Wearing the wrong bra size? Liza Clifford explains what women get wrong about bra fitting

How confident are you that you are wearing the right bra size?

For many women, buying a bra means reaching for the same size they have worn for years. But according to professional bra fitting expert Liza Clifford, the number and letter on the label may be far less important than how the bra actually fits your body.

Clifford explained that misinformation around bra sizing remains one of the biggest challenges women face.

She says many people assume there are only a handful of cup sizes, when there are actually around 185 bra sizes, with women differing significantly in both shape and size.

Why do so many women wear the wrong bra size?

Clifford believes part of the problem is simply that women are rarely taught how bras are supposed to fit.

There can also be an emotional attachment to a particular size.

Once someone has become accustomed to thinking of themselves as a C or D cup, for example, being told they need an F, G or another size can feel uncomfortable.

Her advice is to stop allowing the size itself to define you.

Instead, focus on how the bra feels, fits and supports your body.

How should a bra fit properly?

A correctly fitted bra should feel secure without constantly moving down the body.

During a professional fitting, Clifford says the process starts by understanding what the bra is needed for, whether that is everyday wear, a strapless outfit, exercise or another specific purpose.

The fitting also includes something surprisingly important: learning how to put a bra on properly.

Clifford told Carol that many women unknowingly put unnecessary strain on their bras by fastening them in front, twisting them around and then flipping the cups upwards.

That flipping motion can force the underwire through its casing and may contribute to wires eventually popping out.

Her recommendation is to position and push the bra upwards rather than flipping it into place.

Are underwire bras bad for you?

Not necessarily.

Clifford says there is an important difference between an underwire bra that fits correctly and one where the wire sits on breast tissue.

A correctly positioned wire should sit behind the breast tissue and remain in place.

When the wire sits directly on the breast, it can cause discomfort and pain, which may be why some women conclude that all underwire bras are uncomfortable.

She says non-wire bras can offer support, but fewer provide the same level of shape and separation as an underwire bra.

For women prioritising comfort, a non-wire style may be preferable. For those looking for more shaping and separation, a properly fitted underwire bra may work better.

From a home studio in Kloof to five bra-fitting studios

Clifford's business journey began in Kloof in 2011, when she was looking for an opportunity that would also allow her to spend time at home with her children.

After being introduced to a bra brand and experiencing professional fitting herself, she realised just how much misinformation existed around bra sizing.

That led her to begin educating women as part of the fitting process.

Today, the business operates five studios, including Kloof in Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria and two locations in Cape Town.

Liza Clifford's advice to women who want to start a business

Beyond bras, Carol asked Clifford what she would say to women who have an idea or ambition they have not yet acted on.

Her message was simple: women already have power. Sometimes they need to give themselves permission to use it.

If there is something you feel driven to create, Clifford believes delaying it may also mean withholding a talent that could benefit someone else.

Her advice?

Start.

As she told Carol: if you cannot bring yourself to do it for yourself, do it for the people who may ultimately benefit from what you create.

Listen to the full conversation with Carol Ofori and Liza Clifford.