How to measure your bra size
We know that many women do not know their bra size and it is normal to have many doubts when buying a new bra. Surely on many occasions you have also wondered whether you are wearing the right size because you do not feel comfortable in the ones you wear, the straps leave marks or the underwires dig in… For this reason, we explain how sizes work and how to find out your ideal size.
At Selene we have the calculator to make it much easier for you to work out your bra size. You just have to enter 2 measurements: bust contour and underbust contour, and your correct bra size will appear. Many women do not have the measurements of an exact size, but are between two. If this is your case, you can look for the combinations closest to your measurements and, in any case, we recommend going to a SELENE store to try on the models and have them help you find your ideal size.
How to measure yourself to calculate your bra size?
The first thing to know is that the bra size consists of a number and a letter. The number refers to the size and relates to the underbust contour. It is calculated by measuring around the body, just below the bust. The letter refers to the cup and relates to the bust contour. It is calculated by measuring the bust at nipple height. The higher the letter, the greater the capacity of the cup.
To calculate your size, the first thing you must do is measure yourself. To measure your bust you must take into account two measurements: the bust contour (CUP) and the underbust contour (SIZE). It is important that the tape is straight. Do not pull too tight, nor leave the tape measure loose, so that the measurement is as accurate as possible.
Once you have the measurements, enter them in the corresponding boxes and click on CALCULATE SIZE. You may not get an exact result, that is fine, it means the measurements do not exactly match the values the calculator has. That does not mean your size does not exist. If this happens, you can look for other combinations similar to your size to get a size reference.
STEP 1
Measure around the fullest part of the bust, making sure the fabric tape measure lies flat around the body (A)
STEP 2
Using a tape measure, take a snug measurement around the rib cage directly under the bust (B)
Calculate your size based on your measurements.
Bras and bodies
Size Chart
| EU/IT | DE | Torso contour (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 65 | 63-67 |
| 85 | 70 | 68-72 |
| 90 | 75 | 73-77 |
| 95 | 80 | 78-82 |
| 100 | 85 | 83-87 |
| 105 | 90 | 88-92 |
| 110 | 95 | 93-97 |
| 115 | 100 | 98-102 |
| 120 | 105 | 103-107 |
| 125 | 110 | 108-112 |
Bras and bodies
Table of Cups
| Cup | Difference between chest and torso circumference (cm) |
|---|---|
| B | 8-12 |
| C | 13-17 |
| D | 18-22 |
| E | 23-27 |
| F | 28-32 |
Knickers
Size Chart
| Size | Size according to hips |
|---|---|
| XS | 40 |
| S | 42 |
| M | 44 |
| L | 46 |
| XL | 48 |
| XXL | 50 |
| 3XL | 52 |
Girdles
Size Chart
| Size | Size according to hips | CM |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 40 | 72 |
| S | 42 | 74 |
| M | 44 | 76 |
| L | 46 | 78 |
| XL | 48 | 80 |
| XXL | 50 | 82 |
Brassiere
Size Chart
| Size | EU/IT | DE | Torso contour (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 85 | 70 | 68-72 |
| M | 90 | 75 | 73-77 |
| L | 95 | 80 | 78-82 |
| XL | 100 | 85 | 83-87 |
| XXL | 105 | 90 | 88-92 |
Size guide and tips for a good fitting:
It is just as important to choose the right bra size as to choose one suitable for your bust. Depending on your needs, you may want to lift the bust, conceal or increase volume. In all cases it is important to wear the right size so that the bra fulfils its function.
4 tips for the perfect fitting
1
Adjust the straps.
2
You should be able to slip two fingers underneath the center of the band easily with some resistance.
3
The band should be perpendicular to the floor and in the middle of the back.
4
Support is achieved through the cups and band, not through the straps. Center front of the bra should lay flat against the body.
How do I know I am wearing the correct bra size?
There are several signs you can check to know whether you are wearing the right bra size. One of them is the fastening; most bras have 3 hook positions on the closure, and ideally you should be able to fasten it on the first or middle ones without it pressing you. Bras in the right size should not leave marks on the skin. The back band of the bra should not sit above the bust line and, finally, the bust must be properly ‘placed’ in the cup. If it spills over where the cup ends, it is because you are wearing a cup that is too small, and if there is excess room and it does not fit well, it means the cup is too big.
Extenders, shoulder pads and straps. Selene accessories.
As we have already explained, many women are between two bra sizes and have to find their ideal combination. There are several solutions that can help in these cases. One of them is bra accessories. If you are a few centimetres short on body contour, you can use an extender to lengthen the garment's band. Extenders are a piece added to the bra closure that lengthens the bra so it does not press when fastening it. Selene extenders give you a better fit and greater comfort. They come in different sizes and with different hooks, and also in a variety of colours to match the bras.
Selene accessories (shoulder pads, straps and extenders) are sold separately and help all those women who need extra reinforcement.
The shoulder pad is used on the straps and is ideal for women who are bothered by bra straps; with the shoulder pad the straps do not dig into the skin and it adds extra comfort.
The straps, as their name indicates, are designed for strapless or multiway bras. This way, they can be added to bras if you do not feel like wearing them strapless, or added to a multiway bra to be able to cross the whole back. They are available in several colours and also in a transparent version.