In a bra fitting, a bra fit specialist, also known as a bra fitter, determines your bra size, hand picks new bras for you, and helps you shop for new lingerie. Bra fittings take place in a fitting room. Bra fitters typically take two measurements (underbust and overbust) and use the measurements to determine your bra size.

Since bra fitting involves more than just measurements, a professional bra fitter will usually have you try on a few different styles, check the fit of each bra if you’re comfortable with it, and bring in bras for you to try that she thinks will fit you best.

Bra fittings typically take 30 minutes to an hour. This includes the time it takes to measure for a bra and try on new bras.

If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or a lack of support from your current bras, it’s time for a bra fitting. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, menopause, and hormonal changes may also necessitate a bra fitting. With proper care, your everyday bras should last six months to a year.

Most lingerie stores are happy to help customers without an appointment. Some local lingerie boutiques do prefer appointments, so it’s best to call the store before visiting if you’re planning on shopping at a local lingerie boutique.

We suggest buying new bras every 6 months and as needed. If you find yourself wearing the same 1-2 bras everyday, it’s a good idea to add at least one more bra to your lingerie wardrobe.

We recommend having at least 6-8 bras in your lingerie wardrobe. This includes: 2-3 every day bras (the bras you wear the most throughout the week), 1 bralette, 2 sports bras, 1 strapless bra, and at least 1 beautiful bra (and matching panty) that makes you feel amazing.

Bra sister sizes are the bra sizes that are closest in cup volume to your current bra size. For example, if you wear a 36D bra, your bra sister sizes are 34C and 32DD. You might wondering how it’s possible for you to wear a C or DD cup, but keep in mind that the fit of the bra is determined by both the band size and cup size. Not all cup sizes are the same - a 32D fits differently than a 34D and a 36D. In this case, the 36D is bigger – both in the cup and in the band.

You might wear your bra sister size if the bra size that you normally wear fits fine in the cup, but too big or too small in the band. Since a bra sister size matches your bra size with the closest bra size in cup volume, you can easily change the fit of the band with a bra sister size. Different fabrics play a part too – a bra with a sturdy power mesh band will fit snugger than a bra with a band made of a stretch microfiber. Bra sister sizes help adjust for this.

Every lingerie brand fits different. This is due to a number of factors. Depending on the style of the bra and the brand, you may find that you wear different bra sizes. This is why it’s important to see your bra size as more of a guide than a set rule and to always go by the fit of the bra and not the number on the tag.