Size & Fitting Guide

Bra fitting - soul searching questions

Is your current bra uncomfortable on the straps? Underwires digging in under your arms..? Or is your bra riding up at the back? Are your boobs falling out of the cups or are they languishing deep inside at the bottom of the cup? Do you know your boobs look good when you look at yourself fully clothed in the mirror - or are you pretending they do?

There has been so much written about ill-fitting underwear, and there are many ways of measuring and fitting. There are also many different fits amongst the brands and differing styles, and the bras I supply may also fit differently to what you currently think your size is. Your breasts change over time and according to your own personal body changes - ie: your size will not remain static.

When buying a bra for myself, I try on different sizes until I find one that fits exactly right - and then buy at least two just in case that style becomes unavailable in the near future!

Below are some hints and tips on finding the right fit. I have also included a standard measurement chart, although I would stress that you use this purely for guidance. For each of the ranges I offer, I will give as much detail as possible about the fit of the underwear ie: is it a generous fit, or is it a lean fit.

If you are trying on a bra for the first time, alter the strap adjusters to their loosest before putting the bra on. Lean forward and 'jiggle' your breasts into the cups and fasten the hooks at their loosest. You can now adjust the straps and the back fastening so that you have a comfortable fit.

The band is riding up at the back:

• The band is too large - tighten the band at the hooks, or choose a smaller band size that fits comfortably without causing bulges
  
  
• The band should be parallel with the front of the bra

You constantly hitch up the shoulder straps:

• The straps are too loose - tighten the strap adjusters until comfortable but not digging in
  
  OR
  
  
• The band size is too large - as above

For a perfect fit

• The breasts should be forward and the side stiffeners should sit comfortably behind the fullness of the breasts.
  
• Underwires and stiffeners should not dig in
  
  
• Straps should sit comfortably without digging in
  
  
• The band should not be so tight that it causes redness and/or pain
  
  
• The front of the underwires should sit flat against your breastbone

Once you have worn your bra a few times, you may find that the elastic has given a little - this is meant to happen, but is also the nature of the fabrics that are used. Just remember to check the fit, and if necessary, tighten hooks or straps as necessary.

I want you to have underwear that gives you an 'Aha' moment - the moment when you look at yourself in the mirror and see your breasts lifted up and away from your abdomen, the moment when your whole profile and deportment changes and you realise that you too can look gorgeous! For that reason, I am happy to replace any bra that you have purchased from me if it fits incorrectly. Please see my Returns page for more information. I would even suggest that if you are buying a bra brand from me that you have not previously purchased, buy two sizes to ensure you get the right fit. Under my returns policy, I will accept back the wrong fitting bra and refund you.

Knickers - yes, soul searching questions again ..

If you look at yourself sideways in a mirror, does your tummy hang over the waist band of your briefs? Does the elastic cuff of the briefs cut into your thighs and bottom, and make it look like you have rolls of flesh? Does your thong cut in and cause red marks?

• Consider wearing a different style of brief. Boy shorts, French knickers, boy leg briefs are flattering styles and very readily available now. Some are low slung and are meant to be worn on the hips - make sure that the band does not cut in.
  
  
• There are some beautiful fuller briefs to choose from - some offer a small amount of support, but the trick again is to make sure that they sit comfortably.
  
  
• With any briefs whatever the style, you should be aiming for something that doesn't pull, doesn't cause bulges, or that wrinkles and droops (you don't want them too big either!!)
  
  
• Again, too many ladies are wearing briefs that are too small - you are better going up a size (or 2!) and having a more streamlined profile, as this is ultimately more flattering and slimming than having underwear that causes bulges to appear under your clothes.

French ladies discovered a long time ago, the essence of feeling confident - they dress from the inside out. They dress for themselves. Buying and wearing exquisite, well fitting, matching underwear gives them the confidence and feeling of beauty that carries through to their outer clothes and their whole demeanour.

Click here to view the Sizing Comparison Guide