How to take your lingerie measurements?

Taking your measurements correctly is the first step to finding lingerie that truly fits. Underbust, bust, hips, waist—every measurement matters and has a precise method. This guide explains how to measure correctly, which mistakes to avoid, and how to interpret the results to choose the right size.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updatedMarch 18, 2026

Why taking your measurements is essential

Studies show that 70 to 100% of women wear the wrong bra size. Most choose their lingerie based on appearance or rely on a familiar size that no longer matches their current measurements. Measurements change with weight, pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormonal cycles, and age.

Accurate measurements are the foundation of every good lingerie choice. They help you choose the right band size, cup volume, and bottom size — regardless of sizing systems, which vary by brand and country.

📏 How to take your measurements

✅ The right fit

The four essential measurements

1. Underbust measurement

The underbust measurement is the circumference measured under the breasts, at the inframammary fold — the natural crease beneath the breasts. It is the most important measurement for choosing a bra band size.

How to measure:

Place the soft tape horizontally under the breasts, flat against the skin
Read the measurement at the end of a natural exhalation — do not inhale or hold your breath
The tape should be parallel to the floor
If the measurement falls between two numbers, round up to the next centimeter

Why measure at the end of exhalation? A study by McGhee and Steele showed that measuring while inhaling artificially expands the rib cage and produces an excessively large band measurement — resulting in poor support and shifting weight onto the straps. This is one of the most common mistakes when taking your own measurements.

2. Bust measurement (overbust)

The bust is measured at the fullest part of the breasts — generally across the nipples. The difference between the bust and underbust measurements determines the cup volume.

How to measure:

Wear an unpadded bra to provide support without compression
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest at nipple level, without tightening
Keep the tape parallel to the floor
Stand upright without pulling in your stomach or pushing out your chest

3. Waist measurement

The waist is measured at the natural indentation of the waist — the narrowest part of the torso, generally slightly above the navel. It is used to choose one-piece garments (bodysuits, jumpsuits, corsets) and high-waisted briefs.

How to measure:

Stand upright and relaxed — neither pulling in your stomach nor pushing it forward
Place the tape at the natural waistline
Read the measurement normally, without tightening

4. Hip circumference

Hip circumference is measured at the widest point of the hips and buttocks. This is the main measurement for choosing bottoms (briefs, thongs, boyshorts) and bodysuits.

How to measure:

Place the tape at the widest point — often 20 to 25 cm below the waist
Keep the tape parallel to the floor
Read without tightening

Calculating your cup size

Cup size is calculated from the difference between bust and underbust measurements:

Difference (cm)	Cup (approximate)
≈ 10–12 cm	A
≈ 13–14 cm	B
≈ 15–16 cm	C
≈ 17–18 cm	D
≈ 19–20 cm	E / DD
≈ 21–22 cm	F

Important: cup volume is not absolute — it depends on the underbust measurement. A C cup on an 85 band represents a significantly different volume from a C cup on a 100 band. That is why the full size (band + cup) is always more precise than the cup letter alone.

Step-by-step guide

What you need

A flexible measuring tape (seamstress’s tape)
A mirror
An unpadded bra (not a push-up)
A notebook for recording measurements

The steps

Prepare: stand in front of a mirror, wear an unpadded bra, relax — neither pulling in your stomach nor thrusting out your chest
Measure your underbust circumference: tape under the bust, horizontal, read at the end of exhalation
Measure your bust circumference: tape at nipple level, horizontal, without tightening
Calculate the difference: bust circumference − underbust circumference = cup volume
Measure your waist circumference: at the narrowest natural point
Measure your hip circumference: at the widest point of your hips and buttocks
Repeat each measurement twice and average them for greater accuracy
Compare with the brand’s size charts — each manufacturer has its own sizing system

When to retake your measurements

Measurements change over time — sometimes significantly. It is recommended to take your measurements again:

Every 6 months as a general rule
After a weight change of more than 3 to 5 kg
During pregnancy — the breasts change each trimester
After childbirth and breastfeeding — the breasts may change by several cup sizes
At menopause — redistribution of fat and changes in volume
After breast surgery

Measurement summary table

Measurement	Where to measure	How	Used for
Band measurement	Under the bust (inframammary fold)	Horizontal, at the end of exhalation	Bra band size
Bust measurement	At nipple level	Horizontal, without tightening	Cup volume (with band measurement)
Waist measurement	Natural narrowest point	Relaxed, without pulling in your stomach	Bodysuits, corsets, high-waisted briefs
Hip measurement	Widest part of the hips	Horizontal, parallel to the floor	Briefs, thongs, boyshorts, bodysuits

Common mistakes to avoid

Measure while inhaling: this artificially expands the rib cage and produces a band that is too large — resulting in poor support and shifting the weight onto the shoulders.
Tighten or loosen the tape too much: the tape should lie flat and fit snugly without compressing the skin.
Measure while wearing a padded bra: this distorts the bust measurement and artificially increases cup volume.
Measure only once: a single measurement may be inaccurate — repeat it twice and calculate the average.
Rely on a single brand to interpret the results: size charts vary significantly by manufacturer and country — always consult the chart specific to the brand concerned.
Keep the same size for life: body measurements change over time — retake your measurements every 6 months.

In brief: how to take your lingerie measurements

4 essential measurements: band, bust, waist, and hip measurements
Band measurement: under the bust, horizontally, at the end of exhalation — never while inhaling
Cup size = difference between bust and band measurements
Cup volume also depends on the band size — a C/85 ≠ a C/100
Repeat each measurement twice and calculate the average
Retake your measurements every 6 months or after any significant change
Always consult the size chart specific to each brand

FAQ – How to take your lingerie measurements?

Because inhaling expands the rib cage and produces an artificially larger underbust measurement. A study by McGhee and Steele demonstrated that this measurement error leads to choosing a band that is too large—it rides up in the back, transfers the weight onto the shoulders, and does not properly support the breasts. Measuring at the end of a natural exhalation gives the true measurement of the rib cage at rest.

Ideally, have someone help ensure the tape is level across your back. If you’re measuring alone, use a mirror to check that the tape is parallel to the floor. Accuracy matters more than the method—if the tape is tilted, the measurement will be inaccurate.

Subtract the underbust measurement from the bust measurement. The difference in centimeters corresponds to a cup letter: approximately 10–12 cm = A, 13–14 cm = B, 15–16 cm = C, 17–18 cm = D, 19–20 cm = E, 21–22 cm = F. These correspondences are approximate—they vary depending on the brand and country. Always consult the brand’s specific size chart.

Yes, regularly. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, the menstrual cycle, and menopause can change your measurements—sometimes by several band or cup sizes. It is recommended that you retake your measurements every 6 months and always after any significant change in weight or body shape.

Stand upright with your feet slightly apart. Place the tape around the widest part of your hips and buttocks—generally 20 to 25 cm below your waist. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and read the measurement without pulling it tight. This is the main measurement for choosing the right size for panties, shorties, and bodysuits.

Yes, significantly. An 85C from one brand may correspond to an 80D or 90B from another. Sizing systems also vary by country—the French system differs from the British and American systems. It is essential to consult each brand’s specific size chart before making a purchase, even if you know your measurements perfectly.

Ideally at the end of the day—the body may swell slightly as the hours go by due to standing and water retention. Measurements taken in the morning may be slightly smaller. For women whose measurements vary with their menstrual cycle, measuring at different points in the cycle can provide a more representative range.

Most women have slightly asymmetrical breasts. For the bust measurement, measure around the fullest side—the bra should fit the larger cup, while the smaller side can be filled out with a breast pad if necessary. For the underbust measurement, asymmetry makes no difference.

Alicia - Adopt1Toy

Before creating Adopt1Toy, I spent 10 years in brick-and-mortar love shops, advising thousands of customers on choosing sex toys, sexual practices, and intimate safety. I also worked for several years at major lingerie brands, which allowed me to develop in-depth expertise in materials, body types, and comfort.

For every guide I publish, I rely on thorough research: scientific studies, public health data, and surveys on real-life practices—which I cross-reference with my hands-on experience. My goal is simple: to give you reliable, precise, and accessible information on topics that are still discussed far too little.

Learn more about me