Remember that the number (for example, 12) indicates the band, and the letter (such as C) refers to the cup! Different sizes are equivalent: the rule is, if you go down in the cup, go up in the band, and vice versa.

That is: 10D = 12C = 14B. 

 

1. The sizes to try

Before trying a bra on, we need to know which bra to try! A couple of factors need to be considered here. First, do you know your size? Remember that breast size fluctuates constantly, depending on the time of month or how much ice cream you’ve consumed (or maybe that’s just me). If you don’t know, start with the size you’re wearing and identify what’s wrong with it. Is the back band riding up? The band size is too large. The underwire is digging in? Go up a cup size. And so on, until you have a few sizes to try and narrow it down.

 

If you do know your size, determine what type of bra you want. Contour, crazy push up, plunge, smaller booster, strapless… The possibilities are endless!

 

2. The cup

We’re in the fitting room and the bra is on. The first thing I do is make sure I’m sitting in the cup correctly - none of my breast is caught under the wire and I’m not spilling out the top or sides (if so, try a cup size up), or the cup isn’t gaping or wrinkling (which means it is too big). An easy way to check is to bend over. Are your breasts falling out? Touching your chin? No? Let’s move on to the band, then!

 

3. The band

Seeing a girl whose bra band is sitting over her shoulder blades irks me more than anything. How is that comfortable?! Just… Ugh. The back must sit at the same level as the front of the bra (the part that sits on your sternum). If it’s sliding up, the band is too big. If there’s suddenly flab everywhere, you need a size down. See? It’s easy!

 

If the band is wrong but the cup is perfect, remember the equivalent sizing! If a 12 is too big, but a B is great, a 10C might be what you need.

 

TIP: Always always wear the bra on the first hook (so that two rows are exposed) - that way, as the bra inevitably stretches as it’s washed and worn, you get a longer wear out of your bra.

 

4. The straps

We’re almost done! Tighten the straps until they’re comfortable - generally, you want to fit two fingers under the strap at the top of your shoulder. If the straps are too big, the cup size is probably too big. If the straps are digging in, chances are the whole bra is too small. You don’t want the weight of your breasts pulling your shoulders forward - they should be supported by your back.

 

5. The comfort!

The most important part: would wearing this bra on a ten-hour shift at work absolutely destroy your back, your breasts and your soul? Would it cause even a little discomfort? It’s hard to tell when you only have it on for two minutes, but if there’s even the slightest part that’s not great, don’t settle for good enough. Seriously. Your girls will thank you for it.

 

Bra shopping sucks, and current sizing standards don’t help - check out Sarah's article on vanity sizing - the importance society places on ‘bra size’ and the horror that is shopping online at international stores all make bra shopping incredibly difficult. The trick is to not give up, always leave time to try it on, and remember: it’s your body - you know what feels best!

 

Now that you know how to fit your bra, learn how to make the most of your assets.

 

How do you deal with the difficulties of trying on bras? Do you have any tricks to make the experience more enjoyable? Let us know in the comments!