Sizing
How to work out your real bra size (and shop it online)
5 min read
Most women are wearing the wrong band size, and it's rarely their fault — sizing is inconsistent between brands and countries. Here's how to measure yourself properly, and how to read a size chart so an online order actually fits.
Measure the band first
Stand up straight, wear an unpadded bra or none at all, and run a tape measure snugly around your ribcage directly under your bust. Keep the tape level and firm — it should not slide.
Round to the nearest whole number. In Australian and UK sizing, that measurement in inches is usually your band size, rounded up to the next even number if you land on an odd one.
Then measure the cup
Measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level across your back. Subtract the band measurement from the bust measurement.
Each inch of difference is roughly one cup size: 1 inch is an A, 2 is a B, 3 a C, 4 a D, 5 a DD, and so on up the scale.
Sister sizes are your backup plan
Cup volume is relative to the band. If a 34D feels tight in the band but fine in the cup, a 36C holds a similar cup volume with a looser band. Going the other way, a 32DD is the tighter-band equivalent.
Knowing your two sister sizes doubles the number of styles you can buy when something is sold out.
What to check before you order online
Sizing charts are per-brand, not universal. Always open the brand's own chart rather than assuming your usual size carries across.
- Whether the chart is in AU/UK, US or EU sizing
- Whether the style is wired, wire-free, balconette or plunge — cut changes fit more than size does
- Stretch: lace and jersey are forgiving, structured satin is not
- The returns window, and whether returns are free
Save it once, use it everywhere
If you add your measurements to your Coven profile they stay private to your account, and every search you run can filter to your size automatically instead of you retyping it.
Search it on Coven
Questions we get asked
Why does my bra size change between brands?
There is no enforced standard for bra sizing. Each brand drafts its own blocks and grades between sizes differently, so a 12C in one label can fit like a 14B in another. Measure yourself, then read each brand's own chart.
How often should I re-measure?
Any time your weight, cycle stage, pregnancy or training routine changes noticeably — otherwise around once a year is plenty.