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The bra size and fit guide

Hoe to measure a bra at home

Woman wearing a white bra measuring under her bust using a tape measure.

Step one

Measure under the bust for your band size.
Wrap a tape measure around your ribcage, it should fit snugly and flat directly under the bust.

A woman wearing a white bra measuring across the bust using a tape measure.

Step two

Measure across the bust for your cup size.
Place the tape to sit naturally around the fullest part of your bust. Make sure the tape is sitting smoothly across your back.

A woman wearing a white bra lifting her arms up in the air to make sure her bra stays in place.

Step three

Now test the fit of the band.
Lift your arms to check the bra stays in place. The bra should sit flat against your ribcage and fully surround your breast tissue not lifting.

A woman wearing a white bra checking her straps to make sure they feel ok.

Step four

Finally perfect the straps.
The straps should feel snug but not too tight, easily allowing two fingers to slide under comfortably.

Bra fitting FAQ's

A woman wearing a white bra, with her back facing towards the image showing that her bra isn't riding up her back.

Why is my bra riding up my back?

Likely cause: The band is too loose, so it isn't providing enough support.
Try: Full cup bras, underwired bras, and DD+ Bras (for fuller busts)
Why these help: Firmer bands provide better support & more supportive structures prevent the back band from lifting.

A woman wearing a white bra, checking that the underwire doesn't hurt.

Why does the underwire in my bra hurt?

Likely cause: The cup may be too small or the wire shape isn't right for your body.
Try: Non-wired bras, seamless-stitch bras, or flexform bras.
Why these help: Wire-free styles provide support without rigid underwires and flexible designs adapt more easily to your shape.

A woman wearing a white bra with her back facing the image.

Why do my boobs come out of the bottom of my bra?

Likely cause: The cups are too small, the band is too loose, or the bra isn't supportive enough.
Try: Full Cup Bras, DD+ Bras or underwired Bras.
Why these help: Fuller coverage helps contain breast tissue and underwired styles offer more lift and support.

A woman wearing a white bra checking that her straps aren't falling off.

Why do my straps keep falling off?

Likely cause: The straps may be too loose, too wide-set, or the bra style isn't suited to your shape.
Try: Balcony Bras, full Cup Bras, t-Shirt bras.
Why these help: Fuller coverage can improve overall support and everyday T-shirt bras tend to offer a secure, comfortable fit.

A woman earing a white bra lifting her arms up into the air.

Why doesnt my bra stay in place when I move?

Likely cause: The band may be too loose or the cups aren't providing enough support.
Try: Underwired bras, full Cup bras, sports bras.
Why these help: Firm support keeps the bra anchored throughout the day and sports bras are designed to minimise movement.

A woman wearing a white t-shirt.

Why do I have back bulges that appear under my clothes?

Likely cause: The cups may be too small or the bra isn't giving a smooth fit.
Try: Seamless Stretch bras, smoothform™, full-cup bras.
Why these help: Smoother fabrics create a more streamlined silhouette and seamless designs minimise visible lines.

A woman wearing a white bra.

Why do my bra straps dig into my shoulders?

Likely cause: Your bra band may not be providing enough support, leaving the straps to do too much work.
Try: Full cup bras, DD+ bras, or an underwired bra.
Why these help: Better support comes from the band rather than the straps and fuller-bust styles are often designed with wider, more comfortable straps.

A woman wearing a white bra.

What does it mean when your bra has gaps?

Likely cause: The cups are too large or the style isn't the best match for your shape.
Try: Balcony bras, t-Shirt Bras, plunge bras.
Why these help: Moulded cups can provide a closer fit and plunge and balcony styles can offer a more tailored shape depending on the customer.

What type of bra is best for me?

What is the difference between underwired and non-wired bras?

A woman wearing a nude non wired bralette.

Non-wired bras

  • Designed without underwire for ultimate comfort
  • Ideal for those who prefer a more natural silhouette
  • The ideal go-to choice for teenagers and those seeking a soft and flexible design
  • Great choice for everyday movement and low-impact activities
A woman wearing a pink animal print underwired bra.

Underwired bras

  • Structured enhanced support  to lift and shape the bust
  • Creates a rounded and defined shape for a lifted appearance
  • Available in a variety of styles from plunge to push up, offering options for all outfits and occasions
  • A firm secure fit ensuring the bra stays in place for the whole day

Specialist bras

A wearing wearing a white smoothformcontrol shapewear bodysuit.

Smoothform™

Designed to sculpt your body focusing on the bum, waist, tummy and thighs. With the option of light, medium and firm control, Smoothform defines your curves for a flatterning silhouette ensuring no VPL.

A woman wearing a black flexform bra which is designed to offer light support for everyday wear.

Flexform™

Designed to offer light support for everyday wear. With the option of padded or non padded Flexform focuses on subtle, seamless shaping for a smooth rounded appearance under clothing. Made with supportive flexi wire to adapt and move with your body.

A women wearing a white matching cottom form bra.

Cottonform™

Explore the latest range of appealing designs with soft cotton fabrics for your comfort.

What type of bra is best for me?

table
What do you need?Your recommended bra

Every day comfort

Non-wired bra

Smooth shape under t-shirts

T-shirt bras

More coverage

Full cup bra

Lift and shape

Balcony bra

Lower necklines

Plunge bras

Fuller bust support

DD+ bra

Exercise or movement

Sports bra

Soft, flexible fit

Seamless stretch bra

What types of bra designs are there?

Other types of underwear you might be interested in

Bra guide FAQ's

How often should I measure my bra size?

It's a good idea to remeasure every 6-12 months, or sooner if you've experienced weight changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or hormonal changes that may affect your shape.

What should I do if I'm between bra sizes?

If you're between sizes, try both options and choose the one that feels most comfortable and supportive. The correct fit should feel secure without digging in.

Should I wear my bra on the loosest or tightest hook?

New bras should fit comfortably on the loosest hook. This allows you to tighten the band over time as the fabric naturally stretches.

How many bras should I own?

Having at least three everyday bras allows you to rotate between them, helping them maintain their shape and support for longer.  

How long should a bra last?

With regular rotation and proper care, most bras last between 6-12 months, depending on wear frequency.

How should I wash my bras?

Following the care label instructions can help maintain shape, elasticity, and support. Many bras benefit from gentle washing and air drying.