M&S survey reveals almost a third of UK women have never had a professional bra fitting

As the leader in the UK lingerie market, M&S recommends that women have a professional bra fitting every six months. However, a recent survey of more than 1,000 British women conducted by M&S found that almost three quarters (74%) either have never had a fitting, or had one more than six months ago.

Wearing the wrong size bra puts women at risk of discomfort and potential health issues. Soozie Jenkinson, head of lingerie design at M&S, shares some of the most common misconceptions around being measured for a bra.

Why are women not having regular bra fittings? According to the survey conducted via Censuswide, the most common reason for not having had a recent bra fitting was women believing they already knew their size (30%). This was closely followed by feeling uncomfortable about being measured by somebody else (27%)

Soozie explains: "It's rare to maintain the same size for life as our bodies naturally evolve through different life stages. That's why we recommend a professional fitting every six months. "It's a misconception that you need to remove your bra for a fitting. Bra fitters are trained to find your perfect fit while you're wearing a non-padded bra."

The survey also highlighted a generational gap. While 37% of Gen Z (aged 18 to 28) had had a professional fitting in the last six months, this proactive approach sharply declines with age. For women surveyed aged 61 and over, a significant 84%1 either have never had a professional fitting or haven't had one within the recommended period. Notably, 1 in 10 (10%) of these older women attributed this to not knowing where to get a fitting.

For those unsure if their current bra is the right fit, Soozie shares five signs to look out for: "An ill-fitting bra is more than just a daily annoyance. It can genuinely impact your wellbeing. Without the right foundational support, your back and shoulders are forced to compensate. This can lead to poor posture and chronic pain."



Soozie adds, "The underband provides the majority of the support so it's important you're wearing the correct size. If the underband rides up at the back, it's a clear sign that it's too big."

Soozie tells us, "Whether your cups are gaping at the top or you're overflowing, both are clear signs that the cup size is incorrect. A perfectly fitted cup should smoothly encase the breast without any empty space or spillage."

If the straps are digging in, it's a sign that your bra doesn't fit properly. Soozie tells us, "Painful, digging straps are a classic sign of an ill-fitting bra. Your straps should never bear the full weight of your bust. That's the job of the underband. If they are digging in, it almost always means your underband is too loose and isn't providing enough support."

Soozie also states how, "The central panel of your bra, known as the gore, should lie completely flat against your sternum without lifting away. If there's a gap, it usually indicates that the cups are too small, forcing the centre of the bra away from your body."

Finally, if the underwire is pinching, it's a sign that you're wearing the wrong bra size. Soozie tells us, "Your underwire should sit comfortably flat against your ribcage, neatly encasing the breast tissue without digging in anywhere. If you feel it pinching your skin or pressing into your breast or armpit, it's a strong sign the cups are too small, or the bra style isn't the right shape for you."

To find out more and to shop, visit https://www.marksandspencer.com/l/lingerie/just-arrived