Is your bra fitting correctly? Read on…

It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing, without a correctly-fitting bra underneath, your clothes simply won’t flatter your figure the way they should. Follow our illustrated guide to find out how your bra should fit and make the most of your shape

By Bernadette FallonPublished: 20 March 2015

Clothing, Skin, Sleeve, Shoulder, Joint, Collar, Comfort, Sitting, Beauty, Waist,

Is your bra fitting correctly? Read on…

Orange, Amber, Tan, Peach, Drawing, Clip art, Graphics,

Remember that a woman’s breasts change shape and size many times during her life, and can be affected by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause and weight gain and loss. Bra sizes also vary with different manufacturers, designs, fabrics and styles – so it’s important to have regular professional fittings or to learn how to do this at home. Don’t be one of the 70% of women in the UK who are wearing the wrong size bra!

This guide has been produced by Breast Cancer Care, the breast cancer support charity. For more information about breast awareness and breast health, visit breastcancercare.org.uk or call the free Helpline on 0808 800 6000. To order or download the guide, click here

Buying guides and bra facts
Buying a bra: what to look for
5 signs you're wearing the wrong bra

Best fit bra

Brown, Yellow, Product, Orange, Brassiere, Line, Amber, Undergarment, Tan, Lingerie,

Your bra should fit on the loosest set of hooks so that when it begins to stretch with time, you can tighten it and still get a good fit. It should also stay in place without moving when you lift your arms over your head.

Buying guides and bra facts
Buying a bra: what to look for
5 signs you’re wearing the wrong bra
How to buy lingerie for occasion wear
5 bad habits that make your breasts sag
13 things you only know if you have big boobs

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Loose fitting cups

Brown, Product, Yellow, Shoulder, Brassiere, Orange, Undergarment, Bikini, Swimsuit top, Line,

The bra cups should be filled by the breasts, otherwise loose fabric will sag under your top and give your clothes a crumpled effect.

Buying guides and bra facts
Buying a bra: what to look for
5 signs you're wearing the wrong bra
How to buy lingerie for occasion wear
5 bad habits that make your breasts sag
13 things you only know if you have big boobs

Bra straps too tight

Product, Brown, Yellow, Brassiere, Orange, Undergarment, Amber, Swimsuit top, Tan, Lingerie,

The shoulder straps should fit closely to the body. They are there to give support but should not carry the full weight of the breasts, otherwise they will dig in and create an uneven line on your shoulders.
Top tip: Adjustable shoulder straps help you get the best fit.

Buying guides and bra facts
Buying a bra: what to look for
5 signs you're wearing the wrong bra
How to buy lingerie for occasion wear
5 bad habits that make your breasts sag
13 things you only know if you have big boobs

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Snug fitting underband

Brown, Yellow, Shoulder, Orange, Amber, Peach, Tan, Brassiere, Undergarment, Beige,

The underband should fit closely to the body, not too loose or too light. Too loose and it will result in sagging, preventing you from making the most of your figure; too tight and it will cause ugly folds of excess skin to be visible under your chest.

Buying guides and bra facts
Buying a bra: what to look for
5 signs you're wearing the wrong bra
How to buy lingerie for occasion wear
5 bad habits that make your breasts sag
13 things you only know if you have big boobs

Create a smooth silhouette

Yellow, Orange, Amber, Tan, Peach, Drawing, Slingback, Strap, Clip art, Graphics,

The underband should be the same level at the front and back, to avoid unslightly lines across the back of your outfit and also to provide enough support for your breasts. Get it right and you will create a streamlined shape front and back.

Buying guides and bra facts
Buying a bra: what to look for
5 signs you're wearing the wrong bra
How to buy lingerie for occasion wear
5 bad habits that make your breasts sag
13 things you only know if you have big boobs

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Underwires too tight

Brown, Yellow, Orange, Brassiere, Line, Amber, Swimsuit top, Bikini, Tan, Undergarment,

Underwires should sit flat against the chest and around the contour of the breast without digging in or gaping. Too tight and you risk excess flesh spilling out of the side of your bra, creating an unsightly bulge under your armpit that can be seen through your clothing.

Buying guides and bra facts
Buying a bra: what to look for
5 signs you're wearing the wrong bra
How to buy lingerie for occasion wear
5 bad habits that make your breasts sag
13 things you only know if you have big boobs