Skip to content
If your bra feels off, you’re not alone. Studies show 80% of women wear the wrong bra size.
Yet there is no rocket science to finding the perfect bra collections. And it has nothing to do with having the perfect body. It’s just about discovering the bra that works for you!
One reason why that is harder than it sounds is because there are no standard sizes across bra brands. Sizes are so closely linked to style that they are even part of a brand’s intellectual property. That’s why women usually have to arrive at the right fit through a process of trial and error.
With this guide, we will share tips and bust a few myths to get you fitted in the perfect lingerie.
Why the Right Bra Fit is So Important
The wrong bra size calculator does create physical discomfort. But that’s not all! Here’s why finding the perfect bra with the right fit matters for you:
Gives you a confidence boost: A poorly fitting bra usually shows under your clothing. That’s why a right fitting bra can change your appearance. Your clothes fit better and it boosts your appearance.
Improves your posture and gain support: A well-fitting bra gives you the support you need and helps improve your posture by reducing motion and preventing breast tissue breakdown. This is especially true if you are a curvy woman and have an active lifestyle.
Avoiding long-term health consequences: The perfect bra may not prevent cancer, but it does have a big role in ensuring your overall breast health.
Busting the myth: It’s not only curvy women who struggle to find the right bra size. All women do.
You Know You're Wearing the Wrong Size When…
But how do you know if you have found the perfect lingerie? Here is a checklist of questions for you to consider.
1. Are your straps digging in or slipping off?
2. Is your band riding up your back?
3. Are you cups either gaping or overflowing?
4. Do you need to constantly adjust your bra?
5. Are there marks or redness on the skin?
If you said yes to any of those questions, those are some of the most common signs that you're wearing a wrong-size bra.
Busting the myth: It’s not normal for bras to be uncomfortable. Prioritize personal comfort.
How to Measure Yourself at Home
You could find the right size by getting a professional fit. Here is our three-step guide to help you.
Step One: Measure your band size— Wear your best-fitting non-padded bras. Wrap a tape around your rib cage, just below your bust line. Make note of the measurement in inches.
Step Two: Get your bust size—Do this again. But this time the tape runs around your back and the fullest area around your bust line.
Step Three: Calculate your cup size—Finally, subtract the band size from your bust size to get the cup size. Now, use a bra size calculator with your measurements to find the perfect bra.
BUSTING THE MYTH: Every brand has their own bra size calculator. You cannot use the same calculator across all brands.
A Style for Every Body Type and Need
But finding the perfect lingerie is not just about matching a style that looks great on a model to your size. It is about finding the style that works for you. Here are some of our recommendations from the Wacoal collection, based on your body type
For full busts: Full coverage bra with wide straps, such as the Classic Non Padded Non Wired Full Coverage Plus Size Everyday Comfort Bra or the Awareness Non Padded Wired Full Coverage Full Support Plus Size Bra.
For petites: Lightly padded plunge bras, such as the Zephyr Padded Non-Wired 3/4Th Cup Push-Up Plunge Bra or the Feliz Padded Wired 3/4th Cup Everyday Wear Medium Coverage Lace Plunge Bra.
For athletic builds: Contour or push-up bras for shape, such as the BASICS Lite Push Up Padded Wired Half Cup Everyday Wear Push-up Bra - Black or the BASICS Lite Push Up Padded Wired Half Cup Everyday Wear Push-up Bra - Teal.
For maternity or nursing: These should have stretchy cups, clips, and extra support, such as in the La Vigne Padded Non-Wired 3/4th Cup Medium coverage Maternity Bra.
BUSTING THE MYTH: You don’t need to have the perfect body to find the perfect bra. But you do need to find the perfect style for your body type.
When to Get Fitted or Re-Measure
Once you have the right size and style, you should return to measure yourself at least once a year, as your bra size can vary, based on life changes. The most common ones to watch out for are weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and aging.
Busting the myth: A bra size is not for life. You will need to remeasure yourself at different life stages.
Five Tips to Level Up Your Lingerie Game
Finally, we recommend five strategies to find the perfect lingerie.
#1. Don’t cling to size—focus on fit and feel.
#2. Try on multiple styles and sizes across brands.
#3. Move when measuring yourself or in the fitting room—lift your arms, bend, and twist.
#4. Invest in quality over quantity for everyday wear.
#5. Consider a bra wardrobe. Include everyday bras, along with strapless bras, sport bras, and special occasion lingerie.
The Wacoal premium lingerie collections sets you on the right path and helps you find your perfect lingerie with our lace, minimizer, sports, bralette, strapless, and push-up bras.