Fitting Guides
A celebration of everyday wear and the pleasure that can be found in properly fitting lingerie.
Remember that there’s no such thing as a definitive bra size.The bra size that fits the best will vary according to the style and fabric.The back of the bra should hug the narrowest part of your back and be at the same level as the front. Underwiring should curve snugly around your breasts – it should never cut into them. A test you can do is to push the wire of the bra when you have it on, if it feels soft, the wire is sitting on your breast tissue and you should try a larger cup size. If it feels hard, it is sitting on the ribcage and this is therefore fitting you correctly.
To put on a bra, bend over and lower your breasts into the cups. Then stand up and fit yourself more comfortably inside it. Make sure that you move around in your new bra. Lift your arms above you head and make sure it does not ride up and is still giving you the desired effect.
Always fasten a new bra on the loosest hooks. The band should still be very snug. Wear and tear and washing will relax the fit. When this happens make the band tighter.
If you are unsure of the band fit, you should be able to run your finger along the inside of the band. When trying your bra on, try it on under a tight fitting top. Make sure that it gives you the line and the shape you are looking for.
Find your size
Step 1: Measure for Band Size
Using a tape measure, measure your underbust. Make sure the tape is parallel with the ground, and you’ve exhaled to get the smallest measurement possible.
Step 2: Measure for Cup Size
Stand straight with your arms at your sides and measure at the fullest part of your bust (while wearing a non-padded bra). Make sure the measuring tape is parallel with the ground and not binding. The difference between the measurement in Step 1 and the measurement in Step 2 is your cup size.
Bra sizes and sister sizes
There’s a misconception that all cup sizes are created equal when in reality they’re not.
Sister sizes are alternate bra sizes where the cup volume remains the same regardless of the band size and cup letter.
For example, a 32D and a 38A are technically the same size because the cup volume is the same. However, 32D and 38D are not equivalent sizes.
Sister sizes are meant to help you find your correct bra size. If you’re wearing the wrong size you can just decrease the band size and increase the cup size or vice versa to find the bra that fits your body.
Look at the chart below where each row shows you the sister sizes. You can use this to find your perfect fit:
- If you try on a bra and the cup fit is not right, try a size above or below the current size – in other words the band size stays the same, but you try on different cup sizes.
- If you try on a bra and the band size is not right, try a size to left or right of the current size – in other words the cup size stays the same (even if the letter changes), but you try on different band sizes.
In the same band size:
Bust letter increases as the cup volume increases
Band size affects bust size:
Every C cup is different – if the band size increases, so does the cup size.
Sister sizes:
These bras have the same cup volume, but as band size increases, the bust letter decrease.
Finding the right bra for your shape
Full at the bottom, shallow on top:
This bust type is fuller on the bottom than at the top.
For this shape, we recommend:
Long and hanging:
Lace balconette styles will help you accentuate and make the most of your shape.
For this shape, we recommend:
Different size bust:
Most women have one breast bigger than the other. You should always fit a bra to the bigger breast, then tighten the strap on your smaller side.
Full bust:
Very full bust with a tendency for east / west pointing nipples.
Naturally firm and full:
Overall a fuller bust which is perky and firm.
For this shape, we recommend:
Rounded:
A firm, rounded and full bust or for those who are breast enhanced. Also ideal for small & firm breasts.
Heavy and fleshy:
For a heavy, fleshy bust which needs to be scooped up and supported, giving it a lifted, rounded shape.
Wide apart:
A full bust with a full, heavy bottom which needs to be scooped up and brought together, giving a lovely cleavage..
The right and wrong fit.
The Cups
Overflowing cups / “four boob effect”: Cups are too small. Try a bigger cup size and test the band for firmness.
Side overflow: Cups are too small. Wires should sit flat against the body and not dig. Try a bigger cup size and test the band for firmness.
Cups gape in or wrinkle: Cups are too big. First, try scooping your breasts into the cups – if the cups are still wrinkling, try a cup size down.
Perfect fit: Bra should be comfortable and not hurt you anywhere.
The Band
Band is riding up: The band is too wide. Go down a band size and try the band test by placing two fingers of both hands under the band and testing the firmness.
Band is too tight: Go a band size up and a cup size down to get the most similar fit – remember those sister sizes!
Perfect fit: Put two fingers from both hands under the band – it should be nice and firm around you for support. 80% of the weight of your breasts is held in the band, so it’s really important the fit is firm.
The Centre
Gaps: There’s a gap between the bra centre and your rib cage.
Perfect fit: No gap between the gore and your rib cage.
Janira Fitting Guide
