Online bra shopping offers unparalleled convenience and access to a vast range of brands and styles. Australian women can shop from local retailers, international boutiques, and specialist brands that might not have physical stores nearby. However, buying bras online presents unique challenges—without the ability to try before you buy, the risk of receiving ill-fitting bras and dealing with returns seems high.
With the right approach, online bra shopping can be just as successful as in-store fitting. The key is thorough preparation, smart brand selection, and understanding how to evaluate fit when your purchase arrives. This guide will help you shop with confidence and minimise the hassle of returns.
Start with Accurate Measurements
The foundation of successful online bra shopping is knowing your current, accurate measurements. Before browsing any online stores, take the time to measure yourself properly using our Australian bra size calculator.
Even if you think you know your size, remeasure. Your body may have changed since you last checked, and bra size isn't static. Take measurements following the proper technique: underbust measurement around your ribcage beneath your breasts, and bust measurement at the fullest point of your chest.
Record both your measurements in centimetres and the calculated size in Australian sizing. When shopping internationally, you'll need to convert to UK, US, or EU sizes depending on the brand—our calculator provides these conversions automatically.
Research the Brand Before Buying
Different brands fit differently, even when their size charts appear identical. Before ordering from a new brand, research how their sizing runs. Customer reviews are invaluable here—look for comments about whether the brand runs true to size, small, or large.
Pay particular attention to reviews from women with similar measurements or body types to your own. A reviewer who wears the same size and describes the fit in detail provides much more useful information than a simple star rating.
Many brands include specific sizing notes on their product pages, such as "this style runs small in the cup" or "we recommend sizing up in the band for this design." Read these notes carefully; they're based on feedback from many customers and can save you from ordering the wrong size.
Understand the Size Chart
Every reputable online bra retailer provides a size chart. Don't skip over this—size charts translate measurements to sizes according to that specific brand's standards, which may differ from generic sizing.
Compare your actual measurements (in centimetres or inches) to the chart, not just your usual size. If your measurements fall between sizes, the size chart often provides guidance on which direction to go.
For international brands, verify which sizing system they use. An American brand's size 34C is equivalent to an Australian 12C, while a European brand's 80C corresponds to an Australian 14C. Getting the conversion right is essential; our bra size calculator provides these equivalents automatically.
Consider Sister Sizes When Ordering
Many savvy online shoppers order their calculated size alongside one or two sister sizes, especially when trying a new brand. Sister sizes have the same cup volume but different band lengths—for example, 12D, 10DD, and 14C are sister sizes.
Ordering multiple sizes increases your initial outlay and requires returning the ones that don't fit, but it can be more efficient than a single order, waiting for delivery, discovering the fit is wrong, returning, and reordering. Calculate whether the cost of returns versus the convenience of having options makes sense for your situation.
If you know from experience that you often need a different size in certain style categories—perhaps you always size up in sports bras or down in bralettes—factor that into your order rather than sticking rigidly to your calculated size.
Check the Return Policy
Before completing any purchase, thoroughly review the retailer's return policy. Key questions to answer include: How long do you have to return items? Must they be unworn and with tags attached? Is return shipping free, or will you pay out of pocket?
Australian retailers generally offer straightforward returns, but international retailers vary widely. Some offer free returns to Australia; others charge significant shipping fees that can exceed the cost of the bra itself. Factor return costs into your decision about where to shop.
Be aware of hygiene policies. Most retailers require bras to be unworn for returns, which means trying them on carefully over underwear without removing tags. Don't wear a new bra for a full day before deciding—try it on briefly, assess the fit, and either keep it or prepare it for return.
Evaluating Fit When Your Order Arrives
When your bras arrive, try them on thoughtfully. Stand in front of a mirror and assess each element of fit: Does the band sit horizontal and snug? Do the cups contain all your breast tissue without gaping or spillage? Does the centre gore lie flat against your sternum?
Move around in the bra—bend, stretch, reach overhead. A bra that seems to fit while standing still might shift uncomfortably during movement. The straps should stay in place without constant adjustment, and the band should feel secure without riding up.
Remember that new bras should fit on the loosest hook setting. The band will stretch over time, and starting on a looser hook gives you room to tighten as needed. If you need the tightest hook on a brand new bra to achieve a snug fit, the band is probably too large.
Building Your Online Shopping Knowledge
Over time, you'll develop knowledge about which brands work for your body and which don't. Keep notes on what you've tried—the brand, style, size, and how it fit. This information is invaluable when shopping in the future.
Once you find a brand that fits well, explore their other styles. Brands tend to use consistent sizing across their range, so a good fit in one style suggests other styles from that brand will likely work too.
Don't be discouraged if you need to return items initially. Finding your ideal brands and styles is a process, but once you've done the research, future shopping becomes much easier. Many women discover that their most comfortable, flattering bras come from brands they wouldn't have found without online shopping.
Taking Advantage of Online Shopping Benefits
Online shopping offers advantages that physical stores can't match. You can browse quietly, take your time comparing options, and shop from brands that don't have stores in your area. Size ranges are often more comprehensive online, particularly in less common band and cup size combinations.
Sales and promotions are easier to find and compare online. Sign up for email newsletters from your favourite brands to receive alerts about discounts. Many retailers offer first-purchase discounts or free shipping thresholds that make online shopping financially attractive.
Start your online bra shopping journey with accurate measurements from our Australian bra size calculator. Armed with the right information and a thoughtful approach, you'll find that online shopping opens up a world of beautiful bras perfectly suited to your body.