We all want a comfortable, well fitting and supportive bra for everyday wear or whatever the occasion and whatever style of bra we choose. Are you wearing the correct bra size? Do you have problems with straps slipping, wires gaping, bra riding up or cups overflowing? If so then you may be wearing the wrong bra size. To avoid these bra problems and to help you find a comfortable bra, it's important to check your size every once in a while as your breast size can change over time. Click on the shop now button to browse our full range of comfortable and well fitting bras.
DOES YOUR CURRENT BRA FIT WELL OR ARE YOU EXPERIENCING SOME BRA PROBLEMS?
Are you experiencing any of the following? The following tips are a guide to ensure that you are currently wearing the correct fitting bra but visit our bra fitting guide page for more detailed advice.
WHY DOES MY BRA RIDE UP AT BACK? . . .
Our bra specialists advise.....
Adjust the hook and eye closure to adjust the bra band size, loosen straps or try a different band size.
WHY DOES MY BRA BAND DIG IN? . . .
Our bra specialists advise.....
Try one band size larger (40 instead of 38), this may mean you need a smaller cup. Alternatively, opt for a bra with a wider band.
WHY DO THE SIDES OF MY BRA BULGE? . . .
Our bra specialists advise.....
Try a larger band size (40 rather than 38) or try increasing the cup size by one letter or choose a style that provides more cup coverage.
WHY DO MY BRA CUPS OVERFLOW? . . .
Our bra specialists advise.....
Increase the cup letter size by one. Try a cup size larger (E to F). Choose a full cup or fuller shaped bra that gives more coverage rather than a balcony shape. Try a bra with a higher centre gore.
WHY IS MY BRA CUP TOO BIG AND PUCKERING UP?...
Our bra specialists advise.....
Try a bigger cup size, adjust the bra straps or try a balcony style bra. Put your hand inside the cup and lift and sweep the breasts so the nipples are centralised and your breasts are fully encased in the cups.
WHY ARE MY SHOULDERS SORE?. . .
Our bra specialists advise......
Loosen the bra straps or opt for a bra with wider, or padded cushioned straps. Try going up a cup size or a fuller cup to support the breast tissue. You may need a more supportive bra, look for one with side support panels and side bones.
WHY DOES MY BUSTLINE SAG? . . .
Our bra specialists advise.....
Try shortening the straps and avoid stretchy fabrics. Choose a firmer support style bra with rigid straps and cups with more sections as this will give more support. Check the band size is not too big.
WHY DO THE UNDERWIRES PINCH OR POKE? . . .
Our bra specialists advise....
Try changing your band size. You could also increase the cup size (E to F). Alternatively try a non-wired soft cup style.
WHY DO MY BRA UNDERWIRES DIG IN?...
Our bra specialists advise....
Try increasing the cup size (E to F). Alternatively try a non-wired soft cup style.
WHY DOES MY BRA CURL UP UNDER THE BUST?...
Our bra specialists advise....
Try a larger back size, avoid deeper bands and consider an underwired bra.
WHY DO MY BRA STRAPS SLIP? . . .
Our bra specialists advise.....
Check straps are adjusted so not too loose, check hook fastening is on the middle hook, choose a bigger cup size. If you have narrow shoulders, choose a bra style with straps closer to the neck as opposed to the shoulder. Look for a racer back style or a bra with a j hook so that you can make a centralised strap.
WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A LOPSIDED BUST (BREASTS NOT THE SAME SIZE)? ...
(one breast larger than the other which is not unusual)
Our bra specialists advise....
Fit the bra cup size to your larger breast rather than your smaller breast. Try bras with stretchy or elasticated cups that will mould to your shape. Adjust the strap on the shorter side.
If you think you are in the wrong bra size and you wear an ill fitting bra then you will need to check your measurements.
BRA MEASURING GUIDE
To check your bra size, you need only take two measurements which are -
1. Underbust Measurement
Measure under your bust and add 4ins if the measurement obtained is an even number of inches or add 5ins if the measurement obtained is an odd number of inches.
For example, if your underbust measurement is 31ins, add 5ins. to obtain bra size 36, or, if your underbust measurement is 30ins add 4ins to obtain bra size 34.
2. Overbust Measurement
Measure round the fullest part of your bust to determine cup size.
If the bust measurement is: Same as your bra size, your Cup size is A.
1in more gives Cup size B
2in more gives Cup size C
3in more gives Cup size D
4in more gives Cup size DD
5in more gives Cup size E
and so on through F, FF and G.
An example: Underbust measurement of 29in + 5in = Bra size 34 Overbust measurement of 34in = Cup A
So the correct fitting would be 34A.
WHAT SHOULD A CORRECTLY FITTED BRA LOOK LIKE?
Cups - breasts should be comfortably enclosed in the cups with no bulging or gaping at the top or the sides. Wires should lie flat against the rib cage and not dig in.
- this should be level all the way round, not riding up at the back.
- these should run parallel at the back and not dig in to the shoulders.
- you should not be able to feel the wires when you move around and touch your toes. If you stretch your arms towards the ceiling the wires should not dig in when you bring your arms back down to your sides.
Please bear in mind that sizes do vary between manufacturers and between different styles of bra. You might want to consider a sister bra size.
SALLY'S FOUR TOP EVERYDAY BRAS FOR COMFORT, FIT & SUPPORT
Here are four of Sally's Top Bra Picks....
Have you seen our popular Glamorise non wired everyday bra in cup sizes C to K, that's a favourite for comfort, fit and support.
Take a look at our best selling Cate Banded Bra , perfect for the fuller figure and giving amazing uplift, forward shape and good separation, in cup sizes DD to K, in a range of colours.
One of our best selling soft cup bras is the Doreen Classic Bra Doreen from Triumph offering it's famous comfort and support.
Another best seller here at AmpleBosom which customers love is the Keira Wired Bra, an everyday bra that is ultra supportive and comfortable in cup sizes DD to KK in classic and seasonal colours.
SISTER BRA SIZES
What are sister bra sizes? If you are finding that your usual size isn't fitting then this may be down to a different manufacturer, different brand, or even different style of bra which may mean you have to look for a different size for this bra. Sister bra sizes are the sizes that surround your bra size.
With the size of bras sometimes differing because of the manufacturer, brand, style and even country, it is good to know about sister bra sizes so you can try other bra sizes if the one you have doesn't match your usual size. Eg. UK brand 36FF will be a European size 36G; for size 36FF you can try size 34G as well as size 38F swapping between brands/styles.
The sister size chart below shows how you can change your bra size and offers 8 alternative sister sizes.
Locate your current bra size and then see what your sister bra size is down or up to see if either of these sizes are a better fit in the current bra that you are finding doesn't fit correctly. Going up with the back size you need to go down with the cup size to keep the cup size the same as the current bra that doesn't fit. Accordingly going down with your back size you need to go up with the cup size to keep it the same.
You can visit us here at Old Byland in North Yorkshire for a fitting by appointment or we can advise you over the phone so give us a ring on for advice or to a book a fitting. We would normally recommend that you should have a bra fitted regularly. There are a number of occasions in a women's life when you should definitely consider having a bra fitting:
-
During pregnancy and after pregnancy/breast feeding.
-
When you lose weight or gain weight.
-
When undertaking an exercise regime.
-
After any type of surgery that may increase or decrease the size of your breasts.
-
When your bra feels too small or too big.
We have lots of help and advice on the website to make sure you are supported and comfortable.
Check out our full measuring guide and bra fitting guide pages.
BRAS AT AMPLEBOSOM
With over 250 bras in our collection we have an extensive choice of bras for you to choose from. They come in a range of sizes from 28 to 58 back sizes and AA to N cup sizes. There are many different styles and features to suit your body shape and lifestyle. With so many to choose from it can be quite daunting to know where to start, but our team are here to help you choose the right bra for you.
We all come in different shapes and sizes, here at AmpleBosom.com we have a good knowledge of our brands and can suggest what might work for you, we can find you a perfect fitting bra that more importantly is a comfortable bra so if you would like to discuss your bra problems with somebody please contact give us a call on 01439 798388.
If you would like any help finding a well fitting and comfortable bra then please give our friendly team of bra specialists a call on 01439 798388 or email us here, we will be happy to help.
Also visit our bra fitting guide, our handy bra measuring guide, our useful size guide page with size charts for bras, briefs and nightwear and our blog for advice, tips and recommendations. We are here to help you find your perfect fit!
Our Facebook group is a place for you to ask questions and seek guidance from our team of bra specialists. We share our expertise for finding the perfect bra for you. Give answers to common bra fitting problems and share exclusive updates on new arrivals, latest trends and special offers. You can also chat with like-minded ladies and share your favourite styles and brands with one another.
Join us today...
If you would like to get the latest news on our bra products, with advice and product reviews then you can sign up to our weekly newsletter.
Written by AmpleBosom 05/01/2019 and updated by Francesca 02/10/024 and Sara 16/10/2024.