Bra fitting guide

How a Bra Should Fit

A great fitting bra should:

Sit around your ribcage snugly & sit evenly around your body (i.e. the back should not ride up)
Underwires should sit flush against your chest, including between your breasts
Straps should be firm but you should be able to slide one finger under the strap

New bras should always be a good fit on the first hook row, so you have the ability to tighten as the bra stretches
Your whole breast shouldfit into the cup with no spill or gaping
Feel supportive
Be comfortable!

Please note whilst the following tables are a good reflection of bra sizing, each bra brand & style may fit a little differently.

Every woman’s bust & body shape is unique, which is why we have professional fitters at Lisa’s Lacies.

If you cannot get into our store, the below guide will assist you in choosing the right size.

Book a Personalised Bra Fitting

Band Size

Band Size	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26	28	30	32	34
Underbust Size (CM)	65-67	67-72	72-77	77-82	82-87	87-92	92-97	97-102	102-107	107-112	112-117	117-122	122-127	127-132
US Band Size	30	32	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48	50	52	54	56

Cup Size

	A	B	C	D	DD	E	F	FF	G	GG	H	HH	J	JJ	K	L	M	N
8	77-79	79-81	81-83	83-85	85-87	87-89	89-91	91-93	93-95	95-97	97-99	99-101	101-103	103-105	105-107	107-109	109-111	111-113
10	82-84	84-86	86-88	88-90	90-92	92-94	94-96	96-98	98-100	100-102	102-104	104-106	106-108	108-110	110-112	112-114	114-116	116-118
12	87-89	89-91	91-93	93-95	95-97	97-99	99-101	101-103	103-105	105-107	107-109	109-111	111-113	113-115	115-117	117-119	119-121	121-123
14	92-94	94-96	96-98	98-100	100-102	102-104	104-106	106-108	108-110	110-112	112-114	114-116	116-118	118-120	120-122	122-124	124-126	126-128
16	97-99	99-101	101-103	103-105	105-107	107-109	109-111	111-113	113-115	115-117	117-119	119-121	121-123	123-125	125-127	127-129	129-131	131-133
18	102-104	104-106	106-108	108-110	110-112	112-114	114-116	116-118	118-120	120-122	122-124	124-126	126-128	128-130	130-132	132-134	134-136	136–138
20	107-109	109-111	111-113	113-115	115-117	117-119	119-121	121-123	123-125	125-127	127-129	129-131	131-133	133-135	135-137	137-139	139-141	141-143
22	112-114	114-116	116-118	118-120	120-122	122-124	124-126	126-128	128-130	130-132	132-134	134-136	136-138	138-140	140-142	142-144	144-146	146-148
24	117-119	119-121	121-123	123-125	125-127	127-129	129-131	131-133	133-135	135-137	137-139	139-141	141-143	143-145	145-147	147-149	149-151	151-153
26	122-124	124-126	126-128	128-130	130-132	132-134	134-136	136-138	138-140	140-142	142-144	144-146	146-148	148-150	150-152	152-154	154-156	156-158
28	127-129	129-131	131-133	133-135	135-137	137-139	139-141	141-143	143-145	145-147	147-149	149-151	151-153	153-155	155-157	157-159	159-161	161-163
30	132-134	134-136	136-138	138-140	140-142	142-144	144-146	146-148	148-150	150-152	152-154	154-156	156-158	158-160	160-162	162-164	164-166	166-168
32	137-139	139-141	141-143	143-145	145-147	147-149	149-151	151-153	153-155	155-157	157-159	159-161	161-163	163-165	165-167	167-169	169-171	171-173
34	142-144	144-146	146-148	148-150	150-152	152-154	154-156	156-158	158-160	160-162	162-164	164-166	166-168	168-170	170-172	172-174	174-176	176-178

Common Bra Fit Problems

A bra that feels uncomfortable is often not the wrong size overall, but the wrong balance between band, cup and strap tension. Small signs can indicate what needs adjusting.

Band rides up at the back

Usually means the band is too loose. The band provides most of the support, so it should sit level across the back.

Straps digging into shoulders

Often a sign the band is too loose and the straps are taking too much weight.

Cup spillage at the top or sides

Typically indicates the cup volume is too small or the cup shape is not suited to your breast shape.

Gaping cups

Can happen when the cup is too large or the style is too structured for softer tissue.

Underwire poking or sitting on breast tissue

Usually means the cup width or size is incorrect. The wire should sit around the breast, not on it.

These issues are common and do not necessarily require large size changes. Often a shift in band tension or cup style resolves discomfort. te what needs adjusting.

Which Bra Style Suits Different Fit Goals?

Different bra styles are designed to solve different support or clothing needs. The same size can feel very different depending on structure and fabric.

Fit Goal	Style Type	Why it Helps
Everyday comfort	Everyday or Full Cup	Balanced support and coverage
Smoother shape under fitted clothing	T-Shirt Bra	Seamless cups reduce visible lines
Reduced shoulder pressure	Wirefree Bra	Less rigid structure across the ribcage
Lower necklines or special outfits	Strapless or Plunge	Designed for specific clothing cuts
Bust distribution and profile smoothing	Minimiser	Spreads volume more evenly
Movement and activity	Sports Bra	Controls bounce and holds position
Easy fastening	Front Opening	Useful for mobility or convenience
Pregnancy or nursing	Maternity Bra	Designed for changing cup volume
Post-Surgery or Prosthesis Support	Mastectomy Bra	Pocketed cups, soft fabrics and stable support designed to hold a breast form securely and protect sensitive areas.

Style choice does not replace correct sizing, but it can greatly improve comfort once size is correct.

Fit Considerations for Larger Busts and Plus Sizes

Larger cup sizes often require a slightly different approach to comfort and support. Wider straps, firmer bands and well-shaped cups help distribute weight more evenly across the shoulders and back. A band that feels secure without digging is especially important, as it carries most of the support rather than the straps alone. Cup depth and side coverage can also change how clothing sits and how stable the bra feels throughout the day. Fit should always feel supportive and not restrictive.

When to Check Your Bra Size Again

Body shape and measurements change gradually, which is why many people wear the same size for years without realising it no longer fits correctly. Re-measuring can be helpful after:

Weight change

Pregnancy or post-nursing

Surgery or medical treatment

Changes in exercise habits

Noticeable discomfort or slipping straps

Once every 12–18 months, as a general check

Even small measurement differences can improve day-to-day comfort.

Bra Fitting Questions

Firm but comfortable. You should be able to slide two fingers under the band without it lifting away from the body.

This usually means the band is too loose and is not providing enough support.

No. The band should provide the majority of support. Straps help with positioning rather than weight bearing.

Every year or whenever your body shape changes noticeably.

Yes, when correctly fitted. Support comes from band tension and cup structure rather than underwires alone.

Cup shape may not match breast shape. Trying a different style can often resolve this.

Visit Us In-Store

Lisa’s Lacies

6 Klauer St, Seaford VIC 3198, Australia

Phone: 03 9782 5955

Email: [email protected]

Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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Bra Fitting Guide