Lingerie Size Guide: Find Your Perfect Fit & Style

Finding the perfect lingerie starts with the right fit. Our lingerie size guide takes the guesswork out of shopping, ensuring you feel comfortable, confident, and supported in every style. Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for the ideal gift, this guide will help you navigate sizes and find pieces that flatter your unique shape. Discover your best fit and shop with confidence!

Lingerie Size Guide Comparison Table

Lingerie Type	Sizing System	Fit Focuses	Common Variations	Key Measurement(s)	Size Range
Bra	Cup + Band	Band snugness, cup coverage, strap position	Plunge, balconette, push-up, sports, bralette	Underbust, bust	28AA–56N (US/UK); XS–6XL (alpha)
Panty	Dress/Alpha	Waist, hip, rise, leg opening comfort	Bikini, hipster, boyshort, thong, brief, high-waist	Waist, hip	XS–6XL
Corset/Bustier	Waist + Bust/Cup	Waist cinching, bust support/coverage	Overbust, underbust, shaping, strapless	Waist, bust	18″–46″+ waist; XS–4XL
Bodysuit	Dress/Alpha	Full torso/hip and bust/shoulder fit	Sheer, support, shapewear, thong-back, full-coverage	Bust, waist, hip, torso length	XS–6XL
Chemise/Babydoll	Dress/Alpha	Loose bust/hip, length adjustability	Flared, empire waist, fitted, slip style	Bust, hip, length	XS–6XL
Sports Bra	Band + Cup/Alpha	Compression or encapsulation, support level	Low, medium, high impact	Underbust, bust	XS–6XL; 28A–44I
Shapewear	Dress/Alpha	Compression level, comfort, coverage	Briefs, bodysuits, shorts, open-bust, camisole	Waist, hip, bust	XS–6XL

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Seasonal Wear: Selecting Lingerie Year Round

Spring/Summer

• Lightweight and Breathable Fabrics: Opt for cotton, modal, mesh, or lightweight lace to minimize heat buildup.
• Seamless and Invisible Styles: Choose nude, seamless t-shirt bras and laser-cut panties for thin summer clothes.
• Sweat Management: Microfiber and moisture-wicking blends are ideal for hot or humid climates, especially in sports bras and panties.
• Color Choices: Light pastels and skin tones reduce visibility under light fabrics.

Fall/Winter

• Warmer and Structured Fabrics: Consider silk blends, stretch satin, or heavier lace for warmth and plush comfort.
• Layered Lingerie: Camisoles, bodysuits, and thermal-inspired loungewear offer coverage for layering under autumn and winter clothes.
• Darker Colors & Prints: Deeper hues or prints add style and minimize show-through under darker seasonal clothing.
• Support for Layering: Full-cup bras and fuller-coverage panties maintain shape under thicker clothing like knits and jumpers.

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Body Fit: Finding the Perfect Lingerie for Your Shape

Understanding Measurements

1. Bust: Measure at the fullest point, ensuring the tape is level front and back.
2. Underbust: Measure directly under your bust for your band size.
3. Waist: Find your natural waist—usually right above the navel, at the bend when you tilt sideways.
4. Hip: Measure around the fullest point of your hips and buttocks.
5. Torso Length (for Bodysuits): From top of the shoulder, down through legs, and up back to shoulder.

Body Shape and Lingerie Choices

• Petite: Seek short-band bras, bralettes, mid-rise panties, and petite-designed bodysuits for a flattering fit.
• Tall/Long Torso: Bodysuits or shapewear with length adjustment or tall sizing prevent pulling.
• Full Bust: Encapsulating bras (e.g., balconette, full-cup) and reinforced cups offer superior support.
• Plus Size: Extended bands, cups, wider straps, and special construction ensure comfort and coverage.
• Curvy Hourglass: High-waist briefs, supportive underwired bras, and corsets highlight curves, providing lift and shaping.

Sizing Conversions and “Sister Sizes”

• International Sizing: UK, US, EU/FR, and AU sizing systems differ; consult multi-system charts.
• Sister Sizes: Going up a band size and down a cup, or down a band size and up a cup, maintains cup volume, helpful if you’re between sizes.
• Brand Variation: Always check individual brand size charts, as cuts and sizing may differ.

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Styling Tips: Making Lingerie Work for You

1. Occasion Matters
2. Everyday: Seamless bras, cotton panties, and invisible briefs for a barely-there feel.
3. Date Night: Lacy bralettes, matching sets, corsets, and chemises add romance and confidence.

4. Active Days: Sports bras and performance panties keep you supported and cool.

5. Bra Styles for Specific Outfits

6. T-shirt bras: Everyday tops, clingy fabrics.
7. Strapless: Strapless dresses, off-the-shoulder tops.
8. Plunge: Low-cut necklines.
9. Racerback: Sleeveless or racerback styles.

10. Push-up: Enhances cleavage for certain tops/dresses.

11. Panty Styles by Clothing

12. Thongs: Fitted pants, bodycon dresses.
13. Briefs: Everyday comfort, fuller coverage.
14. Hipsters/Boyshorts: Low-rise jeans, relaxed fit.

15. High-waist: Retro looks, smoothing effect under dresses or skirts.

16. Layering and Lounge

17. Bodysuits: Smooth silhouette under form-fitting outfits, can double as tops with jeans or blazers.

18. Camisoles or slips: Prevent show-through under light or sheer fabrics.

19. Color Coordination

20. Match to outfit or skin tone for discretion.
21. Experiment with colors and prints for confidence and fun—lingerie can be a secret style statement.

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Fabric Comfort: The Foundations of Great Lingerie

Common Lingerie Fabrics and Their Qualities

• Cotton
• Breathable, soft, everyday wear.

• Ideal for sensitive skin or warm climates.

• Lace

• Delicate, elegant, and lightweight.

• Use for special occasions or to add visual interest.

• Silk

• Luxurious, insulating, hypoallergenic.

• Offers natural temperature regulation, perfect for year-round comfort.

• Microfiber

• Smooth, quick-drying, frictionless.
• Favored for seamless looks and moisture management.

• Satin
• Glossy, smooth, sensual.

• Used for slips, chemises, and statement lingerie.

• Mesh

• Breathable, light, slight stretch.

• Used in panels for airy, sexy designs.

• Spandex/Elastane

• Adds stretch and shape retention to all lingerie types.

• Modal

• Extra soft, absorbent, derived from beechwood.

Fabric Selection by Use

• Everyday: Cotton, microfiber, modal.
• Sport: Moisture-wicking blends, spandex-rich construction.
• Special Occasion: Lace, silk, satin for visual and tactile appeal.

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Care Advice: Preserving Your Lingerie

• Washing
• Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent where possible.
• If using a machine, place items in a lingerie/delicates bag and run on a gentle cycle.

• Fasten bras and hook closures prior to washing to prevent snags.

• Drying

• Always air dry flat away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

• Never tumble dry—heat and agitation damage fibers and elasticity.

• Storage

• Stack bras with cups nestled (not flipped or folded) to retain shape.

• Store panties, shapewear, and loungewear flat or folded loosely.

• Rotation and Replacement

• Rotate bras (ideally 6+ in your wardrobe) to prolong lifespan.
• Replace bras and panties every 6–12 months depending on wear, or when shape/support is lost.
• Replace immediately if elastic is failing or fabrics are fraying.

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Practical Tips and Best Practices

• Measure Routinely: Measure at least twice a year, or after weight changes, pregnancy, or surgery.
• Try Before You Buy: Whenever possible, try on multiple sizes and styles to compare comfort and support.
• Check Bra Fit: The band should sit firm, parallel to the ground; the center gore sits flat; cups encase breasts without bulging or gapping.
• Seek Professional Fitting: Many lingerie stores offer expert fittings—invaluable for finding your perfect size and style.
• Adapt to Changes: Bodies change. Don’t hesitate to adjust sizes or experiment with new styles to accommodate life changes.
• Read Product Descriptions: Some brands note if items run large, small, or are true-to-size—pay attention to these cues.
• Expect Variability: Fabrics with more stretch (like modal, microfiber, lace) may allow for flexibility. Rigid or structured fabrics may require precise sizing.
• Invest in Quality: High-quality lingerie retains its fit and comfort better over time, especially for bras.

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Lingerie Technical Features & Specification Comparison Table

Attribute	Bras	Panties	Bodysuits	Shapewear
Sizing System	Band + Cup (Numeric/Alpha), Intl. conversion	Dress size, Alpha (XS–6XL), Hip	Dress size, Alpha, Torso	Dress size, Alpha
Support Level	Light (bralette), Medium (t-shirt), High (sports/underwire)	Light–High depending on style	Light–Medium	Medium–High
Coverage	Demi, plunge, full, balconette, strapless	Minimal (thong), moderate (hipster), full (brief, boyshort)	Full	Full or target zone
Strap Options	Adjustable, convertible, multiway, racerback	Usually none; some have adjustable sides	Adjustable shoulder	Some have adjustable straps
Fabric Options	Cotton, microfiber, lace, satin, mesh, modal, silk	Cotton, microfiber, lace, modal, silk	Mixed, often stretch	Spandex blends
Closure Types	Hook-eye, front closure, pull-on, clasp	Pull-on, side/no closure	Snap, zipper, pull-on	Pull-on, hooks
Sizes Available	28AA–56N (or XS–6XL equivalents)	XS–6XL	XS–6XL	XS–6XL
Intended Use	Everyday, sports, special occasion, nursing	Everyday, seamless, shaping, special	Loungewear, shaping	Smoothing, shaping

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Related Video

Conclusion

Choosing the right lingerie size is as much about comfort and confidence as it is about numbers and letters. Accurate measurement is the first step, but factors such as fabric, style, season, and body changes also play a crucial role. By understanding fit, exploring styles, caring for your garments properly, and adjusting to your needs over time, you’ll discover lingerie that feels as good as it looks. Remember: well-chosen lingerie can enhance not just your silhouette but also your mood and self-assurance, every single day.

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FAQ

1. How do I measure my bra size accurately at home?
   Wear a non-padded bra, use a soft measuring tape. Measure under your bust for the band size and around the fullest part of your bust for the cup. Subtract the band from the bust measurement; each inch difference represents a cup size (1″=A, 2″=B, etc.). Round up to the nearest whole number if needed.

2. What is the difference between UK, US, and EU bra sizes?
   The band and cup labeling systems differ—UK and US use numbers (32, 34, 36) and letters (A, B, C), while EU/FR may use larger numbers for the same band, and cup progression can diverge above D. Always consult a conversion chart.

3. How often should I re-measure for lingerie size?
   Ideally, measure twice a year. Always measure after significant weight change, pregnancy, or surgery, or if your current lingerie feels uncomfortable or unsupportive.

4. Why does my bra ride up at the back?
   This typically means the band is too loose. Try a smaller band size and, if needed, a larger cup (sister size) for a balanced fit.

5. What are “sister sizes” in bras?
   Sister sizes have the same cup volume but different band sizes. Going up a band size and down a cup, or down a band and up a cup, keeps cup volume similar. Useful if you fall between sizes or need more comfort.

6. Which lingerie fabrics are best for sensitive skin?
   Cotton and modal are ideal for sensitive skin due to their softness, breathability, and hypoallergenic qualities. Avoid synthetic lace or heavily treated fabrics if irritation is an issue.

7. How can I tell if my bra fits properly?
   The band should sit snug below the bust, the center should lie flat against your chest, straps shouldn’t dig or slip, and cups should encase the breasts smoothly—no spilling or gaping.

8. What styles work best under form-fitting outfits?
   Choose seamless t-shirt bras, laser-cut panties, or shapewear. Thongs minimize panty lines, while high-waisted briefs can smooth the abdomen.

9. How do I wash and care for delicate lingerie?
   Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent where possible. If you machine wash, use a lingerie bag and gentle cycle. Air dry only—avoid tumble dryers. Store bras with nested cups to maintain shape.

10. What can I do if I’m still unsure about my lingerie size?
    Seek an in-store professional fitting, use online video guides, or order a few sizes/styles to try at home (check return policies). Pay attention to fit across multiple points—band, cup, comfort, and style.

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