Get it right first time: jargon busting and fit advice for your next bra shop
Posted by Claire Hewitt, on June 25, 2026.
Estimated reading time: 11 minute(s)
How to decode bra terms and find the best fit when shopping online, according to us and our brilliant customers
When you’ve been making wirefree bras for 35 years (as we have at Royce), bra terminology just rolls off the tongue. But we realise that for everyone else not knee-deep in cutting patterns and fabric swatch, some of the industry-standard bra descriptions we use may be a little confusing. And confusion may lead to disappointment when shopping for bras, particularly when your order arrives and feels different to what you expected.
While our returns process is as straightforward as can be, it’s always better to get it right the first time. That’s why we’re giving you the lowdown on what the most common bra terms actually mean for your boobs, and how to get the best fit in some of our top-selling styles – all thanks to invaluable feedback from our regular customers, women just like you.
Jargon-busting the common bra terms
We don’t blame you if you’re unsure how a ‘rounded’ fit differs from a ‘traditional’ fit, what ‘front projection’ means, or if a ‘full cup’ translates into better support. Great photography goes a long way in showing you how a bra looks on the body, but all bodies are different, even if they are the same bra size. Deciphering product descriptions helps reveal if a bra you’re keen to buy will give you what you’re really looking for. Here are some key questions to consider:
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Q: Do you want a smooth, more contemporary shape under clothing?
Look for terms such as ‘rounded fit’ or ‘rounded silhouette’. The cups on these bras aren’t the pointy style of old, and are often moulded with light padding (but not always). Royce bras which create a rounded shape under clothing include Maisie, Posie and Cara (to name just a few).
Q: Are you looking for a bra to wear under thin fabrics?
A ‘T-shirt bra’ (such as Maisie or Georgia) is perfect for this. Padded and moulded cups provide a seamless look under lightweight clothing, they don’t exposure your nipples and instead create a rounded, contemporary shape. If something isn’t labelled specifically as a T-shirt bra, look for mention of ‘padded cups’ or ‘lightly padded cups’.
Q: Do you prefer a classic shape with separation in the bust area?
Look for phrases like ‘traditional fit’ or ‘traditional shape’ and words such as ‘classic’ and ‘separation’. This type of bra cup is designed to naturally separate the boobs, and creates a classic lifted shape. For example, our best-seller Charlotte is a traditional fitting bra that offers great separation.
Q: Do you have a larger bust and want to feel secure in your bra?
Look for terms such as ‘full coverage’ and ‘high support’ or ‘maximum support’. A full coverage bra is designed to cover the whole boob rather than expose the upper section. This doesn’t just create a different look and shape under clothes, but also provides the best level of support for fuller busts. Separately, levels of support are indicated as either light, moderate, high or maximum depending on the cup coverage, fabric and additional features such as side slings to minimise movement. These bras tend to feel firmer and more secure for larger busts.
Q: Are you looking for comfort over support?
While all Royce bras are both comfortable and supportive, if you don’t need a firm level of support look for terms such as ‘relaxed fit’ or ‘lounge bra’. These styles offer a low to moderate level of support but prioritise comfort with a softer, less structured feel. Our sleep bra Mia is an excellent example of this.
Q: Do you prefer your bust ‘up front’?
A natural boob position, whatever the level of support, tends to gently sit outwards (although the natural position will look different on all bodies). But if you want your boobs gently pushed together for a more centred profile, look for mention of ‘forward projection’ in the description. Our glamorous Florentine and Robyn bras are good examples of this kind of shape.
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Bra size tips and tricks
Probably the most common problem when shopping online for bras is buying the wrong size. We’ll say it again and again, it’s best to get your bra size re-measured on a regular basis, either by a professional fitter or at home. Research claims 80% or even 90% (according to Underlines) of women in the UK are wearing the wrong bra size, so it’s no wonder that sometimes the bra you buy online may feel too big or small in the cup or band, even though you think you’re, say, “definitely a 36C”.
Book a fitting session with a Royce stockist or read our easy at-home fitting guide before you buy.
However, depending on the style of bra it can sometimes help to know a few specific fit tips. Based on feedback on styles from our fabulous customers, here’s how to get the perfect size every time:
The band doesn’t feel right:
In non-wired bras, the underband provides 80% of the support so it’s important you get the size right. It should sit firmly but comfortably around your body and not rise up your back. Try the ‘sister sizing’ method, the rule is: if you go up in band size, you need to go down in cup size (and vice versa) to keep the cup size the same.For example, if you’re usually a 36D but find the band is too big, try a 34DD or if the band is too small try a 38C instead. You may find this provides a closer, more comfortable fit depending on the bra style.
When the band feels too tight:
Some customers find that in a couple of our bra styles, the underband feels too small. As most of the support comes from the underband they may feel a little snugger than usual on your body. Experiment by fastening the bra on different hook and eye fastenings (it should feel comfortable in the middle but can change as our bodies fluctuate slightly day to day). If it feels too tight on the loosest fastening, or you just prefer a more relaxed fit overall, go up a band size – just remember the ‘sister sizing’ rule and go down a cup size to compensate.
Return to sender: Not only do we offer free delivery on orders over £50 (so popping in an extra size for comparison can help here), but we’ve made our returns process as easy as possible, offering a free refund on full-priced items. Click here for more about our returns policy.
‘At a glance’ guide to our top-selling bras
Now you know the jargon, here are some Royce customer fit tips for a selection of our most popular wirefree bras.
Charlotte
Fit tip: Customers report that Charlotte sometimes comes up a bit small in both the cup and band, we recommend ordering you regular size as well as a band size bigger (this will increase both the band and cup size) for comparison.
Category: Everyday Comfort
Shape: Traditional
Coverage: Full coverage
Support Level: High support
Best for: Every day; fuller busts
Cara
Fit tip: Customers say this style feels firm in the band. If you’re ordering for the first time, try your usual size as well as one band size up with one cup size down (to keep the same cup capacity) for comparison. For example, if you usually wear a 36H try a 38GG.
Category: Everyday Comfort
Shape: Rounded and forward projection
Coverage: Full coverage
Support Level: High support
Best for: Every day; fuller busts
Aerocool
Fit tip: Aerocool is a compression-style sports bra designed to hold the bust firmly against the chest, so your usual size may feel small in both the cup and band. We recommend trying one band size up, which increases both the band and cup size. For example, if you usually wear a 34G, try a 36G.
Category: High Impact Sports
Shape: Rounded and forward projection
Coverage: Full coverage
Support Level: Maximum support
Best for: Sports/fitness
Robyn
Fit tip: Our customers sometimes find the full coverage style can feel a bit too big in the cup, so adjust down, ensuring the breast is filling the cup but not bulging over the edges. We recommend trying your usual size as well as a cup size smaller. For example, if you usually wear a 34E also try a 34DD.
Category: Everyday Comfort
Shape: Traditional and forward projection
Coverage: Full coverage
Support Level: High to maximum support
Best for: Every day; fuller busts
Florentine
Fit tip: Some customers report that the full coverage of our fuller cup bra Florentine a little too big in the cup, so adjust down. ensuring the breast is filling the cup but not bulging over the edges. We recommend trying your usual size as well as a cup size smaller. For example, if you usually wear a 34E also try a 34DD.
Category: Everyday Comfort
Shape: Rounded and forward projection
Coverage: Full coverage
Support Level: High support
Best for: Fuller busts
Posie
Fit tip: Our T-shirt bra Posie is designed for smaller frames, including teen bodies, but you may find the band comes up a little small. Make sure your band measurement is accurate, and go up a band size if needed. If you do, go down one cup size to keep the same cup capacity. For example, if a 34B feels too tight in the band, try a 36A for a larger band with the same cup fit.
Category: Everyday Comfort/Teen
Shape: Rounded
Coverage: Full Coverage
Support Level: Moderate to High Support
Best for: Every day; teens; seam-free
Maisie
Fit Tip: Maisie is available in one of our widest size ranges so with a lot to choose from, it’s natural to land on a size that might be a bit too big or too small. Try the ‘sister sizing’ method and pick a couple of alternatives to try. The rule is: if you go up in band size, you need to go down in cup size (and vice versa) to keep the cup size the same.For example, if you’re usually a 36D but find the band is too big, try a 34DD or if the band is too small try a 38C instead. You may find this provides a closer, more comfortable fit. Returns are free on full priced items so you can compare sizes with confidence.
Category: Everyday Comfort
Shape: Rounded
Coverage: Full Coverage
Support Level: Moderate to High Support
Best for: Every day; seam-free; fuller busts; post-surgery
