The Ultimate Lingerie Sizing Guide

Lingerie sizing is one of the trickiest things in the world of clothing. Getting it right is very tough, and there are no standardised methods for lingerie sizing. But there are a few conventions you can rely on to make sure you get the best fitting lingerie.

Is There An International Size Chart For Lingerie Sizing?

Nope, there is no one size for the entire world. There are national and even continental sizing guides, but they are not universal. Many designers go ahead and use one of two systems. The EU sizing system, used is Austria, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and others. Or the French sizing system, mainly used in France, Belgium, Spain and Portugal.

The Bra Size Guide

If you need to buy a new bra, we have you covered. But maybe you’re a little unsure about how to measure yourself properly? Well then, there are a few simple ways to get a good, reliable measurement for your bra. You have to handle a couple of different sizes to come up with one proper bra size. The back, the cup, and the brand and how it fits differently from others.

First, Measure Your Back Size

This part is pretty easy. In fact, it might be the easiest part of sizing your lingerie. Take a soft tape measure and measure around your back. Let the tape sit under your bust when you do this. This will give you an accurate measurement across your back. Find your number, in either inches or centimetres and write it down. Be sure to round everything up to the nearest whole number.

Next, Measure Your Cup Size

Whilst wearing a non-padded bra, or in the nude, stand upright with your arms at your side. Then measure the fullest part of your bust. Make sure the measuring tape is parallel with the ground and not lose or too tight. Measure around your back as before and find your number, again round it up. If there are 2 inches difference between the band and the cup size then you are a B cup. For example, 32 band and 34 cup you are a 32 B. If there are 3 inches then you are a C cup. 4 inches then a D cup, so on and so forth.

How To Find A Bra That Fits

Lingerie sizing is toughest when it comes to the bra. When choosing a bra always make sure that the apex of the bra is wide enough to support your bust. That is the bottom of the straps at the front of the bra. For instance, if you have a C or D cup, you can go for a slightly smaller apex. However, if you have a heavy bust such as an E, F, G, H or more, then maybe not. Then, you will need to make sure that the apex of the bra is wider. Wide enough to give you good support and lift.

Your bra should be both supportive and comfortable. Don’t rely on the straps doing all the work. They should fit nicely but they should not be digging in. Too-tight straps can cause the cups to dig into your bust. While loose straps will slip off your shoulders as you move. Make sure that the wings of the bra, the bit that goes under your arms, fit snugly. But not too tight either. If there are bulges above the wings, then you may need a bigger cup. When you are buying an underwired bra, bear in mind it should not dig into your skin. If this happens, go for a bigger back size.

What About Lingerie Sizing For My Briefs?

Briefs are really very simple to fit. They are perhaps the easiest lingerie sizing to get right. Like t-shirts, you have to know your designated size, and that is pretty much it. You are always a medium, or always a large, or what have you. There is some brand variation, but you may just straddle two sizes. It is rarely more complex than that. Having said all that, some designers are increasingly going for dress sizes. This is supposed to make fitting briefs more straightforward. Either way, finding a good fit on your briefs is super easy.

Suspender Belts And Other Lingerie Sizing

These might just be the most straightforward things to fit in the world of lingerie. Suspender belts are also like a t-shirt size or sizing for generic clothing items. A simple small, medium, large, and so on is all that is needed. Just measure around your waist or hip, depending on how the item sits, and you have all you will need. Any other miscellaneous item is really down to how that individual item is designed. A strappy accessory is a case by case thing, for example.

And what about something you wear on a less conventional part of  your body, like an ankle piece? You have to measure your own body each time and really only choose that which is right for you. Not every designer is going to be the same and each one is going to have their idiosyncrasies. But follow these simple tips and you should be able to find something that’s right for you.