Brand size guides: find the right size

Why sizes vary by brand

Ordering lingerie online without trying it on involves a real risk if you rely solely on your usual size. Studies show that 70 to 100% of women wear the wrong bra size — and confusion between sizing systems makes this problem even worse when shopping online.

The lingerie brands available at Adopt1Toy come from many countries — Poland, Spain, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Portugal — and each uses its own sizing system. Even two brands that use the European centimeter system may have different size charts for the same measurement.

There are multiple sources of variation:

• National sizing system: French system (cm), British (inches), American (inches), Asian (cm with a different calculation)
• Brand-specific cuts: one brand may run small and another large, even for identical measurements
• Type of garment: a stretchy lace brief and a structured corset have different sizing requirements
• Materials: latex does not stretch like lace — latex sizes are calculated differently
• Place of manufacture: Eastern European brands (Polish, Czech) often have different sizing from Spanish or American brands

How to use brand-specific size guides

Step 1: taking your measurements

Before consulting a brand's size guide, you need your measurements in centimeters. The four essential measurements are:

• Back circumference (underbust): beneath the breasts, at the inframammary fold — measured at the end of exhalation
• Bust circumference: at nipple level, without tightening
• Waist circumference: at the narrowest natural indentation
• Hip circumference: at the widest point of the hips and buttocks

The difference between the bust and underbust measurements determines the cup volume. An important point that is often overlooked: measure at the end of exhalation, never while inhaling — a study by McGhee and Steele showed that measuring while inhaling artificially expands the rib cage and results in a band that is too large.

Step 2: consult the brand's guide

Each brand-specific size guide includes:

• An overview of the brand and its specific cuts
• The complete size chart with measurements in cm
• Fit advice specific to the brand's type of lingerie
• Common mistakes to avoid specifically for this brand

Step 3: compare your measurements with the chart

In each guide, compare your measurements in centimeters with the brand's size chart. If you are between two sizes, the guide tells you which size to choose depending on the type of garment — an item made from stretchy lace is often best chosen in the smaller size, while a latex or non-stretch fabric item is best chosen in the larger size.

The different types of brands and their specific features

Polish and Eastern European brands

Polish brands — Obsessive, Passion, Casmir, Axami, Chilirose, Me Seduce, Grey Velvet, TET Lingerie, Livco Corsetti — are very prominent in sexy and erotic lingerie. They generally use the European system in centimeters but often have more fitted cuts than French brands. For these brands, it is often recommended to choose one size larger than your usual size.

Spanish and Mediterranean brands

The Spanish brands — Subblime, Burn, Mob Eroticwear — use the European system but may fit differently depending on the line. Stretch-fabric pieces are often more generous than structured pieces.

American brands

The American brands — Leg Avenue, René Rofé, Be Wicked, Music Legs, Coquette — use the American sizing system (S/M/L or inches). Converting to French sizes requires particular attention — a US M does not always correspond to a French 38, depending on the brand.

British and international brands

Penthouse, Ouch!, Black Level, Kinky, DARING Intimates — these brands use various sizing systems. Some offer sizes in S/M/L/XL only, while others use numerical sizes. The dedicated guides clarify each case.

Specialist latex brands

The Latex Collection — latex does not stretch like textile materials. Latex sizes are calculated differently and require precise measurements. Latex that is too small cannot be put on, while latex that is too large will not stay in place. The The Latex Collection size guide explains the specific latex measuring method.

Men's lingerie

Macho Underwear, EROS / 2EROS, Cut4Men — sexy men's underwear has its own sizing systems, based on waist and hip measurements. The dedicated guides include brand-specific conversion charts.

Adhesive and strapless solutions

Bye Bra — specialist in strapless solutions, adhesive cups, and support accessories. Bye Bra sizes are based on cup volume, not band size—the dedicated guide explains the specific selection method.

The most common mistakes when buying lingerie online

• Relying on your usual size from another brand: this is the most common mistake. An Obsessive 85C is not identical to an 85C from another brand—always consult the size guide for the relevant brand.
• Not taking your measurements before ordering: estimating your size by eye does not work for online lingerie. Two minutes spent taking measurements can prevent a return.
• Confusing sizing systems: a 34 in the British band-size system (inches) does not correspond to a French 34 (which does not exist in lingerie—French sizes range from 75 to 110+). Always check which system the brand uses for its sizes.
• Choose the same size for all pieces from the same brand: within a single brand, a stretch lace panty and a structured corset may require different sizes.
• Don't forget that sizes change: weight, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause — your measurements change. Retake your measurements before every important order.
• Don't ignore the material: latex, PVC, and non-stretch materials do not forgive an approximate size — they require precise measurements.

General tips for ordering lingerie online

Always start with your measurements in cm

Whatever the brand, the process is always the same: measure, compare with the brand's size chart, order. Never the other way around — starting with your usual size and hoping it fits.

If you are between two sizes

The general rule: for pieces made from stretch materials (lace, mesh, jersey), choose the smaller size — the material adapts. For structured pieces or those made from non-stretch materials (corset, latex, PVC), choose the larger size — there is no room for adjustment.

Check the return policy

Even with the most accurate measurements, a return may be necessary — cuts vary. Check the return policy before ordering, especially for sexy lingerie, which may have hygiene restrictions.

Use the guides as a lasting reference

Once you have found your size in a brand using its dedicated guide, write it down. Your next order from that same brand will be immediate — with no need to retake your measurements or hesitate.

In brief: how to find the right lingerie size by brand

• Every brand has its own sizing — never assume that a 38 or an M is universal
• Take your measurements in cm: underbust (at the end of exhalation), bust, waist, hips
• Compare your measurements with the brand's size chart — not your usual size
• Stretch materials (lace, mesh): size down if in doubt
• Non-stretch materials (latex, corset): size up if in doubt
• Polish brands often run smaller — choose one size up
• American brands use a different system — check the conversion
• Latex requires precise measurements — consult the specific guide