Why Getting Your Lingerie Measurements Right Matters
A beautiful piece of lingerie that does not fit right loses most of its appeal — and worse, it is uncomfortable. Straps that dig in, cups that gap, or a bodysuit that pulls — these problems almost always trace back to one thing: guessing your size instead of measuring.
The good news? Measuring yourself at home takes about five minutes, requires nothing more than a soft measuring tape, and makes every lingerie purchase dramatically better.
What You Will Need
- A soft fabric measuring tape (not a rigid metal one)
- A mirror
- A non-padded bra or no bra at all for the most accurate readings
How to Measure Yourself for Lingerie: Step by Step
1. Bust Measurement
Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest — across your nipples. Keep it parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. Breathe normally. This is your bust measurement.
2. Band (Underbust) Measurement
Slide the tape just below your bust, running it directly under your breasts around your ribcage. Keep it level and just firm enough to stay in place. Round to the nearest whole number. This is your band size. In US bra sizing, if your underbust measurement lands on an odd number, round up to the next even number.
3. Waist Measurement
Find your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso, usually about an inch above your belly button. Measure there without sucking in. This measurement matters for corsets, teddies, bodysuits, and anything with a structured waistline.
4. Hip Measurement
Stand with your feet together and measure around the widest part of your hips and seat — typically 7 to 9 inches below your natural waist. This is critical for bodysuits, babydolls with hip fit, and most lingerie bottoms.
5. Height
Some bodystockings and full-length chemises size partly by height. Know yours before you shop.
Understanding Lingerie Sizing vs. Regular Clothing Sizing
Lingerie sizing does not follow the same logic as everyday clothing. A medium in a T-shirt does not always translate to a medium in a lingerie set. The key difference: lingerie is sized for fit and structure, not just silhouette.
A corset sizes by underbust or waist. A bralette may size by band plus cup (32B, 36C). A one-size bodystocking usually lists a height and weight range. A bottoms-heavy set will prioritize hip measurement. Always check the size chart for each individual product — brands and styles vary more than you might expect.
Sizing Tips by Lingerie Type
Lingerie Sets
For sets like the Alana 4-Piece Set, check both the bra sizing (band + cup) and the panty sizing (waist/hip) separately. It is common to need a different size for each piece. When between sizes in the bottoms, most shoppers size up one.
Bodysuits
Bodysuits need to fit through the torso without pulling at the snaps or riding up. Your hip measurement is the most critical number. The Amy Bodysuit is a good example of a style where hip room matters as much as chest fit — if you are between sizes, go up and check the hip range in the size chart first.
Corsets and Bustiers
Corsets size by waist, not bust or hip. The Ava Bustier Corset should be sized to your natural waist measurement. Most corsets lace up the back and allow 2 to 4 inches of adjustment, so if you are between sizes, going up gives you more flexibility. A corset should feel snug and supportive — not constricting.
Babydolls and Chemises
Babydolls are more forgiving in fit since they are designed to drape rather than cling. Sizing is usually based on band and bust measurement. The Ashley Alexiss Babydoll Set flows from the band measurement down, so if you prefer a little extra room, sizing up one is a safe bet.
Teddies
Teddies are form-fitting by design, covering the torso from top to bottom. They are typically sized like a one-piece — by chest with a hip range also listed. For the Addicted to You Teddy, compare both your chest and hip measurement to the chart before ordering. When in doubt between sizes, go up for better comfort through the seat and torso.
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
- Measuring over clothing. Always measure over bare skin or a non-padded bra for accurate results.
- Holding your breath. Breathe normally when taking bust and waist measurements.
- Using a worn-out tape. Fabric tapes stretch over time. A new tape gives more reliable results.
- Measuring too loosely. The tape should lie snug against your skin, not float off it.
- Skipping your hip measurement. Many shoppers only check the bust and end up with bottoms that do not fit. Do not skip this one.
International Size Conversions: A Quick Reference
Lavah carries pieces from multiple brands, some of which use European or UK sizing. Here is a quick conversion reference:
| US Size | EU Size | UK Size |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 32 | 6 |
| S | 34 | 8 |
| M | 36 | 10 |
| L | 38 | 12 |
| XL | 40 | 14 |
When a product uses an EU size chart, match your bust and hip measurements to the numeric range rather than assuming your usual letter size carries over.
When to Size Up
If you land right between two sizes, follow this simple rule: size up for structured pieces such as corsets, underwired bras, and snap-closure bodysuits. For unstructured pieces like babydolls, chemises, and bodystockings, you can go either way depending on your fit preference.
Fitted lingerie that runs a size too small is uncomfortable and does not sit correctly on the body. Lingerie that is one size up typically looks just as good and feels much better to wear.
Save Your Measurements
Write your bust, band, waist, and hip measurements somewhere you will actually find them — the notes app on your phone works perfectly. Your measurements will save time every time you shop, and you only need to re-measure if your body changes significantly.
With your numbers in hand, browse the full Lavah collection and check the size chart on any product page before adding to cart. A couple of minutes spent on sizing upfront means less hassle later — and lingerie that actually fits the way it is supposed to.