How to try on a bra in the right order

Short answer: Start with the band, then the cup and finally the straps. Do it the other way round and you easily end up making up for a loose band by tightening the straps, which leaves your shoulders carrying the weight.

Why the order matters

Each part of a bra has its own job, and they build on each other. The band supports, the cup shapes, and the straps fine-tune. Start in the wrong place and you fix one mistake with another. Take them in the right order and it becomes clear which size actually fits.

The band first

The band should sit level and firm all the way round, including at the back. Fasten it on the loosest hook, so you can tighten it later as the elastic gives. Lift your arms above your head and check whether the band stays put. If it rides up, it is too big.

The cup next

Once the band sits right, look at the cup. It should cover the bust without wrinkling and without the bust spilling over the edge or out at the side. Lean forward and let the bust settle into the cup before you straighten up. That way you see the real fit.

The straps last

The straps are adjusted only so the cup lies against the bust. They should not carry the weight or dig into your shoulders. You should be able to slide two fingers under them easily. If the cup only fits once the straps are pulled tight, the band is too big.

The classic mistake

The most common mistake is choosing a band that is too big and then tightening the straps for lift. It feels fine in the fitting room, but after a few hours it gives sore shoulders and a band that rides up your back. If the band is loose, go down a band size and up a cup.

Sit down

A bra should not only fit when you stand still in front of the mirror. Sit down, twist your upper body and lean forward. If the band presses when you sit or the cup slips when you bend, try another size. That is how you will actually wear it every day.

Without underwire

The same order applies to models without underwire, even though the sizes are letters rather than band and cup. The band should still sit firmly, and the fabric should lie smooth over the bust without wrinkling. The straps come last. See the models in bamboo bra without underwire.

Measure at home

If you cannot try one on in a shop, measure instead. Measure under the bust and across the fullest point with a soft tape. That gives you a good starting point, and you can use the same order when the parcel arrives. See how to find your bra size at home.

Try it with a fitted top

Put a thin, fitted top on over the bra when you try it. You will see straight away whether the edge of the cup shows or the band creates a bulge at the back. What shows through a thin top will also show through your own clothes later.

Washing

A bra that fits should keep fitting. Wash it in a laundry bag at 40 degrees and let it air dry instead of using a tumble dryer. Skip fabric softener. That way the elastic in the band lasts longer and the fit stays the same. See the washing guide.