Most stores that sell bras allow you to try them on in-store before making a purchase. Popular stores that will let you try on bras include Aerie, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Ross, Target, Victoria’s Secret, and Walmart.
Some of these stores also offer bra fittings free of charge to help you find the correct size.
For more information about where you can try on bras or get a bra fitting, see below.
Can You Try on Bras In-Store?
Most stores that sell women’s intimates and lingerie will let you try on bras in-store. This is standard practice since bra sizing and fit can vary greatly by brand and style.
We called several popular stores and spoke with customer service representatives who confirmed that the following stores do allow customers to try on bras in-store before purchasing:
- Aerie
- Avenue
- Burlington
- Catherines
- Dillard’s (see our related article to find out when Dillard’s next sale is)
- JCPenney
- Kohl’s
- Lane Bryant
- Macy’s
- Marshalls
- Meijer
- Nordstrom
- Nordstrom Rack
- Ross
- Stein Mart
- Target
- T.J.Maxx
- Torrid
- Victoria’s Secret (including PINK stores)
- Walmart
Note that you may not be able to try on every style at the stores listed above. For example, if a store sells multi-pack sports bras, you may not be able to open or remove them from the hanger to try on due to their packaging, and you cannot try on adhesive bras before purchase.
We also identified the following stores which sell a limited selection of bras, but do not allow you to try on bras in-store before your purchase:
- Costco
- CVS
- Dollar General
- Rite Aid
- Sam’s Club
- Walgreens
While you can typically try on bras before making a purchase, some stores might not accept returns on undergarments, including bras. You may want to find out about the store’s return policy before purchasing a bra.
Tips for Trying on Bras In-Store
As with trying on any garment, trying on bras helps you find the right fit, but there are a few additional tricks you can use to be sure you are finding the perfect bra.
Keep the following tips in mind the next time you shop for bras:
Ask the Experts
Let an employee or fitting room attendant know that you are interested in trying on various bras. This way, they can point out different styles and sizes and help you switch out different bras as you go.
Find Your True Size
Some stores have attendants who will conduct a bra fitting to make sure you are buying the appropriate size; see our list of places that offer bra fittings below. You can also find your own size using a tape measure. Keep in mind that sizing can vary somewhat by brand and style, so you will still want to try bras on before purchasing them.
Choose a Long-Lasting Fit
The band of your bra will stretch over time with regular use. When trying on different styles, choose a bra that hooks comfortably on the loosest setting, so you can use the tighter hooks and maintain a good fit as the band stretches.
Bring a Friend
Not all stores have dressing room attendants, and you may not want to keep getting dressed in order to pick out a different size or style. Most dressing rooms also limit the number of items you can bring in at one time. So, unless you know exactly the size and style you are looking for, it may be helpful to bring a friend who can make a couple of runs back onto the sales floor for you.
Go Earlier Rather Than Later
Give yourself plenty of time to try on bras. Make sure to check the store hours before you head over. If you get to the store less than an hour before closing, you’ll likely end up being rushed to pick out the styles you like. If you feel rushed, the chances are greater that you’ll end up purchasing something that doesn’t fit right or that really isn’t your style.
Professional Bra Fittings
Some stores offer free bra fittings to help you get the right fit and size. Getting properly fitted for a bra is important because wearing the wrong size bra can be uncomfortable.
When a bra fitter measures you, they will take two measurements: band and bust. The band size measures around your ribcage and corresponds to the number (i.e., 34 or 38), while the bust corresponds to the cup size (i.e., B, C, or D). The fitter can then point you toward some bras that should be the right fit for you. As you try different styles on, the fitter can help you adjust the size to find the fit that feels most comfortable.
How to Prepare for a Bra Fitting
If you’re planning to get fitted for a bra, avoid wearing a padded bra that day, as you don’t want to skew the measurements. Bulky sweatshirts are also not recommended. Try wearing a non-padded bra with a T-shirt or something similar that will help the bra fitter get the most accurate measurements.
Stores That Do Bra Fittings
We called several popular stores to find out which ones offer bra fittings. Customer service representatives from the following stores confirmed that they do offer bra fittings free of charge.
It is important to note, however, that bra fittings may not be available at each individual location at all times. So, if you’re planning to stop in for a bra fitting, it’s best to call your preferred store to confirm before you go.
Aerie
- When: Anytime
- Aerie online bra guide
- Find an Aerie
Dillard’s
- When: During regular store hours at most locations and during special events (such as breast cancer awareness)
- Dillard’s online bra guide
- Find a Dillard’s
- Check out this article to see when Dillard’s next sale is
JCPenney
- When: During regular store hours at most locations
- JCPenney online bra guide
- Find a JCPenney
Macy’s
- When: During regular store hours at most locations and during special events (such as breast cancer awareness)
- Macy’s online bra guide
- Find a Macy’s
Nordstrom
- When: During regular store hours at most locations, dependent on staff availability; you can also contact a fit specialist by phone at (866) 713-2405
- Nordstrom online bra guide
- Find a Nordstrom
Victoria’s Secret (and PINK stores)
- When: Anytime
- Victoria’s Secret online bra guide
- Find a Victoria’s Secret