Bra Size & Bra Fitting Guide
Enjoy all day comfort and confidence with expertly fitted bras and lingerie that provide the ideal fit and support suited to your shape.
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How to Measure Your Bra Size | Bra Sister Sizes Explained | Find the Best Bra for Your Breast Shape | Common Bra Fitting Mistakes | Signs Your Bra Doesn’t Fit Properly | Lingerie Size Charts
How to Measure Your Bra Size
Step 1: Measuring for your Bra 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: Measuring for your Bra Band 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 Sister Sizes Explained
Did you know that your bra size isn’t limited to just one perfect fit?
Bra sister sizes are alternative bra sizes that have the same cup volume but a different band size. For example, if your usual bra size feels too tight around the band but the cups fit well, you may find a more comfortable fit by going up one band size and down one cup size. Likewise, if the band feels too loose, you can go down one band size and up one cup size while maintaining a similar cup volume.
For example:
- 34C is a sister size to 36B and 32D
- 36DD is a sister size to 38D and 34E
- 38F is a sister size to 40E and 36FF.
Understanding sister sizes can be especially helpful when trying different bra brands or styles, as sizing and fit can vary slightly between manufacturers. While sister sizing can improve comfort, it’s still important to ensure that the bra band sits firmly around your ribcage, the cups fully support your breasts, and the straps fit comfortably without carrying most of the weight.
If you’re unsure which sister size is right for you, a professional bra fitting on our Johannesburg or Pretoria stores can help you find the perfect combination of band size, cup size and bra style for lasting comfort and support.
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.
Find the Best Bra for Your Breast Shape
Full at the bottom, shallow on top:
This bust type is fuller on the bottom than at the top.
Long and hanging:
Lace balconette styles will help you accentuate and make the most of your shape.
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.
For this shape, we recommend:
Naturally firm and full:
Overall a fuller bust which is perky and firm.
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..
For this shape, we recommend:
Common Bra Fitting Mistakes
Wearing the wrong bra size is more common than many women realise.
One of the biggest mistakes is choosing a band that’s too loose, causing the straps to carry most of the support and leading to discomfort. Another is wearing cups that are too small, which can create bulging or spillage, or cups that are too large, leaving gaps and reducing support. Many women also forget that bra size can change over time due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, hormonal changes or ageing.
A well-fitting bra should sit comfortably around your ribcage, with the centre front lying flat against your chest, the cups fully enclosing your breasts and the straps providing gentle support without digging into your shoulders. If you’re unsure, a professional bra fitting in store can help you find the correct size and style for your unique shape, ensuring greater comfort, confidence and support every day.
Signs Your Bra Doesn’t Fit Properly
A properly fitting bra should feel comfortable, supportive and secure from the moment you put it on.
If you’re experiencing discomfort, your bra size or style may no longer be the right fit. Common signs of a poorly fitting bra include straps that slip off your shoulders or dig into your skin, a band that rides up at the back, cups that gape or wrinkle, or breasts spilling over the top or sides of the cups. You may also notice underwires pressing into your breast tissue, red marks that don’t fade, or a bra that shifts throughout the day.
The Bra 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 Bra 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 Bra 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.
