🌍 Ultimate Lingerie Size Guide
Complete International Sizing Charts & Expert Fitting Guide for All Women
📏 How to Measure Your Bra Size
Wrap a soft measuring tape snugly around your ribcage, directly under your bust. Keep the tape level and parallel to the floor. Breathe normally and ensure the tape is snug but not tight.
Measure around the fullest part of your bust while wearing a non-padded, well-fitting bra. Keep the tape level and ensure it’s not too tight or too loose.
Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. Each inch of difference represents one cup size (1″ = A, 2″ = B, 3″ = C, etc.).
Round your underbust measurement to the nearest even number. This is your band size in most sizing systems (US/UK method).
Step-by-step visual guide showing proper measuring technique for accurate bra sizing
- Measure in front of a mirror to ensure tape is parallel
- Take measurements without a bra or in a non-padded bra
- Measure at the same time of day for consistency
- Have someone help you for more accurate results
- Take measurements when you’re not bloated or during your period
🌐 International Bra Size Conversion Charts
Band Size Conversion
| Underbust (inches) | Underbust (cm) | USA/UK | Europe | France/Spain | Italy | Australia/NZ | Japan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26-27 | 66-69 | 28 | 60 | 75 | 0 | 6 | 65 |
| 28-29 | 71-74 | 30 | 65 | 80 | I | 8 | 70 |
| 30-31 | 76-79 | 32 | 70 | 85 | II | 10 | 75 |
| 32-33 | 81-84 | 34 | 75 | 90 | III | 12 | 80 |
| 34-35 | 86-89 | 36 | 80 | 95 | IV | 14 | 85 |
| 36-37 | 91-94 | 38 | 85 | 100 | V | 16 | 90 |
| 38-39 | 96-99 | 40 | 90 | 105 | VI | 18 | 95 |
| 40-41 | 101-104 | 42 | 95 | 110 | VII | 20 | 100 |
| 42-43 | 106-109 | 44 | 100 | 115 | VIII | 22 | 105 |
| 44-45 | 111-114 | 46 | 105 | 120 | IX | 24 | 110 |
| 46-47 | 116-119 | 48 | 110 | 125 | X | 26 | 115 |
Cup Size Conversion
| Difference (inches) | Difference (cm) | USA | UK | Europe | France | Australia/NZ | Japan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | 0-2.5 | AA | AA | AA | AA | AA | AAA |
| 1 | 2.5 | A | A | A | A | A | AA |
| 2 | 5 | B | B | B | B | B | A |
| 3 | 7.5 | C | C | C | C | C | B |
| 4 | 10 | D | D | D | D | D | C |
| 5 | 12.5 | DD/E | DD | E | E | DD | D |
| 6 | 15 | DDD/F | E | F | F | E | E |
| 7 | 17.5 | G | F | G | G | F | F |
| 8 | 20 | H | FF | H | H | FF | G |
| 9 | 22.5 | I | G | I | I | G | H |
| 10 | 25 | J | GG | J | J | GG | I |
| 11 | 27.5 | K | H | K | K | H | J |
| 12 | 30 | L | HH | L | L | HH | K |
- Sizing can vary between brands even within the same country
- Always check the specific brand’s size chart when shopping
- European sizes are based on centimeters, others typically on inches
- Some brands use their own proprietary sizing systems
🎯 Interactive Bra Size Calculator
Find Your Perfect Bra Size
Enter your measurements below to get your bra size in multiple international standards:
🌸 Breast Shapes & Best Bra Styles
Understanding your breast shape is crucial for finding the most comfortable and flattering bra. Here are the most common breast shapes and recommended styles:
🔄 Round Breasts
Description: Equal fullness at top and bottom, well-rounded shape
Best Bras: Most styles work well – demi-cup, full-cup, balconette, triangle bras
Tip: You have the most versatility in bra choices!
🔔 Bell-Shaped
Description: Fuller at bottom, narrower at top, slightly elongated
Best Bras: Full-cup, T-shirt bras, push-up bras, balconette
Avoid: Triangle or bandeau styles that may gape at the top
💧 Teardrop
Description: Round with slightly less fullness at the top
Best Bras: Underwired bras, demi-cup, push-up bras
Tip: Look for styles that add lift and fullness to the upper portion
🏃♀️ Athletic
Description: Wider chest, more muscular, less breast tissue
Best Bras: Push-up bras, padded bras, bralettes, plunge styles
Tip: Focus on creating curves and adding dimension
⚖️ Asymmetric
Description: One breast larger than the other (very common!)
Best Bras: Molded cups, removable padding, spacer bras
Tip: Fit the larger breast and use inserts for balance
↔️ East-West
Description: Breasts point outward away from center
Best Bras: T-shirt bras, side-support bras, front-closure bras
Tip: Look for styles that bring breasts toward center
📏 Side-Set
Description: Wide gap between breasts (3+ finger widths)
Best Bras: Full-cup with vertical seams, balconette, wide gore styles
Tip: Plunge bras can create cleavage if desired
📐 Slender
Description: Narrow, minimal fullness, may hang with age
Best Bras: Balconette, full-cup, padded styles for support
Tip: Focus on lift and support rather than just size
🎯 Relaxed (Pendulous)
Description: Longer shape with breast tissue hanging down
Best Bras: Full-cup, balconette, structured support, wide straps
Tip: Prioritize support and comfort over style
❌ Common Fitting Mistakes & Solutions
🚫 Wearing the Wrong Band Size
Problem: Band too loose (rides up) or too tight (digs in, red marks)
✅ Solution:
The band should be snug but comfortable. You should be able to slide 2 fingers underneath. Start on the loosest hook when the bra is new.
🚫 Cup Spillage or Gaping
Problem: Breast tissue spills over cups or cups have empty space
✅ Solution:
For spillage: Try a larger cup size. For gaping: Try a smaller cup size or different bra style that suits your breast shape.
🚫 Straps Digging In
Problem: Shoulder straps are too tight, causing pain and red marks
✅ Solution:
Loosen straps and ensure your band is providing most support. Consider wider straps for larger busts.
🚫 Center Gore Not Lying Flat
Problem: The center piece between cups doesn’t touch your chest
✅ Solution:
Usually indicates cups are too small. Try a larger cup size or a different bra style.
🚫 Underwire Poking or Digging
Problem: Underwire sits on breast tissue or pokes into ribs
✅ Solution:
The wire should encompass all breast tissue and sit flat against your ribcage. Try a larger cup or different wire shape.
🚫 Wearing Old, Stretched Out Bras
Problem: Bras lose support and shape over time
✅ Solution:
Replace bras every 8-12 months or when they no longer provide adequate support. Rotate between multiple bras.
🌍 Regional Sizing Differences
🇺🇸 United States
- Uses +4 or +0 method for band sizing
- Cup sizes: AA, A, B, C, D, DD, DDD/F, G, H, I, J, K…
- Some brands use D1, D2, D3 instead of DD, DDD
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- Similar to US but with different large cup progressions
- Cup sizes: AA, A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H…
- Generally considered more accurate for larger sizes
🇪🇺 Europe
- Band sizes in centimeters (multiples of 5)
- Cup sizes increase by 2cm increments
- No double letters (goes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H…)
- Standardized by EN 13402 since 2006
🇫🇷 France/Spain
- Band sizes are European size + 15
- Cup sizing similar to European system
- Example: EU 75C = FR/ES 90C
🇦🇺 Australia/New Zealand
- Uses dress sizes for bands (8, 10, 12, 14…)
- Cup progression similar to UK for smaller sizes
- Switches to European letters for larger sizes
🇯🇵 Japan
- Band sizes in centimeters like Europe
- Cup sizes start smaller (AAA, AA, A, B…)
- Size is written as cup+band (B75 instead of 75B)
💡 Expert Fitting Tips
🕒 When to Get Measured
- Every 6-12 months – Your body changes over time
- After weight changes – Even 5-10 pounds can affect fit
- After pregnancy/breastfeeding – Significant changes occur
- During hormonal changes – Puberty, menopause, medication
- When current bras feel uncomfortable – Trust your body
🛍️ Shopping Tips
- Try before you buy – Sizes vary between brands
- Shop in the afternoon – Breasts may be slightly larger
- Bring a fitted shirt – Check how the bra looks under clothes
- Consider sister sizes – 34C = 32D = 36B (same cup volume)
- Have a professional fitting – At least once for reference
🧼 Bra Care for Longevity
- Hand wash or use lingerie bags – Protect delicate fabrics
- Use cold water – Prevents shrinkage and color fading
- Air dry only – Heat destroys elasticity
- Store properly – Don’t fold cups, use drawer dividers
- Rotate your bras – Give elastic time to recover between wears
📚 Conclusion
Finding the perfect bra is a journey, not a destination. Your body changes throughout your life, and so do your needs. Remember that comfort and support should always come first, regardless of what size the label says.
This comprehensive guide provides you with the tools to understand international sizing, measure yourself accurately, identify your breast shape, and find styles that work for your unique body. Don’t be afraid to try different brands and styles until you find what works best for you.
- 80% of women wear the wrong bra size – you’re not alone in this journey
- A good bra should feel comfortable from the moment you put it on
- Quality over quantity – invest in well-made bras that fit properly
- Listen to your body – if something feels wrong, it probably is
- Professional fittings are worth the investment, especially for larger sizes