Measure for a perfect fit. Be daring, find the best fit bra.

Have you checked your size lately? Throughout our lives, our bodies change from adolescence to adulthood, college, relationships, marriage and motherhood to name just a few milestone events. Yet many of us rarely check, and if needed, change our undergarment sizes. It’s a mystery. As woman, we remember to take care of the needs of others, in addition to our own. Multitasking is something we learn to do early on. And when it’s our shirt or pant size that needs to change, we do it–whether we like it or not. However we seem to cling to the same old bra size as if it’s heirloom. Ladies, let me tell you it’s time to change or at least, to check!

Not only does a properly fitting bra give you a more flattering silhouette and comfort, but it’s better for your health. A properly fitted bra can alleviate strain on the back and shoulders as well as keep breast tissue from breaking down and losing its firmness.

So, let’s get started. When trying on a bra, bend at the waist and lift yours breasts up one at a time and gently place them back within the cups and stand. You should not see any gaps or overflow with the right cup size. The back band of your bra should also be anchored below your shoulder blades.

Size Yourself Up

Now, if you're ready to tackle the task, follow the measuring instructions below.

To check your size, you’ll need a clothe tape measure and an open mind (smile!). First, measure under your breasts and around your back. Write the number down on a piece of paper.  Be as precise as possible. Second, measure the fullest part of your breasts (around your back and across the center of your breasts). Write this number down too. Now review the table below. If your tape measure does not have centimeters, you can convert your inches to centimeters using the calculator below. You can check your bra size too with just a few simple measurements. If you are unsure of where you should measure, check the image below.

Convert inches to centimeters
Value: Converted:
If you don’t own a tape measure and have a ruler instead, you can use a string, ribbon or even a large enough belt to take your measurements and then use the ruler to determine your band and cup size.
For international size equivalents, view this sizing chart

It may be a hassle, but trying a bra on always pays off in the end. Even fancy bras stay in the drawer when they don't really fit right. When trying on a new bra, lean forward and lift and place each breast into the cup. Put your shirt back on and see if your silhouette appears normal. Your bra should not be overly noticeable to the eye. If it's comfortable, does not feel tight in the back or ride up, your breasts do not spill over the cup and the material of the cups does not pucker, consider buying it. You just might be happy with your purchase and re-visit the lingerie shop again for either a practical or frivolously pretty new bra.

Now that you have your sizes, let’s go shopping for sexy sheer bras and lace panties! Remember: Keep your "girls" happy and well supported. :)

International Sizing - For international size equivalents, please click here.

Lavinia Activewear Sizes

Lavinia Activewear is made with microfiber, which stretches to your body shape. It's important to select the correct size so that you feel comfortable with the fit and how you look in it. If you select a size that is too small, the fabric will stretch too much and the garment will loose its opacity. Our activewear garments are available in either two or three sizes: extra small/small (XS/S), medium/large (M/L) and extra large (XL). In general, the XS/S size is equivalent to a 2-6; the M/L size is equivalent to a 8-12; and the XL is equivalent to a 14-16.

It's not unusual for two, size-10 woman to look different. As most women are proportioned differently, we recommend checking your measurements. Making it more difficult, manufacturers do not always define sizes in the same manner. Here is how we define Lavinia Activewear sizes.

Caring for your lingerie

When washing your lingerie, try using a soda-based fabric wash. Regular detergents often contain harsh chemicals that can damage delicate fabrics. If you prefer to wash your bras in a washing machine, place them in a mesh lingerie bag. Make sure that you hook the back closure of the bras before putting them in the bag. This will keep them from hooking and damaging other garments in the machine. And, the lingerie bag will protect your bras from being wrapped around the machine agitator. Avoid putting your bras and panties in the dryer. The heat of a dryer can break down Lycra, spandex and elastic and as a result, you will find yourself replacing your undergarments more frequently. Rotate your bras. Bras do not need to be laundered after every wearing, but you should avoid wearing a bra two days in a row.