The perfect fit - our guide to bra fittings
“Don’t worry about feeling ‘exposed’. The women doing the fittings made me feel so comfortable - it really isn’t a big deal at all!”
That was Nafeesa’s experience about her first bra fitting. It’s normal to feel a little nervous about going for a bra fitting for the first time. But don’t worry, Big Sister is here to bust some of the myths that you might have heard and remind you how important and useful a bra fitting is! Wearing a well-fitting and supportive bra, whether it’s a sports bra when exercising or a regular bra for everyday wear, helps us to feel comfortable and confident.
There are a variety of retailers that offer bra fitting services, and they’re usually free of charge and don’t require you to make a purchase after the fitting. After your fitting, you can make a note of your size and any suggestions the bra fitter has shared, and buy a bra at a time, and from a retailer, that works for you. At a fitting, you can be measured for all types of bras, including sports bras.
Booking a fitting
Bra fitting services can be very popular. So, many of the retailers that offer them have a booking system which can usually be accessed online or by enquiring in store or by phone. We suggest checking the website of the store you want to visit to find out what their booking process is. It might be a good idea to ask a trusted adult to help you or they can call the store, on your behalf, to see which time slots are available.
What happens at a fitting?
It's usually fine for you to bring a trusted adult or friend along to the fitting too. While there might not be room for them in the changing room with you, most bra fitters are more than happy for them to wait on the other side of the door or curtain, and for them to pop into the changing room if you need them. Bringing someone along to your fitting may help you feel more supported and less nervous about this new experience.
Some girls may worry about what they can wear at a bra fitting, but rest assured that bra fitters can measure over a T-shirt or vest. You’ll also have the privacy to change into any bras you try on, on your own. The fitter may offer to pop into the changing room, if that’s ok with you, to assess whether the bra you’ve tried on fits as it should, but it’s totally up to you whether you’re happy for this to happen. If not, that is absolutely fine. The fitter can stay outside of the changing room and offer you tips on how you can check for yourself if the bra is fitting correctly.
It’s also worth remembering that bra fitters see people of all shapes and sizes. You’ll be just one of lots of different girls and women that the bra fitter has helped that day, and the bra fitter’s role is to help you identify a bra size and style that works for you – they’re not there to judge you. Try to keep this in mind if you’re feeling nervous.
Regular bra fittings
Already had a bra fitting? Fantastic! Even if you’ve already been fitted for a bra, it’s recommended that you go for regular fittings while you’re developing, to check if you’re still wearing the right size and style. Many experts suggest being re-fitted every 6 to 12 months but if you notice that your body has changed or your bra doesn’t fit like it used to, these are also good signs to book another fitting.
Going for your first bra fitting is an exciting milestone and, remember, bra fitters are there to help you on your journey to find a bra that fits you well and helps you to feel supported and comfortable.
Start your journey
Ready to get started? Take a look at how Big Sister can help you navigate your journey through exercise and puberty with free resources and information on activities in your area.