Are you wearing the wrong size bra?

Despite free in-store fittings becoming standard service in most high street stores, a new survey suggests most women are still getting their bra size wrong

Ill fitting bras
Ill fitting bras
(Image credit: Rex Features)

Despite free in-store fittings becoming standard service in most high street stores, a new survey suggests most women are still getting their bra size wrong

You may think you know the size of your bust, but you may be surprised to know that about 85 per cent of women are wearing the wrong bra size.

Despite bra specialists wielding tape measures from most changing rooms on the high street, a survey of 1,000 women found the biggest reason for not getting professionally measured was embarrassment.

‘I get people who are so off the mark it’s unbelievable,’ says Debenhams bra-fitter Amie. ‘I’ve had someone come in wearing a 36A when they were actually a 32 E.’ So why do we get it so wrong?

Amie claims women don’t know what they’re doing when it comes to fitting a bra. ‘We’re just not taught what to look for when going bra shopping,’ she says. But if embarrassment is getting the better of you, there are a few helpful hints and tips to finding that perfect bra.

‘If the bra is underwired, make sure the centre panel lies flat against your chest,’ continues Amie. ‘Make sure it is not too tight across the back – you should be able to get two fingers between the bra and your skin. The straps mustn’t slide off. When trying it on, always start on the loosest clasp and most of all make sure it is comfortable.'

Many women believe wearing the wrong bra could have implications on their health, but Professor Gordon McVie of Cancer Research says: 'There is no substantiated evidence to link wearing a bra to breast cancer and I'm very concerned that women will be unnecessarily worried about this suggestion.'

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