8 out of 10 women are NOT wearing the right bra size.
It will only take 4 minutes to read this guide and discover your true bra size.
Finding the perfect bra can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help! It’s surprisingly common for women to wear one, two, or even three sizes too small. Wearing the wrong size causes discomfort, skin irritation, and lack of support. Stick with us to find your perfect fit!
Shopping for a bra doesn't have to be complicated. All you need are accurate measurements to choose the right band and cup size for your body. Keep in mind that your bra size naturally changes over time due to age, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations—so it’s essential to update it regularly.
Let’s check if you’re wearing the correct bra size!
No matter your favorite style—bralettes, full-coverage bras, strapless, or push-up bras—these rules apply to all of them.
Now that you know your bra size, it's time to explore Leonisa's best-selling styles
the absolute favorites of women just like you! Discover them today.
Best-Selling Bras
Keep reading to discover the most common bra sizing mistakes.
1. Confusing Your Band Size with Your Cup Size
When does this happen? You haven’t measured your bust.
You’ve likely never taken your measurements to find your true bra size, and no one has properly explained how bra sizing actually works.
- The number (e.g., 80) corresponds to your band size (underbust measurement).
- The letter (e.g., B) corresponds to your cup size (bust volume).
The Band Size:
This is the measurement around your ribcage right under your bust, represented by numbers: 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90… with 60 being the smallest and 95 the largest.
The Cup Size:
This is the measurement of your bust volume, represented by letters: A, B, C, D, DD… with A being the smallest and DD providing fuller coverage.
When does this happen? Your band size is too small.
This is one of the most common mistakes: wearing a bra band that is too tight or opting for styles that don't flatter your back, such as thin or overly rigid bands. If your bra digs in or creates unwanted back bulges, re-check your band size and remember that a bra extender can be your best friend!
When we constantly wear the wrong bra, our body adapts to it over time, creating unwanted indentations that weren't there before.
Discover our Posture Corrector Bras and say goodbye to back discomfort forever!
When does this happen? Your cup size is too small.
So many women wear cups that are too small without realizing it. When a cup is too small, it creates a "double-bust" or "quad-boob" effect, cutting your silhouette in two. This becomes instantly noticeable under your outerwear, making your bust lose its naturally smooth, rounded shape.
Did you know that at Leonisa we offer bras with different cup coverage? Explore our demi-cup bras or full-coverage bras today.
If this is happening to you, keep reading—you need to step up a band or cup size to avoid it!
When does this happen? The cup is too small or improperly adjusted.
You are either wearing the wrong bra size or not adjusting your breasts properly inside the cups when putting it on.
If your issue is the first one, it means the cup is too small for your bust to sit comfortably inside. As a result, the underwire rides up on top of your breast tissue instead of laying flat against your ribcage, causing discomfort and failing to provide the support you need.
When does this happen? Your cup size is too large.
This issue happens most frequently to women with smaller busts, who often struggle to find a structured bra they can fully fill out. We offer options specifically designed for smaller bust volumes so you can enjoy a comfortable, seamless fit in your cup.
For women with smaller busts, soft-cup styles like bralettes or unlined wireless tops are fantastic choices. However, you can also wear smaller-cup structured styles or push-up bras with contour padding, as long as the top edge of the cup lies completely flush against your skin.
This error can also happen to women with average or fuller busts if they aren't wearing the correct size or if the cup is larger than it should be. If this is your case, we have dedicated styles for average busts as well as full-coverage bras for larger busts—pick your perfect match!
If you are someone who buys a larger bra size just to get more breathing room in the back band—even though the cups end up gapping—wait! We recommend choosing a bra that fits your cup size perfectly and using a bra band extender if the band feels a bit snug.
When does this happen? Straps are too tight OR your band size is too large.
You may have noticed (or experienced) the back line of your bra sitting way up high instead of resting in a straight line across your mid-back. This is one of the most common fitting mistakes and usually comes down to one of two reasons:
- Your straps are pulled too tight, which puts unnecessary strain on your shoulders and pulls the band upward.
- Your band size is too large, making it impossible to anchor the back securely. Keep in mind that the back band should lay completely straight and horizontal without riding up at any point.
There is nothing more uncomfortable than straps that dig in so tightly that you’re left with deep red indentations on your shoulders at the end of the day. This shouldn't happen!
The opposite is just as annoying: straps that are completely loose, causing your bust to look unsupported and forcing you to constantly pull them up as they slide off your shoulders.
Your bra straps are meant to help balance and position your fit, so they should be adjusted to the sweet spot. If you have a fuller bust, opt for wide, padded straps for maximum comfort and support!
Knowing and calculating your true bra size guarantees that your bra will fit spectacularly and keep you feeling 100% comfortable all day long.
When you try on bras in your correct size, you’ll notice an instant transformation in your posture, bust shape, and silhouette. Your daily routine will change for the better—you’ll feel more empowered, and your outerwear will look infinitely better on you!
Moment of Truth: Do You Recognize Any of These Sizing Mistakes?
Now you're ready for the most important step!
We recommend measuring yourself at least twice a year, as our body measurements naturally shift due to hormones, pregnancy, weight changes, and life stages.
Did your calculation reveal a size different from what you normally wear? Don't let habit hold you back—dare to try a new size!
You can also visit us at any Leonisa store to get professionally measured by one of our fit experts. Prefer to shop online? Find your ideal bra in just a couple of minutes by taking our Bra Fit Quiz here!
FAQS
To find your accurate bra size, you need to know two key measurements:
- Band Size (Underbust): Represented by numbers (e.g., 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, etc.).
- Cup Size: Measures the fullest part of your bust and is represented by letters (A, B, C, D, DD).
Together, these form an alphanumeric bra size (e.g., 60B, 70B, 80C, etc.).
How to take your measurements: Make sure you have a soft measuring tape (in centimeters) on hand.
- Step 1 (Band): Wrap the measuring tape around your ribcage right under your bust. Ensure the tape stays completely straight and level across both your back and front.
- Step 2 (Bust): Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape straight across your back; it should fit comfortably without pulling too tight or hanging too loose.
Once you have both measurements, visit our Size Chart or Bra Size Calculator at Leonisa.com. Enter your numbers into the tool, and our system will instantly calculate your perfect bra size!
At Leonisa, band size 95 with a D cup (90D / 95D) represents our largest standard combination.
We design specifically with full-busted women in mind, prioritizing their comfort, lift, and overall well-being. Sizes for fuller busts typically range between band sizes 85 to 95 with cup sizes C, D, and DD. These styles feature side-support panels, wider bands, and reinforced straps—making them the ultimate allies for women who want maximum support without sacrificing style.
At Leonisa, size 60B is our smallest standard size. Remember that the number (60) corresponds to the band size and the letter (B) to the cup size.
Shopping at Leonisa.com is easy and stress-free when you're confident in your fit! Remember, in your alphanumeric size (e.g., 85C), the number represents your band size and the letter indicates your cup size.
Each band size corresponds to a specific underbust range in centimeters:
Size 60: 62 - 67 cms
Size 65: 67 - 72 cms
Size 70: 72 - 77 cms
Size 75: 77 - 82 cms
Size 80: 82 - 87 cms
Size 85: 87 - 92 cms
Size 90: 92 - 97 cms
Size 95: 97 - 102 cms
Bra cup sizes are designated by letters (Cup A, Cup B, Cup C, Cup D, Cup DD) and reflect the proportion between your underbust (band) and the full volume of your bust.
To measure your cup size, grab your soft measuring tape (in centimeters) and measure around the fullest part of your chest. Make sure the tape lies flat across your back and rests comfortably over your bust without compressing the tissue.
Once you have this number, enter it into our Bra Size Calculator or check our Size Guide at Leonisa.com to instantly find your correct cup size!
Find your size
Another way to find your size
| BRA(inches) | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Underbust | Bra SIZE |
|
||||||||||||||
| 25-27" | 30 | 29-31" | 30-32" | 31-33" | 32-35" | 34-36" | ||||||||||
| 27-28.5" | 32 | 31-33" | 32.5-34.5" | 33-35" | 34-37" | 36-38" | ||||||||||
| 29-30.5" | 34 | 33-35" | 34-36.5" | 35.5-38" | 36.5-39" | 38-40" | ||||||||||
| 31-32.5" | 36 | 35-37" | 36-38.5" | 37.5-40" | 38.5-41" | 40-42" | ||||||||||
| 33-34.5" | 38 | 37-39" | 39-40.5" | 39.5-42" | 40.5-43" | 42-44" | ||||||||||
| 35-36.5" | 40 | 39-41" | 40-42.5" | 41.5-44" | 42.5-45" | 44-46" | ||||||||||
| 37-38.5" | 42 | 41-43" | 42-44.5" | 43.5-46" | 44.5-47" | 46-48" | ||||||||||
Find your size
Find the perfect size by following these steps. When measuring yourself, wear a comfy bra without padding for an accurate measurement. Once you have your measurements, use the size calculator to figure out what will fit you.
How to measure
Step 1: Under Band
Measure in inches the contour of your base, placing the tape measure just below the bust and circling your torso.
Step 2: Bust
Measure the contour of your bust in inches by placing a measuring tape over the fullest part.
Questions?
Call our Customer Service Line at 0800-088-5434 to get expert advice.
Another way to find your size
| BRA(cms) | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Underbust | Bra SIZE |
|
||||||||||||||
| 63 - 67 | 65 | 75-80 | 77-83 | 80-85 | 82-89 | 86-92 | ||||||||||
| 68 - 72 | 70 | 79-85 | 82-88 | 85-91 | 88-94 | 91-97 | ||||||||||
| 73 - 77 | 75 | 84-90 | 87-93 | 90-96 | 93-99 | 96-102 | ||||||||||
| 78 - 82 | 80 | 89-95 | 92-98 | 95-101 | 98-104 | 101-107 | ||||||||||
| 83 - 87 | 85 | 94-100 | 97-103 | 100-106 | 103-109 | 106-112 | ||||||||||
| 88 - 92 | 90 | 99-105 | 102-108 | 105-111 | 108-114 | 111-117 | ||||||||||
| 93 - 97 | 95 | 104-110 | 107-113 | 110-116 | 113-119 | 116-122 | ||||||||||
Find your size
Find the perfect size by following these steps. When measuring yourself, wear a comfy bra without padding for an accurate measurement. Once you have your measurements, use the size calculator to figure out what will fit you.
How to measure
Step 1: Under Band
Measure the contour of your base, placing the tape measure just below the bust and circling your torso.
Step 2: Bust
Measure of your bust in inches by placing a measuring tape over the fullest part.
Questions?
Call our Customer Service Line at 0800-088-5434 to get expert advice.
