bra size

How to measure your size correctly

5 March 2024 / Size Guide

Follow the steps listed below, and by using the bra size chart and how to measure, you will be amazed at how much you will love wearing your bespoke bra, designed especially for you.

My sizing is “true to size”, so always order the bra size that fits you best if you were to purchase in-store. Tell me of any, even the slightest fitting issue. Armed with your usual size, fitting issues and measurements gives me the information I require to customise your fit.

For example:

According to my size chart, I measure as a 12D. So as a client, I would note that I usually buy a 10DD but it always feels a bit tight through the band, and most underwires are too wide and too high, often at both the sides and the centre front.

Having all of this information along with measurements and underwire size, gives me everything I need to customise your perfect bra.

If you can’t find your size in the chart below, just follow the measurement guide for a custom size.

Let’s start with the size bra you would usually buy _______________ and what issues would you usually have with bras.

Bra Size Chart

Sunbird Size	Band Size (cm)	Bust Measurement (cm)	Cup Size
10	68-72	82-84	A
10	68-72	84.1-86	B
10	68-72	86.1-88	C
10	68-72	88.1-90	D
10	68-72	90.1-92	DD
10	68-72	92.1-94	E

12	73-77	87-89	A
12	73-77	89.1-91	B
12	73-77	91.1-93	C
12	73-77	93.1-95	D
12	73-77	95.1-97	DD
12	73-77	97.1-99	E

14	78-82	92-94	A
14	78-82	94.1-96	B
14	78-82	96.1-98	C
14	78-82	98.1-100	D
14	78-82	100.1-102	DD
14	78-82	102.1-104	E

16	83-87	97-99	A
16	83-87	99.1-101	B
16	83-87	101.1-103	C
16	83-87	103.1-105	D
16	83-87	105.1-107	DD
16	83-87	107.1-109	E

How to Measure for Your Bra

Everything you will need is included in your Custom Fitting Kit.

Three measurements are required, and, most importantly, an underwire fitting.

They are under bust, full bust and over bust.

Under bust.

This measurement is directly under your bust, around your ribcage.

To take this measurement you need the tape measure to be parallel to the floor and fitting snugly. Breathe out, and this is your measurement.

______________cm

Full bust.

This measurement is the fullest part of your bust, usually nipple height.

Wear your best-fitting bra and place the tape measure around your back and over your fullest bust area. Imagine measuring from your usual bra back around to your bust point ( nipple height or fullest part of your bust). The tape measure is roughly parallel to the floor, not firm, as we want the fullest measurement. To ensure you have captured your fullest measurement, lean forward and adjust the tape measure if required.

Full bust

______________cm

Over bust.

Imagine wearing a classic strapless dress or strapless bra. The uppermost line of these garments is your overbust.

Take your tape measure and place it as if it were the upper edge of a strapless bra. This measurement needs to be snug, so take it breathing out. The tape measure goes around your back, under your arms, and then snugly just above your breasts.

______________cm

Underwire fitting.

A bra will not fit correctly and will most likely be uncomfortable if the underwire does not fit you perfectly!

It is important to fit left and right breasts. I have provided a sticky tab to adhere left and right underwire. If the same, just tag the one that fits you. This is the most important part of the process when using the bra size chart and how to measure.

A properly fitting underwire will support, lift, and shape your breasts. It will not dig in, push down on your ribs, stab you under your arms or do any of those terrible things the wrong-size underwire can do.

The underwire needs to fit perfectly at the “inframammary crease”- the boundary where breast tissue stops and the chest wall begins. So in simple terms, directly under your breast, not digging in and not pushing down onto your chest wall or what feels like the rib cage area.

It may help to raise your right arm if you are fitting your right breast. Place the chosen underwire to your inframammary crease, and lower your arm. The underwire should feel snug, no poking and no pushing down.

Remember to fit both the right and left breast, as they may be different sizes or shapes.

Mark the underwires for left and right.

Well done!

As you go through the bra size chart and how to measure, if you need a bit of advice or assistance, please contact me via email, and we can always organise a phone call or Zoom appointment.

The Custom Fitting Kit includes all you need to find your perfect-fitting undies.

Undies Size Chart

Sunbird Size	Waist (cm)	Hips (cm)
8	54-62	80-87
10	63-70	88-95
12	71-78	96-103
14	79-86	104-111
16	87-96	112-122

How to measure for the perfect fit!

Measuring for undies.

Four measurements are required for the perfect fit!

They are natural waist, hips, crutch length and crutch depth.

Natural Waist

To measure your natural waist, tie the provided elastic around your waist (comfortably, not tight) then wiggle or move around, and it will settle on your natural waist. Measure snugly.

_______________cm

Hips

To measure your hips, stand with your feet together, and work the tape measure until it is over the fullest part of your bottom or hip area. Measure snugly.

_______________cm

Crutch Length

Take this while wearing your elastic around your natural waist. Place the tape measure at the centre of your back, starting at the elastic, and bring it under, through your legs to the front, up to the elastic, passing over your belly button, or somewhere near. This is more of a vertical measurement, unlike all the other measurements being horizontal.

______________cm

Crutch Depth

This measurement is taken at the side of the body, sitting down on a hard surface. The measurement is from the natural waist to the hard surface. Giving the final measurement of the depth from natural waist to crutch.

_________________ cm

Any fitting problems you usually find with undies?

Too high?

Too low?

Ride up?

Just let me know xo

Feel Fabulous in your Bespoke Lingerie…….everyday💖

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Bra Fitting Checklist

14 August 2022 / Bra fitting checklist

Bra fitting checklist:

Here is a simple 5-step bra fitting checklist you can do at home to check each bra you own. The bras that tick all the boxes are the ones you should be wearing.

Bra fitting checklist

Step #1

The most important starting step: is the band.

The band should be firm, not tight. It should be parallel to the floor, not ride up at the back.

The band accounts for 80% of the support in your bra.

Step #2

The next step is the bridge or the centre front of your bra that sits in between your breasts. This needs to be sitting flat against your body. The height of the bridge is also important. If it’s not the correct height it won’t sit flat. We are all such different shapes, even if the tape measure says we are the same.

Step #3

THE UNDERWIRE!!!

This is the most important part, next to the band, that, apart from being the correct fit, will make the bra uncomfortable if it’s not your correct size and shape. A crucial step in your bra fitting checklist.

The underwire needs to be sitting directly up against your breast root. This is where your breast tissue joins your chest wall. It should not dig in at any point. It should not push down to sit on your ribs or poke anywhere.

So, I’m sure you are starting to see the importance of each part fitting correctly. If one part doesn’t do its job, it will “pull” the other parts away from being able to do their job. This is why bra fitting is complex and not an exact science. We, as humans, are complex.

Bra fitting checklist

Step #4

The cup.

The cup should contain the breast. There should be no overflow or excess in the cup fabric. It should support the breasts in the upward and forward positions. Not down or off to the sides.

Pro tip: If you have one breast larger than the other, always fit the larger breast as you can add to the cup of the smaller side to build up and make them equal.

Step #5

The straps.

They shouldn’t dig in. You should also be able to release the straps from your shoulds as the final check. Your bra should stay in place without the support of the bra straps. The support should not come from the straps. It’s all the other steps in our bra fitting checklist.

How many bras have you been wearing that didn’t tick all the boxes?

Don’t you wish you had a bra fitting checklist before buying the ones that don’t fit?

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Bra size has increased.

9 August 2022 / bra size has increased

Bra size has increased! Do you know the average cup size?

Over the past two decades, the average bra size has increased from a “B” cup to a “DD” cup.

This is a considerable increase in cup volume.

Ironically, the sales of underwired bras have decreased while the sales of bralettes have increased. The very best bralette can’t give the support of a well-fitting underwire bra.

We don’t buy slippers because we can’t find comfortable shoes that fit and support our feet!

FUN FACT: The left breast is often larger than the right!

I think this change is most likely due to the perception that a wired bra is uncomfortable to wear. Well, it is! That is if it doesn’t fit correctly! Over 80% of women will tell you they are wearing the wrong size bra. It’s difficult to buy a bra, off the rack, that will fit you perfectly. Find an experienced bra fitter, along with a large range of makes and models to choose from, this would be required to find the best possible one for you. But yet, it still isn’t made to fit you. It’s made with a lot of very clever design features to create more “give”, to fit the masses.

Annual fittings are recommended

Our bodies are in a constant state of change. Our diets change our hormones change, and our lifestyle changes. Bras need to be replaced every 9 to 12 months, this is industry standard, due to loss of elasticity in the bra, along with possible body changes in the wearer. So it’s a good idea to set an annual date to recheck your bra fitting. Make it an easy date to remember, like a week before your birthday, the first Saturday in Spring, whatever works for you. Remember, the bras you are wearing will have “given” a little as any item with any elasticated will, so your new bras may feel firm to start.

A great-fitting band is the beginning of a great-fitting bra. Next is the underwire. Manufactured bras have to use the industry standard underwire for that bra. The culprits for creating most of the discomfort can be the underwires, as they may not be the best fit for your size and shape. Two different shapes and/or sizes may be the best for you. The next part to fit is the cups. Most brands use fabrics or moulded cups that have “give”. This will allow a wider variety of customers who can then fit into that cup. Next are the straps. All are adjustable, but are they in the best position, front and back, for you?

Why choose Sunbird Lingerie custom-made bras?

When you order a bra from Sunbird Lingerie, we ask questions! I recommend a fitting check every 12 months. Use our fitting checklist as it’s the easiest option, along with our fitting kit. It gives you everything you need for your best-fitting bra.

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Bra size guide

22 March 2019 / Sizing Guide

BRA SIZE GUIDE

Welcome to our helpful bra size chart and tips to help you achieve the perfect comfy supportive fit. Let’s make sure your bra looks amazing and feels like wearing pyjamas.

5 easy steps to find your bra size

Measurements are the perfect place to start. Begin by wearing your best-fitting bra.
We need two measurements for a bra size chart. Here’s how to accurately and confidently measure your bra size for the perfect fit, support and comfort.
The Underbust measurement – wrap the tape measure around your rib cage just under your bust. The tape measure should be parallel to the floor and feel snug around your body. Exhale and note the measurement. This is your band size.
The Fullbust measurement – Repeat the steps above this time the tape measure needs to gently wrap over the fullest bust point. Over the nipple is usually the best place. This will indicate your cup size.
Now you’re ready to move on and use the bra size chart.

BRA SIZE CHART

BAND	UNDERBUST	A	B	C	D	DD	E
10	68 -72 CM	82 – 84 CM	84 – 86 CM	86 – 88 CM	88 – 90 CM	90 – 92 CM	92 -94 CM
12	73 – 77 CM	87 – 89 CM	89 – 91 CM	91 – 93 CM	93 – 95 CM	95 – 97 CM	97 – 99 CM
14	78 – 82 CM	92 – 94 CM	94 – 96 CM	96 – 98 CM	98 – 100 CM	100 – 102 CM	102 – 104 CM
16	83 -87 CM	97 – 99 CM	99 – 101 CM	101 – 103 CM	103 – 105 CM	105 – 107 CM	107 – 109 CM

UNDIES SIZE CHART

SIZE	WAIST MEASUREMENT	HIP MEASUREMENT
8	54 – 62 CM	80 – 87 CM
10	63 -70 CM	88 – 95 CM
12	71 -78 CM	96 – 103 CM
14	79 – 86 CM	104 – 111 CM
16	87 – 96 CM	112 -122 CM

We are unique!

Bra sizing is calculated using our bra size guide and then lining up your measurements on the chart which will indicate a band size with a cup size. So a 12D is a band size 12 with a cup size D.

Then, just to add to the already complex calculations, there is such a thing as “sister sizes”. Sister sizes relate to the volume of the bra cup. A good example of this is, to think about a 500ml bottle of water. There is the 500ml bottle of water that is considered to be the standard size and shape, and then there are a huge number of bottles that contain 500ml, although they are presented in many different shapes, they still contain the same volume of water- 500ml. Suddenly your bra size 12D can become a 10DD or a 14C. Confused? This is where bra size calculators need a little bit of human expertise, and sometimes a couple of trials, to find your best bra size and shape.

Once your perfect fit is calculated, then you can really have some fun creating Bespoke Lingerie that you’ll love to wear.

The ultimate bra you’ll love to wear

At Sunbird Lingerie, we create your ultimate bra by including just one more step in the calculation. It is the most important part of the equation. Once you have your measurements, contact Cindy to discuss the final step to your ultimate bra.

Easy to see why over 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra.

Consider Sunbird Lingerie as your personal bra size guide!

Thank you for taking the time to read about this complex issue. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

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