Size Guide

All Velour & Co sizes are UK. Use the charts below to find your best fit across bras, knickers, bodysuits, sleepwear and dresses. If you are between sizes, see the fit notes at the bottom or email contact@velourandco.co.uk and we will advise.

How to measure yourself

You need a soft flexible tape measure and ideally a friend for accuracy. Measure over light clothing or a non-padded bra — never over a jumper or thick fabric. Stand upright with arms relaxed at your sides.

  1. Underbust (band): wrap the tape snugly around your ribcage directly under your bust. The tape should be parallel to the floor and firm but comfortable.
  2. Overbust (cup): wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape level, not pulled tight.
  3. Waist: measure around the narrowest part of your waist, usually just above the belly button.
  4. Hips: measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, usually about 8 inches (20 cm) below the waist.

UK bra size chart

Find your band size from your underbust measurement, then calculate your cup size by subtracting the underbust from the overbust.

Band size (from underbust measurement)

UK band Underbust (inches) Underbust (cm)
30 25–27 63–68
32 27–29 68–74
34 29–31 74–79
36 31–33 79–84
38 33–35 84–89
40 35–37 89–94
42 37–39 94–99

Cup size (overbust minus underbust, in inches)

Difference UK cup
1 inch A
2 inches B
3 inches C
4 inches D
5 inches DD
6 inches E
7 inches F
8 inches FF
9 inches G

Example: If your underbust is 30 inches and your overbust is 34 inches, your size is a 32D (band 32, cup D = 4-inch difference).

Knickers, thongs & briefs

UK size Dress size Waist (inches) Hips (inches)
XS 6 24–26 33–35
S 8–10 26–28 35–37
M 10–12 28–30 37–39
L 12–14 30–32 39–41
XL 14–16 32–34 41–43

Bodysuits, babydolls & sleepwear

UK size Dress size Bust (inches) Waist (inches) Hips (inches)
XS 6 31–33 24–26 33–35
S 8–10 33–35 26–28 35–37
M 10–12 35–37 28–30 37–39
L 12–14 37–39 30–32 39–41
XL 14–16 39–41 32–34 41–43

Stockings & hosiery

UK size Height (cm) Weight (kg)
S 150–160 45–55
M 160–170 55–65
L 165–175 65–75
XL 170–180 75–85

Fit advice by style

Structured bras (underwire, plunge, push-up)

If you are between two cup sizes, size up for comfort and a smoother line under clothing. The band should sit horizontally across your back, not ride up. If the band rides up, go down a band and up a cup (for example, 34C → 32D).

Stretch bras (bralettes, soft-cup, sports)

If you are between sizes, size down for support. Stretch fabrics give more than rigid ones, and a slightly snug fit holds shape better.

Lace babydolls & chemises

These tend to run to "UK standard" sizing — if you wear a UK 10, pick size S. If you prefer a looser drape, go up one size.

Bodysuits

Always follow the torso length rather than bust. If you are tall (over 5ft 8in / 173cm), we recommend sizing up to avoid uncomfortable pulling through the shoulder-to-crotch span.

Corsets & shapewear

Measure your natural waist (above the belly button) and choose a size that matches that measurement exactly — never size down hoping for extra pull. Corsets are designed to fit the band, not reduce it.

Sleepwear & robes

Sleepwear is cut for movement. If you are between sizes, go up one — there is no benefit to a tight fit and comfort is the whole point.

Sister sizing (when your band size isn't available)

If your usual band size is out of stock, you can move to a "sister size" by changing the band one step and the cup one step in the opposite direction. For example:

  • 34C → sister sizes are 32D (smaller band, bigger cup) or 36B (bigger band, smaller cup)
  • 36D → sister sizes are 34DD or 38C

Sister sizes give you roughly the same cup volume but a different band circumference. They are a practical fix, not a perfect substitute.

Still not sure?

Email contact@velourandco.co.uk with your measurements (underbust, overbust, waist, hips) and the style you're considering. We'll reply within 24 hours with a specific recommendation. No pressure, no bots — just an honest suggestion.