So you want to find the correct bra size? Good! I’m so glad to hear that. In this post, we’re going to chat about how to find your correct bra size through both at-home and in-store bra fittings, as well as a few stores I would avoid getting a properly fitting bra. We’ll also take a look at how your current bras fit (or rather don’t fit). From there we’ll dive into other bra fitting topics such as a bra size chart, sister sizing, and more!
How to Find Your Correct Bra Size
I do want to preface that I am not a professional bra fitter, but I am a woman who wears a 36J UK bra and thought her correct bra size was like a 38DDD. I’ve been learning a lot about the correct fit of bras over the last few years, after being inspired by my friend Caralyn Mirand‘s Instagram page to fix my own bra situation. I am so thankful for her knowledge, as well as creators like Madison Anne on TikTok, who are helping educate on how to find your correct bra size!
And remember, a fitting is not a one-and-done, plan on going 1-2x a year. Bra sizes change, just like the rest of your body.
PS- be sure to join out community on Instagram and TikTok (@StreetsBeatsEats) for more content like this! You can also join our Facebook community and newsletter chats.
In Store Bra Fittings
Have you had an in-store bra fitting? I remember my first experience many years ago as a preteen, it was so awkward back then! While I can’t pinpoint why I thought it was awkward because now I love them. I think it’s important to remember that the fitters are used to dealing with breasts all day and it’s simply part of their job. They’ve seen all sorts of shapes and sizes come through the store. There is no reason to feel awkward or insecure during a fitting!
Can You Fit Bras in Stores
You sure can fit bras in-store! This is the best way to get fitted in my opinion, so long as you have a location near you to be properly fitted at. It’s the best way to find both your correct bra size and styles of bras that work best for your size and shape. But do keep in mind that not every store is going to give you the same experience, which is why so many of us wear the wrong size bras. You want to have an in-store bra fitting at a location where the fitters are well trained in helping you find the correct bra size and not just pushing you to buy a size the retailer carries.
Where to Get a Professional Bra Fitting
I personally suggest going to Nordstrom or a local specialty lingerie shop. Dallas area gals, Bella Bra Shop is a great spot. If you’re in the DFW or Austin, Texas area, Petticoatfair is a great option. According to my friend, Caralyn, Lace & Day is a great option in Buffalo, NY. You can also find local stores near you using this finder or this finder, and this will help you find the closest Nordstrom.
Speaking of bra fittings in store, keep in mind you don’t have to purchase a bra on the spot in a fitting. It’s okay if you need to wait for the bra to go on sale, add it to your Christmas wish list, etc. Quality bras are not cheap, but keep in mind the cost per wear will be low since you wear them every day!
Is Victoria Secret Doing Bra Fittings?
They are, but that doesn’t mean you should go there. Please avoid chain bra stores such as Victoria Secret, Soma, Torrid, Cacique, etc.
I went to one of these stores to get fitted about 3 years ago and left with a few bras… I noticed they weren’t fitting correctly, so I went back to the store but a different location. This location measured me and got a vastly different size. I exchanged the bras and then had the same issues. I went to a third location and again found myself being sized completely differently from the first two visits. It was that third visit with completely different sizing that made me realize this was never going to end well for me. I swapped the bras for some fabulous undies and pajamas, and chalked this up as a learning moment as to how important it is to have a bra fitting done by experienced fitters.
How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home
If you don’t have access to proper in-store bra fittings, you have a few options to find your correct bra size from the comfort of your home. But please keep in mind that finding the correct bra size is not quite as simple as grabbing a measuring tape and doing some quick math. Measuring is a great starting point, but getting you in a properly fitting bra goes beyond measuring tape. It’s important to remember that the shape plays a roll in the fit, and not every brand’s sizing runs the exact same, which are both reasons it’s helpful to try things on in person or work with a fitter virtually.
Online/Virtual Bra Fittings
I can personally vouch for Nordstrom and Bravissimo’s online bra fittings. I found both experiences to be very helpful in finding a properly fitting bra and the fitters made me feel comfortable during my appointments.
While I can’t speak from experience on these, you can also try Bare Necessities, PourMoi and Curvy Kate for virtual bra fittings.
How Does a Virtual Bra Fitting Work
Each bra fitting could be slightly different, but from my experience, I first showed the professional fitter how my current bra fit. I wore the bra that I thought fit me best and we walked through the specific indicators of if it was a properly fitting bra or not. The fitting was all done by eye and the fitter was able to recommend sizes and styles based on the shape of my chest.
What Do I Need For Virtual Bra Fitting
In my fitting experiences, all you need is to be wearing a bra! It helps to have good lighting and a camera set up that allows you to be hands-free. You’ll want space to move around to show the back, sides and front of the bra.
Is There an App That Measures Bra Size
I tried the Wacoal bra fitting app and it did not work for me. My typical bra size is a 36J UK and it measured me as a 42D. I would suggest staying away from apps and work directly with a person.
DIY Bra Fittings
If neither in-store nor virtual fittings aren’t an option, you can try to find your correct bra size with a DIY bra fitting. I would strongly advise you only do this as a last resort and be prepared for some trial and error to come along with it, as a measurement is just a starting off point. When you’re trying on the new bras, be sure to swoop and scoop all of your breast tissue from the sides towards the front. Speaking from experience, I carry a lot of tissue on the side and it completely changes the fit when it’s properly pulled to the front.
You can check out these resources for doing your bra fitting at home: HerRoom Bra Size Calculator, Bravissimo Bra Fitting Guide and Bare Necessities Bra Size Calculator.
How Do I Know If My Bra Is Fitting Correctly
If your bra gaps, the first thing you should do is a good swoop and scoop of tissue to the front of the bra. If it’s still gapping, it could mean that you need to go down in your cup size or that you need to try a different style of bra. For instance, I cannot wear molded cups because they gap even at the correct size. If you notice that your bra wrinkles, it could also be a sign that your cup size is too big.
On the flip side, your cups could be too small if you are spilling out of the bra on the top or sides (as seen above on the left). It should be smooth from the bra to your bare skin. The bra gore should also be flat against your sternum, if you have extra tissue preventing that from laying flat it could be that your cup is too small, and potentially an issue with the band being too big. Another indicator of needing to go up in the cup size is if the underwire is digging into your sides.
Your bra band should feel snug and only be able to be pulled out about an inch off your body. If you can pull further than that, try a smaller band. The band should be parallel to the ground and if you notice it riding up your back, it could be that you need to go down in band size and up in cup size.
Bra Size Conversions
Finding your bra size in different brands can prove to be a bit tricky, but hopefully, these bra size charts can help! I think the biggest thing to keep in mind is to know if the brand you are looking at is US or UK. For example, I personally shop from UK brands, as that’s who makes fit-focused bras in my size. Someone else might shop from a mix of US and UK bra brands, so you would need to focus more on which bra size is being referenced so you don’t end up with a totally wrong fit.
Bra Size Chart for Cup Conversions
What is a Sister Size
Do Sister Size Bras Fit the Same
A bra sister size is going to change your band and cup size, but produce the same overall cup volume. This is a great way to tweak the exact fit of a bra while making sure it is still a properly fitting bra.
Yes and no. The way sister sizing works is that your cups stay the same, but you change the band to cup ratio size to change the overall fit. One example of this is that I sometimes do my sister size for swimsuits that way the band is a little looser on my body. In this case I go up a band, down a cup, which gives me the same cup volume, but a little more room to work with in the band.
If you’re a visual learner, I found the below graphic from Bravissimo to be super helpful in understanding bra sister sizes.
How Do I Know My Sister Bra Size
The first step is making sure you know how to find your correct fitting bra size. From there, we find sister sizes by taking one measurement up and the other measurement down.
If you are going up in cup size, go down in band size.
If you are going down in cup size, go up in band size.
38DD Bra Size Equivalent for Sister Sizing
If you’ve already figured out how to measure for the correct bra size and found it to be 38DD, your bra size equivalent would include 36DDD, 40D and 42C.
Do Bra Sister Sizes Work
They sure do! It might seem a little confusing, but sister sizing is a great way to find bras in your size if your measurements don’t produce as many bra options as you’d like.
What Are the Sister Sizes for Bras
Below you’ll find a size chart for quick reference on what your sister size is. If you don’t want to always reference a size chart, you can calculate the sizing on your own.
UK Sister Size Bra Chart
US Sister Size Bra Chart
My Favorite Bra Brands and Where to Shop for Bras
Once have been properly fitted, it’s time to update your bra drawer! I am a big fan of Elomi and Freya. I also have some great pieces from Curvy Kate and Bravissimo. Wacoal and Chantelle are brands that don’t fit me, but I have heard great things about the bras.
If you are trying on new bras at home, a great resource is Prime Try Before You Buy. This allows you to get multiple bra styles and sizes so you can see what is best for your shape. You simply keep the ones you like best, and return the rest. You’re only charged for what you keep.
If you want to save a bit of money, you can usually find quality bras during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Another way to save year-round is by signing up for the Bare Necessities email list for a discount code.
My Favorite Resources for Fuller Chests
If you’re looking for swimsuits, bras, or boob tape, be sure to check out some of these blog posts! If there is something specific you need, please email me. The chances are you aren’t the only one who is looking for something!
My Favorite One Piece Swimsuits | The Best Bikinis for Big Boobs | Plus Size Amazon Swimsuits
Best Bralettes for Big Boobs | Bras with a Large Cup Size and Small Band Size | Best Boob Tape for Large Breasts
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