Should I choose a different size for my maternity bra or my nursing bra?
What are the international equivalents of UK sizes?
How do your S, M, L, XL compare to normal UK sizes?
Can I exchange a bra if I order the wrong size?
How should I measure myself?
The best way to fit a maternity or nursing bra is not by measuring yourself, but instead by trying on one of your best-fitting bras (on the loosest hook – underwired is fine, but padded is not), and answering the following questions to find your current, correct size.
- Is the bra band riding up at the back?
- Is your bust sagging?
- Are there marks on your shoulders where the straps have been digging in?
The underband is too loose. Try a bra with a SMALLER band size, but go UP a cup size. For example from a 36C to 34D
- Are your breasts spilling out of the front or the sides of the bra?
The cups are too small. Keep the same band size but go UP a cup size. For example from a 34DD to 34E
- Does the band feel too tight?
- Is the bottom of the bra lifting away from your rib cage?
- Are your breasts falling out of the bottom of the cups?
The underband is too small. Try a bra with a BIGGER band size, but go DOWN a cup size. For example from a 34D to a 36C
If you’re still unsure of your correct size, use our measurement guide below to find your correct size. Start by wearing your best-fitting bra on the middle hook (underwired is fine, but padded is not):
1. Find your band size by pulling the tape measure around your rib cage underneath your breasts, placing it just under your bust at the front and making sure the tape measure is flat and straight across your back. Pull the tape nice and tight (remember that a bra will stretch, but a tape measure doesn’t) and measure in centimeters.
Measurement (cm) | Band Size |
69, 70, 71, 72, 73 | 32 |
74, 75, 76, 77, 78 | 34 |
79, 80, 81, 82, 83 | 36 |
84, 85, 86, 87, 88 | 38 |
89, 90, 91, 92, 93 | 40 |
2. Now find your cup size by measuring across the fullest part of your bust. Try to keep the tape measure nice and horizontal all the way round, not dipping at the back, and not too tight. Measure in centimeters.
Cup Size/Band Size | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 |
B | 84-85 | 89-90 | 94-96 | 99-101 | 104-106 |
C | 86-88 | 91-93 | 97-98 | 102-103 | 107-108 |
D | 89-90 | 94-96 | 99-101 | 104-106 | 109-111 |
DD | 91-93 | 97-98 | 102-103 | 107-108 | 112-113 |
E | 94-96 | 99-101 | 104-106 | 109-111 | 114-116 |
F | 97-98 | 102-103 | 107-108 | 112-113 | 117-118 |
G | 99-101 | 104-106 | 109-111 | 114-116 | 119-121 |
H | 102-103 | 107-108 | 112-113 | 117-118 | 122-123 |
What bra should I buy depending on my stage of pregnancy?
Now that you’ve established your correct size, you can choose your bra and further refine the size if you need to:
early-mid pregnancy:
You should buy a maternity bra that’s either the same size as your current size, or if you feel your ribcage is expanding quickly, a bigger band size, but a smaller cup (if you’re a 34D, choose a 36C). Fit it on the tightest hook and see how it feels. This will allow you to let it out as your ribcage expands outwards.
2-3 weeks before your due date:
You should now buy a nursing bra, but go up one cup size from your current size (if you’re now a 36D, buy a 36DD). This is because your cup size will increase by at least one size when your milk comes in, and you’ll also need room for breast pads. Fit it on one of the loosest hooks. As your ribcage falls back to its natural place in the weeks and months after your baby is born, you can then tighten it.
You’ve had your baby and are breastfeeding:
Buy a nursing bra in the same size as your current size. It should be fitted on the middle hook. Your cup size will fluctuate during feeds, and your rib cage will fall back a little, so this will allow you to adjust the bra as necessary. Remember to choose a bra with stretchy cups (all our styles are good for this, particularly Second Skin).
What are the international equivalents to UK sizes?
Band Size: | |||||||
UK | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | ||
FR | 85 | 90 | 95 | 100 | 105 | ||
EUR | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | ||
US | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | ||
Cup Size: |
|||||||
UK | B | C | D | DD | E | F | G |
FR | B | C | D | E | F | G | H |
EUR | B | C | D | E | F | G | H |
US | B | C | D | DD | E | F | G |
Briefs |
|||||||
UK | S (10) | M (12) | L (14) | XL (16) | |||
FR | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | |||
EUR | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | |||
IT | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | |||
US | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | |||
AUS | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 |
How do your S, M, L, XL compare to normal UK sizes?
Our sizes are the same as non-maternity clothes, but we cut them to fit a growing bump.
- Small is equivalent to a UK 10 with a medium sized bump (20-28 weeks)
- Medium is a UK 12 with a medium sized bump (20-28 weeks)
- Large is a UK 14 with a big bump (28-34 weeks)
- X-large is a UK 16 with a full term bump (30-38 weeks)
In our nightwear we size quite generously so that you’ll be able to fit even the proudest of bumps. Please bear this in mind when choosing your size!
Can I exchange a bra if I order the wrong size?
Absolutely – simply return the item unworn in its original packaging with labels intact and mark the size you’d like in exchange on the packing note, and return it to us (see Shipping & Returns for more information). Please note that Sale items are non-returnable, non-exchangeable and non-refundable.