Fit Guide

Pregnancy
Nursing
Everyday

Congratulations! You’re pregnant!

You are probably experiencing quite a few changes to your body, but get ready as there will be more to come your way, as you go through each trimester! We have designed our bras to fit your ever-changing body and keep you feeling comfortable throughout every little inch of growth!

Happy measuring and if you need any help along the way, please reach out to one of our fit experts to help ensure you have the best fit experience.

Try these 3 easy steps to determine your bra size.

Find your size with our easy 3-step measurement, so that you can finally feel comfortable in a well-fitted bra.

Before You Begin

  • Have a measuring tape, pen and paper ready
  • You will also need to be in front of a mirror
  • Wear a non-padded bra that reflects your true shape
  • You’ll need to determine your rib band and cup size measurements in inches.

Step 1: Band Measurement

Measure your chest above your breasts - make sure the tape is around your back and under your armpits. Check in the mirror to ensure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor along your back. The tape should be snug around your body without any fingers underneath the tape. If you are in between band sizes, round up or down to the nearest even number. This will be your band measurement (34, 36 etc.).

Step 2: Bust Measurement

Measure around the fullest part of your breasts, over your nipple area. This is a looser measurement than the band measurement. While holding both ends of the tape with one hand at the side of your breast, use your free hand to press the measuring tape in between your breasts to your chest. This will be your bust measurement (37, 38, etc).

Step 3: Calculate Your Size

Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. The remainder is your cup size, where each number or inch represents one letter. Combine the band measurement and the cup size for your bra size.

For example, if your band is 34 and your bust is 38:
38 - 34 =4, 4 equates to a D
(1=A, 2=B, 3=C, 4=D, 5=DD, 6=E)
Your bra size is a 34D.

Still need assistance - Chat with a Fit Expert

Do you know your Breast Shape?

Shallow Shaped Breasts

Breasts that are less full at the top of your cup and fuller at the bottom of your cup. Tissue density can range from soft to average. Moms with multiple children, women who have experienced drastic weight fluctuations or mature women tend to have shallow shaped breasts.

Recommended Bras: Plunge, Restore, Ballet.

Balance Shaped Breasts

Breasts that are equally full at the top and the bottom of your cup. Tissue density is usually average to firm. Average shaped breasts are in proportion with your shoulders and torso width.

Recommended Bras: Body Silk Seamless, Original Nursing Bra, Plunge, Restore, Ballet.

Full Shaped Breasts

Breasts that are very full at the top of your cup. Breasts tend to sit narrow or forward on the body and are generally round. Tissue density is usually average to firm. Full shaped breasts tend to run larger when viewed in proportion with your shoulders and torso width. When fully engorged with breastmilk, most breast will be full shaped during that time.

Recommended Bras: Original Nursing Bra Full Cup, Original Nursing Bra Extended Cup, Original Pumping & Nursing Bra, Body Silk Seamless.

Still Need Help?
Contact our Fit Experts via Live Chat
Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm EST

Changes you can expect during pregnancy

  • Breast and nipple sensitivity
  • Bra cup size may increase quickly or gradually
  • Breasts may become heavy and sore as they start producing milk in the third trimester; cup size may continue to increase
  • Breast tenderness may increase
  • Band size may increase as your rib cage expands in later pregnancy
  • Measure yourself for a bra often to ensure a comfy and supportive fit

More resources for during pregnancy

Navigating Nursing!

If you are just about to start breastfeeding or have already begun your journey you are probably already feeling your breasts changing and most likely outgrowing your regular bras.

A good, comfortable nursing bra is a necessary staple in all every nursing mom’s wardrobes. You are going to be spending a lot of days (and nights) feeding your little one, especially in those early days/weeks, so you will want to make sure you have a bra that can support and comfort you, while you give all the love, and comfort and nourishment to your baby.

Try these 3 easy steps to determine your bra size.

Find your size with our easy 3-step measurement, so that you can finally feel comfortable in a well-fitted bra.

Before You Begin

  • Have a measuring tape, pen and paper ready
  • You will also need to be in front of a mirror
  • Wear a non-padded bra that reflects your true shape
  • You’ll need to determine your rib band and cup size measurements in inches.

Step 1: Over Bust Measurement

Measure your chest above your breasts - make sure the tape is around your back and under your armpits. Check in the mirror to ensure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor along your back. The tape should be snug around your body without any fingers underneath the tape. If you are in between band sizes, round up or down to the nearest even number. This will be your rib band size (34, 36 etc.).

Step 2: Bust Measurement

Measure around the fullest part of your breasts, over your nipple area. This is a looser measurement than the rib band measurement. While holding both ends of the tape with one hand at the side of your breast, use your free hand to press the measuring tape in between your breasts to your chest. Subtract your band size from your bust measurement. This is your cup size.

Step 3: Calculate Your Size

Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. The remainder is your cup size, where each number or inch represents one letter. Combine the band measurement and the cup size for your bra size.

For example, if your band is 34 and your bust is 38:
38 - 34 =4, 4 equates to a D
(1=A, 2=B, 3=C, 4=D, 5=DD, 6=E)
Your bra size is a 34D.

Still need assistance - Chat with a Fit-Expert

Do you know your Breast Shape?

Shallow Shaped Breasts

Breasts that are less full at the top of your cup and fuller at the bottom of your cup. Tissue density can range from soft to average. Moms with multiple children, women who have experienced drastic weight fluctuations or mature women tend to have shallow shaped breasts.

Recommended Bras: Plunge, Restore, Ballet.

Balance Shaped Breasts

Breasts that are equally full at the top and the bottom of your cup. Tissue density is usually average to firm. Average shaped breasts are in proportion with your shoulders and torso width.

Recommended Bras: Body Silk Seamless, Original Nursing Bra, Plunge, Restore, Ballet.

Full Shaped Breasts

Breasts that are very full at the top of your cup. Breasts tend to sit narrow or forward on the body and are generally round. Tissue density is usually average to firm. Full shaped breasts tend to run larger when viewed in proportion with your shoulders and torso width. When fully engorged with breastmilk, most breast will be full shaped during that time.

Recommended Bras: Original Nursing Bra Full Cup, Original Nursing Bra Extended Cup, Original Pumping & Nursing Bra, Body Silk Seamless.

Changes you can expect while breastfeeding

  • Breasts may become tight, full, and sore in the days following the delivery due to milk production and hormones
  • Breasts will likely feel very full before feedings for the first few months causing breast shape to be full temporarily
  • Leaking between feedings or from your other breast during feeds may occur
  • After 6 months or so, breasts will not be as enlarged and full from milk, even if you are still breastfeeding
  • Rib cage may reduce, but may still be larger than pre-pregnancy size
  • Measure yourself for a bra often to ensure a comfy and supportive fit

More resources for during nursing

Everyday Comfort

Finding a bra that fits you in all the right places comes down to one thing….knowing your size and finding the style that best suits your breasts to give you the best experience and keep you comfortable all day long, everyday. Please remember that not all of our styles are sized the same. Be sure to look at the size chart of each style before choosing your size to ensure you are getting the right one based on your measurements today.

Try these 3 easy steps to determine your bra size.

Find your size with our easy 3-step measurement, so that you can finally feel comfortable in a well-fitted bra.

Before You Begin

  • Have a measuring tape, pen and paper ready
  • You will also need to be in front of a mirror
  • Wear a non-padded bra that reflects your true shape
  • You’ll need to determine your rib band and cup size measurements in inches.

Step 1: Over Bust Measurement

Measure your chest above your breasts - make sure the tape is around your back and under your armpits. Check in the mirror to ensure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor along your back. The tape should be snug around your body without any fingers underneath the tape. If you are in between band sizes, round up or down to the nearest even number. This will be your rib band size (34, 36 etc.).

Step 2: Bust Measurement

Measure around the fullest part of your breasts, over your nipple area. This is a looser measurement than the rib band measurement. While holding both ends of the tape with one hand at the side of your breast, use your free hand to press the measuring tape in between your breasts to your chest. Subtract your band size from your bust measurement. This is your cup size.

Step 3: Calculate Your Size

Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. The remainder is your cup size, where each number or inch represents one letter. Combine the band measurement and the cup size for your bra size.

For example, if your band is 34 and your bust is 38:
38 - 34 =4, 4 equates to a D
(1=A, 2=B, 3=C, 4=D, 5=DD, 6=E)
Your bra size is a 34D.

Still need assistance - Chat with a Fit-Expert

Do you know your Breast Shape?

Shallow Shaped Breasts

Breasts that are less full at the top of your cup and fuller at the bottom of your cup. Tissue density can range from soft to average. Moms with multiple children, women who have experienced drastic weight fluctuations or mature women tend to have shallow shaped breasts.

Recommended Bras: Restore, Ballet, Pose.

Balance Shaped Breasts

Breasts that are equally full at the top and the bottom of your cup. Tissue density is usually average to firm. Average shaped breasts are in proportion with your shoulders and torso width.

Recommended Bras: Restore, Ballet, Sculpt, Muse, Pose.

Full Shaped Breasts

Breasts that are very full at the top of your cup. Breasts tend to sit narrow or forward on the body and are generally round. Tissue density is usually average to firm. Full shaped breasts tend to run larger when viewed in proportion with your shoulders and torso width. When fully engorged with breastmilk, most breast will be full shaped during that time.

Recommended Bras: Sculpt, Pose.


Still Need Help?
Contact our Fit Experts via Live Chat
Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm EST

Selecting a bra for Everyday Non-Nursing

  • If post-nursing, your breast density has changed due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, and breast shape is typically more shallow
  • Breast growth experienced in pregnancy and nursing may reverse themselves over 3 months or so, once you stop nursing
  • Rib cage is likely to reduce close to pre-pregnancy size, or may remain slightly larger than pre-pregnancy size
  • If you haven’t been pregnant or nursing, breast size and shape may still fluctuate throughout our life for many reasons such as age, health, diet, medications, exercise etc.
  • Measure yourself for a bra often to ensure a comfy and supportive fit

More resources for Everyday

Other FAQs

Why is band size important?

This is where most of your support comes from, so always perfect your band fit first. Your band should be level from front to back and fit comfortably, but snugly while staying level as you move around.

Why is cup size important?

Cups should hold your breast tissue smoothly. Solve cup fit challenges second as they are supported by your band. Cups should sit smoothly holding your breast tissue without building, gaping or puckering.

Why are straps important?

Straps hold your cup in place. Solve strap fit challenges last, as typically when your band and cup fit properly, your straps should fit comfortably. When lifted up, you should be able to raise straps 2” away from your shoulders.

Why is my bra riding up throughout the day? I am constantly pulling it down or adjusting to make it stay in place.

Your bra band may be too big. You can first try tightening the hook and eye placement to get a snugger fit. Loosening the straps may also help a band from moving up on your body. If that doesn’t solve the issue, you may need a new size. If the cup is too big and the band is too big, size down. If the cup is too tight but the band is loose, try moving to our full cup range which is specifically designed for those with more breast tissue and smaller bands.

I am getting painful indents on my body from my bra band? I feel instant relief when I unclasp my bra.

Your bra band may be too small. You can first try loosening the hook and eye placement to get a looser fit. If that doesn’t solve the issue, you may need a new size. If the cup is too small and the band is too small, size up. If the cup is good or possibly too big but the band is tight, try moving up a size or investing in a bra band extender to give yourself added inches to the bottom band.

Why is my bra gaping at the underarm and/or neckline?

Your cup is too big or the wrong shape for your body. Try sizing down to reduce cup emptiness and gaping. Also try silhouettes like a T-shirt bra or a Balconette bra which typically have reduced coverage and may solve your empty cup issue.

Why is there lots of empty space at the top of my bra cup?

Your cup is too big or the wrong shape for your body. Try sizing down to reduce cup emptiness and gaping. Also try silhouettes like a T-shirt bra or a Balconette bra which typically have reduced coverage and may solve your empty cup issue.

Why am I spilling out of my bra at the underarm, neckline or even the bottom band?

Your cup is too small or the wrong shape for your body. Try sizing up to reduce cup spillage. Remember to make use of our full cup sizing options if you need to increase your cup size without increasing your band size. Silhouettes like a full coverage bra have increased coverage and may offer you more containment for your breasts.

Why do my bra straps slip off my shoulders and fall down often?

Try tightening your straps. We recommend checking if your straps need to be tightened after every 5-6 washes, as they may slide during wash and wear. Another great option is to invest in a racerback bra, which will make it impossible for your straps to slide off your shoulders and can help spread the weight of heavy breasts across the entire back fabric of your bra.

Why do my bra straps dig into my shoulders and leave indents on my skin?

Try loosening your straps. Remember, your band should be doing most of the supporting, not your straps. If your straps are digging in, ensure your band is snug enough to properly anchor your straps on body. Look to our bras with wider straps, including full cup sizes, to help your straps to bear more breast tissue weight without digging into your shoulders.

My breasts are asymmetrical, they aren’t exactly the same; is this common?

Yes, this is very common. No 2 breasts are exactly alike. If you have breasts that differ greatly from one another:
- Ensure to fit your cup to your larger size. It is much easier to pad an empty cup than to disguise cup spillage.
- Know that your straps do not have to be adjusted the same amount. Use the strap slider to accommodate the breast tissue on each side individually.
- Most of our bras are built with removable padding. Feel free to remove or double up on padding in one cup to help balance out uneven breast tissue.

How does a full cup bra differ from a regular bra?

Full cup sizing is designed for bodies that have more cup volume proportionate to band size. They are designed to better support increased cup volume by:
- Offering a deeper cup
- Maximizing support and comfort for those with larger cup volumes
- Designed with wider straps, hook and eyes, and stronger slings for more support and comfort

How should I wash my bra?

Wash and dry your bra gently and only when needed. Check the washing instructions on the label of your bra for recommended laundering. Keep a rotating assortment of well-fitting bras and replace your bras when they no longer fit well.

When should I replace my bra?

Know that our bras are made to last and are tested extensively for longevity. However, all good things do come to an end, and at some point, you will need to replace your bra when it no longer fits or is no longer in good condition. You can check the condition by first, gently stretching the bra all over. If the bra band is overly wavy and is not relaxing back to its original state, it may be getting too stretched out. If any part of the bra is starting to look or feel worn, is showing cracks or tears, or is fading in color – it may be time to start shopping for a new bra. Bras that are old and overly stretched out are not going to support you as intended, and simply replacing a well-loved bra with a newer version in the same size may solve some of your bra fit issues.