Bra Size by Brand
Understanding bra size by brand is essential because sizing is not standardized — the same label can feel completely different across manufacturers. A 34C at Victoria's Secret fits nothing like a 34C at Freya. This bra size by brand guide covers how 15 major brands size their bras so you know what adjustments to make when shopping across labels.
Start with your measured size from our bra size calculator and use the tables below to translate your bra size by brand. Do bra sizes vary by brand? Absolutely — and once you understand the patterns, shopping becomes far less frustrating.
Why Sizes Vary Between Brands
There is no universal bra sizing standard. Each manufacturer uses different fit models, materials, and pattern engineering. Some brands add more stretch to their fabrics, while others cut cups shallower or deeper. Two bras labeled 34C can differ by a full cup volume depending on the brand.
Material plays a significant role. A molded foam cup holds a fixed shape, so if the mold runs small you feel it immediately. Unlined mesh or lace cups stretch to accommodate, making fit more forgiving. Bands vary too — stretchy microfiber bands feel tighter than woven cotton ones at the same measurement.
Another major factor is the sizing system itself. UK brands (Freya, Panache, Elomi, Fantasie) use UK cup lettering, which diverges from US sizing after DD. A Freya 34E is not the same as a Victoria's Secret 34E. Always check which system a brand uses before ordering.
Brand Sizing Quick Reference
This bra size by brand reference table covers 15 major brands. The "Runs..." column tells you whether to size up, size down, or stick with your measured size.
| Brand | Country | System | Bands | Cups | Runs... | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria's Secret | US | US | 30-40 | AA-DDD | ~½ cup small | Cups tend shallow; size up one cup |
| ThirdLove | US | US + Half | 30-48 | AA-I | True to size | Offers half-cup sizes (B½, C½, etc.) |
| Skims | US | US | 28-46 | A-DD | Slightly small band | Stretchy fabric; band feels tighter |
| Aerie | US | US | 30-40 | AA-DDD | True to size | Consistent across styles |
| Savage X Fenty | US | US | 30-46 | A-I | Band runs small | Size up one band for comfort |
| Calvin Klein | US | US | 30-40 | A-DD | ~½ cup small | Fashion-forward, limited size range |
| Wacoal | US | US | 30-44 | A-I | True to size | Good for fuller busts |
| Natori | US | US | 30-38 | A-DD | True; shallow cut | Best for shallow breast shapes |
| Bali | US | US | 34-44 | B-DD | True; stretchy | Comfort-focused, forgiving fit |
| Maidenform | US | US | 32-44 | A-DD | True to size | Classic American sizing |
| Lane Bryant / Cacique | US | US | 36-50 | B-K | True; plus-size | Widest size range in US market |
| Freya | UK | UK | 28-40 | B-K (UK) | True to size | UK sizing: DD→E→F→FF→G |
| Panache | UK | UK | 28-40 | B-K (UK) | True to size | Engineering-focused for larger cups |
| Elomi | UK | UK | 32-48 | D-K (UK) | True; plus-size | UK sizing, starts at D cup |
| Fantasie | UK | UK | 30-40 | D-GG (UK) | True to size | UK sizing, mid-to-full bust |
US vs UK Sizing — The Key Difference
US and UK cup sizes are identical up to DD. After that, the two systems diverge completely. This is the single biggest source of confusion in bra brand size comparison shopping, and it catches people out constantly.
| US Size | UK Equivalent |
|---|---|
| DD | DD |
| DDD (F) | E |
| G | F |
| H | FF |
| I | G |
| J | GG |
If a brand uses UK sizing (Freya, Panache, Elomi, Fantasie), convert your US size using this table before ordering. Our size converter does this automatically.
How to Handle Brand Differences
Knowing your bra size by brand is one thing. Here is how to deal with it practically when shopping across labels:
- Always start with your measured size. Use our calculator to get your baseline. Every adjustment starts from an accurate measurement, not from a size you wore five years ago.
- Check reviews for fit feedback. "Runs small in the band" is the most common complaint on bra reviews and tells you to size up. Look for patterns across multiple reviews, not just one opinion.
- Use sister sizes when needed. If a brand does not carry your exact size, your sister size often works. For example, if 34D is unavailable, try 32DD (smaller band, same cup volume) or 36C (larger band, same cup volume).
- Convert for UK brands after DD. Freya 34E is NOT the same as Victoria's Secret 34E. Freya uses UK sizing where E equals US DDD. Always check which sizing system a brand uses before assuming cup letters match.
- Account for stretchy vs structured materials. Stretchy bras (Skims, Bali, Savage X Fenty) often feel tighter in the band than structured bras at the same size. Go with your measured size or size up one band for comfort.
Half-Cup Sizes
ThirdLove pioneered half-cup sizes (A½, B½, C½, and so on) to address the gap between standard cup sizes. If you consistently feel "in between" two cup sizes — the smaller one pinches while the larger one gaps — ThirdLove's half-cup system may provide a better fit.
No other major brand currently offers half-cup sizing. If you find your ideal fit is a half size, your closest option elsewhere is to try both the cup above and below, and then adjust the band to compensate. Our sister size chart can help you find the right combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Victoria's Secret run small?
Victoria's Secret cups tend to run about half a cup size smaller than measured, especially in molded styles. If your calculator shows 34C, try a 34D at VS. Their bands are generally true to size, so you usually only need to adjust the cup.
Why is my Freya size different from my US size?
Freya uses UK sizing. After DD, UK and US cup letters diverge completely. A US DDD equals a UK E. A US H equals a UK FF. Use our size converter to translate between systems accurately.
What brands have the widest size range?
Lane Bryant/Cacique offers the widest US range at 36-50 bands and B-K cups. ThirdLove covers 30-48 bands with AA-I cups plus half sizes. For UK sizing, Freya and Panache both offer 28-40 bands with B-K UK cups — check our bra size by brand table above for the full breakdown.