How to fit a bra properly

When fitting a bra it is always best to stand in front of the mirror.

First check the under band, stand in front of a mirror and lift up your arms to see if the under band is tight enough, then check the under wire is still sitting on the body and is not riding up your back?
If the band is riding up this might mean that your band is too big.
Tip- the under band should fit firmly against the body so that it does not slide around or move away from your chest as you go about your daily activities.

Next check the shoulder straps. If the bra straps are digging into the shoulder it could be because the under band is to loose and therefore the straps are doing most of the work to support the bust.
The under band of a bra provides the majority of support whereas the straps only carry a small amount of the load. Therefore in this instance a smaller band size would be required.

Make sure straps are not twisted and you have loosened the straps for a comfortable fit.

Have a look at the under wire at the front of your bra. Does it lie just under the bust? If the under wire is being dragged down towards the narrow part of your rib cage it is a sign that you are wearing the wrong size bra.

The centre of the under band should lie flat against the body, if you cannot get your finger underneath it, it is too tight. If the centre doesn't lie flat, this could be a sign that the cups are too small, causing the breasts to push the centre away.

Under wire piercing into the sides of your underarm

Tip - After you have fastened your Bra and are happy with the band and the strap, straighten up and adjust yourself so that the breasts are sitting securely and comfortable in to the cup. If there is any under wire piercing into the breast tissue you will require a larger cup size.
If the breasts are coming out over the top of your cups this means the cup is small.

If a bra cups that is too baggy or creases, you may need to go down a cup size. If the cup fits snugly but it is gapping where the cup meets the strap, it means the bra is finishing too high up on your chest. A different style bra might suit you better.

If your breasts are coming out at the sides, you may require a larger band size or a style that provides more cup coverage.

A bra should always fit correctly and should not be uncomfortable.

How to take your measurements

Measuring under the bust

Measure under your bust tightly in inches; if the measurement is even numbers of inches then add 4 inches to the size, e.g. measures 36 inches add 4 inches = 40 inches.
If the measurement is odd then add 5 inches, e.g. 27 inches add 5 inches = 32 inches.
This measurement has obtained your band size.

Over bust measurement

Measure around the fuller part of your bust lightly, ensuring not to do it too tightly.
If the measurement is the same size as your band size your cup size is A.
1 inch more gives cup size B
2 inch more gives cup size C
3 inch more gives cup size D
4 inch more gives cup size E
5 inch more gives cup size F
as so on through cup size FF,G

Example
Under bust measurement of 32 + 4 inches = 36
Over bust measurement of 38 inches = cup C
Bra Size = 38C

Please note these notes and tips aim to provide a general indication of your bra size. The best guide is a bra that fits you correctly and comfortable.  Do remember that bras do vary in size between manufactures

Bustier Size is under bust measurement, not the fullest part of the bust

Bustier Size   Bust   Waist   Hips   UK Dress Size
36                  37-40  28-31  39-41    14
38                  40-43  31-34  41-44    16
40                  42-45  34-37  44-47    18-20
42                  45-48  37-40  47-50    20-22
44                  48-51  40-43  50-53    22-24
46                  51-54  43-46  53-56    24-26
48                  54-57  46-49  56-59    26-28
50                  57-60  49-52  59-62    28-30