The cup and band work together to give you the support you need.
If your bust is spilling over the top or sides of the cups, the cup may be too small. If you notice large gaps or the cup does not sit smoothly against your body, you may need a different size or style.
The band should feel firm enough to provide support but should never feel painfully tight. It should stay level around your body rather than riding up at the back.
A smooth, comfortable fit is always the goal.
Step 2: measure your cup size
-
1
Measure around the fullest part of your bust
Keep the tape level and do not compress the tissue. Lean forward slightly if that helps the tape sit naturally.
-
2
Subtract your band from your bust measurement
The difference in inches is your cup. A one inch difference is an A cup, two inches is B, three is C, four is D, five is DD, six is
| Difference | Cup size |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | A |
| 2 inches | B |
| 3 inches | C |
| 4 inches | D |
| 5 inches | DD |
| 6 inches | E / DDD |
Sister sizes explained
Cup volume is relative to the band, not absolute. A 34B and a 32C hold roughly the same amount, they just sit on different ribcages. These are sister sizes.
To find yours, go down one band and up one cup, or up one band and down one cup. This is useful when your exact size is out of stock, or when a band feels right but the cup does not.
| Your size | Smaller band | Larger band |
|---|---|---|
| 34B | 32C | 36A |
| 34C | 32D | 36B |
| 36C | 34D | 38B |
Signs your bra does not fit
- The band rides up your back instead of sitting horizontal, the band is too big
- You are always on the tightest hook on a newer bra, the band is too big
- The centre panel between the cups does not lie flat against your sternum, the cup is too small
- Tissue spills over the top or sides of the cup, the cup is too small
- The cup wrinkles or gapes at the top, the cup is too large
- Straps dig into your shoulders, the band is not doing its job
- The underwire sits on breast tissue rather than the ribcage, the cup is too small
Checking the fit once it is on
Do the two-finger test on the band: you should be able to slide two fingers under it at the back, no more. Then raise your arms above your head. If the band lifts noticeably, it is too loose.
Buy a new bra on the loosest hook. Elastic relaxes over months of wear, and the extra hooks are there so you can tighten it as that happens.