Our guide to a great fit!
What bra size am I?
The question ‘what bra size am I?’ or 'how do I measure my bra size?' is something that we hear often in the fitting room, so it might surprise you that you won’t find tape measures at Bravissimo! Our boobs are wonderful 3D things and we all have a unique shape – would you measure a pint of milk with a ruler?! For this reason, we don’t find using tape measures much use to measure your bra size. We’re all so much more than a measurement!
Working out what bra size you are is more than being told which numbers and letters to wear; it’s about feeling amazing and being empowered to work out the size and styles that put a (well supported!) spring in your step.
This guide arms you with knowledge of how your bra should fit, but you don’t need to go it alone, we’re always here to help! We’ve been helping women work out what bra size to try for over 25 years and are passionate about making sure it’s an uplifting experience.
You can get advice from our friendly fitters 7 days a week, over the phone, via Live Chat, via email or by booking a virtual fitting. Or pop into one of our shops for a bra fitting any time. We’d love to help you to work out if your bra is fitting you well and if it’s not, offer bra fitting advice and suggest styles that we hope you’ll feel confident and amazing in!
Measuring your bra size: how do you know if your bra fits right?
1:How should your bra band fit?
Your back band should be firm (but comfortable). It should be horizontal around your body without riding up or digging in. We recommend fastening a new bra on its loosest hooks so that you can tighten it if it stretches over time as you wash and wear it.
2:Where should the underwire of a bra sit?
The underwires in your bra should sit flat on your ribcage (not your boob!) all the way round to your armpits. The wires between your boobs should lie flat against your chest without digging in, rubbing or poking out.
3:How should a bra cup fit?
When your bra cups fit well, your boobs should be fully enclosed in the cups – there should be a smooth line, with no ridge or bulging, where the top and the side of the cups end. If you’re bulging out of your bra or bra cups are wrinkling, it’s likely you need a different cup size.
I don't think my underband is fitting well
Why is my bra riding up my back?
If your bra is riding up your back, the back size is probably too big! Try going down a back size and up a cup size (or two… or three!) until the back band is firm and your boobs are fully enclosed in the cups.
Why do my boobs come out of the bottom of my bra?
If your boobs are coming out at the bottom of your bra it’s a sign that your back band is too big. Your back band should be firm – so no room for under-spillage! Try a smaller back size and bigger cup size.
I don't think my wires are fitting well
Why does the underwire in my bra hurt?
The underwire in your bra can hurt if it’s sitting on your breast tissue or armpit rather than your ribcage. If the underwire is sitting on your breast tissue, try a bigger cup size so that all your breast tissue is enclosed in the cups and if the wire is poking into your armpit try a smaller back size (but remember to go up a cup size to keep the volume in the cup size the same)
Why doesn't the centre of my bra lay flat against my chest?
If the centre of your bra doesn’t lay flat against your chest, it could be because the back band is too big (and not firm enough) or because the cups are too small, and your boobs are pushing the centre out. Try a bigger cup size and smaller back size.
Why does my bra ride up when I lift my arms?
The wires aren’t flat to your ribcage as there’s too much room in the back. Try a smaller back size. REMEMBER this will change the bra cup size.
I don't think my cups are fitting well
Why do my boobs spill out of my bra?
If your boobs are spilling out of your bra, you need a bigger cup size. There should be a smooth line where the cups end with no bulging – even in a plunge style! You may need to try a smaller back size to keep the back band firm.
Why do my bra cups wrinkle?
If your bra cups are wrinkling, this is a sign that there is too much room in the cups, so try a smaller cup size. This can also happen if you put your bras in the washing machine – so remember to hand wash your lingerie!
What does it mean when your bra gaps?
If you have gaps when your bra doesn’t sit flush on your boobs, the cups might be too big, so try a cup size smaller. If it’s a moulded style (T-shirt bra) you’re wearing then the shape might not be quite right for you, so it might be worth trying a different style or a stretch lace style which will mould to your shape.
Other reasons my bra might not be fitting well
It’s not just about the letters and numbers written in your bra labels that dictate whether your bra fits you well. A big part of finding bras that fit you well is working out which shapes suit you best as each will do something different for you depending on your own individual shape. Check out our style guide for more information. We also have a range of bra accessories which can help to tweak the fit of your bra to give the perfect fit.
Why do my bra straps fall down?
Sometimes your bras straps fall down simply because they’re too loose! (obvious, but true!), so try tightening the straps. You could also try a full cup style with more centred straps or a back converter which will turn your regular bra into a racer back to prevent straps from slipping off your shoulders.
Why do my bra straps dig into my shoulders?
Bra straps digging into shoulders can be a sign that your shoulders are taking the strain as the back band isn’t giving you enough support. Try a smaller back size or why not try bra strap pads which add a comfy layer and help to distribute the weight.
What if one breast is bigger than the other?
You’re not alone! Most of us have one boob bigger than the other. We suggest that you fit to your bigger boob or try a style with stretch lace that will mould to your shape.
So now you’re armed with the knowledge of how to work out if your bra is the perfect fit, but if you have any questions about how your bra should fit or would like any bra fitting advice, please get in touch as we love to help! You can reach our friendly fitters on the phone, chat to us on our website, email us or visit one of our shops for a bra fitting.
Here at Bravissimo, we are in our busiest time of the year making sure everyone is ready for their holidays and feels amazing supported by their summer lingerie. We welcome walk-in fittings, but there may be a wait in-store at this time. If you would prefer not to wait and like to be more planned, you can book ahead by giving us a call on 01926 459 859. We’ll make every effort to see you quickly, but if we’re very busy we have a super cosy Bravissimo lounge area for you to enjoy while you wait!
A few words about shape
It’s not just about the letters and numbers written in your bra labels. A big part of finding bras that fit you well is working out which shapes suit you best – each will do something different for you depending on your own individual shape. We make it our mission to offer a great choice of bra styles to cover the many varied and wonderful shapes of Bravissimo girls!
What to do if your bra is uncomfortable
Let us know! It’s important you feel comfortable in the bras you buy from us. If you wear a new bra and find it uncomfortable, or you’re not happy with it for any reason, please get in touch so we can help.