The Bravissimo Bra Fitting Guide
“What bra size am I?” or “how do I measure my bra size?” are questions we hear often in the Bravissimo fitting room, so it might not surprise you to learn that 92% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. Painful wires, gaping cups and loose straps are just some of the telltale signs. If you’re not sure your current bra is working for you, check out our expert bra fitting guide below.
Need help? Our friendly fit team are here for you seven days a week. Call us, chat live, visit us in store, or enjoy a video fitting from the comfort of your own home.
How should my bra fit?
Take a look at our bra fitting guide below for our top tips to check you've found your best fit, or skip to our FAQs where we answer the bra fitting questions we hear the most.
How should a back band fit?
Your back band should lie straight around your body without riding up or digging in. It should be snug, but not too tight. Prefer a looser fit? Remember to drop a cup size for the right support.
How should a bra cup fit?
Your boobs should be fully enclosed by the cups with a smooth line between your skin and the fabric. Bulges or wrinkling? Try a different cup size or consider a style with stretch lace cups, which are great if you have one boob bigger than the other.
Where should the underwire of a bra sit?
Underwires should sit flat against your ribcage without digging in, rubbing or poking. Consider a non-wired style if you prefer a more flexible fit.
How should bra straps fit?
Your straps should feel tight enough to stay in place, but not so tight that they dig in or leave marks. If you find your straps often slip, try a racerback style.
Bra Fitting FAQs
Here’s something you might not know: at Bravissimo, we don’t use tape measures! Our boobs are wonderful 3D things, and we all have a unique shape. For this reason, we don’t find using tape measures much use in measuring your bra size.
Our unique fitting expertise means we’re trained to fit by eye using the bra you’re wearing, so you can trust you'll leave with your most comfortable fit in a bra shape that really works for you. And remember, if you need a little help, we’re here for you. We want you to feel so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing a bra at all! That’s why we offer a free personalised fitting service that works around you. Visit us in store or enjoy a video fitting from your own home, and we’ll help you find your perfect fit in a style you love.
With so many different types of bras to choose from, it’s no wonder that finding the right bra size can feel overwhelming! Check out our guide to bra types and styles to work out which styles are right for you.
If your bra’s riding high at the back, chances are the band’s too loose. Try sizing down in the band (and up in the cup) until the fit feels snug and supportive.
Underboob on the loose? That’s usually a sign the back band’s too big. Your bra should sit flat to your ribcage – no slipping, no spillage. Try a smaller back and a bigger cup size.
Usually, it’s because the wire’s sitting on your breast tissue or poking into your armpit (we’ve all been there). Try a bigger cup size to fully enclose your boobs, or go for a smaller back size if the wire’s creeping too far under your arm (remembering to go up a cup size to keep the volume the same).
If the centre’s not flush, it’s often because the back band’s too loose or the cups are too small. A smaller back size and bigger cup size might just do the trick.
If your bra lifts when you do, your back band’s not doing its job. Try a smaller back size and remember to go up a cup size to keep the volume the same.
Boobs trying to escape? Time to go up a size. Even in a plunge style, the cup should sit smoothly with no bulging. You may also need to try a smaller back size to keep the back band firm.
Wrinkly or gaping cups usually mean they’re too big, or the shape just isn’t quite right for you. Try a smaller cup size, or switch to a stretch lace style like the Millie bra that’ll flex to your unique shape. And remember, handwashing will help keep your bras in tip-top shape for much longer. Check out our Care Guide for more tips.
Sometimes it’s as simple as needing to tighten them (obvious, but true!). If they’re still slipping, try a full cup style with more centred straps or a back converter to turn your bra into a racerback.
If your shoulders are taking all the strain, it’s a sign your back band isn’t giving you enough support. Try a smaller back size, or add bra strap pads for a comfier fit.
Totally normal – most of us aren’t symmetrical! Fit to your bigger boob and try a stretch lace style that flexes to your shape.
Sometimes it’s less about the size and more about the shape. Different styles work better for different boob shapes, so it’s worth experimenting. Need a hand? Our style guide is a great place to start, and we’ve got clever accessories to help tweak the fit. Still stuck? Just get in touch – we’re always happy to help.