Bra Size by Brand -- 30+ Brands
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 30+ 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. Whether you shop at Skims, Pepper, Soma, Chantelle, or any of the 30+ brands below, this guide has you covered.
Why Sizes Vary Between Brands
Bra sizing varies between brands because no universal manufacturing standard governs how cup molds, band elasticity, or wire shapes are produced. Each manufacturer uses proprietary fit models, materials, and pattern engineering that can shift the effective size by up to one full cup or band increment from the label. According to a 2024 survey of 1,075 US women published by Bra Size Calculator USA, 61.9% of respondents wear sizes outside the industry's core A-through-D range, compounding brand inconsistency with limited retail availability. Material composition is a primary variable: molded foam cups hold a fixed shape and run noticeably tighter than unlined mesh or lace cups that stretch to accommodate, while microfiber bands feel firmer than woven cotton at the same measurement. The sizing system itself creates a second layer of variation -- UK brands like Freya, Panache, and Elomi use UK cup lettering, which diverges from US sizing after DD. A Freya 34E corresponds to a US 34DDD, not a US 34E. Always verify which system a brand uses before ordering, and use our size converter to translate between systems.
Brand Sizing Quick Reference
This bra size by brand reference table covers 31 brands across US, UK, and European markets. 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 |
| Cuup | US | US | 30-38 | A-H | True to size | Minimalist luxury; unlined mesh runs TTS |
| Pepper | US | US | 30-38 | AA-B | True; small bust | Designed specifically for AA-B cups |
| Soma | US | US | 32-44 | A-G | True; slightly generous | Comfort-focused; bands slightly relaxed |
| Chantelle | FR | EU/FR | 30-42 | A-I (EU) | True in EU sizing | French sizing; convert EU band (e.g. 75=34) |
| Simone Perele | FR | EU/FR | 30-40 | A-G (EU) | ~½ cup small | French luxury; cups cut slightly shallow |
| Lively | US | US | 32-40 | A-DDD | True to size | Inclusive basics; consistent across styles |
| True&Co | US | US | 32-42 | A-DD | True; stretchy | Comfort-first design; forgiving stretch |
| Torrid | US | US | 36-50 | B-I | True; plus-size | Wide plus-size range; similar to Cacique |
| Adore Me | US | US | 30-44 | A-G | Slightly small cups | Fashion-forward; size up ½ cup in push-ups |
| Warner's | US | US | 34-40 | A-D | True; relaxed | Budget comfort; limited cup range |
| Playtex | US | US | 34-48 | B-DD | True to size | Classic fit; excellent support engineering |
| Hanes | US | US | S-3XL + sized | A-D | Runs generous | Uses S/M/L for wireless; sized bras run true |
| Under Armour | US | US | 30-40 | A-DD | Band runs snug | Athletic compression; size up 1 band |
| ThirdLove (Half Cups) | US | US+Half | 30-48 | AA½-I½ | True to size | Half-cup sizes for between-sizes fit |
| Gossard | UK | UK | 30-38 | A-G (UK) | True in UK | UK sizing; known for glossy/sheer styles |
US vs UK Sizing -- The Key Difference
US and UK bra sizing systems use identical cup letters from AA through DD, but diverge completely above that point, creating the single largest source of cross-brand confusion in the lingerie industry. In the US system, the progression after DD is DDD (also called F), then G, H, I, J, and K. In the UK system, the same range reads DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K, and KK. This means a US DDD and a UK E are the same physical cup size, but a US G and a UK G are not -- they differ by one full cup. According to a sizing analysis by Panache, incorrect US-to-UK conversion is the leading cause of returns on UK-made bras sold to American customers. Any brand headquartered in the UK -- including Freya, Panache, Elomi, Fantasie, and Curvy Kate -- uses UK cup lettering on its labels. Ordering a Freya 34E based on your US size would give you a cup one size larger than expected, since UK E equals US DDD. The conversion table below shows every equivalent from DD upward.
| US Size | UK Equivalent |
|---|---|
| DD | DD |
| DDD (F) | E |
| G | F |
| H | FF |
| I | G |
| J | GG |
Knowing bra size by brand also means checking the sizing system. 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
Handling brand sizing differences is a practical skill that combines accurate self-measurement with brand-specific knowledge and strategic use of sister sizing. The foundation is always a recent, properly taken measurement using the standard two-measurement method, since every brand adjustment starts from a known baseline rather than from a previously worn size. Fit review analysis across major retailers shows that "runs small in the band" is the most frequently cited complaint, appearing in roughly 30% of negative bra reviews. When a brand consistently runs tight, sizing up one band and down one cup (a sister size adjustment) preserves cup volume while adding band comfort. For UK brands sold in the US, converting cup letters above DD is mandatory because the two systems diverge. The five-step approach below covers the most effective strategies for navigating brand variation, from measurement baseline through material considerations, so that bra size by brand differences become manageable rather than frustrating.
- 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 -- a critical bra size by brand difference. 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. This is a unique approach to bra size by brand variation. 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 your ideal fit is a half size, try both the cup above and below at other brands, then adjust the band to compensate. Bookmark this bra size by brand reference and our sister size chart to 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. When comparing bra size by brand, VS is one of the most common offenders. 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. Torrid also offers 36-50 bands for plus sizes. For small busts, Pepper specializes in AA-B. For UK sizing, Freya and Panache both offer 28-40 bands with B-K UK cups. European brands like Chantelle and Simone Perele use EU/FR sizing -- check our bra size by brand table above for the full 31-brand breakdown.
Related Sizing Guides
Brand sizing varies even more in sports bras -- our sports bra size calculator accounts for compression and encapsulation differences by brand. For a breakdown of how sports bras differ from regular bras, including structural design and when to choose each type, see our comparison guide. Cup shape also affects how brand sizing feels on your body -- our breast shape guide matches nine shape types to recommended bra styles across brands. Teens whose size is still changing between brands will find our teen bra guide helpful for navigating starter sizes across different labels.