Straps that slide off your shoulders are a sign that your band is too loose. The straps end up overcompensating for the lack of support and eventually slip down.

Bianca’s solution:

• Go down one band size.
• Check that your straps aren't too loose—adjust them until you can slide two fingers underneath, but no more.

A band that rides up toward your shoulder blades is the classic sign that the band is too big. A band that is too loose may not sit properly in place and can be pulled upward.

Bianca’s solution:

• Go down one band size.
• If you've just bought the bra and are already on the tightest hook, something's off—the band is too big for your frame.
  

Red marks on your back or shoulders can have two very different causes:

• Marks on the shoulders: the straps are too tight and/or the band is too loose, which forces the straps to carry all the weight. Loosen the straps and/or go down a band size.
• Marks on the back: the band is too small, or the bra is worn out, and the elastic can no longer absorb the pressure. Go up a band size, or replace the bra.

Cups that gape or wrinkle indicate the cup is too large for your breast volume.

Bianca’s solution:

• Go down one cup letter (e.g., from C to B).
• Try a sister size if the band fits well (e.g., 36C → 34D).
• Consider the cup style: moulded (padded) cups tend to gape more easily than lace or soft fabric cups.

Yes. Sizing is not standardized internationally, and even within the same country, each brand may use its own patterns and construction methods.
What to do:

• Always refer to each brand's own size guide.
• Try before you buy whenever possible.
• For online purchases, check the returns and exchange policy. At la Vie en Rose, you have up to 30 days to exchange or return your purchases.

No soft measuring tape on hand? A piece of string, cord, or non-stretch ribbon works just as well. Wrap it around the area you want to measure, keeping it snug but not tight, then mark where it meets. Lay it flat and measure it with a ruler—you’ll get just as accurate a result as with a traditional measuring tape.

Ideally, with an unlined or lightly lined, non padded bra. Padded bras add artificial volume and can throw off your bust measurement, and therefore your cup calculation.

Yes—and that's precisely the principle behind sister sizes. The cup is relative to the band: when you go up one band size, the same breast volume corresponds to one cup letter lower.

The answer varies depending on how often you wear it, how many bras you rotate, how you care for and store it, as well as changes in your body, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations. According to la Vie en Rose experts, the average lifespan of a bra is between 6 and 9 months with regular wear. Not sure if yours has run its course? Our complete guide on bra lifespan has everything you need to know.
Bianca’s advice: If a bra that used to fit you perfectly suddenly doesn’t feel right anymore, trust your body. Refresh your lingerie drawer the same way you update your wardrobe. Your bra should support the woman you are today, not the one you were five years ago.