What Happens at a Bra Fitting?

Before you go

• Book if you can. Most retailers take bookings online. Walk-ins depend on how busy the shop is, and Saturdays are the busiest time.
• Wear a top that is easy to take off, and your best-fitting bra, in a plain, unpadded style if you have one.
• Bring a fitted T-shirt to see how bras look under clothes.
• Know roughly what you want: everyday, sports, an occasion, a particular outfit.
• Measure yourself first if you would like something to compare with. The calculator takes two minutes.

Step by step

1. A short conversation

The fitter will ask what you are looking for, what size you wear, and what you like or dislike about your current bras. Mention anything relevant: discomfort, a recent change in size, pregnancy, surgery, sensory preferences.

2. Finding a starting size

Fitters work in one of two ways. Some use a tape measure around your ribcage, over a thin top or your bra. Others look at how your current bra fits and judge by eye, with no tape at all. Fitting by eye is common among specialists and is a recognised, effective approach.

3. Trying bras on

You will be shown to a cubicle and brought a few bras. You put each one on in private. When you are ready, the fitter comes in, or you open the curtain, and they check the fit.

4. Checking the fit

The fitter looks at the band at the back, the cups, the centre panel, the wires and the straps. They may adjust the straps and ask you to lean forward and settle into the cups. Then they fetch other sizes or styles as needed. Expect to try several.

5. Under your clothes

Put your T-shirt on over the bras you like, and check the outline.

6. Deciding

You will be told your size in the bras that fitted. Ask for it to be written down with the style names. Buy or do not buy, as you wish.

Your comfort and privacy

• You can ask for the fitter to stay outside the cubicle while you change.
• You can decline to be measured or touched.
• You can ask for a different fitter.
• You can bring someone with you.
• You can stop at any point.

Good fitters see every kind of body every day and are there to help. If you feel judged or rushed, the problem is with the service.

Questions worth asking

• Why does this size fit better than the one I came in wearing?
• Could I try the band below, with the cup up one?
• Is this style suited to my shape, and are there others like it?
• What is my size in this brand, and might it differ in others?
• Does your range include my size, or have you put me in the nearest you stock?

Check the result yourself

Fitters vary, and some still rely on adding inches to a tape measurement, which tends to give a loose band. Use your own judgement on the bra: band level and firm on the loosest hook, cups containing everything, centre flat. Take the fitting checklist with you.

Fittings for particular situations

• First bra: see our first bra fitting guide. A parent can stay in or out of the cubicle, as the young person prefers.
• Pregnancy and nursing: ask for a fitter experienced in maternity bras.
• After breast surgery: book a specialist appointment. See post-mastectomy bra fitting.
• Fuller busts: go to a shop that stocks your size. See bra fitting for large busts.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to take your top off at a bra fitting?

You will need to try bras on, which you do in a private cubicle. The fitter usually steps out while you change and comes back to check the fit. Some fitters measure over a thin top or your own bra first. You can ask for any arrangement you are comfortable with.

Will the fitter touch me?

A fitter may adjust the straps or band, and may ask before checking how a wire or cup sits. You can say you would prefer not to be touched, and they can guide you to check things yourself.

How long does a bra fitting take?

Usually twenty to thirty minutes, and longer if you are trying many styles or buying for a specific outfit.

Do I have to buy something?

No. Fittings at the main UK retailers are free with no obligation. It is fine to say you would like to think about it.