It is estimated that a vast majority of women wear a bra that is not the right size for them. Slipping straps, gaping cups, a band that rides up the back: it is not your body shape that is the problem, it is almost always the size. Good news: it only takes two measurements to find it.
What you need
A soft measuring tape, a mirror, and, ideally, an unpadded bra. Measure yourself standing up, arms at your sides, breathing normally.
1. Underbust measurement (the band size)
Place the tape just under the bust, keeping it perfectly horizontal all the way around the torso. It should be snug but not tight. Then round to the nearest multiple of 5:
- 68 to 72 cm: size 70
- 73 to 77 cm: size 75
- 78 to 82 cm: size 80
- 83 to 87 cm: size 85
2. Overbust measurement (the cup size)
Now measure at the fullest part of your bust, without squeezing. The cup size depends on the difference between this bust measurement and your underbust measurement:
- 12 to 14 cm difference: A cup
- 14 to 16 cm: B cup
- 16 to 18 cm: C cup
- 18 to 20 cm: D cup
Example: 76 cm under the bust and 91 cm around the fullest part of the bust, a difference of 15 cm: you are a 75B.
Signs that never lie
- The band rides up the back: it is too big. Take the size below and the cup above (an 80B becomes a 75C).
- The straps leave marks on your shoulders: the band is not providing enough support; it is often the band that needs to be tightened, not the straps.
- The cup gapes: it is too big, or the shape does not suit your bust.
- The bust spills out of the cup: it is too small; move up a cup size.
Tip: A new bra should be fastened on the first hook (the loosest). The fabric will stretch over time, and you can tighten it over the coming months.
Balconette or bralette: which shape to choose?
The Iris balconette bra shapes and lifts the bust thanks to its underwire: ideal under a square neckline or a fitted dress. The Iris bralette, without underwire or padding, focuses on comfort and lightness, perfect for smaller busts and everyday wear.
All our size charts can be found in our size guide. Still hesitating? Write to us, and we will get back to you quickly.