At Caroline Randell we never underestimate the importance of a well fitting bra. It can totally transform your shape. We are going to tell you how to measure bra size at home, alternatively you can always visit our lingerie boutique at Wimbledon Village for a professional fitting session.

How to measure your bra size

It is well known that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. In our experience this is true, with most women wearing a back size that is too big and a cup size that is ­­too small. Not only does this mean that we are not getting the correct support from our bras (which can lead to sagging, as well as neck ache and back problems); but in addition, using our fitting service can totally transform your figure - putting the curves back in the right places and improving your silhouette dramatically.

Because the shape and size of a woman's breast may change a number of times in her life, due to fluctuations in weight, sport, pregnancy, contraception, medication and diet we recommend that our customers come in for a fitting every six months.

I opened my boutique in Wimbledon Village so I could share my knowledge and expertise of fitting lingerie. I do not believe in using a tape measure as this cannot take into consideration your body shape. Instead our fitters are trained to assess each customer with their fitting expertise and product knowledge.

Although we sell our beautiful lingerie, nightwear and swimwear online, we do recommend that you treat yourself to our fitting service so you can experience the pleasure of wearing correctly sized lingerie.

To book an appointment please call our boutique at Wimbledon Village on: +44 208 946 6171 , or alternatively, pop by at your convenience.

How to Measure Bra Size At Home

So that you can buy on our website with more confidence and so we can spread our knowledge of lingerie, we have put together some useful information to help you find your bra size. Firstly, what we want to achieve from a good fitting bra.

Back Size:

The under-band of the bra should hug the narrowest part of your back and it should be parallel all the way around, so when you stand to the side in the mirror - the front should be at the same level as the back.

The centre of the bra should fit flat against the body and should not be sitting away from the body.

Always fasten a new bra on the loosest hook. Wear and tear and washing of a bra will relax the fit, when this happens use the tighter hook.

Straps:

Make sure the straps are adjusted properly. Straps should support the breast lightly but should not put pressure on the shoulders (most of the support will come from the underband). If the straps are too tight you will find the back of the bra riding up which will result in your bust line falling at the front and appear unsupported.

Cup Size:

The underwire of the bra should curve snugly around your breast and should never cut into them or sit on top of the breast.

To make sure you breasts are sitting properly in the cups of the bra, put your right hand into the left bra cup and lift yourself into the bra, repeat this action on the other side. The wire should fit directly underneath the breast root.

Remember: There is no such thing as a definitive bra size. Your bra size will vary according to the style, brand or even fabric. Bear in mind the above set guidelines to help you determine if the bra is fitting correctly. When buying a new bra, try your top on to check whether you are happy with the shape and line that it is giving you.

How to Measure Bra Size - Checklist

The following fitting clues will help you to decide whether your bra is the correct size. Try on your bra and look at yourself in the mirror – look for the tell tale signs that may indicate your bra is the wrong size.

  • The back of your bra rides up towards your shoulder blades.
  • If the back is riding up this usually indicates that the back of the bra is too big. Try a band size down. E.g if you have been wearing a 36C, try a 34D (the cup sizes will be the same but you will have a tighter band). (Note: Cup sizes correlate to the band size so 30F, 32E, 34D, 36C, 38B are all the same cup size.)
  • The bra cup digs into your bust at the top creating a ‘double-bust’ effect.
  • If your bra is digging into your bust this is a sure sign that the cup is too small. Try a cup size or two up.
  • The wires dig into your breast at the sides. This is usually a sign that the cup size is too small, try the next cup size up.
  • The centre front of the bra sits away from your body. If the bra is sitting away from your body at the front then this is a sign that the underband of your bra is too big. Try a smaller underband.
  • Your breasts are falling out the bottom of the underwire. Try a bra that is small in the back size and bigger in the cup size.
We hope this advice has been helpful. However, If you are still unsure on your size then please call us, we are lingerie experts and here to help you.


Please call us on +44 208 946 6171 or e-mail us at info@carolinerandell.co.uk