Bra Fitting

Our bra fitting tips and bra size calculator will help you find the right size, but if you get it wrong we’ll always exchange for another size. We recommend you order 2 or 3 sizes, keep the ones you want and return the ones you don't want – we’ll refund you without a fuss.

If you haven't got time to measure yourself, or if you’re new to Made by Niki, then as a general rule, assume that Made by Niki bras are snug on the cup. If you're an ’in-between’ size, we recommend you opt for the larger of your 2 normal sizes. For example, if you're in between a C and a D cup, we recommend you opt for the D. Your new Made by Niki bra should feel supportive and comfortable with the hook and eye on the middle setting, as bras stretch with wash and wear and your body size can fluctuate.

Our bra size range

Made by Niki currently have mainly 30-38 A-E sizes in stock. Use our search facility to search for bras in your size.

HOW TO MEASURE FOR A BRA

1. BE PREPARED
   Wear a favourite, underwired, non-padded bra, which gives you good support and a shape you like. It’s best if you have someone to help you measure.

2. MEASURE YOUR UNDERBUST
   Measure your underbust, with your ribcage relaxed, the tape measure should feel as tight as the underband of the bra you’re wearing. Remember, the tape measure doesn’t stretch, but your underband will, so don’t be afraid of how tight this feels.

3. MEASURE YOUR OVERBUST (TWICE)
   Measure your overbust, the fullest part of your bust. The tape measure should be parallel to the floor, and feel loose on you. First, take a relaxed measurement, then fill your lungs with air, yoga-style, and take another reading. Use a measurement that is halfway between the two results you get.

4. ENTER THE RESULTS IN THE SIZE CALCULATOR BELOW

BRA SIZE CONVERSIONS

We recommend that you use our bra size calculator to determine your Made by Niki recommended sizes, since there is such a large variance in the way that different manufacturers in different countries calculate sizing.

Even when bra sizes have the same names (34B, 34C etc), there can still be a variance in the boundaries between cup sizes, for instance, the stopping point at which ‘B’ cup ends and ‘C’ cup begins as well as the actual measurements used to determine the underband size. Some manufacturers use a straightforward alphabet (from A-G and so on) while others insert DD, EE, FF and a few others use DDD’s, too. This can put the sizing system considerably out of kilter, especially for D cups and above.

So, if you’re new to Made by Niki, and you’re in ANY doubt, grab a tape measure and visit our quick bra size calculator. Need some more help? Email our Bra Fitter.

BRA CROSS GRADING

Almost all bras, from every manufacturer, are created using a cross-grading system. This means that the following bra ‘families’ generally all use the same underwire, cradle and cup, with only the wing providing the differences between each size. Of course, there are exceptions to this, especially at the smaller (AA) and larger (D+) end of the cup size scale, as additional features (such as more supportive components) and fit amendments are required. This is why, if you’ve tried on a 34B, and it was perfect on the cup but too loose on the underband, we would recommend that you try a 32C. Sometimes, the next size is not enough - some women have been known to go from 36B to 30DD in one fitting.

BRA FITTING TIPS

Read these tips from Made by Niki's Expert Bra Fitter

1. The underband should fit snug to the ribcage when you are wearing the bra on the middle hook.
2. The straps should be adjusted securely, with room to loosen or tighten for comfort.
3. Your boobs should fill, and be perfectly enclosed within the cups of the bra with no spare fabric or tight spots.
4. The centre-front gore of the bra should sit flat against the wall of your chest, ideally with full contact against your ribcage.
5. The neckline and underarms should fit snug and comfortably with no tightness, bulging or gaping.

NEED MORE HELP? EMAIL OUR SPECIALIST BRA FITTER.

BRA FITTING FAQ:

Q. Why do you recommend I choose a bra that fits when worn on the middle hook?
A. This is because some women will fluctuate in size during the month or their lifetime, while most bras stretch a little over time with wash and wear. Being able to adjust up and down to allow for these changes is essential to ensure your bra serves you well for as long as possible, and you get the best value for money.

Q. I’ve heard that the straps should only provide some of the support, what does this mean? A. A well fitting bra will provide support from the underband, the underwire, the fit of the cup as well as the strap. Distributing the weight evenly helps to minimize backache and improve posture. Support from the underband and underwire helps to provide a cantilevering uplift, which gives you an attractive, uplifted shape. Well distributed support becomes a much more important feature with larger, heavier breasts. This is why larger cup-sized bras tend to have wider, stronger, more chunky elastics and support materials.

Solutions: If you think too much of the bra support is coming from the straps, you will probably also notice that the underband is loose and riding up at the back. We suggest trying a smaller underband (eg go from 36 to 34) and increase by one cup size.

Q. My bra was loose on the underband, but perfect on the cup. Why is it suggested to reduce the band size AND increase the cup size?
A. Bras are 'cross-graded'. Click here to see information about cross-grading.

Q. What does ‘double-busting’ mean? A. This is when the neckline of the bra is too tight, causing the breasts to spill out over the edge. In extreme cases, it can look like you have 4 breasts instead of two. This is not a good look.

Solutions: if your bra is causing you to ‘double-bust’, then increase the cup size by one or two sizes.