Brighton student challenges outdated bra fitting system with bold invention to eliminate guesswork

Olivia Goode, who is in her final year studying Product Design BSc(Hons), was tired of seeing women forced to accept discomfort and imprecision when shopping for something as fundamental as a bra. So, she set out to challenge the status quo in her final year project resulting in ‘FORME’, a fully adaptable bra sizing tool that could reshape how millions of women, especially new mothers and those who have undergone mastectomies or other breast surgeries, fit their bras.

Unlike conventional fittings that rely heavily on tape measures and static sizing charts, Olivia’s invention uses interchangeable underwires and adjustable straps to not only improve accuracy and comfort but restore dignity and confidence to a deeply personal process for many women.

From pain in the breasts, back and rib cage to skin abrasions and premature sagging, wearing an ill-fitting bra can result in a range of posture related complications which impact the health of the wearer in the long term.

Olivia Goode

Now, with Olivia’s pioneering modular bra fitter, both vendors and wearers can easily work together through a tactile, intuitive experience to ensure accuracy and comfort while avoiding bra-related complications.

Olivia’s breakthrough project is currently on display at the University of Brighton’s Architecture and Design Summer Show, as part of a series of exhibitions highlighting how students are using design as a force for social good.

Olivia said: “Like me, many women with unique body types feel overlooked by standard fittings because the traditional tape measure and sizing labels don’t always tell the whole story. FORME is designed to adapt to real bodies and real needs, creating a more respectful and empowering way to find the right fit without the awkwardness of trying on dozens of bras.

“This project feels deeply personal to me, but it was my experience on the product design course that opened me to explore finding a solution to this problem which has existed for so many years. Now, I hope to take the pressure out of bra fittings and make the process more personal, more accurate, and a lot more empowering”

FORME was created for professional bra fitters in mind but could be a valuable tool within the medical industry as part of treatment for patients with asymmetric breasts due to mastectomy or other breast cancer treatments.

Reflecting on Olivia’s work, James Tooze, who is Course Leader for Product Design at the University of Brighton’s School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, said: “Olivia’s FORME design embodies the core mission of the course, blending creativity with functionality to solve everyday problems that impact millions. It’s innovation with heart, and it’s exactly the kind of work we celebrate here at Brighton.”

The Architecture and Design Summer Show where Olivia’s project is exhibiting runs until 13 June 2025 at Mithras House on the Moulsecoomb campus of the University of Brighton.

Visitors to the University of Brighton open day on Saturday, 14 June will also be able to experience the exhibition as well as exploring available courses and facilities, meeting staff, experiencing student life, and getting to know the vibrant city of Brighton.