If you’ve ever popped in store ( or online ) for a fitting with our expert Pant Patrol, you may have wondered why you’ve been recommended different sizes in different styles - and all of them fit well! Similar to jeans ( and other clothing ) there’s no standard sizing for bras, and what may fit in one brand may well not fit in another.
There’s also another reason - sister sizes.
Your bra size is made up from two parts: your band size, which is the measurement ( in inches ) where the band sits around your ribcage, and your cup size, which is the volume of your breast tissue and how it sits in the cup and wire.
Sometimes, you’ll try a bra that fits great in the cup, but the band just isn’t right or vise versa. In this case, we would advise you to try the sister size.
Band too tight?
The band of a good fitting bra should have one inch give - that means you should be able to fit two fingers under the band at the back of your bra and be able to feel a little resistance when you stretch it. Any more than this, and your bra won’t be giving you the support and uplift that you need.
If the cup fits well, but the band feels a little too firm, we suggest trying a band size up, BUT going a cup size down. Why? Because, if you go up a band size and a cup size, the overall volume will be too big.
Example: If you’re trying on a 32E and it’s a good fit in the cup, but feels too small in the band, try going up one band size ( 34 ) and down one cup size( to DD / D depending on the brand’s cup size range ). You should find that this gives you more room in the back, without losing any volume in the cup.
Band too loose?
If the cup fits well, but the band is in the loose side, we suggest trying a band size down, BUT going a cup size up.
Example: If you’re trying on a 34B and it’s a good fit in the cup, but feels too big in the band, try going down one band size ( 32 ) and up one cup size( to a C cup ). You should find that this gives you a firmer fit in the back, whilst the volume of the cup remains the same.
Need a little more help? Our Pant Patrol are here to help. Book a fitting at either our Islington Square or Saffron Walden stores, or a virtual fitting online, and we’ll provide all the support you need.
