What a good fit looks like
A bra that fits has a firm, level band that does most of the supporting, cups that hold all of your breast without spilling or gaping, and straps that stay put without digging in.
Bra fit checker
Put your bra on and tell the checker what it is doing. It suggests the next size to try, and explains why.
- Band
- Level all the way round, and firm enough to stay put when you lift your arms.
- Hooks
- Fastened on the loosest row when new, so you have room to tighten as it stretches.
- Cups
- Your whole breast is inside, with a smooth line at the top edge and no spare fabric.
- Wires
- Flat against your ribs, surrounding the breast and not sitting on it.
- Centre
- The panel between the cups rests against your chest in most underwired styles.
- Straps
- They stay in place and leave no deep marks. The band should carry most of the weight.
Size or style?
Not every fit problem is about size. Breasts differ in fullness at the top and bottom and in how close set they are, and cup shapes differ too. If a size fits well in one bra and badly in another, it is probably the style. Try a different cut in the same size before changing size.
A 2012 study from the University of Portsmouth recommended this kind of self-check. Its authors suggested women learn to judge fit using professional criteria, with less emphasis on the number on the label.
If a bra causes pain that does not ease with a better fit, or you notice any change in your breasts, speak to a doctor. This checker only covers how a bra fits.
Fit questions
How should a bra fit?
The band sits level and firm around your ribs on the loosest hooks. The cups hold your whole breast with no spilling or gaps. The wires sit flat on your ribs behind the breast, the centre rests against your chest, and the straps stay put without digging in.
Why does my bra band ride up at the back?
The band is usually too big. When it cannot grip your ribs, the straps and the weight of your bust pull it upward. Try one band down and one cup up, which keeps the same cup volume.
How tight should a bra band be?
Firm, but comfortable to breathe in. A common check is that you can slide about two fingers under the band at the back. A new bra should fit on the loosest hooks, so you can tighten it as the elastic relaxes.
Why do my cups gap at the top?
The cup may be too big, but often it is a shape mismatch: full-coverage cups can gap on breasts that are fuller at the bottom. Before changing size, try a lower-cut style such as a balconette or a plunge.
When should I replace my bra?
When the band still feels loose on the tightest hooks, the elastic has lost its spring, or the wires have started to shift. How long that takes depends on how often you wear and wash it.
Keep going
- Bra size calculator
Measure twice with a tape and get your size in every system.
- How to measure your bra size
Where the tape goes, with diagrams, plus what to do without one.
- Sister size calculator
Find sizes with the same cup volume on a different band.