Lingerie shopping (as opposed to underwear shopping, which is just grabbing your everyday undergarments) is supposed to be fun. It’s an indulgence and a chance to make yourself feel attractive. Too often though it turns into a miserable experience as you find the articles don’t fit.

Whether shopping in the real world, or online, the trick is to get accurate measurements before you start so that you can see whether something that catches your eye is available in your size before you go any further.

How to measure yourself
Stand in front of a mirror with a cloth tape measure. Take the tape measure firmly around your chest just under, or at the crease, behind your breasts. It should be horizontal around your back and firm, but not overly taut. Note this measurement down in inches. If the measurement number is even, add 4 — that is your band size. If the number is odd, add 5 and that is your band size.

Now repeat and measure this time around the fullest part of your bust. Again keep the tape firm, but not tight.

If the measurement is the same as the first measurement, you are an A cup. If the measurement is:
1″ greater then your are a B cup.
2″ greater then your are a C cup.
3″ greater then your are a D cup.
4″ greater then your are a DD/E cup.
5″ greater then your are a F cup
and so on.

Manufacturers’ Sizing
We’re all sorted then? No, wait, come back! Nothing is ever that simple, because you will find that different manufacturers have different sizes for their lingerie, especially if you get to the larger sizes and plus size lingerie. Some include delicate, but not particularly useful terminology such as “Queen Size”.

Try and find the website for the manufacturer of the lingerie you are looking at, and hopefully they will have a sizing guide that fits your measurements to their sizes. It has to be said that some manufacturers are not particularly helpful, and even if they do have a sizing guide, it’s hidden away.