Wearing a great fitting bra will help you look and feel great. Unfortunately, more than 70% of women are wearing the wrong size and style of bra. Don't be one of them!

Bra Fit Checklist

Follow our simple checklist to ensure that your bra fits properly. Find your most comfortable bra, put it on and take a good look at yourself in the mirror.

•  Does your bust bulge out at the top, sides or bottom of your bra?
•  Do you have red marks around your body after taking off your bra?
•  Does the back band ride up and move around when you move?
•  Do your bra cups look wrinkly?
•  Does your bra centerpiece sit away from your body?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, you are wearing the wrong size bra. As a result, your bra may not be giving you the support, comfort and fit you desire.

Bra Fitting Advice

Each person is unique, and all busts differ in volume, shape and spacing, just as each person's unique body size, height, and weight can affect a bra's fit. A tape measure and simple formula may not always tell the whole story. Plus, even if the measurements are accurate, there are no real standards for bra sizing, so differences between manufacturers is common. The best advice we can give you when determining your bra size is to follow these simple guidelines:

Breasts bulge out of the top or sides of the cup and the bust looks lumpy under clothes. This is usually a sign that the cup size being worn is too small. The breasts should be totally encased in the cups. Try at least one cup size larger.

Bra rides up the back and moves around. One of the most common mistakes that we make is to wear back sizes that are too big. The strap around your body should fit snugly and will only move around if it is too big. If this is happening, you need to try a smaller back size.

Hint. Remember a smaller back size will also be smaller in the cup. For example if you find 36DD to be a good fit in the cup but too big around the back, you would need to try a 34E.

The wires stick out at the front or dig in under the arms. If the wires stick out or dig in, it's often because the cup size is too small and your breasts are forcing the bra away from your body. Try going up a cup size so that the wires lie flat against your body and fully encases your breasts.

The straps dig into my shoulders. The main support provided by a bra should come from the band around your back and not the shoulder straps. If your shoulder straps are digging in, you are probably wearing too big a back size so you will need to go down one back size. Alternatively, you may simply need to loosen the shoulder straps. It might also be worth trying an under wire bra, so that more of the support comes from underneath, rather than from your shoulders.

The cups are wrinkly at the top or sides. This is usually a sign that the cup size is too big so you may want to try one cup size smaller.

When you take off your bra at the end of the day, there are red marks left on your skin. This is a good indication that the bra does not fit properly:

•  If the red marks are under your breasts or anywhere around your body at  that level, you will need to choose a bra with a larger base measurement  (if your bra is a 34 choose a 36).
•  If the red marks are under your arms, go up one cup size (if your bra cup  size is a C, choose a D).

Sizing for different countries
Cup grading across brands from different countries can differ. The basic rule is that French bras do not come in a DD cup. So as a general rule a French E fits like a DD and French F fits like an E. This includes brands such as Passionata.

Trying On Tips
When trying a bra on, it's best to start off by fastening it on its loosest hook. This way you will be able to tighten the bra if it starts to give in the back. Also, remember to adjust the shoulder straps to ensure that they are not too loose. When you have put on a bra, you may need to adjust your breasts to make sure that they are in the cups properly.

The band of the bra should be firm but comfortable around your body. If you cannot run your finger under the band easily, it is too tight. However, if the band is too loose it will ride up your back. It is also worth remembering that the fit of your bra when you receive it will be tighter than when you have worn it 'in' in a couple of weeks time and the fabric has become softer.

It's a good idea to try a T-shirt or top over the bra that you are trying on so that you can see the shape that it gives you underneath your clothes.

Looking After Your Lingerie
If you want to keep your underwear in tiptop condition, we recommend that you hand wash it. Machine-washing under wired garments can shrink the fabric, miss-shape the wires and cause them to push through the fabric. It is also best to use cool water when you hand wash as hot water can damage delicate fabrics like lace, embroidery, bindings and elastics. Using cool water will help keep the garments colour and will prevent white fabrics from going grey.

Don't make do with bra's that are years old and worn out. With new well fitting underwear you will feel like a new woman!

For any further information on sizes or fit, please contact Customer Services. We will be happy to answer your queries.