How do I know which size to order?

If you are unsure which size to order we are happy to help you over the phone. We can give you more information about the fit of each style that we stock and advise you on how to indentify a good fit. However if you would like to measure yourself to determine your bra size please follow the instructions below:

First determine your band size:

• place a tape measure around your ribcage immediately under the bust
• make sure that it is level and fits around you quite tightly
• take your measurement in inches and add 5 inches to the figure if your measurement is an odd number and 4 inches for an even number
• the result is your band size

Next measure your cup size:

• you need to measure around the fullest part of the bust, which can be done by measuring from the middle of your chest over your remaining breast to the centre of your spine and doubling the measurement
• Compare this measurement with the band measurement. If it is the same as the band size then the cup size is A. If your bust size is one inch larger than your band size, you are a B cup, two inches larger and you are a C cup. This continues through the alphabet, though not in a strictly linear fashion, due to the presence of cup sizes such as DD

Just to make it easier, here's a worked example: You measure around your back and find a measurement of 30 inches. This is an even number so you add four inches to find a band size of 34. You measure around half of your bust and find a measurement of 18 inches, double this to get your bust size, 36inches. Your bust size is two inches larger than your band size, so you are a C cup.

Bra sizes the UK are based around the unit of inches.

Does it Fit?

While this method will give a theoretical bra size, the actual physical size of a real-life bra may vary between manufacturers just as in other clothing. Unless the bra of your measured size feels perfect it is always best to try on a few of similar sizes.

Most bras can be fastened to more than one level of tightness. Ideally a new bra should fit well around the band on its loosest setting. After a number of washes the band may lose some of its elasticity; at this point the bra can simply be fastened on a tighter setting.

If the back of the bra rides up, it is too big. It should be horizontal at the back. Use a tighter set of hooks (assuming that the bra fastens with hooks) or buy a smaller band size. If the bra leaves red marks, it is probably too small.

If your breasts bulge out at the top, bottom or sides of the cups then the cup size is too small. If the material on the cups is wrinkly, the cup size is too big.

If the centre of the bra does not lie flat against your chest, you will find that it is being pushed out by breasts contained within cups that are too small. In the case of very large breasts this may be impossible to prevent, but try anyway.

In theory, a well-fitting bra should support your breasts with the straps slipped down off your shoulders. This is a good way of testing the fit, as for most of us, support should be provided by the cups and band, not the straps. If the straps slip down on their own, however, they are too loose.

The straps are there to assist the rest of the bra, they should not take the weight of the breasts and so there should be no red marks on your shoulders when properly adjusted. Larger breasts need more support and so wider straps may be needed in order to stop them digging in.