Bra Fitting Advice
Here at Lucile, we know that finding the right bra size can work wonders for a woman!
From unsightly bulges, sore shoulders, backs and necks, poor postures and ill-fitting clothes can all be as a result of wearing the wrong size bra. Many women have traditionally used tape measures to estimate their bra size by taking over and under bust measurements, but as every woman varies in the size, shape, spread and fullness of their bust this formula is often inaccurate.
Do not be intimidated by your bra size, it is important to remember that the letters and numbers of a measurement together form a bra size, not one or the other. As a general rule, the lower the back size, the higher your cup size will be so a woman with 34D breasts will be of a similar size to a woman with 30F breasts.
Our specially trained fitters have put together this guide using tried and tested methods to help you discover your true bra size (it may help to stand in front of a mirror when completing the three steps):
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1. Checking your back size
It is a common misconception that shoulders are an indication of back size. Bras should sit around the narrowest part of your back and be level on both the front and back- check the following indicators to make sure you are wearing the right back size.
- Always try new bras and measure yourself using the loosest hook as this will give the clearest indication of fit. General use and wear and tear will loosen the band, so move in a hook as and when this happens.
- The band should sit firmly around your body in a straight line.
- The band should be horizontal across your back.
- You should be able to run a finger comfortably underneath the band.
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2. The wires at the front of your bra should sit flatly against your ribcage and not pushing away from your chest in anyway
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3. To establish your cup size, ensure the following:
- Always bend slightly and lean into the cups to ensure they are sitting correctly, then stand adjust yourself into it comfortably.
- Your breasts are fully enclosed in the cup with no fabric wrinkling.
Your breasts do not bulge over the cups or at the side of the cups, no matter what style of bra you are wearing.
The underwires should encase the breast and not sit on the breast tissue. Push against the wire, if it is soft it is sat on your breast tissue so try a larger cupsize. If it is hard, it is encasing the breast and so is sitting correctly.
Move around in your bra, lifting your arms above your head- if your bra fits correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel any movement.
It is worth remembering that you could be one size in one style and a slightly different size in another because bra fit varies stightly between makes and from style to style. For that reason we would always advise you to spend a few moments checking each new bra you buy fits you correctly, just like you would do if you were buying a new pair of shoes.
It is really important that we all fit ourselves regularly as you will not remain the same bra size throughout your life.
We women are continually changing – age, puberty, pregnancy, weight fluctuations are all factors in the changing size and shape of our breasts.
The main problem with wearing the wrong bra size is the lack of support your breasts will get. Wearing the wrong size can cause neck, shoulder and back ache due to the weight of the breasts pulling the bra up at the back. If your bra is not supportive enough, your muscles have to do all the work. Not only may you suffer from aches and pains but the bra may also rub and cause skin irritations.
Wearing the wrong bras can also mean the wires of the bra sit on your breast tissue. The wires should encase and support- not sit on the breast tissue as this causes unnecessary pressure and discomfort.
If you have any problems or questions about fitting, please do not hesitate to contact us at Lucile and we can advise you further as to bra sizing or book you in for an appointment with one of our professional fitters. We also have an excellent range of DD+ bras to choose from.
