In general, EU and JP brands are labeled A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O, and may or may not include the 'I' cup. Thus it is very important to calculate correct size in UK system to obtain properly fitting larger cup sizes from online retailers.

Less than six Australian manufacturers produce sizes above an Au F leading to most retailers misleading women about their true size in order to sell them bras in stocked sizes. Always consult the manufacturer website as most bra fitters are not well educated on cup brands differences, sizes and labels, especially above a DD cup. The Australian market is also flooded with UK and European brands which further complicates identifying the correct size when switching brands. However there is no consistency in sizes or cup labelling and it is strongly recommended to consult the manufacturers website. Each bra company can label their cups in any way they prefer, though there tends to be at least some consistency within each sizing system.įor the most part AUS brands employ numbering system similar to the UK for cups AA to DD and thereafter follow European cup labels (no double letters). There is no international standard when it comes to cup sizes or letters. Overall, bands run one size larger and may stretch out very quickly, though some newer bras may run smaller than labeled. Because of this, some people prefer to use their typical Masquerade size but with an extender for comfort at first to extend the bra's life.īands tend to stretch a bit smaller or right at the band size. After wearing a few times, the fabric tends to stretch out and stay stretched out, making it feel closer to the labeled size or too big. Plunge styles may be more true to size.īecause of the fabric Masquerade likes to use for their bands (satin), when the bra is new the band will not be very stretchy and can feel small. Half cups run larger than the Deco collection, for example, but in general Freya bands run large.

a 75 will stretch closer to 75cm, as opposed to 85cm). After SS13, bands stretch more closely with the number on the tag (e.g. In general the bands have been inconsistent. This isn't exclusive to only certain brands, as this happens across the board. People who wear these sizes often find themselves needing to size down in band in order to get a proper fit. Larger band sizes (roughly 38 and over) will usually stretch further simply because there is more fabric being used in the band. Bands made of black and darkly-dyed fabrics tend to run smaller than white, yellow, and other light-colored fabrics. But even different colorways of the same bra can affect the fit. For example, the bands on unpadded Cleo bras tend to run small, but padded Cleos can run loose. Many times, different styles of bras from the same brand will run differently. This graph, made using data from Bratabase, shows how band stretchiness can vary by size. And remember to use sister sizes when switching bands, or you can end up with a cup that is too small. Others run big, such as Freya and Change Lingerie, so check before ordering.

Remember, all brands fit differently depending on fabric, cut and brand, so remain flexible about your size.Some companies, such as Ewa Michalak, Ultimo, and Panache, run small in the band, so order a band size larger than usual. If your bust measurement is 43, and your band measurement is 38, the difference is 5, giving you a bra size of a 38DD. Every inch difference between your band and cup measurement equals a cup size.įor example, the first inch = A, second inch = B, the third inch = C and so on. Subtract your band measurement (even number) from your bust measurement to get your cup size. Again, make sure the tape measure is placed straight across your back.

Place the tape measure at the fullest part of the bust (typically, along your nipple line). For example, if you measure a 30, add 2 for a total of 32. If you measure an even number, add 2 to get to the next even number. If you measure an odd number, round up to the next even number. Check in the mirror to make sure the tape is also straight across your back. Wrap a fabric measuring tape around your torso, lifting your breasts to make sure the tape lies snug at the base of the breast tissue. You’ll need a fabric tape measure and a little math. Before you begin, pop on your best-fitting, non-padded bra.

Maidenform bra size calculator