Size Guide
It’s a bit of a mystery why all types of clothing have different label sizings depending on which country and which supplier the garment comes from. Lingerie and swimwear are no different. So it really is no wonder that 80% of women wear the wrong bra size.
For this reason, it's wise to have a professional fitting and try different brands on until you are happy with the fit.
However, if you do not have the time for a professional fitting, please follow the general guidelines below. Please note that, as all women are different, general guidelines may be completely inappropriate for your particular shape and size. It is also quite common for women to have different-sized breasts.
General Size Guide
| UK Back | USA Back | Euro Back | Cm | Inches | UK Dress Size | Euro Dress Size | US Dress Size | Generic Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 28 | 60 | 58.5 - 62.5 | 23 - 24.5 | 6 | 32 | 4 | X Small |
| 30 | 30 | 65 | 63.5 - 67.5 | 25 - 26.5 | 8 | 34 | 6 | X Small |
| 32 | 32 | 70 | 68.5 - 72.5 | 27 - 28.5 | 10 | 36 | 8 | Small |
| 34 | 34 | 75 | 73.5 - 77.5 | 29 - 30.5 | 12 | 38 | 10 | Small / Medium |
| 36 | 36 | 80 | 78.5 - 82.5 | 31 - 32.5 | 14 | 40 | 12 | Medium |
| 38 | 38 | 85 | 83.5 - 87.5 | 33 - 34.5 | 16 | 42 | 14 | Large |
| 40 | 40 | 90 | 88.5 - 92.5 | 35 - 36.5 | 18 | 44 | 16 | Large / X Large |
please note that this chart is indicative only and is not intended to be a specific indication of your bra size
How to measure yourself…
Here are some tips to help you choose a correctly fitting bra. You need to know two things – your back measurement and cup size.
1. Find your back measurement...
Measure yourself just under the bust, keeping the tape quite tight. Check yourself in the mirror to ensure the tape measure is level all the way round.
If the figure is an even number, add 4in to the total. If it is odd, add 5in.
This gives your bra size e.g.:
38 + 4 = 42 back size
39 + 5 = 44 back size
2. Find your cup size
Measure around the fullest part of the bust, taking the tape measure across the nipple. Again, a mirror is useful to ensure the tape is level. The difference between this measurement and that of your back is your cup size. For example, if your back measurement is 34inch and the measurement around your bust is 36in, the difference is 2in, which makes you cup size B. See chart below for a full list of cup/bra size.
| Difference | Cup Size | |
|---|---|---|
| inches | cm | |
| 0’’ - 0.5’’ | 1.3cm | AA |
| 1/2’’ - 1’’ | 2.6cm | a |
| 2’’ | 5.1cm | B |
| 3’’ | 7.6cm | C |
| 4’’ | 10.2cm | D |
| 5’’ | 12.7cm | DD or E |
| 6’’ | 15.2cm | DDD or E |
| 7’’ | 17.8cm | G |
| 8’’ | 20.3cm | H |
| 9’’ | 22.9cm | I |
| 10’’ | 25.4cm | J |
| 11’’ | 27.9cm | K |
| 12’’ | 30.5cm | L |
Best Bra Shapes:
There is a huge variation between brands, especially on cup sizes. Cup size also varies according to style of bra – the cup of a plunge bra is very different to that of balcony bra – and the type of material from which it is made. Bra styles can also complement different body shapes and outfits, so here's a rough guide to the best bra for you.
Full Cup
Full Cup bras are always best for the fuller figure ladies. Not only do the cups support the breast, the extra support given by the wider shoulder straps, thicker central band and back band avoids unsightly lumps and bumps.
Plunge Bra
Plunge bras can transform a smaller bust, giving definition and the illusion of size. It is low in the centre so can be worn with low-cut garment and is particularly suitable for those special occasion outfits when you want to dazzle.
Balconette Bra
Also known as a shelf bra, this style suits women of all shapes and sizes. It provides a perky uplift rather than making the bust look fuller. The balconette bra is particularly suitable for clothing with a sweetheart neckline.
International Cup Size Comparison
| UK | AA | A | B | C | D | DD | E | F | G | GG | H | HH | J | JJ | K |
| USA | AA | A | B | C | D | DDD/E | DDD/F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N |
| Euro | AA | A | B | C | D | E | F |
Corset
All hand-made corsets are made from steel and will reduce your waist by 4in. To find out your corset size, first measure your normal waist size (e.g. 28in) and then subtract 4in. Thus 24in is your ideal corset size. The cup size (e.g. B cup) is specific and should be mentioned when ordering. Factory-made corsets will generally reduce your waist by only one size. As they are made from wire, they tend to lose shape and support after prolonged use and do not generally last as long as hand-made corsets.
Diagram 1
For a perfect corset fitting, lace corset at the back with LOOPS at the waist. Gradually and slowly pull loops so corset begins to fit around the body.
Diagram 2
Tighten loops and form a secure bow. Corsets can be tightened again in 10-15 minutes (this allows your body to adjust to the correct shape and the corset material to become more flexible with body temperature) insuring a even tighter fit.