How to fit a bra

1. Try and put your bra on by putting your arms through the straps and doing the back up behind your back. This prevents unnecessary stretching of the bra. Lean forward so that your breasts drop into the cups, put the band under your breasts, stand up and do the bra up at the back.

2. Ideally the bra should be firm, (you shouldn’t be able to pull it away from your back more than 1cm), but fitting on it’s loosest setting (you can feel the other hooks). If it is firm on it’s tightest setting, you need a smaller band and a bigger cup size (if the cup is OK on this one), e.g. if you’ve tried a 36D you’ll need a 34DD.

3. Make sure the bra band is horizontal across your back by checking in the mirror. Think down / low. It may not be where you’re used to wearing it, but once you get used to it you’ll find it more comfortable and certainly more supportive for you.

4. Tighten the shoulder straps so they are firm on your shoulders, but not too tight that they are making indents.

5. Now look at the front of the bra in the mirror. Your breasts should be contained within the cups, whatever bra cup shape you have chosen.

6. The bra should fit well underneath the root of the breast (this is where your breast meets your ribcage). You may need to do some adjustments of the breasts into the cups to achieve this. If you do some adjustments here, check the back again as moving your breasts into the cups often means you can tighten the back more.

7. The front of the bra in between the breasts should sit towards the breast bone – this is easier to achieve with a wired bra, and will also depend on your body shape.

8. Check under the arm – if the bra is too high it will be uncomfortable, if it is too low, the breast will not be supported. The seam should sit directly under the arm to avoid undue pressure on breast tissue.

9. Check for wrinkles on the cup – this indicates the cup is too big.

10. Check for bulging at the underarm and top of the cup – this indicates the cup is too small.

11. Are the breasts going outwards (East/West Syndrome!)? There may be a more suitable style for you.

12. Are the breasts mid-way between the shoulder and elbow? Look for a pert shape from the side. If they are drooping, a firmer style is required.

13. Is it comfortable?

14. Is it fit for purpose? i.e if it’s a sports bra, is it preventing your breasts from moving when doing your chosen sport?

This is only a guide and every bra will fit differently. If you want to talk through how your bra is fitting, please ring or email our bra fitters who are here to help you.