Welcome to our Lingerie Fit Guide! We’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your body. Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or just want to feel confident and comfortable every day, finding lingerie that fits well is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to ensure a flawless fit, from measuring yourself correctly to choosing the right styles for you from the comfort of your own home.
It’s surprising what the right size bra can do for you in how you look and feel. Let’s start with how to measure for your bra size…
Before you start shopping for bras, it’s important to take accurate measurements of your bust and underbust. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to measure yourself correctly, along with tips for getting the most accurate results. Remember, proper measurements are the foundation for finding lingerie that fits like a dream.
Meet @thebraexpert, Chantelle - with 10+ years’ experience, she’s the expert we all need in our lives. Watch her handy how-to video below to help you break down these key steps:
Step 1 - measure your band size
Measure (in inches) directly under your bust keeping the tape tight and level around your body (if this measurement is an odd number you will need to add or subtract an inch to find your size.)
Step 2 - measure your bust size
Measure (in inches) around the fullest part of your bust keeping the tape level all the way round your back.
Step 3 - calculating your cup size
Subtract your calculated band size (Step 1) from your bust measurement (Step 2) and refer to the bra cup size chart below. Your bra size is your band size with your cup size. Example: 37 inches (bust) – 34 inches (band) = 3 inches. That’s a 34C.
| The difference (in inches) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your cup size | AA | A | B | C | D | DD | DDD, F | G |
Sizing can vary between brands and even between different styles within the same brand. We’ll provide guidance on choosing the right size based on your measurements. Our goal is to help you feel confident in your size selection and avoid any disappointment when your lingerie arrives. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect fit, but don’t worry - order at ease with free delivery and returns here at Freemans!
Sometimes you might get a better fit by going up or down a cup or band size (we explain this in more detail later). Use our sister size chart below to help you decide which size could fit you best.
| 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28AA | ||||||||
| 28A | 30AA | |||||||
| 28B | 30A | 32AA | ||||||
| 28C | 30B | 32A | 34AA | |||||
| 28D | 30C | 32B | 34A | 36AA | ||||
| 28DD | 30D | 32C | 34B | 36A | 38AA | |||
| 28E | 30DD | 32D | 34C | 36B | 38A | 40AA | ||
| 28F | 30E | 32DD | 34D | 36C | 38B | 40A | 42AA | |
| 28FF | 30F | 32E | 34DD | 36D | 38C | 40B | 42A | 44AA |
| 28G | 30FF | 32F | 34E | 36DD | 38D | 40C | 42B | 44A |
| 28GG | 30G | 32FF | 34F | 36E | 38DD | 40D | 42C | 44B |
| 28H | 30GG | 32G | 34FF | 36F | 38E | 40DD | 42D | 44C |
| 28HH | 30H | 32GG | 34G | 36FF | 38F | 40E | 42DD | 44D |
| 28J | 30HH | 32H | 34GG | 36G | 38FF | 40F | 42E | 44DD |
| 30J | 32HH | 34H | 36GG | 38G | 40FF | 42F | 44E | |
| 30JJ | 32J | 34HH | 36H | 38GG | 40G | 42FF | 44F | |
| 30K | 32JJ | 34J | 36HH | 38H | 40GG | 42G | 44FF | |
| 32K | 34JJ | 36J | 38HH | 40H | 42GG | 44G | ||
| 34K | 36JJ | 38J | 40HH | 42H | 44GG | |||
| 36K | 38JJ | 40J | 42HH | 44H | ||||
| 38K | 40JJ | 42J | 44H | |||||
| 40K | 44J |
Let’s start with the right way to put a bra on
Lean forward and let your boobs fall into your bra before standing up and fastening the hook and eye.
If you naturally gravitate towards the tightest hook on a new bra, chances are it’s too big for you. Scoop each boob gently into the cups from your underarm. If your bra has underwire, ensure it is not cutting into the breast at the sides. Make sure there is no overspill by running your finger across the top cup edge.
TIP: When trying on a bra for the first time, fasten it on the loosest hook, bras will stretch as you wash and wear them, so you’ll need to fasten tighter when this happens.
The supportive role
The band should fit firmly around your body providing 80% of the support. With a firm fit you should be able to slip no more than two fingers underneath it. The band should sit level at the front and back. If the band is riding up at the back, it’s too loose and you will need to come down a band size for a firmer fit.
If your bra has underwire, it should be sitting behind your breast tissue for a comfortable fit, not resting on the breast tissue or cutting in at the underarm. If the underwire is cutting in, you may also find that this causes overspill and an uneven shape at the top of the cup. These are both signs that your bra is too small. The centre front must lay flat against the breast bone and shouldn’t pull away or be sitting on top of any of your breast tissue. This is a sign that your cup size is too small.
The band rides up when you lift up your arms: consider going down a back size.
The band digs in and feels tight: consider going up a back size.
Should feel firm.
Should sit flush against ribcage and parallel all the way around your body.
Should be able to comfortably fit two fingers under the band.
Breasts spill out of the cups at the front: consider going up one cup size.
Breasts spill out of the cups at the front and sides: consider going up two cup sizes.
Cups have excess fabric: consider going down a cup size.
Should feel firm.
Breasts should sit within the cups perfectly.
Should look smooth with no bumps, ridges or flat spots.
Bust drops beneath wires when you lift up your arms: consider going down a back size.
Wires dig in: consider going up a cup size.
Centre of bra stands away from breastbone: consider a different bra style.
Should fully encompass breast tissue.
Should sit flat against ribcage.
Straps dig in: consider going up a cup size and down a band size.
Straps slide off: consider going down a cup size and up a band size.
Should sit snugly against the shoulder.
Should be able to comfortably fit two fingers under the straps.
Every shape is unique and certain bra styles flatter different boob shapes and figures better than others. The occasion and your outfit may also help to find the best bra style for you. Whatever you’re looking for, discover our range of bra styles in cup sizes A-G…
Full briefs provide full coverage and sit comfortably across your hip and waist - perfect for everyday wear.
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Brazilian knickers sit low on the hip and feature a cut-away back.
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Thongs are cut with a high leg and low-coverage back; ideal for wearing under figure-hugging outfits.
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High leg knickers enhance your shape by creating the illusion of longer legs with added waist definition.
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Now that you’re armed with our comprehensive Lingerie Fit Guide, it’s time to start shopping! Remember, finding lingerie that fits well is about more than just looking good – it’s about feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin.
Finding lingerie that fits well is essential. In this guide, we’ll show you how to ensure a
flawless fit, from measuring yourself correctly to choosing the right styles for your body shape.
