Bra Fitting Guide & Education
Master the art of finding your perfect bra fit with our comprehensive guides and expert tips
Measurement Guide
Learn proper measuring techniques
Fit Problems
Identify and solve common issues
Expert Tips
Professional fitting advice
How to Measure Your Bra Size
What You'll Need
- ✓Soft measuring tape
- ✓Well-fitting, non-padded bra
- ✓Mirror (optional but helpful)
- ✓Someone to help (recommended)
Best Time to Measure
- ✓Mid-cycle (not during period)
- ✓When not bloated
- ✓In the morning
- ✓When relaxed
Step 1: Measure Your Band Size
Wrap the measuring tape around your ribcage, just under your bust. The tape should be level all around and snug but not tight.
✅ Do:
- • Keep tape parallel to floor
- • Breathe normally
- • Stand straight
- • Round to nearest whole number
❌ Don't:
- • Pull tape too tight
- • Measure over clothing
- • Hold breath
- • Let tape sag
Step 2: Measure Your Bust Size
Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape level and don't compress your breasts.
✅ Do:
- • Measure at fullest point
- • Keep tape level
- • Stand naturally
- • Take measurement while exhaling
❌ Don't:
- • Compress breasts
- • Arch back
- • Measure over padded bra
- • Pull tape too tight
Step 3: Calculate Your Size
Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. The difference determines your cup size.
| Difference (inches) | Cup Size | Difference (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 0" | AA | 0 cm |
| 1" | A | 2.5 cm |
| 2" | B | 5 cm |
| 3" | C | 7.5 cm |
| 4" | D | 10 cm |
| 5" | DD | 12.5 cm |
| 6" | DDD/E | 15 cm |
Common Fitting Problems & Solutions
Band Riding Up
Symptoms:
- • Band sits high on back
- • Straps constantly slip
- • No support from band
- • Breast tissue spills under band
Solutions:
- • Try a smaller band size
- • Check hook position
- • Ensure proper positioning
- • Consider different style
Cup Spillage
Symptoms:
- • Breast tissue spills over cup
- • "Quad boob" effect
- • Bulging at sides
- • Uncomfortable pressure
Solutions:
- • Go up a cup size
- • Try full coverage style
- • Check wire positioning
- • Scoop and swoop properly
Gaping Cups
Symptoms:
- • Empty space in cups
- • Cups don't lay flat
- • Wrinkled cup fabric
- • No contact with breast
Solutions:
- • Try smaller cup size
- • Different cup shape
- • Adjust strap length
- • Consider push-up style
Center Gore Issues
Symptoms:
- • Gore doesn't touch chest
- • Painful pressure on sternum
- • Gore sits on breast tissue
- • Uncomfortable digging
Solutions:
- • Check cup size fit
- • Try wider or narrower gore
- • Consider different wire width
- • Adjust band size
Types of Bras & When to Wear Them
T-Shirt Bra
Smooth, seamless cups that create a clean silhouette under fitted clothing.
Best for:
- • Tight-fitting tops
- • Professional wear
- • Everyday comfort
- • Avoiding visible lines
Push-Up Bra
Padded cups with angled padding to lift and enhance cleavage.
Best for:
- • Special occasions
- • Low-cut tops
- • Enhancing smaller busts
- • Creating cleavage
Sports Bra
High-support design to minimize movement during physical activity.
Best for:
- • Exercise and sports
- • High-impact activities
- • Yoga and pilates
- • Comfortable lounging
Balconette Bra
Low-cut cups with wide-set straps that create a lifted, rounded shape.
Best for:
- • Square necklines
- • Off-shoulder tops
- • Creating lift
- • Fuller bust shapes
Full Coverage Bra
Cups that fully enclose the breast for maximum support and coverage.
Best for:
- • Larger bust sizes
- • All-day comfort
- • Professional settings
- • Maximum support
Bralette
Soft, wireless design that prioritizes comfort over structure.
Best for:
- • Casual wear
- • Smaller bust sizes
- • Lounging at home
- • Layering under sheer tops
Expert Fitting Tips
🎯 The Perfect Fit Checklist
Band Fit:
- ✓Sits parallel to floor
- ✓Provides 80% of support
- ✓Snug but comfortable
- ✓Doesn't ride up
Cup Fit:
- ✓No spillage or gaps
- ✓Smooth silhouette
- ✓Nipple at center of cup
- ✓Wire follows breast root
💡 Pro Tips
- 💡 Always "scoop and swoop" after putting on your bra
- 💡 Replace bras every 6-12 months with regular wear
- 💡 Have at least 3 well-fitting bras in rotation
- 💡 Size can change due to weight, age, or hormones
🛍️ Shopping Tips
- 🛍️ Try on multiple sizes and styles
- 🛍️ Shop in the afternoon when breasts are fuller
- 🛍️ Check return policies before buying online
- 🛍️ Bring your own well-fitting bra for comparison
- 🛍️ Don't be afraid to ask for professional fitting help
Common Bra Fitting Myths
❌ Myth: "I'm a 36C in every brand"
Reality: Bra sizes vary significantly between brands and even between different styles from the same brand.
Always try on bras and don't rely solely on your "usual" size. What fits in one brand may not fit in another.
❌ Myth: "The band should be loose and comfortable"
Reality: The band should provide 80% of the bra's support and should be snug but not painful.
A loose band won't provide adequate support and will ride up your back. The band should stay in place when you raise your arms.
❌ Myth: "DD is the largest cup size"
Reality: Cup sizes go well beyond DD, with sizes like DDD, G, H, I, J, K and beyond.
Many women are wearing the wrong size because they don't realize larger cup sizes exist and are readily available.
❌ Myth: "Underwire bras are uncomfortable"
Reality: Properly fitted underwire bras should be comfortable and provide excellent support.
If underwire is uncomfortable, it's usually because the bra doesn't fit properly. The wire should follow your breast root without poking or digging.
❌ Myth: "You should buy bras on the tightest hook"
Reality: New bras should fit comfortably on the loosest hook setting.
As the bra stretches with wear and washing, you can tighten it using the middle and then tightest hooks to extend its life.
❌ Myth: "Sports bras should be really tight"
Reality: Sports bras should provide support without being painfully tight or restricting breathing.
A properly fitted sports bra will minimize movement while still allowing you to breathe comfortably during exercise.
✅ The Truth About Bra Fitting
- ✓80% of women wear the wrong bra size
- ✓Your size can change throughout your life
- ✓Professional fitting can make a huge difference
- ✓Comfort and support should go hand in hand
- ✓The right bra can improve your posture and confidence
Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?
Use our professional calculator to get your accurate bra size