Get the RIGHT Fit

• This might seem like going back to basics but putting it on properly can make all the difference to getting a well fitting bra.
  
• There are two main ways to put on a bra, fastening the bra at the front, twisting it around and then putting your arms into the shoulder straps or putting your arms into the shoulder straps first, scooping it under your bust and then doing it up round the back.
  
• Either method is fine the key thing to remember is to lean forward so your bust falls into the cups. This ensures your boobs are sitting properly in the cups and are not squashed against the rib cage.
  
• Once you stand up you might need to reach into the cups to adjust your breasts and make sure they are sitting in the cups properly, a little jiggle does wonders but you shouldn't need to force them in.
  
• Once you have got the bra on move around a bit in it, swing your arms around, bend over. It might look silly but it's what we do all day and it will give you a good idea of whether the bra is fitting properly. You should be able to do all that and not have everything pop out of place.
  
  The Back Strap
  
• The most common mistake is wearing the back strap too loose around the body, it may feel comfortable but it offers little support. Fasten the back strap on the loosest hook and adjust the shoulder straps to a comfortable but not too tight position.
  
• The back strap should be firm but comfortable, you may need to go a little tighter than you are used to but remember you need to be able to breathe!
  
• It should run in a horizontal position around your body, check by looking in the mirror.
  
• It needs to have some give in it but it shouldn't ride up. If you are constantly tugging it down then it's too large and you need to go down at least one back size.
  
• You should be able to have your shoulder straps tightened reasonably firmly without it pulling the back strap upwards.
  
• There should be no spillage or pinching of the bust from underneath the bra cups, that's a sure sign the back strap is too large.
  
• With an underwired bra the wires should sit on the rib cage underneath the bust. The bust is made up of delicate tissue and any pinching can damage it.
  
  The Cups
  
• The bust should sit comfortably in the cups and should be fully encased. The wires should go around the bust completely including around the sides under the arms.
  
• There shouldn't be anything popping out of the cups underneath the arms, around the sides or over the top if there is the cup is too small.
  
• The wires shouldn't poke out under the arms or rub, if they do the cup is too small.
  
• The wires in the middle of the bra should lie flat against your chest. If they stick out then the cup size is too small.
  
• Balcony bras are cut lower so the boobs continue above the cups but there should be no '4 boobs' or 'double boobs' ...it's not a good look!
  
• The best way to check this is to turn to the side and look in the mirror if there are bulges over the top of the cups then the cup is too small.
  
• If the cups fabric is wrinkled or seems loose then the cup size is too large.
  
  The Shoulder Straps
  
• The shoulder straps shouldn't be too loose, tighten them so they are firm but don't dig in or leave red marks.
  
• The weight of the bust should be supported mainly by the back strap and the cups. Try this test with an underwired bra. Loosen the shoulder straps or slip them off your shoulders. There will be a little movement but if everything plummets south then your back strap and cup size are not supporting you properly and you need to change size accordingly.
  
• If the shoulder straps are digging into your shoulders or you feel like you are being dragged down by them then you are probably wearing too large a back strap and your bust isn't being supported enough so you are over tightening the shoulder straps to compensate, go down at least one back size.
  
• The shoulder straps shouldn't slip off your shoulders, if they do tighten them a little or try a style with the straps closer together. Balcony bra's tend to have wider set straps than other styles.
  
  

  Please note:

  If you're constantly re-adjusting your bra all day then your wearing the wrong bra size. Bras should feel comfortable and when wearing a well fitting bra you should be able to forget about it, for at least some of the day.
  
  When you first buy a bra you should fasten it on the loosest hook, this means that as the bra gets a bit worn and stretches you can tighten the hooks and it gives you a bit more life out of the bra.
  
  It's very common to have one breast larger than the other. Choose the cup size that fits the larger breast.
  
  If the cups are fitting well but the back strap is too large or small you need to adjust the cup size accordingly. This is because if you go down a back strap size the cups will also be smaller. The same principle applies with increasing the back strap size but in reverse. So to go down a back size then you go up a cup size so if you are a 14E to go down a back size you change to a 12F. To go up a back size then you go down a cup size.
  
  Still not sure you've got it right? Need more advice?
  If you are still not sure whether you have got the perfect fit or you need to ask some advice please contact the team at Undies Online