Bra Fitting Advice | The Lingerie Advisor

Bra Fitting Guide

Not sure what size you should be wearing? Our Bra Fitting Guide will help you measure at home, spot common fit problems, and find your perfect bra size with confidence. Whether you’re shopping Freya, Elomi, Panache, or Triumph, this guide is here to help.

1. Bra Fitting Guide: How to Measure Your Band Size

Use a soft measuring tape around your ribcage, directly under your bust. Take the measurement snugly in inches—this is the number you will enter into the Bra Size Calculator to find your correct band size. Round to the nearest whole number for accuracy.

Pro Tip: Measure while wearing a lightly lined or unpadded bra for the most accurate result. Repeat the measurement a couple of times to ensure consistency.

2. Bra Fitting Guide: How to Measure Your Bust Size

Measure around the fullest part of your bust with a soft measuring tape, keeping it level across your back and front. Take the measurement in inches—this is the number you will enter into Bra Size Calculator to determine your cup size.

Pro Tip: Ensure the tape just skims your bust without compressing it. Take the measurement a couple of times to confirm accuracy.

3. Bra Fitting Guide: Use the Bra Size Calculator

Enter your band and bust measurements into our Bra Size Calculator to find your perfect UK size. Then check the size conversion charts for your favourite brands.

Go to Bra Size Calculator

4. Bra Fitting Guide: Explore Bra Size Guides by Brand

Once you know your measurements, check how they convert across your favourite brands:

Pro Tip: Bookmark your favourite brand guides for quick reference. Checking sizes consistently ensures the best fit every time.

View All Bra Size Guides

How a Bra Should Fit

Getting the right bra size is only part of the story—how the bra fits is just as important. Here’s what to look for when checking your fit:

Band: Should sit level all the way around your ribcage. It should feel firm and supportive on the loosest hook, without riding up at the back.
Cups: Should fully contain your bust with no gaping or spillage over the top or sides.
Straps: Should rest comfortably on your shoulders—snug but not digging in, and not slipping off.
Center Gore: The panel between the cups should sit flat against your chest.
Underwire: The wire should sit flat against your ribcage and encase all your breast tissue.

Pro Tip: If your bra feels uncomfortable within 30 minutes of wearing it, it’s likely the wrong size or style for you. Always try a few different styles to find your best match.

Common Bra Fit Problems & How to Fix Them

Even if you’re wearing the right size on paper, small fit issues can still happen. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common bra fitting problems:

1. Band Rides Up at the Back

This usually means the band is too big. Try going down a band size (and up a cup size to keep the volume the same). The band should stay level and parallel to the floor.

2. Cups Gape or Wrinkle

If the cups aren’t filled out, they’re probably too big. Try a smaller cup size or a different style that offers more lift and shape.

3. Spillage Over the Top or Sides

Overflow is a sign that the cups are too small. Go up a cup size or try a fuller coverage bra to properly contain the breast tissue.

4. Straps Digging In or Slipping

If straps dig in, the band may be too loose—your band should provide most of the support, not the straps. If they slip, tighten them slightly or try a bra with closer-set straps.

5. Underwire Sitting on Breast Tissue

Underwire should sit flat against your ribcage and follow the natural curve beneath your breast. If it’s resting on tissue, the cup is too small or the bra style isn’t right for your shape.

Pro Tip: Bra sizing isn’t an exact science—different brands and styles can fit differently. Once you know your measurements, don’t be afraid to try several sizes and cuts to find the one truly fits you best.