there’s a secret bra fitting rule you should follow:

Whatever you do with the band size, do the opposite with the size of cup

So, if you have been a 14C your entire life, but this amazing Victoria Secret bra doesn’t fit – then go for the 16B or 12D size in this same model. This rule supposes one thing: you are changing the band size, but keeping the cup dimensions proportional.

Don’t forget! Finding a bra model or size that fits you well is not something you do once in a lifetime. Our bodies do change and the wearing and washing processes greatly affect the shape and elasticity of our underwear. So make a habit to reevaluate all your bras once in a 6-12 months period to make sure it is still as flattering and complimenting, as it used to be!

How does a Bra from Bra Fitting Stores Feel?

Not everyone has the opportunity to have a real professional custom fit a bra for them. So here we compiled a description what does a “good bra” that is the most appropriate for your body size looks like:

The bust line is centered

The most harmonic female look is when the bust line is right in between the shoulders and elbows. Make sure your band wraps your body in an even horizontal line.

The breasts are lifted up

This creates an illusion of younger and slimmer body. If your cups are pulled down – try a smaller band size for more support.

No breasts are facing to the front

The bust (especially nipples) should be facing front and center, not sagging and not turning sideways. If you can freely move your arms to the front and back – then the cups are doing a good job pushing your bust line up and to the middle.

Feel inspired to find the perfectly fitting bra that will make a difference in how you wear all your clothes? Check out and compare over 50 000 items from leading brands in our directory.