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🧵 DIY Sewing & Lingerie Tool

Bra Size Calculator

Find your perfect bra size for DIY bralette making, sewing lingerie patterns, and alterations. Get results for US, UK, EU, FR/BE/ES, AU, and NZ sizing — all from two measurements.

8
Size systems
2
Measurements needed
¼″
Accuracy needed
📏 Enter your measurements to the nearest ¼ inch (0.5 cm) for best accuracy
Bust size: loose circumference around the fullest part of the chest, standing straight with arms at sides, wearing a properly fitted bra.

Band size: firm circumference measured directly underneath the breasts (not tight, not loose).
bust size band size
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Enter your bust and band measurements,
then click Calculate to see your size.

Your Bra Size
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Bra Size Converter

Convert your bra size between international sizing systems

🌍 Select your location, band size, and cup — get equivalent sizes worldwide

Equivalent Sizes

Select your size and click Convert
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Band Size Reference Chart

International band size equivalents — note some variation by manufacturer is possible

💡 DIY Sewing Tip: When cutting a bra pattern, use your band measurement (underbust circumference) plus your cup calculation to select the correct pattern size. Always compare to the pattern's finished measurements, not just the size label.

Band SizeFR / BE / ESEU (EN 13402)US & UK (inches)AU / NZ
XXS7560286
XS8065308
S85703210
M90753412
L95803614
XL100853816
XXL105904018
3XL110954220
4XL1151004422
5XL1201054624
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Cup Size Reference Charts

Cup size is determined by the difference between bust measurement and band measurement

Bust–Band diff (inches)US CupUK / AU Cup
< 1AAAA
1AA
2BB
3CC
4DD
5E or DDDD
6F or DDDE
7G or DDDDF
8HFF
9IG
10JGG
11KH
12LHH
13MJ
14NJJ
Bust–Band diff (cm)Continental Europe Cup
10–11AA
12–13A
14–15B
16–17C
18–19D
20–21E
22–23F
24–25G
26–27H
28–29I
30–31J
32–33K
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Getting the Right Fit

Why bra fit matters — and how to spot problems

⚠ Incorrect Bra Fit: Surveys suggest that 70–85% of women wear incorrectly fitted bras. The most common mistake is choosing too large a band and too small a cup. Studies also confirm there is no universal standardisation — a 34B from two different brands may fit completely differently, which is exactly why making your own gives you full control.

Signs of Poor Fit

  • Band digging into torso or sliding upwards
  • Red marks or skin irritation from straps/band
  • Shoulder or neck pain from over-tightened straps
  • Breasts overflowing around the cup edges
  • Center panel not lying flat against the chest
  • Straps falling off or needing constant adjustment
  • Wires poking or sitting on breast tissue

Why DIY Makes Sense

Commercial bra sizing lacks standardisation — sizes vary by country, brand, and even product line. Making your own bra or bralette from a sewing pattern lets you adjust every measurement precisely: the band elastic, cup depth, wire length, and strap placement.

Use this calculator to find your starting size, then adjust based on a toile (test garment) before cutting your final fabric. A well-fitted DIY bra is often far more comfortable than a store-bought one.

Band Size Explained

The band (or frame) size is the firm underbust circumference, measured directly beneath the breasts. US and UK sizes are expressed in even-number inches. EU sizes are in centimeters. FR/BE/ES sizes add 15 to the EU value.

When sewing, remember that finished garment measurements include ease — pattern band measurements are typically smaller than your actual underbust to create the necessary stretch fit.

Cup Size Explained

The cup size is determined by the difference between the bust measurement (over the fullest part) and the band measurement (underneath). Every additional inch or 2 cm typically moves up one cup size, though this varies by sizing system.

For sewing patterns, you may need to adjust cup depth, wire length, and cradle width separately — especially for sizes outside the typical AA–D range commonly used in commercial patterns.