Bra Fitting Tips

Finding the perfectly-fitting bra can be a headache, time consuming, and costly! We know the struggle here at Hourglass Lingerie and want to help you avoid all of this! We have compiled our top 10 BEST bra fitting secrets from our fitting experts. Read along to find out more!

Looking for a solution to a more specific problem? Check our our Common Bra Problems page to get more in-depth answers and recommendations. We also give additional, detailed fitting information in our Size Guide!

1. Fill Your Cups

Baggy cups are not a good look. Going down a cup size can help fill the cup. If your cups are creasing around the nipple, however, that's a different matter. To help with this, try going down a back size to pull the fabric taut.

2. ... But Don't Let Them Overflow!

Spilling out over the tops or sides of your cups won't make your breasts look bigger (there are Padded and Push-Up bras to do that). It just means that you're wearing too small a cup size and should try the next one up.

For most women, one breast is larger. In many cases one breast may even be one cup size larger than the other. In such situations, you should choose the cup size that fits your larger breast.

3. Take The Strain Off The Straps

A bra's main support comes from the band, not the straps. Due to this, you have to make sure that you're wearing the correct band size. If it’s too big, your straps will end up taking the weight, causing them to dig in and be painful.

Bra fitting done using a tape measurer
Demonstration of the finger rule of two fingers under bra band

4. Think Horizontal

Look in the mirror side-on. Is your bra band at the same level all the way around? If it's riding up at the back, you probably need a smaller band size. It even helps to pull the back about an inch lower than the front that should give you a clean line and take care of some of that “back fat”.

5. Finger Rules

Never mind a rule of thumb; here's what you need to know about fingers. Your bra band should feel tight and firm, but with enough space to insert two fingers under the back band and one under the center front.

6. Fasten on the Loosest Hook

Fascinating bra fact: a bra can grow up to 4" due to wash and wear. Therefore, when you buy a new bra, make sure that it fits properly on the loosest hook; you might need to tighten it with wear.

7. Underwire Flat in Front

The center front of your bra should lie flat against the breastbone. If it doesn't, it's telling you to go up a cup size.

8. Underwire Sits on the Bone

While we're talking about underwiring, check the wire at the side of the bra. It should sit on the ribcage without digging into any of the breast.

9. Bring a T-Shirt

The best way to see what shape a new bra will give you is to try it on under a tight fitting t-shirt. Look at yourself from all angles and make sure that you get a smooth line with no unwanted bulges.

10. Get Moving

You wouldn't buy a pair of shoes without walking around in them, so why should buying a bra be any different? Don't just stand there, stretch out and flap your arms to make sure it feels comfortable when you move.

Also make sure to sit down in your new bra, this will tell you whether the bra will dig and bother you when you are sitting in it all day!

Bra fitting nicely under a t-shirt

Personalized Bra Fitting

More information about sizing yourself for the perfect bra can be found at Hourglass Lingerie's Size Guide. If you're still struggling with finding the perfect fit, have no worries- we would love to help! Call to schedule a free, personalized bra fitting at Hourglass Lingerie so our bra fitting specialists can do the work for you!