BRA FIT & CARE GUIDE
Getting your bra size right makes a bigger difference than most people expect. A well-fitted bra is comfortable from the first wear, stays in place through the day and supports the body properly without digging in or riding up. The right size also varies between brands and between styles, so it is worth checking your fit whenever you try something new rather than relying on a single fixed size.
This guide covers everything you need: how to take your measurements, what to look for when trying a bra on, and how to care for your bras so they last. If you have any questions or want a personal fitting, visit one of our stores where our team can help you find the right style and size.
BACK
The back section should sit in a straight line along the ribcage. If the back rides up, try a smaller underbust size. If you don’t want to change your cup size, go up a letter, for instance, 36B has the same cup size as 34C and 32D.
VIEW ALL BRAS
CUPS/UNDERWIRE
If the cups are nice and flat against your breasts, the bra fits perfectly. However, if you notice that the seam is digging in, the cup is too small. If the seam creases or there is a gap between the cup and the breast, the bra is probably too large. The wire should frame the breasts and lie flat against the chest. Make sure that the wire does not press against the soft breast tissue.
VIEW UNDERWIRED BRAS
STRAPS
Finally, check the straps. They should lie firmly on your shoulders without digging into the skin. If they leave pressure marks, you should extend the strap length. Did you know? The cups are held in place by the underbust band and back, and not the straps.
FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT
In order to tell whether a bra suits you, bra expert Frauke Nagel has some useful tips.
“Take your time and keep the bra you are trying on for a few minutes. Move your arms, sit down, and stand up again. Like shoes, bras need to be broken in and will become more comfortable over time. But if it pinches or tugs right away, you should try a different size or style.”
UNDERBUST CIRCUMFERENCE
Place the tape measure around your body beneath the breast and breathe normally. The underbust measurement will tell you your band size.
OVERBUST CIRCUMFERENCE
Measure your circumference at the fullest part of your bust with your arms down and relaxed. It’s best to wear a non-padded bra while taking this measurement. The overbust measurement will tell you your cup size.
CUP SIZES
Each colour represents a cup size. HANRO offers a total of eight cup sizes. Size 36A has the same cup size as 34B and 32C. Only the underbust circumference changes. HANRO offers a total of 20 bra sizes.
BRA CARE
To ensure that your bra lasts as long as possible, you should wash and care for it properly. We give you tips on washing, drying and storing your bra.
STEP 1: WASHING BRAS
Regardless of the material, it is best to wash bras by hand or on a gentle cycle at low temperature in a laundry bag and with mild detergent. When doing so, follow the washing instructions given in the care label. When you machine wash your bras, close the hooks on the back.
STEP 2: DRYING BRAS
Let your bras and fine lingerie air dry. Lay out your clothes on a towel, hang them on a hanger or carefully lay your bras over the clothesline.
STEP 3: STORING BRAS
To avoid clutter, place your bras in the linen drawer with the hooks closed - preferably one behind the other or on top of each other. This keeps the cups and straps in shape. Tip: Add a cloth handkerchief sprayed with your favourite perfume - this ensures a pleasant scent around the clock.
