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| Working out your bra size - what you need to know. |
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First things first: put down that tape measure!! You won’t be able to get an accurate sizing that way, unless you’ve got someone else to help. The best thing to do if you can’t have a proper fitting is to wear a bra that you already think fits you quite well and use that as a guide. Look at yourself in a mirror:
- Can you pull the back away from you quite easily?
- Is it riding up at the back?
- Do you have it on the tightest fastening?
- Do the shoulder straps dig in/mark you?
These are all signs that you need to go down a back size. But, remember, if you do this and want the cup fit to stay the same, you need to increase that. For example, if a 38DD is too big around the back, you should try a 36E or even a 34F.
- Is the cup wrinkled or slightly gaping?
- Do the shoulder straps fall off you - even after you’ve adjusted them?
You should try a smaller cup size.
- Does the underwire dig into your underarm?
- Are your breasts slightly spilling out over the top or the side of the bra?
- Does the underwire stand away from you at the front?
You need to go up at least one cup size.
What the perfect fitting bra should look like:
- The band should be level front and back, and firm without being uncomfortable.
- The cup should fit your breasts so there’s no bulging or ridges at the top or sides - even when you wear a lower-cut style.
- The underwire should lie flat against your rib cage at the front and not dig in or stand away from you at the front.
So, hopefully now you’ve got a good idea of what size to try. However, life isn’t so simple that you’ll be able to just pick up a bra in the same size every time – the material and style will make a difference - which is why we make comments on the fit of the bras we stock, and encourage you to do the same. If you’re still unsure, give us a call or drop us an email and we’ll try to sort you out using our knowledge of the products.
The other thing to bear in mind is that your bra size will be affected by changes in your weight and activity level so check the fit every six months.
If you're an international customer and need to know how to convert your usual size to our British sizes, please take a look at our international size conversion charts here
Trying on your new bra
To make sure you’re properly inside your bra, you need to “bend and scoop”. Lean forward, lower your breasts into the bra and then fasten. When you stand up straight again, you can adjust the bra for comfort and fit.
Always fasten a new bra on the loosest hook – it will stretch with wear and washing and you can then tighten it up.
Your bra should be level at the front and back. The band should feel firm but not uncomfortable. If you can stretch it away from your skin, it’s too big!!
Underwire should fit under the breast – if it moves easily or bends when you touch it, it’s probably on your breast rather than under and a bigger cup size would be better for you.
Try moving around in your bra: raise your arms, reach out for things etc to make sure you still feel comfortable and that it isn’t riding up.
Adjust the shoulder straps so that they aren’t too loose - but remember that the back band is what gives you the most support, so don’t have them so tight that they dig in and mark you.
Check how the bra looks under a tight fitting top. Sometimes this makes it easier to spot problem areas and gives you a better idea of the shape the bra is giving you.
And don’t worry! If you’re not happy you can send it back. See our returns policy for further details.
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