Bra sizes are made up of two components:An even number that represents the back size (32, 34, 36, etc.) determined by the size of the torso. (see Figure 1, line A)
A letter that indicates the cup size (A, B, C, etc.) determined by the size of the breast itself. (see Figure 1, line B)
Important Note: Always measure while wearing your own best fitting bra.
To determine the back size
(torso measurement):
Have someone stand at your side and bring a tape measure snugly around your ribcage, directly under the breast (see A in figure above).
Add 5 to the measurement (i.e. if "A is 29", the back size is 34)
After 33 inches, only add 3 inches to the back measurement (i.e. if "A is 35", the back size is 38)
Verify the back size:
Measure around the top of your breasts (the line above B in the figure above). This measurement should equal your back size calculation. For example if you measured 29 inches around your ribcage, the calculation is 29 + 5 = 34. The measurement above your breasts should equal 34.
Hints:
* If the back size comes out to an uneven number, try the next size up.
* If you are in-between sizes or you are having difficulty finding the correct fit, then if you go up in cup size come down in band size or if you go up in band size come down in cup size. For example, if you are wearing a 42D, but it is a little too snug around the band, then you would move up to a 44C.
To determine the cup size
(breast measurement):
Have someone stand by your side and bring a tape measure loosely around the fullest part of the bust (see B in figure above).
Subtract the back size from this measurement (ie. if "B" is 37" and the back size ("A" +5) was 34, the difference is 3"). This difference determines the cup size (see chart below).
The chart below should be used as a guide only. Sizes actually vary slightly from one manufacturer to the next. Goddess and Fantasie of England are the most generous in the cups.
Difference in inches between the bust measurement and the backsize, click here for a size grid showing measurements.
0"
1"
2"
3"
4"
5"
6"
7"
8"
9"
10"
11"
12"
13"
14"
Anita
AA
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Aubade
A
B
C
D
E
F
Aviana
D
DD/E
DDD/F
G
H
I
J
K
BB Curves
B
C
D
DD/E
DDD/F
G
H
Bali
A
B
C
D
DD
DDD
Chantelle
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Dominique
A
B
C
D
DD/E
DDD/F
Elila
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
Empreinte
C
D
E
F
G
Enell
See Enell Sport Bra for Special Sizing Instructions
Eprise
B
C
D
DD/E
DDD/F
Exquisite Form
B
C
D
DD
DDD
Fancee Free
B
C
D
DD/E
DDD/F
G
H
I
J
K
L
Fantasie^
B
C
D
DD
E
F
FF
G
GG
H
HH
J
JJ
Fauve^
B
C
D
DD
E
F
FF
G
GG
H
HH
J
JJ
Fayreform
DD
E
F
FF
G
GG
H
HH
J
Felina
A
B
C
D
DD
DDD
Freya^
B
C
D
DD
E
F
FF
G
GG
H
HH
J
JJ
Goddess Classic*
B
C
D
DD
DDD/E
F
FF
G
H
I
J
Goddess Classic Bridal**
B
C
D
DD
F
FF
Goddess New***
B
C
D
DD
DDD
G
H
I
J
Grenier
AA
A
B
C
D
DD/E
DDD/F
Huit
B
C
D
La Breeza
AA
A
B
C
D
DD
E
F
FF
G
H
J
Le Mystere
A
B
C
D
E
Le Mystere Full Fit
C
D
E
F
G
H
Leading Lady
A
B
C
D
DD/E
DDD/F
G
H
I
Liz
A
B
C
D
Lunaire
C
D
DD/E
DDD/F
G
Marie Jo
B
C
D
E
F
G
Naturana
A
B
C
D
E
F
Panache^
B
C
D
DD
E
F
FF
G
GG
H
HH
J
JJ
Playtex
AA
A
B
C
D
DD
DDD
Prima Donna
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Rago
A
B
C
D
DD
DDD
Tatiana
AA
A
B
C
D
DD/E
DDD/F
Va Bien
A
B
C
D
DD
DDD
Valmont
A
B
C
D
DD/E
DDD/F
Vanity Fair
AA
A
B
C
D
DD
DDD
Venus
A
B
C
D
DD/E
DDD/F
Vestiny
B
C
D
DD
E
F
FF
G
*Goddess Classic Styles - Maximum Coverage Full Figure: 106, 110, 386 have larger frames with additional coverage and additional hooks and eyes. Medium Coverage Full Figure: 204, 304, 511, 1304, 650 have full figure frames featuring less coverage.
**Goddess Classic Bridal - 391, 689, 690.
***Goddess New Styles - Medium Coverage Full Figure: 1001, 2000, 2010, 2066, 3010, 3050, 3910, 4050, 5056, 5810, 5850, 5900, 5910, 8010, 9150 feature small to large cup and back sizes with frames offering less coverage than the Goddess Classics. Bridal styles medium coverage: 710, 712, 3930, 6930, 8202.
^For Fantasie of England, Freya, Fauve and Panache - featuring smaller back sizes and larger cups.
Your calculations will be a little different. First, measure the back size as described above, if it is an even number add 4 to get your back size (32+4 = 36 backsize), if it is an odd number add 5 to get your back size (29+5 = 34 backsize). Second, measure the fullest part of the bust as described above.
When you have all three numbers (first measurement, backsize calculation, and bust measurement) subtract the first measurement (not the backsize but the actual measurement) from the bust measurement to get your difference.
For example if you measure 29 inches under the bust, you have a 34 inch backsize. If you then measure 38 inches around the fullest part of the bust, you have a 9 inch difference (38-29=9). Use the 9 inch difference to determine your cup size below.
Fantasie of England, Freya, Fauve, Panache
Difference in Measurement:5"6"7"8"9"10"11"12"13"14"15"16"17"18"Cup SizeABCDDDEFFFGGGHHHJJJ
European Conversions for Bras
USAEuropeanFrench32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
4870
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
11085
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
Cup size is the same between U.S. and Europe/France. "A" cups (U.S.) = "A" cup in Europe/France; B=B, C=C, etc with some exceptions for "DD" and "DDD" cups. Many European brands (and some American brands) use the lettering "E" for a DD cup size and "F" for a DDD cup size. The cup size guide above should help you determine which cup size is appropriate for you.
Special Notes:
1. The size bra you wear may vary between styles and manufacturers. We suggest you use your best fitting bra (that is not overly stretched or worn out) as a starting point.
2. This is a general guideline only. You may need to adjust your selection depending on your body type, the bra style, and the brand of bra. See our fitting tips below for some helpful hints.
3. All measurements are for "inches".
4. See above for differences in Goddess brand sizing.
5. Tatiana brand bras tend to run small, so if this is the case for you, try a larger band size while keeping your normal cup size.
Figure Types
Small-Busted:
AA to "small B" cup sizes. Breasts are firm and spread further apart. A properly fitted bra will cup breasts for light support and natural shaping.
Average-Figured:
B to C cup sizes. The most common bra size. Breast can be firm or fleshy, depending on age and overall figure type. A bra can easily shape as necessary.
Full-Figured:
A. Young, Full-Busted: C and above cup sizes. Breasts are fuller, firmer and require support. They can be easily lifted and molded for attractive shaping.
B. Mature, Full-Busted: C and above cup sizes. Breasts are larger and have less elasticity. They need firm support and complete cup coverage for additional shaping.
C. Large Sizes: 38-50 B and above cup sizes. A "plus size" figure with a woman's dress size of 14+. The back or body size is larger yet the breasts are not necessarily fuller. A bra that is designed to these proportions is necessary for proper comfort, shaping and support.
Fit Check List:
* The cup should completely contain the breast with the exception of push-up bras and demi-wire styles.
* The breast should not spill over the top or sides of the cup. This indicates that the cup may be too small.
* The cups fit smoothly. Gaps or puckering indicate that the cups are too large.
* The bra should be snug but not too tight around the body.
* The back of the bra should stay down and not ride up on the back. This indicates a large band size. Try one band size smaller.
* The center of the bra should lie flat against the breastbone. Otherwise, the cups may be too small. Try a larger cup size or a different style.
* The straps should be adjusted to support comfortably without pressure or cutting.
* The bra feels comfortable.Maternity Bras - See our extensive Maternity Guide here
To find the correct fit for maternity intimate apparel, simply follow the same fitting techniques as listed previously and then check for the following:
* Shop for nursing bras in the last trimester of pregnancy to assure a lasting fit.
* Bras should securely support but not bind under the breast. Constricting the breast could affect milk flow.
* Breasts continually change in both shape and size throughout pregnancy. Choose a bra with a roomy cup design so that the breasts can expand once your milk comes in.
* The upper side of the cups should be loose without sacrificing comfort or support. If breasts enlarge beyond a couple of sizes, refitting may be necessary.
* Try on bras with a breast pad or shield. Place the pad inside the cups to check for fit.
* The center of the bra should lie flat against the breastbone and the bra shouldn't ride up in the back. Ride-up indicates that the band may be too large, the cups or shoulder straps too tight, or the need for more support.
* The bra should fit comfortably when fastened on the middle row of back hooks. This will allow for changes in body size as the pregnancy progresses and after delivery.
