Fitting Advice
So many girls get their bra sizes wrong. We wander around with our boobs spilling out of the cups and our underbands riding all the way up our backs. But it’s such an important measurement to get right!
Here at KnickerPicker, we've put together our three step guide to help you find the perfect fit.
a) Top Tips
We've put together our top tips to help you make sure your bra is fitting properly. If you want a quick check list to make sure you're wearing the right size- this is for you!
b) Fitting problems
If you're having problems with your current bra- use our fitting advice list to find out where you're going wrong.
c) Measuring Guide
Remember that the measuring tape is not always an accurate measure (confusing i know?!) Every woman's boobs vary in shape, size and volume and these are all factors in getting the right size. So use the measuring guide- with our Top Tips to make sure you're getting the right fit every time.
a) Top tips
1. Your breast should fit comfortably in the cup without spilling over or puckering with extra fabric.
2. The underband should fit comfortably across your back without rising up or down.
3. The underwire should never dig into your underarm or your breast tissue.
4. The underwire should not lift away from the rib cage.
If you are experiencing any of the problems above- use our fitting problems list below to help you to find the right cup size.
b) Fitting Problems
1. The under band rides up
If the under band of your bra rides up at the back, it means that your back size is too big causing the weight of your boobs to pull the front of the bra down whilst the back rides up. Try buying a bra in a smaller back size, so if you were a 34 try a 32. It may take a while for you to get use to the tighter back band but persevere and you'll feel more supported. It may also be that your bras are old and have lost their elasticity. Invest in some new bras and remember to wear them on the loosest back fitting so you can tighten them as they get older.
2.The shoulder straps are digging in
If your shoulder straps are digging in, it could also mean that your under band is not providing enough support for your breasts. The main support for your bra should come from the under band so if your straps are digging in you are probably tightening them to compensate for the loose back band. Try the steps above for a smaller back band, or alternatively loosen the shoulder straps slightly to avoid those achy shoulders.
3. The underwires are lifting away from the rib cage
If the underwires have come away from the rib cage, it usually indicates that your cup size is too small. We suggest trying the next cup size up. Make sure that the underwires fully encase your breasts and sit flat against your rib cage.
4. Bulging over the cup
If your breasts bulge over the top of your cups it indicates that your cup size is too small. Try going up a cup size and make sure that your breast is fully encased within the fabric without wrinkling or bulging.
5. Cups too baggy
If there are creases in the front of the cup you should try going down a cup size. However, if you have one breast bigger than the other (a very common problem) then you should always fit your bra to the largest breast to avoid the underwires digging in.
c) Measuring Guide
Make sure you have a pencil and paper to hand before you start!
Step 1 - Bra Size (Underband)
Measure around your rib cage directly underneath the bust. If you can get a friend to help you- it's much easier!
You (or your friend) should hold the tape tightly- without making you uncomfortable. You can then use the table below to work out what your underband size is:
| Underband (cm) |
Bra Size |
| 63-67 |
30 |
| 68-72 |
32 |
| 73-77 |
34 |
| 78-82 |
36 |
| 83-87 |
38 |
| 88-92 |
40 |
| 93-97 |
42 |
Step 2 - Cup Size
The second measurement should be taken from the fullest part of the bust- ensuring that the tape is level across your back.
Once you have a measurement write it down!
Then use the table below and your two measurements to work out what size you are.
Bra Size(Underband) |
AA Cup |
A Cup |
B Cup |
C Cup |
D Cup |
DD Cup |
E Cup |
F Cup |
FF Cup |
| 30 |
75-77 |
77-79 |
79-81 |
81-83 |
83-85 |
85-87 |
87-89 |
89-91 |
91-83 |
| 32 |
80-82 |
82-84 |
84-86 |
86-88 |
88-90 |
90-92 |
92-94 |
94-96 |
96-98 |
| 34 |
85-87 |
87-89 |
89-91 |
91-93 |
93-95 |
95-97 |
97-99 |
99-101 |
101-103 |
| 36 |
90-92 |
92-94 |
94-96 |
96-98 |
98-100 |
100-102 |
102-104 |
104-106 |
106-108 |
| 38 |
95-97 |
97-99 |
99-101 |
101-103 |
103-105 |
105-107 |
107-109 |
109-111 |
111-113 |
| 40 |
100-102 |
102-104 |
104-106 |
106-108 |
108-110 |
110-112 |
112-114 |
114-116 |
116-118 |
| 42 |
- |
107-109 |
109-111 |
111-113 |
113-115 |
115-117 |
117-119 |
119-121 |
121-123 |
Step 3 - For example
Example: Underband measurement = 70cm so your Bra size is a 32
Cup size measurement = 95cm = Cup size B
Bra size = 32B
