Bra fitting checklist:
Here is a simple 5-step bra fitting checklist you can do at home to check each bra you own. The bras that tick all the boxes are the ones you should be wearing.
Bra fitting checklist
Step #1
The most important starting step: is the band.
The band should be firm, not tight. It should be parallel to the floor, not ride up at the back.
The band accounts for 80% of the support in your bra.
Step #2
The next step is the bridge or the centre front of your bra that sits in between your breasts. This needs to be sitting flat against your body. The height of the bridge is also important. If it’s not the correct height it won’t sit flat. We are all such different shapes, even if the tape measure says we are the same.
Step #3
THE UNDERWIRE!!!
This is the most important part, next to the band, that, apart from being the correct fit, will make the bra uncomfortable if it’s not your correct size and shape. A crucial step in your bra fitting checklist.
The underwire needs to be sitting directly up against your breast root. This is where your breast tissue joins your chest wall. It should not dig in at any point. It should not push down to sit on your ribs or poke anywhere.
So, I’m sure you are starting to see the importance of each part fitting correctly. If one part doesn’t do its job, it will “pull” the other parts away from being able to do their job. This is why bra fitting is complex and not an exact science. We, as humans, are complex.
Bra fitting checklist
Step #4
The cup.
The cup should contain the breast. There should be no overflow or excess in the cup fabric. It should support the breasts in the upward and forward positions. Not down or off to the sides.
Pro tip: If you have one breast larger than the other, always fit the larger breast as you can add to the cup of the smaller side to build up and make them equal.
Step #5
The straps.
They shouldn’t dig in. You should also be able to release the straps from your shoulds as the final check. Your bra should stay in place without the support of the bra straps. The support should not come from the straps. It’s all the other steps in our bra fitting checklist.
How many bras have you been wearing that didn’t tick all the boxes?