Sizing Information and Charts for Vintage and Newer Lingerie.
We have tried to provide as much information for you to make
sure the item you purchase fits you correctly. Please read carefully.
Lingerie Size Chart
Fitting Tips for Girdles and Corsets
"How do I chose the right size?"
Luckily, lingerie sizing virtually did not
changed during the 20th century. Because lingerie sizes have primarily
been measured in inches, it has been impossible to implement vanity
sizing as was done with ready to wear clothing. The only exception
is with panties and drawers, early drawers were numbered 17, 18,
19, etc. In the 1930's a new size scheme was implemented starting
with 3, 4, 5, and on up.
Generally, open bottom and panty girdles as well
as corsets are measured in waist sizes. This includes non stretch
open bottom girdles.
All the above styles are selected according to waist
size. From left to right, 1) all stretch pull on open bottom 2)
combination corset girdle with inserted stretch panels, front
lacing and side zip 3) non stretch zip girdle with stretch satin
side inserts 4) high waist front lacing non stretch girdle. This
last example is considered a girdle due to the area which it targets,
namely the hips, rather than the waist and bust as would an older
traditional corset.
In the case of corset girdles number 2 and 4 above,
there is a good deal of room for approximation. If tagged a size
28, either of these items could easily fit a waist of up to 31
inches. In the case of example 2, because of the addition of stretch
panels and the range for the lacings, a garment of this type would
have a greater than average fit range. While number 4 is an all
non stretch garment very similar to a traditional corset, my recommendation
for an garment of this design is to select 1 size smaller than
your natural waist size. If you have a 32 inch waist, select size
30 for the best fit. You will achieve a good amount of compression,
excellent contour and the front panels will fit well and close
together. Back lacing non stretch girdles can be worn slightly
smaller, but there is nothing less attractive than a
poorly fitted front lacing girdle.
Standard Open Bottom & Panty Girdle Sizing
26 Small
28 Medium
30 Large
32 Extra Large
The range of sizes went up to 52 inches with some
manufacturers. When selecting a girdle, always chose the size
closest to your actual natural waist measurement. If you are between
sizes, make your selection based on your personal preference for
fit. Do you like a lot of compression, or do you prefer a greater
range of motion?
"What about corsets?"
Corsets are designed to reduce the waistline and
sometimes lift the bust, while girdles are more about firming
things up and preventing any unsightly jiggling of the hips and
buttocks! Corsets should be selected up to 4 inches smaller than
your natural waistline. A first time corset wearer can expect
a 1 to 2 inch reduction. Make sure the corset you buy is
sturdy! Placing that amount of strain and compression on a vintage
garment can easily result in broken laces, stitching, and ripped
fabric, so be sure to ask your seller about the condition of the
seams, the strength of the fabric and the overall sturdiness of
the garment. Many wonderful vintage corsets still exist in wearable
condition. Others will only be suitable for outerwear or display.
"What About All In One Girdles?"
All in one girdles wheather open bottom, brief,
or long leg style will always be tagged according to the bra size.
They are generally cut to fit a modified hourglass figure, with
the waist being 8 to 10 inches smaller than the bust, and the
hip accommodating 8 to 14 inches larger than the waist. Stretch
all in one girdles are extremely forgiving and as long as you
select the proper bust size there is a lot of leeway with regard
to fitting the waist and hip.
Fitting and Measuring Guide
If you don’t find it easy getting the correct
measurement on your own (the tape always moves when you try to
move your boobs to see the measurement). Then enlist in the help
of a friend or partner to assist you. They usually have a better
view than you do. Then follow the measuring guide below.
Under bust measurement
(A)
Wearing your most comfortable, non-padded bra, and using
a dressmaker’s tape measure (not one that you found in your
tool box), measure directly underneath the bust, around the rib
cage. Keep the tape measure firm around your body but not too
tight.
Take the measurement and note it down.
E.g. 36 inches
If your measurement is an even number in inches add 4 inches
Eg. 36 inches + 4 inches = 40 inches
If your measurement is an odd number in inches add 5 inches
Eg. 35 inches + 5 inches = 40 inches
This is your bra back measurement
Full bust measurement
(B)
Gently measure around the fullest part of the bust making
sure that the tape is level across the back. Take the measurement
and note it down. Eg 43 inches.
The difference between your back size and your full
bust measurement is your cup size.
Eg Underbust measurement size 36 inches = 40 bra size
Full bust measurement 43 inches = cup size D
Your correct bra size would be 40 D.
Use the following size chart to find your size.
Size
chart a)
Back Measurement
Underbust
Measurement
cm
63-67
68-72
73-77
78-82
83-87
88-92
93-97
98-102
103-107
-
inches
25-26
27-28
29-30
31-32
33-34
35-36
37-38
39-40
41-42
Bra
Band size
-
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
b) Cup size / Over bust
Difference
cm
-
2.5
0
2.5
5
7.5
10
12.5
15
17.5
20
22.5
25
27.5
30
32.5
-
inches
-1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Cup
size
-
AA
A
B
C
D
DD
E
F
FF
G
GG
H
HH
J
JJ
Finding the right brief size Manufacturers size briefs in several ways. These relate
approximately as follows:
Dress
size
10
12
14
16
18
Brief,
Suspender etc.
S
M
L
XL
2XL
Every womans figure is unique and sizes may vary from one manufacturer
to another.
FITTING GUIDE
The measurement’s and fitting size chart is only a guide
and as all bodies are unique, the next best way of ensuring the
correct fit is by the eye. So when trying on the new bra check
the following: -
The bra should be fitted on the loosest fitting and should
feel firm and comfortable. It should be level around the back.
If it rides up around the back, then it is too big.
Try a back size smaller. (In many instances, this will mean
increasing the cup size as a smaller back size means the cup
size will not be as generous).
The weight of the breasts is supported by the back of the
bra and not by the bra’s straps so it is most important
that the back size is correct. Once you are happy with the fit
you may tighten the bra to the middle eyes for normal wear.
As time goes by, after washing your underwear, tighten the
back as necessary.
Adjust the shoulder straps accordingly.
They should not be too tight. Digging into your shoulders
means that the cup size is too small and the straps are doing
too much work. Choose a bigger cup size to correct.
It could be that the back size is too big and the straps
have been over-tighted. If this is the case choose a smaller
back size to correct.
Breasts should be well contained within the cup and should
not feel tight or bulging over the breast or underarm edges.
This means that the cup size is too small. Try a cup size bigger.
Should there be excess space in the bra or the cups of the
bra are wrinkling, this means that the cup is too large. Try
a cup size smaller.
If you are wearing an underwired bra the wires should fit
snugly against your rib cage under the breast and should not
be sitting on any of the delicate breast tissue.
There should be no gap between the your rib cage and the
bra. If the bra sits away form your body then try a bigger
cup size.
In all cases ensure that the bra back sits level around
the body and is firm but comfortable.
AN
ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO LINGERIE TERMS
PLUS
TRANSLATIONS
Applique.
A decoration or ornament made by cutting pieces of
one material and applying them to the surface of another.
Baby
Doll. Baby dolls are made of sheer fabric, and consist
of shaped bra cups with an attached loose-fitting skirt
that comes down to anywhere between the navel and the hips.
They usually have matching panties. Named after the nightwear
worn by Carol Baker in the ground breaking 1956 film
directed by Elia Kazan of the same name.
Back
Seams. Back seams are the seams
in the back of nylon stockings or pantyhose that were
the standard when stockings were invented in 1940. Back-seamed
stockings are a very provocative style that's returning
to fashion.
Basque.
Styles include merry widow, corselette, torsolette, and
waist cincher. Combines the bra and garter belt, and may
provide shaping of the waist. Some styles may be designed
to be worn visibly.
Bodice.
The fitted part of a dress that extends from the waist
to the shoulder; a woman's laced outer garment, worn over
a blouse.
Boning.
Strips of plastic or other stiff material sewn into undergarments
to provide extra support and shape. Actual bones were
originally used - thus the name.
Boy
leg brief. Reminiscent of hot pants. The waistline sits
low on the hips and the leg extends to the top of the thigh.
Back coverage is full. Great to wear under short skirts
and low-slung pants. BRALETTE A bra-like top that lacks
the usual supportive features (such as underwire) of a real
bra. Best for the smaller-chested - or paired with a boy
brief for bed. BRAZILIAN BACK A panty style that covers
more of the cheeks than a thong, but less that a traditional
full-back panty. Think of a Brazilian-style bikini revealing
bronzed beach buns for a good idea of the cut.
Brocatelle.
A heavy figured cloth in which the pattern is created
by warp threads in a satin weave.
Bra
types.Demi Cup (Also: Balconette or Shelf Bra) A bra
with a contoured underwire design, with a large portion
of the upper half of the cup cut away to expose the top
portion of the breasts. Use with low necklines. Half
bra. Covers only the under side of the breasts usually
exposing the nipples. Push-up bra. Lifts the breasts
to create cleveage. Underwire bra. Metalwires in
the lower edges of the bra cups support the bust. See
also Wings and Plunge.
Burn-out.
A brocade-like pattern effect created on the fabric through
the application of a chemical, instead of color, during
the burn-out printing process. (Sulfuric acid, mixed into
a colorless print paste, is the most common chemical used.)
Many simulated eyelet effects can be created using this
method. In these instances, the chemical destroys the
fiber and creates a hole in the fabric in a specific design,
where the chemical comes in contact with the fabric. The
fabric is then over-printed with a simulated embroidery
stitch to create the eyelet effect. However, burn-out
effects can also be created on velvets made of blended
fibers, in which the ground fabric is of one fiber like
a polyester, and the pile may be of a cellulosic fiber
like rayon or acetate. In this case, when the chemical
is printed in a certain pattern, it destroys the pile
in those areas where the chemical comes in contact with
the fabric, but leave the ground fabric unharmed.
Bustiers.
The bustier is a bra that extends to the waist. Bustiers
come in various types, including brasselettes, bustier
tops, and camisettes. A bustier provides bust support,
and may also smooth or shape the waist. Often worn with
garters and stockings. Bustiers gained in popularity in
the 1980s as outwear due to a popular female singer.
Camisole.
A short negligee; a woman's sleeveless undergarment, now
usually worn under a sheer blouse.
Catsuit.
A full-body stocking, generally made of stretch material.
Made popular in the 1960's by Diana Rigg in The
Avengers Television series. Other types of catsuits
include bodystockings and suspender catsuits.
Chemise.
The name given to the first undergarment ever worn by
women. Originally designed to protect the skin from rough
garments, it was later used for sleepwear. It is a loose-hanging
short slip that has no waistline still worn for bedtime
or as a lining under clothes. Nowadays, this item has
come out of hiding and is often worn as an evening or
summer dress - or over pants for a funkier look. Chemises
are especially popular as gifts since they are easy to
fit and flattering to most figures.
Chantilly
lace. Chantilly lace is a floral pattern, sewn with
thread and ribbon, on a net background. It's named after
the northern French town of Chantilly, which was famous
for lace and porcelain.
Charmeuse.
A satin finished silk fabric.
Chenille.
(fabri). Fuzzy fabric, with "caterpillar" appearance.
French in origin.
Chiffon.
A fabric of silk or rayon.
Cookie.
The removable pad in certain types of bras.
Corselet.
(Also: Corselette) An undergarment that combines a
girdle with a bra. Similar to a traditional corset.
Crushed
Velvet. Velvet with a crinkly look; not shiny.
Denier.
A unit or fineness for rayon, nylon, and silk fibers,
based on a standard mass per length.
Embroidery.
Ornamentation on fabric with needlework.
Faille.
A glossy, soft, finely-ribbed silk-like woven fabric made
from cotton, silk, or manufactured fibers.
Faux
Leather. Fake leather.
Flocked.
Design or pattern on fabric that is not intricately part
of the fabric.
French
knickers. Long version of Boy
pants usually made of silk.
Garter
Belt. Used with stockings (not panty hose!), is worn
around the waist and clipped to the top of stockings to
keep the stockings in place. should be matched in color
and design with stockings and panties. Often, garters
are attached to bustiers and various sets.
Georgette.
Sheer crepe woven from hard twisted yarns/threads to produce
a dull yet delicate pebbly surface. The pebbly weave of
georgette gives transparency but has slightly more coverage
than chiffon.
Gown.
Gown types include baby dolls, negligees, nightdresses,
and peignoirs. Used for night or lounge wear. Often made
of silk, cotton or polyester, and sometimes includes adjustable
shoulder straps. Sometimes worn with matching outer robe.
Guipure.
A lace construction produced by embroidering a thread
pattern onto a fabric, the fabric being subsequently removed
by chemical or other means to leave an open work lace.
Gusset.
The triangle or rectangle-shaped lining often made of
cotton in the crotch area of a panty.
Habotai.
A lightweight silk fabric commonly used for linings, hangings
and underwear.
Halter.
A bodice for women that ties behind the neck and across
the back, leaving the arms, shoulders, and back bare.
Hosier
Types. Control top pantyhose.
Provides shaping support in the panty section. Fishnet
hose. Generally a diamond pattern in a loose weave.
French or lace pantyhose. A lace panty is sewn
into the pantyhose. Lace top stockings. A lace
band at the top of the stocking replaces the plain welt.
Suspender hose. A section of the hose is cut out
to simulate the look of stockings and a garter belt, and
often worn with panties. Stay Ups.Stockings that
have a rubber grip inside to stop them from slipping down
the leg.
Jacquard.
A fabric with an intricately woven pattern
Jaspe.
A fabric characterised by a subtle striped effect.
Keyhole.
(neckline). Material forms a high neckline with a
teardrop hole in the front, usually very near the top
of the fabric.
Kimono.
A loose robe worn chiefly by women.
Lurex.
A trademark used for a yarn made of plastic-coated aluminum
filaments.
Lycra.
A trademark used for a brand of spandex.
Marabou.
The down from the tail of the marabou that is soft, fluffy
and feathery used for trimming.
Mary
Quant. Inventor of womens tights.
Negligee.
A nightgown or undergarment made of thin, usually sheer
fabric.
Panties:
- Bikini. Top of the panty is below the waist.
Briefs. Top of the panty is at the waist. French-cut.
leg opening extends higher than normal. G-String. The
rear panel is very small though usually larger than a
thong. String bikini. A narrow strip of fabric
or elastic joints the front and rear panels. Tap pants.
Shorts with loose fitting legs, generally rides higher
on the sides. Thong. Minimal coverage on the rear,
usually a string or a narrow band of material or elastic.
Tights. Panties made of stretch fabric, may include
attached leg. Thong
boy. A panty style which is a cross betweenĘ a thong
and a boy brief, it offers more - but not total - coverage
in the back and along the sides, while the cheeks peek
through the bottom. A very flattering variation of the
traditional thong style.
Peau
de Soie. A heavy twill weave
drapeable satin fabric, made of silk or a manufactured
fiber, and used for bridal gowns and evening wear.
Peignoir.
Informal dress.
Plunge.
(Also: Decollete) A style of bra that is cut super-low
to give cleavage a boost.
Polyester.
(fiber/fabric). Ability to stretch and resist wrinkling
make polyester a popular fabric for lingerie. traps heat
against body, but is used in weaver that allow air to
circulate. Synthetic.
Pongee.
A lustrous lightweight plain-weave fabric, originally
woven in silk.
Princess
line. A dress, coat, or blouse made of several pieces
contoured to fit the body.
Provencal.
Small stylised florals typical of the Provence region of
France.
Rayon.
(fiber/fabric). A synthetic silk-like fabric, but
less expensive than silk. Does not trap heat against the
body, and absorbs moisture.
Rue
Chazelle. A lingerie company considered by some as
best source of high end designer lingerie.Rue Chazelle
is named after a street in Paris that once was home to
the oldest and most exclusive Partouse in Paris.
Satin.
A Smooth fabric, such as silk or rayon, woven with a glossy
face and a dull back.
Scallop.
Border is curved on the fabric or lace. Ornamental.
Scoop.
(neckline). U-shaped curve at the neckline. May be a variety
of sizes or depths.
Shirring.
Material is gathered into lines, for decorative effect.
Slip.
An undergarment usually of nylon or silk and decorated
with lace worn under a dress or skirt. Half slips are
elasticized waste fitting short slips worn under a skirt.
Slips went out of fashion in the Sixties but are now back
in fashion as erotic nighwear and fine examples such as
those made by Janet Reger fetch premium prices.
Spandex.
A synthetic fiber or fabric made from a polymer containing
polyurethane.
Stretch
lace. Lace which stretches for
better fit and more comfort.
Surplice.
A long, loose, flowing garment, such as a robe or nightgown.
Sweetheart.
(neckline). A series of side and lower front curves that
meet in center.
Teddy.
Combination of camisole and panties in one piece. May be
fitted to the body, or loose. Variety of styles include
body briefer: a fitted teddy, may also provide smoothing
and shaping or teddiette: teddy with detachable garters.
Worn either under clothing or as sleepwear.
Tricot
and Satin Tricot. (fabric). A soft fabric that is
resistant to runs. Often porous knit. Satin tricot has
a lustrous finish.
Velvet.
A soft fabric, such as silk, rayon, or nylon having a
smooth, dense pile and plain underside: something suggesting
the smooth surface of velvet.
Wide-away.
A style of bra with straps that are cut extra-wide to
accommodate certain dress styles.
Wings.
Bra side panels usually found in larger cup sizes that
provide support in the side bust area and under the arms.
