THE POWER OF A GOOD FIT; WHAT YOUR BRA CAN DO FOR YOU

WORDS BIANCA NICOLE

Finding a bra that truly fits isn’t just about comfort it’s about understanding your body, supporting it through its changes, and choosing lingerie that helps you feel confident from the inside out. For many women, the search for the perfect fit becomes a cycle of trial and error, often because we’re taught to simply tolerate discomfort. But experts say that a well-fitted bra can make a tangible difference to posture, daily comfort, and self-esteem. I spoke with two industry professionals Lesley-Ann, Retail Stores Trainer at Boux Avenue, and Emma, fitting expert at Pour Moi who share why getting to know your size is a powerful form of self-care, what signs to look for, and how the right bra can support women at every life stage.

For Lesley-Ann, a properly fitted bra is about far more than aesthetics it’s a foundation for comfort, support, and everyday confidence. The conversation, she says, always begins with a myth she’s eager to bust: “People believe they very rarely need a bra fitting,” she explains. “But you should actually be fitted every six to twelve months.” There’s good reason for that. Our bodies naturally shift over time, and those changes show up in our bras long before we realise it. Weight fluctuations even just a few pounds affect the bust because it’s made of fatty tissue. “Your size can change more quickly than you realise,” she says. “If you’ve gained or lost weight, that’s a good sign to check your fit.”

Hormonal changes throughout your menstrual cycle can also make your bust feel fuller or more sensitive. “We’re not suggesting monthly fittings but having a ‘time of the month’ bra can make life a lot more comfortable.” Ageing is another natural factor. From teen development through pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause, your size and shape continually evolve. “Very few people stay the same size as when they bought their first bra,” she says. “Your body changes and that’s completely normal.” Lifestyle shifts such as new fitness routines can subtly alter the chest and back muscles, while hormonal birth control often causes size changes. “Plenty of people notice their breasts increase when starting a new pill,” she adds. “That’s always a good time to get measured again.”

All of this helps explain why bras sometimes feel uncomfortable not because underwire or padding is inherently “bad,” but because the bra simply doesn’t fit anymore. “When a bra fits properly, underwire shouldn’t dig in. Straps shouldn’t fall down. The underband shouldn’t ride up your back,” she says. Her guidance for spotting a poor fit is refreshingly straightforward: cups that gape or overflow, straps that dig or slip, or a band that creeps up your back. “Think of the underband as your main support system it should stay level and secure,” she explains. “The cups should fully encase the bust, and the centre front should sit flat against your breastbone.”

Just as importantly, she wants women to rethink the idea that bras are supposed to be uncomfortable. “Underwires and padding aren’t the enemy,” she says. “It’s the wrong fit that causes discomfort. When a bra is tailored to your shape, these elements give structure, choice, and uplift. For her, the right bra is an everyday form of empowerment. “Lingerie is the first thing you put on in the morning and the last thing you take off,” she says. “When it fits properly, you stand taller, feel more comfortable, and carry yourself with more confidence.”

Lesley-Ann’s Favourites:

Mollie Padded Plunge Bra – A best-seller designed to flatter with removable padding for adjustable lift.

Ultra Light T-Shirt Bra – Soft, lightweight, smooth under clothing, and ideal for everyday comfort.

Emma from Pour Moi takes a similarly human-first approach to bra fitting, but her perspective centres on something refreshingly simple: how you feel. And according to recent research from the brand’s Doing It Pour Moi campaign, many women aren’t getting the support they need literally. The survey revealed that over a third of women have never had a professional bra fitting, and only 10% get fitted annually. “Ultimately, the best way to determine if you're wearing the right bra size is how it feels,” she says. “A well-fitting bra should be comfortable throughout the day. If you're constantly adjusting, feeling discomfort, or experiencing pain, it's a clear sign something isn’t right.”

For her, bras aren’t about rigid rules or sticking to one number-and-letter combination for life. Instead, bra fitting is a continuous process of paying attention to your body. “Our bodies change over time due to weight fluctuations, time of the month, pregnancy, and ageing,” she explains. “That’s why it’s crucial to measure yourself regularly ideally every six months.” It’s the piece of advice she gives most often, especially because so many women assume their size is permanent. “You shouldn’t feel guilty or confused if a bra that ‘used to fit’ doesn’t anymore,” she says. “Your size changing is normal. It’s part of being human.”

Emma also sees a lot of misconceptions about bra styles especially underwire, padding, and bralettes. Many women, she says, start with the assumption that certain styles aren’t for them. “A well-fitting bra should be comfortable throughout the day,” she repeats, emphasising the point. “If you’re feeling discomfort or pressure, the issue is the fit—not the style.” She encourages women to experiment with different shapes and constructions, because breast shapes vary just as much as bodies do. “A bra style can have a big impact on how well it fits your breast shape,” she explains. “It’s important to try different styles and find what suits you best.” That might mean discovering that padding gives a smoother silhouette, that underwire feels more supportive than expected, or that a balcony suits your shape better than a plunge. “It’s not about what you think you ‘should’ wear,” she says. “It’s about what makes you feel comfortable, supported, and confident.”

For Emma, the impact of a well-fitting bra goes far beyond the physical. The emotional side matters just as much. “Wearing the right bra size is essential for your comfort, confidence, and overall wellbeing,” she says. “It’s not just about the number on the label; it’s about how the bra makes you feel.” And when you find the right one? Everything shifts. “You carry yourself differently without even realising it,” she adds. “You feel more put together, even if no one else can see what you’re wearing.”

Emma’s favourites:

Sofia Side Support Bra – Provides lift and shape for fuller busts, up to a J cup.

Atelier Underwired Balcony Bra – Stylish, supportive, and a standout in its new true-blue colourway.

If there’s one message both experts want women to take away, it’s that you deserve a bra that supports you in every way physically, emotionally, and through every change your body naturally goes through. Your size isn’t a fixed label or a verdict; it shifts with hormones, lifestyle, age, stress, and everything else life throws at you, and a bra that fit last year might not fit today and that’s completely normal. What matters is recognising these changes and choosing lingerie that adapts to you, not the other way around. If your bra hasn’t been checked in a while or no longer feels quite right, consider this your reminder to revisit your fit whether that’s through free in-store fittings at Boux Avenue and Pour Moi or simple at-home measuring guides. Because when you find a bra that truly supports your body as it is now, you don’t just feel more comfortable you feel uplifted, confident, and entirely yourself.