The Right Size Without Trying It On?

Lingerie size guide – how to choose the right size without trying it on

Shopping for lingerie online is becoming an increasingly popular choice. It is convenient, saves time and offers a wide variety of styles that cannot always be found in physical shops. Nevertheless, many women still hesitate to place an order because they are concerned that they may not choose the right size.

The truth is that choosing suitable lingerie depends less on the size you usually wear and more on taking accurate measurements. Sizes may vary between manufacturers, while different cuts and fabrics also affect how a particular style fits.

The good news is that you do not need to visit a shop to choose the right size. With a few simple measurements, you can shop online with confidence and choose lingerie that is comfortable, beautiful and fits your body perfectly.

In this article, we will show you how to measure your body correctly at home, what bra and knicker sizes mean, and which common mistakes you can easily avoid.

Why accurate measurements are more important than the size on the label

Many women automatically choose the size they have always worn. However, this is not always the best decision.

Over time, the body naturally changes – weight may increase or decrease, the shape of the bust also changes, and different brands use their own sizing standards. Therefore, a 75B bra from one manufacturer may fit differently from the same size made by another.

Many women are surprised to discover that their actual size is different from the one they have worn for years. This is completely normal and happens much more often than you might think.

Instead of relying solely on the label, take a few minutes to measure your body. This significantly increases the likelihood of choosing lingerie that is comfortable, provides the necessary support and looks beautiful.

How to measure yourself correctly at home

You do not need to visit a shop to determine your correct size. Using a soft dressmaker’s tape measure, you can easily take the necessary measurements at home in just a few minutes.

For the most accurate result, measure your body over thin underwear or without clothes, standing upright and relaxed in front of a mirror. The tape measure should sit snugly against the body without digging into the skin or remaining too loose.

Take the measurements calmly and without holding your breath. If you are unsure whether you measured correctly, repeat the measurement once more. This will ensure that the result is as accurate as possible.

Once you have recorded your measurements, all that remains is to compare them with the size chart for your chosen style.

Which measurements you need to take

To determine the correct size, you will only need a soft dressmaker’s tape measure.

The most important measurements are:

• Bust circumference – measure around the fullest part of the bust.
• Underbust circumference – position the tape measure snugly directly beneath the bust.
• Waist – measure around the narrowest part.
• Hips – measure around the widest part of the hips.

Measurements should be taken while standing upright and relaxed, without thick clothing and without pulling the tape measure too tightly.

Table: How to take your measurements correctly

???? Tip: If you do not have a measuring tape, you can use a piece of string or ribbon, then measure its length with a standard ruler or retractable tape measure.

Now that you have all the necessary measurements, the next step is to learn how to interpret them correctly when choosing a bra and briefs.

How to determine your bra size

A bra size consists of two parts – a number and a letter.

For example, in size 75B:

• 75 indicates the underbust circumference.
• B indicates the cup size.

Many women focus only on the letter, but both values are actually equally important. If the underbust circumference is incorrect, the bra will not provide the necessary support, even if the cup appears to fit.

Therefore, when choosing, always consider the size as a combination of both values, rather than just a letter or a number.

Example of how to interpret a bra size:

Important: These are example sizes. The cup size is always determined in relation to the underbust circumference, so a C cup is not the same across all sizes (for example, 75C and 85C are different). For the most accurate choice, always use your measurements and the size chart for the specific model.

Helpful tip: If you have not taken your measurements in the past year, do so before placing your next order. Even a small change in your underbust or bust measurement may mean that a different size will fit you more comfortably and look better.

A quick tip

Whenever possible, always measure yourself with the same dressmaker's tape measure. Different tape measures may have slight variations, which can sometimes be enough to point you towards a different size.

How to choose the right knicker size

For knickers, the most important measurements are the waist and hips.

Although most styles are labelled with the standard sizes XS, S, M, L or XL, these designations are not always the same across different manufacturers. Therefore, do not rely solely on the letter; always compare your measurements with the size chart for the specific product.

Choosing the correct size is particularly important for shapewear. A smaller size will not shape your figure better – on the contrary, it may cause discomfort, feel excessively tight and fail to fit as the style was designed to.

If you are unsure between two sizes, also check the product description. Some fabrics are stretchier and fit more closely to the body, while others have very little stretch.

Size is not everything – the cut matters too

Two styles may be exactly the same size yet fit the body differently.

For example, a balconette, push-up, soft-cup or seamless bra has a different construction and enhances the bust in a different way. It is therefore perfectly possible to feel more comfortable in one style than another, even though the size is the same.

The same applies to knickers. Brazilian, classic, boxer and thong styles fit differently depending on the body's curves and personal preferences.

That is why, in addition to the size, you should also consider the cut, fabric and intended purpose of the style. The right combination of size and cut is the key to lingerie that looks beautiful and feels comfortable throughout the day.

Why sizes may vary between brands

If you have ever worn a size M from one brand and an L from another, you are not alone. This is perfectly normal and does not mean that you have chosen the wrong size.

Each manufacturer uses its own cut and sizing system. In addition, different fabrics have different levels of stretch, which also affects how the lingerie fits the body.

For example, lace styles are often more delicate and less stretchy, while microfibre and seamless fabrics offer more stretch and fit differently.

Therefore, when shopping online, do not rely solely on the size you usually wear. Always compare your measurements with the size chart for the specific style and pay attention to the information about the fabric and cut.

Did you know? More than half of women wear the wrong bra size without even realising it. Spending just a few minutes taking measurements can make a huge difference to comfort and how the lingerie fits the body.

What to do if you are between two sizes

Sometimes measurements fall exactly between two sizes. This is completely normal and does not mean that you are doing anything wrong.

In such cases, the choice depends not only on the size, but also on the design, fabric and how you prefer your lingerie to fit.

If the item is made from a more stretchy fabric, the smaller size will often fit perfectly. With firmer fabrics or shapewear, however, it is usually better to choose the larger size to avoid unnecessary pressure and remain comfortable throughout the day.

For bras, pay attention to both the cup and the underbust measurement. Sometimes changing just one of the two is enough to achieve a much better fit.

If you are still unsure which size is best for you, do not hesitate to ask for advice. A few minutes of consultation can often save you time, inconvenience and the need to exchange the product.

The most common mistakes when choosing a size

Even when you have a size guide, a few small oversights can lead to the wrong choice. Now that you know how to take your measurements correctly and interpret them, let us also answer some of the most frequently asked questions that arise when choosing lingerie online.

• You use old measurements

The body changes over time. If you have not measured yourself recently, your size may now be different.

• You measure over thick clothing

For the most accurate results, measurements should be taken over thin underwear or directly against the body.

• You pull the measuring tape too tight

The measuring tape should sit close to the body without digging into the skin. Measuring too tightly often leads to choosing a smaller size.

• You choose based only on the letter or only on the number

For bras, the number and letter always go together. The correct combination of the two ensures comfort, good support and a flattering fit.

• You do not check the size guide

Even if you always wear the same size, take a minute to check the size guide for the particular item. This is the surest way to make the right choice.

Frequently asked questions:

How often should I take new measurements?

It is advisable to do so at least once a year or after a significant change in weight, pregnancy or another period during which your body has changed.

Are sizes the same across all brands?

No. Different manufacturers use different cuts, fabrics and sizing standards. This is precisely why you should always compare your measurements with the size guide for the particular item.

What should I do if I am between two sizes?

Read the product description and pay attention to the fabric. If you are still unsure, ask for assistance – this will help you make a much more informed choice.

Can I rely solely on the sizes XS, S, M and L?

Not always. These size labels can vary between brands. Your actual measurements and the manufacturer's size guide remain the most reliable reference.

The right size gives you greater confidence

Beautiful lingerie is not just about design. It should be comfortable, provide the necessary support and make you feel confident throughout the day.

When you know your measurements and compare them with the size chart for the selected model, choosing becomes much easier and the risk of selecting an unsuitable size is significantly reduced.

Remember that the size on the label is only a guide. What matters most is how the lingerie fits your body and how you feel when wearing it.

At Glezla, we believe that every woman deserves lingerie that fits beautifully, provides comfort and enhances her natural beauty.