Finding the right bra size can feel like a lifelong struggle. From our soft, non-wired first bras, we enter the colourful and varied world of brassieres designed for every occasion. Bralettes for days off, lace for special occasions, underwire for support – the bra you choose in the morning can set the tone for your day, and even the colour choice can be a secret empowerment tool.
But what begins as an exciting foray into patterns and designs often devolves into endless trial and error in fitting rooms. As our bodies naturally change through different stages of life, finding that elusive combination of genuine comfort and proper support becomes an ongoing quest. To make the search shorter, I tried and tested the best comfortable bras.
The answer to how to find your bra size? It might be a lifelong quest. “I always say, don’t get too attached to the size you think you are,” said Boux Avenue’s chief design and product officer Zoe Price-Smith. “Our bodies are constantly changing, and the bra size you’ve worn for years might not actually be the best fit for you today.”
The professionals recommend a bra fit in-store every six months.
“My tip is to try a few different bra shapes, even if you think you already know your favourite,” explains a bra fit expert at Victoria’s Secret at Westfield White City. “The same size can feel different depending on the style, and you might be surprised by what works best for your shape and the support you’re looking for.”
If you’d rather size yourself at home, the bra fit expert says to measure yourself in front of a mirror and wear an unlined bra or no bra at all. “A really easy trick is to look at your bra in the mirror from the side – the band should sit level across your back rather than creeping upwards.”
Read more: The best bras for bigger busts that don’t sacrifice style for support
How should the correct bra size fit on your body?
“The underband should feel firm and secure, sit straight across your back, and your bust should sit comfortably within the cups with no spilling or gaping,” explains Price-Smith.
The bra fit expert at Victoria’s Secret adds: “You should also be able to fit two fingers comfortably underneath the band. If you wear an underwired bra, check that the wire sits comfortably around the breast rather than digging into breast tissue. And don’t automatically tighten your straps if you’re not feeling supported – most of a bra’s support should come from the band.”
What are the common bra sizing mistakes?
“The biggest mistake we see is women wearing a back size that’s too big and a cup size that’s too small,” says Price-Smith. “Often, they’ll then tighten the straps to try to create more support, when actually the underband should be doing most of the work.”
Boux Avenue’s chief design and product officer says we shouldn’t see our size as something fixed, as it’s normal for it to change. “Finding the right bra is about much more than the number and letter on the label; it’s about finding the shape that makes you look and feel your best.”
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