Size Charts
How do I find a size chart?
On each product page, look for a Size chart link to the left of the drop-down menu where you choose the size and color.
We carry different brands in our store, and some brands have multiple size charts. Be sure to check the size chart for each item you wish to purchase, even if from the same brand.
About measurements and bra sizes
Measurements to take
For best results, you should know the following measurements.
- Bra size
- Bust (inches)
- Waist (inches)
- Hips (inches)
- Height (inches)
- Weight (pounds)
- U.S. dress size
Tip: Multiply centimeters by 0.394 to get inches and multiply kilograms by 2.2 to get pounds.
How to take a measurement
Use a cloth tape measure that shows inches, or you can use centimeters and convert to inches using the charts at the bottom of this page. Loop the tape around the part of the body you are measuring (see the illustration) so it's snug fitting, but not pinching any skin.
Your Bra Size and Bust Measurement are different
Your bust measurement is taken by looping the tape around the fullest part of your breasts, preferably while wearing your best fitting bra (see illustration above). This is the same measurement described in Step 2 of How do I determine my bra size? below.
Don't make the mistake of taking your bra size, discarding the cup and assuming that is your bust measurement! In Example 1 of How do I determine my bra size? below, the bust measurement is 37 (not 36). In Example 2, the bust measurement is also 37 (not 34).
How do I determine my bra size?
Bras are sized using two measurements, band width and cup. Band width measures the size of your torso, while your cup measures the size of your breasts. In the United States, band width is expressed in inches and cups are expressed as a letter. A is smaller than B which is smaller than C, etc. If you don't know your bra size, it's best to be fitted by a professional, but you can make a good starting guess using the steps below.
- STEP 1: For best results, start by putting on your best fitting bra. Loop a tape measure under the pits of your arms and above your breasts (see illustration above). The tape should be snug, but not cinched tight. The resulting measurement is the size of your torso (if your tape measure is in centimeters, see below for how to convert to inches).
- STEP 2: Lower the tape measure so it reaches around the fullest part of your breasts
(see illustration above). Subtract the size of
your torso from this measurement and consult the table below to determine your cup size.
A - up to 1"
B - up to 2"
C - up to 3"
D - up to 4"
DD - up to 5" - STEP 3: Bras and bustiers are usually sized in even whole numbers (32, 34, 36, etc.). Take your torso measurement and discard any fraction (for example, 35-and-a-half inches becomes 35 inches. If the result is an odd number, round up to the next even number (for example, 35 to 36). You now have your band width.
Bra Size Calculation Examples
- Example 1: If your torso is 35 inches around and the fullest part of your breasts measure 37 inches, then the difference is 2 inches, which according to the table above would be a B cup. Your band width would be 36 (because odd numbers are rounded up to the next even number). Therefore, your bra size would be 36B.
- Example 2: Your torso measures 34.5 inches and your breasts measure 37 inches. The difference is 2.5 inches. Since a B cup only goes up to 2 inches, you would be a C cup (up to 3 inches). Your band width would be 34 (fractions are discarded). Therefore, your bra size would be 34C.
Bra Size Tips
- Using a tape measure and a calculator is only a starting point. There is no substitute for trying on bras.
- When trying on bras, work on getting the cups to fit correctly, then work on the band size.
- Cup: If the cups don't hold their shape, try a smaller cup size. If you spill out of the cups, increase the cup size.
- Important Rule about Cup/Band Interaction: Now that you have the right cup size, keep the following rule of thumb in mind when trying to get the band to fit correctly. For each size you go down in band width, increase the cup by one letter (and vice versa). For example, the cups on the 36C bra you're trying on fit well, but the band is riding up your back, so you try on a 34D bra. Or, the 36C bra may be cutting into your torso, so you would move up to a 38B. Cup sizes are relative to the band width.
- Band: If the band of the bra cuts into your torso, creating unsightly bulges, try the next size up (for example, go from a 34 to a 36). Adjust the shoulder straps, then view yourself from the side and if the bra strap is not level with the floor, try a smaller band size.
- Did you know the same size bra from two different brands may fit differently due to variances in manufacturing? It reminds you of shoe shopping, doesn't it? It's annoying, but it serves a useful purpose. If bras and shoes were manufactured using a uniform sizing system, some of us would always be in between sizes and would never find something that fits well.
What does size S/M or 1X/2X mean?
Some items are adjustable or elastic enough that they come in combined sizes. For example, an item might say it's available in two sizes, S/M and L/XL, or in our Women's Plus section, it might say 1X/2X and 3X/4X. This means, for example, that a size S/M should fit if you are either a S or M as shown in the size chart. Likewise, a size 1X/2X will fit if you wear a 1X or 2X, as shown in the size chart.
What if I order the wrong size?
You may return your purchase for either a refund or an exchange. Some limitations apply, so be sure to see our return policy.
How do I convert from UK, European or Japanese sizes?
| *Metric to English | |
|---|---|
| Centimeters | Inches |
| 53-54 | 21 |
| 55-57 | 22 |
| 58-59 | 23 |
| 60-62 | 24 |
| 63-64 | 25 |
| 65-67 | 26 |
| 68-69 | 27 |
| 70-72 | 28 |
| 73-74 | 29 |
| 75-77 | 30 |
| 78-79 | 31 |
| 80-82 | 32 |
| 83-85 | 33 |
| 86-87 | 34 |
| 88-90 | 35 |
| 91-92 | 36 |
| 93-95 | 37 |
| 96-97 | 38 |
| 98-100 | 39 |
| 101-102 | 40 |
| 103-105 | 41 |
| 106-107 | 42 |
| 108-110 | 43 |
| 111-112 | 44 |
| Dress Sizes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | UK | Europe | Japan |
| 4 | 6 | 32-34 | 3 |
| 6 | 8 | 34-36 | 5 |
| 8 | 10 | 36-38 | 7 |
| 10 | 12 | 38-40 | 9 |
| 12 | 14 | 40-42 | 11 |
| 14 | 16 | 42-44 | 13 |
| 16 | 18 | 44-46 | 15 |
| 18 | 20 | 46-48 | 17 |
| 20 | 22 | 48-50 | 19 |
| 22 | 24 | 50-52 | 21 |
| 24 | 26 | 52-54 | 23 |
| 26 | 28 | 54-56 | 25 |
| Cup Sizes | |
|---|---|
| U.S. | UK |
| A | B |
| B | C |
| C | D |
| D | DD |
| DD | E |
| Shoe Sizes | ||
|---|---|---|
| U.S. | UK | Europe |
| 5 | 3.5 | 36 |
| 6 | 4.5 | 37.5 |
| 7 | 5.5 | 38.5 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 40 |
| 9 | 7.5 | 41.5 |
| 10 | 8.5 | 42.5 |
*To convert centimeters (cm) to inches, multiply by 0.394. To convert from kilograms (kg) to pounds (lbs), multiply by 2.20.
What if my size question is not answered here?
If you have any questions about sizing, please feel free to contact us.
