Fit Guide

Your bra size is two measurements. Your band size comes from your under-bust measurement — measure directly under the bust, tape held firm and level. Your cup size comes from the difference between your upper-bust and your under-bust. Measure both in centimetres, then read the two charts below in that order.

How do I measure for a bra?

Two measurements, taken in this order. Wear an unpadded bra, stand relaxed with your arms down, and keep the tape level all the way round.

1. Under-bust. Place the tape directly underneath your bust, holding it straight and firm against the body. This gives your band size.
2. Upper-bust. Keeping the tape in the same position on your back, move it up and loosely over the fullest part of the bust. Do not pull it tight.
3. Subtract. Upper-bust minus under-bust gives your cup size. For example, an upper-bust of 88 cm and an under-bust of 75 cm is a difference of 13 cm — a B cup.

Sizes on this page are in centimetres and follow Japanese sizing, which is what Wacoal uses in Singapore. The band column shows both notations — 75 / 34 means the same band.

What band size am I?

Find your under-bust measurement in the left column. The right column is your band size.

What cup size am I?

Take your upper-bust measurement, subtract your under-bust measurement, and find that difference in the left column. The right column is your cup size.

Which Wacoal size am I? A worked example

An under-bust of 75 cm and an upper-bust of 88 cm gives a difference of 13 cm. The under-bust puts the band at 75 / 34, and a 13 cm difference puts the cup at B. The size is 75B, written 34B in UK notation.

What is a sister size?

A sister size is a different band and cup combination that holds the same cup volume. If the band feels too loose, go down one band size and up one cup size — 80C becomes 75D. If the band feels too tight, go up one band and down one cup. The volume stays the same; only the ribcage measurement changes. There is more detail on our size guide.

Bra top and camisole sizes

Bra tops and camisoles are sized S to 5L rather than by band and cup. Use the chart below, or the Synchro chart if you already know your bra size.

Sports bra sizes

Find your cup size down the left and your band size along the top.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate my cup size?

Subtract your under-bust measurement from your upper-bust measurement. The difference in centimetres gives the cup: 9–11 cm is an A, 11.5–13.5 cm is a B, 14–16 cm is a C, and so on down the cup chart above.

What is the difference between 75B and 34B?

Nothing — they are the same band in two notations. 75 is the Japanese band measurement in centimetres and 34 is the UK equivalent. Wacoal Singapore labels both.

Should I measure with a bra on?

Yes, wear an unpadded bra. Measuring over a padded or push-up bra adds volume to the upper-bust measurement and gives a cup size that is too large.

My measurement falls between two sizes. Which do I take?

Take the smaller band and try the cup either side of what the chart gives, because bands stretch with wear and cup shape differs between styles. If you are between sizes it is worth being fitted in person.

How often should I re-measure?

Every six to twelve months, and after any weight change, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The next step

If you have not measured yet, our step-by-step measuring guide takes about five minutes. If your current bra rides up, gaps or digs, the size on the label may not be the problem.

A tape measure gives you a starting size, not a fit. Wacoal Singapore offers a professional bra fitting in store, where a fitter can see how the band sits and which cup shape suits you. Find your nearest Wacoal store.

To measure your bra size you need two measurements, taken in this order. Your under-bust — the tape held firm directly under the bust — gives your band size. Your upper-bust minus your under-bust gives your cup size. Wear an unpadded bra, stand relaxed with your arms down, and keep the tape level all the way round.

How do I measure my bra size at home?

Three steps, about five minutes, with a soft tape measure. Wear an unpadded bra — measuring over a padded or push-up bra adds volume to the upper-bust reading and gives a cup size that is too large.

Step 3 — Subtract. Upper-bust minus under-bust gives your cup size. An upper-bust of 88 cm and an under-bust of 75 cm is a difference of 13 cm, which is a B cup. The under-bust of 75 cm puts the band at 75 / 34. The size is 75B.

How do I calculate my cup size?

Subtract your under-bust measurement from your upper-bust measurement. The difference in centimetres is your cup size.

How do I find my band size?

Your band size comes from the under-bust measurement on its own — no subtraction. Wacoal Singapore labels both the Japanese and UK notation, so 75 / 34 is one band, written two ways.

The full charts, including bra tops, camisoles and sports bras, are on the Wacoal bra size chart.

How tight should the tape be?

Different for each measurement, and this is where most home measurements go wrong. For the under-bust, pull the tape firm — it should sit snug against the ribcage without digging in. For the upper-bust, keep it loose and level, resting on the fullest point without compressing the breast tissue. Pulling the upper-bust tape tight is the single most common reason a home measurement comes out a cup size too small.

How do I know the size I measured actually fits?

A tape gives you a starting size, not a fit. Check these five things on the bra itself.

1. The band is level. Front and back sit on the same line, parallel to the floor. If it rides up at the back, the band is too big.
2. Two fingers, no more. Two fingers should slide under the band with light resistance, on the loosest hook.
3. The cups are smooth. No gap at the top edge, nothing spilling over the top or out at the side.
4. The centre lies flat. The gore between the cups touches your breastbone. If it floats away, the cups are too small.
5. The straps stay put. They neither slip off the shoulder nor leave a groove after a few hours. Straps carry about 10% of the support — the band does the rest.

Any one of these failing is enough to change the size. There is more detail in why a bra rides up, gaps or digs.

Frequently asked questions

Should I measure with a bra on or off?

With an unpadded, non-push-up bra on. Measuring topless changes where the fullest part of the bust sits and gives an inconsistent upper-bust reading; measuring over padding adds volume that is not yours.

What if my measurement falls between two sizes?

Take the smaller band and try the cup on either side of what the chart gives. Bands stretch with wear, and cup shape differs between styles, so the chart size is a starting point rather than a verdict.

How often should I re-measure?

Every six to twelve months, and after any weight change, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Band size in particular changes more than most people expect.

What is a sister size?

A different band and cup combination holding the same cup volume. If the band is too loose, go down one band and up one cup — 80C becomes 75D. If it is too tight, go up one band and down one cup. See the size guide.

Can I measure myself, or do I need someone to help?

You can do both measurements yourself in front of a mirror. Check in the mirror that the tape is level all the way round at the back — a tape that slopes upward at the back is the second most common source of error.

The next step

With your two measurements, read them off the bra size chart. If you would rather be measured properly, Wacoal Singapore offers a professional bra fitting in store, where a fitter can see how the band sits and which cup shape suits you. Find your nearest Wacoal store.

Is that girdle right for you? Let's review the girdle!

The role of the girdle is to make the body line beautiful and at the same time reduce the shaking of the hips. The girdle's function can be demonstrated only when it is worn with the correct size and wearing method. If you feel something is wrong, please review it immediately.

The 5 points to check when wearing a girdle?

Let's check the fitting condition as well as the correct wearing method of the girdle.
After wearing the girdle, check the following five points.

Waist condition
State of the waist...Is it too loose, or is it tiered?

Waist position
Is it at the waist position of the body and is it horizontal in the front and back?

Condition of the hips
Do you lift the hips up neatly without squeezing them?

Condition of the hips
Is it floating or stuck?

State of the hem
Is the hem turned up or slipping up?

If even one is correct, it needs to be revised.
Let's take a look at the remedial measures for each symptom.

The waist of the girdle bites in

Cause
1.Small size
2.The power of the waist part is strong against the body shape and softness of the skin
3.The waist of the girdle is lower than the waist of the body

Countermeasure
1.Try one size larger.
2.Let's make the power of the waist part weak.
3.Try wearing a girdle with a long length or a high-waisted girdle.

Loose girdle waist

Cause
1.Large size
2.The power of the waist part is weak against the body shape and softness of the skin
3.Length is too deep

Countermeasure
1. Let's try one size smaller.
2.Let's make the waist part stronger.
3.Let's use a short length.

The back of the girdle rises

Cause
1.Large size
2.If the hips are flat, it is easy to lift the back of the body

Countermeasure
1.Let's try one size smaller.
2.Let's try to make the length shallow.

The length of the girdle is not enough

Cause
1.Small size
2.If the length is too short for the body type, the length may not be enough for thicker or taller people.

Countermeasure
1.Try one size larger.
2.Try wearing a girdle with a long length or a high-waisted girdle.

The hip part of the girdle is loose

Cause
1.Large size
2.When wearing, you do not put your hands in the bottom and keep your hips properly, or the back of the body is not pulled up properly
3.If the hip is flat, it is easy to sag

Countermeasure
1.Let's make the size smaller.
2.Let‘s check how to wear it. Click here for the correct way to wear the girdle.
3.If you have flat hips, try wearing something that does not make the hips too three-dimensional.

The crotch of the girdle bites in

Cause
1.Small size
2.The length is shallow for the body shape and softness of the skin, so if you pull it up forcibly, the crotch will dig in

Countermeasure
1.Let’s try large the size.
2.Try wearing something with a long length.

Check the hem of the long girdle

If you wear a long girdle, don't forget to check the hem.

There is step on the hem

Cause
1Small size
2.The hem length is short for the body type
3.The power around the hem is too strong for the body shape and softness of the skin

Countermeasure
1Let's increase the size.
2.Choose one with a long hem.
3.Choose one that has weak power around the hem.

Hem can sag

Cause
1.Large size
2.Hem length is too long for the body type

Countermeasure
1.Let's make the size smaller.
2.Choose short hem length.

Hem Rolled Up

Hem slips up

Cause
1.Large size
2.You are not wearing it correctly

Countermeasure
1.Let's make the size smaller.
2.Let's check how to wear it.