How to take your lingerie measurements?

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.

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:

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

1. Prepare: stand in front of a mirror, wear an unpadded bra, relax — neither pulling in your stomach nor thrusting out your chest
2. Measure your underbust circumference: tape under the bust, horizontal, read at the end of exhalation
3. Measure your bust circumference: tape at nipple level, horizontal, without tightening
4. Calculate the difference: bust circumference − underbust circumference = cup volume
5. Measure your waist circumference: at the narrowest natural point
6. Measure your hip circumference: at the widest point of your hips and buttocks
7. Repeat each measurement twice and average them for greater accuracy
8. 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

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