Bra Fitting Advice

Finding the perfect fitting bra can be difficult, but if you get it right, it can enhance your overall appearance and body shape. Not to mention, a boost to your confidence! If you’re feeling uncomfortable in the bra you’re wearing right now, it is the most likely the wrong size for you. We believe you deserve a bra that fits you perfectly. Most women think they’re wearing the correct bra size until they try on a bra that fits them properly.

So how do you find the right fit?

There are many bra size “calculators” and measurement charts out there, but they tend to all give very different results. This makes it all very confusing – so it’s no wonder that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra!

This is what it comes down to…all boobs are different.

Yup – every breast in the world is unique, and that’s why it’s so important to make sure that the fit of your bra works for you!

Full & round, soft & empty on top, or pointing East, West or South?

Whatever your boobs are like, our individuality make us women all the more beautiful. So embrace your uniqueness and come on a journey to finding the best support and shape for your one-of-a kind boobs.

Yes, I can hear you shouting “Yep, Ok we know we’re gorgeous, but how are we supposed to find a bra that fits!?!?!?”

Well, as much as it would be lovely to be prescriptive with exact scientific calculations, the harsh reality is that bra fittings using a tape measure often don’t work. To make things more challenging, the lack of standardisation in band and cup sizes means that bra sizing varies largely between countries and between manufacturers, making it difficult to use these tape measurements as anything more than an approximate fit. The letters and numbers on the bra label are quite insignificant – it is more about how you look and feel when wearing the bra.

And the best way to find that out is to get your bra on and do the bra jig (this is just a bit of fun so that you remember what to do when trying on a bra) …


 Let’s do the Bra Jig!

Step one : Get your bra on girls!

Stand in front of the mirror with the lights on so you can see yourself clearly.

Step two : Dance with the Band ...

Do up your bra on the loosest hook.  Check that you can fit two fingers in underneath the band. Now put your hands straight up in the air and spin around, watching yourself in the mirror as you turn (think slow pirouette!) - the underband should be sitting perfectly horizontal, not rising at the back. The band should be firm because it’s gotta do most of the work in holding you up! (more about finding the correct band size below).

Step three: Scoop, Swoop & Jiggle!

Next, get your girls into the cups - lean forward, scoop them upwards, swoop from the side to make sure you’re all in! Your wires should sit on your rib cage - not on top of any breast tissue. Your breasts should sit comfortably with a smooth line at the top of the cup - any gaping or bulging means that you have a problem with the fit. Check for ridges and the dreaded double-boob! Do a little jiggle as your final check to make sure you stay in place. (more about finding the correct cup size below)

Step four: Check the Great Divide

Nobody likes a mono-boob. Gaze down the mountain-range. Your underwires should sit flat against your chest to create a valley between your boobs. The wires shouldn’t dig in, rub, or poke out.

Step five: Don’t let your straps deceive you

They are not there to hold you up! Your band should be doing most of the work in holding you up - not the straps. Yes... they need to be tight enough so they don’t fall off your shoulders, but not too tight that they’re cutting in. 


Finding The Correct Band Size

Despite what most would think, the bra cups don’t actually do very much for supporting your boobs. The bra band provides the majority of the support, so that’s why it is so critical to choose your correct band size, and this is especially important if you have a larger-than-average bust size! The key is to find a band size that fits firmly but comfortably around your chest and offers you the shape and lift that you desire. We recommend that you fasten your new bra on the loosest hook (or 2nd loosest) – this will allow for the natural stretching of the fabrics that happens with repeated washing and wearing. You can then tighten your bra onto the remaining hooks if required, thereby helping you get the maximum life out of your bras!

The under-band should sit horizontal across your back and the shoulder straps should sit parallel. Test out the fit of the band by raising your arms above your head a few times. In front of a mirror, look at your bra band as you spin around slowly (think slow-motion pirouette!). If your band is riding up your back, or creating an upward arc instead of sitting horizontal, it is too big for you. If it is digging in and feels too tight or restrictive, the band is too small for you. Be aware that if you’re changing to a smaller or bigger band size, the capacity of the cup size changes as well – so if you go down a band size, you’ll most likely need to choose 1 cup size larger. Or if you go up a band size, you’ll need to choose 1 cup size smaller.

Things to remember:
  • The band should sit horizontal across your back – check that it is level all the way around from front to back.
  • If your band is riding up or too tight/restrictive, your band size is incorrect
  • The straps should sit parallel on your back
  • The straps should not dig into your shoulders (not too tight or too loose).
Finding The Correct Cup Size

Cup size focuses on the fullness of your boobs. If the cup size is incorrect, it can alter the shape of your body and cause wires to uncomfortably dig in.

When you’re trying on a bra, firstly make sure that the band size is correct for you (as above). Next, do your “scoop, swoop and jiggle” to get your boobs into place properly.

If your breasts are bulging over the top of the cups or the underwires aren’t sitting flat on your breastbone, the cup size is too small. Try on a larger cup size until your breasts are fully encased in the cups. If there is creasing or spare room in the cups, or the underwires are too high and dig into the breastbone, try a smaller cup size.

Things to remember:
  • The underwires at the front should lie flat against your breastbone without digging in, rubbing or poking out.
  • The wires should sit on your rib cage and not on top of any breast tissue
  • Check that the wires don’t shift or pull away as you raise your arms.
  • All the breast tissue is encased in the cups
  • There is no bulging or creasing in the cups
How Often Should I Check The Fit Of My Bras?

Throughout your life, your bra size is likely to change – for some women it is only a minor change, but for others it can be quite significant. We recommend checking regularly to ensure you have the correct size, or at least once a year.

It is expected that during your monthly cycle your breasts may get tender and increase in size. However, other than this there are some special circumstances where you might need to check your bra size:

  • Any weight loss or gain can change your bra size dramatically.
  • Through pregnancy and breastfeeding, your breasts will increase and decrease in size throughout pregnancy and maternity
  • When your current bras are digging in and getting uncomfortable
  • If you change or start any hormone medication

We want you to feel satisfied with every purchase you make with us.

If you’re having trouble finding your correct fit (or if you really have no idea on your correct size) feel free to contact our customer service team for further fitting advice at support@fullembrace.com.au  We’ll be happy to help!