Lingerie sizing without a tape measure

Lingerie is the one category where guessing your size really doesn't work. A dress that's a little loose still looks fine. A bra band that's a little loose gives you no support, and lace that's too tight digs in and shows through clothes. And because lingerie is final sale for hygiene reasons, getting it right the first time matters.

The good news: you don't need a tape measure. You need about ten minutes and something you already own.

This is the most accurate method without a tape measure.

1. Grab a piece of string, a ribbon, a phone charging cable or a shoelace.
2. Underbust: wrap it snugly around your ribcage, directly under your bust. Keep it level all the way around — check in a mirror. Pinch the point where the end meets.
3. Lay it flat against a ruler, a sheet of printer paper (Letter is 11 inches long; A4 is 29.7 cm) or a credit card (about 3.37 inches or 8.56 cm wide), and work out the length.
4. Bust: repeat around the fullest part of your bust, wearing an unpadded bra or none. Keep it level but not tight.
5. Hips: repeat around the fullest part of your hips and seat, feet together.

Write down all three and compare them to our Size Guide.

If you own a bra you love, it already holds most of the information you need. Check the tag for its size, then check how it fits right now:

• The band should sit level around your body, not riding up at the back.
• You should be able to fit two fingers under the band at the back, but no more.
• The cups should be smooth, with no gaping and no spilling over the edge.
• The centre front should sit flat against your sternum.

If it passes all four, your size in that bra is a great starting point. If the band rides up, you may need a smaller band; if the cups gape, a smaller cup.

One caveat: sizes vary between brands. Use your favourite bra as a guide, then cross-check with our size chart.

For bottoms, lay a pair of underwear that fits you well flat on a table. Measure across the waistband from side to side with a ruler or a sheet of paper, then double it. That gives you the relaxed waistband size. Compare the fit, not just the number: if your favourite pair sits at your hip bones with no digging and no gaping, choose the size whose hip measurement matches yours.

Once your lingerie arrives, try it on over underwear with the hygiene liner intact and run through this:

• Band: fasten on the loosest hook. Bands stretch over time, so you'll tighten them later.
• Straps: should stay on your shoulders without digging in. The band, not the straps, should do most of the support.
• Cups: lean forward and check that you fill them, with no gaps at the top.
• Lace edges: should lie flat, not cut in. Lace that cuts in is a sign to size up.
• Bottoms: sit down and bend over. No rolling, no digging.

Lace sets like the Embroidered Lace Lingerie Set and the Eyelash Lace Three-Piece Set tend to have less stretch than smooth microfibre, which means fit is more precise. If you're between sizes on band, size up and use a tighter hook. If you're between sizes on hips, size up so the lace edge doesn't cut in.

Bralettes and unlined lace styles are more forgiving than underwired bras, because there's no wire to position. That makes them a great choice if you're buying online for the first time.

Sometimes lingerie is the main event, and sometimes it's about what goes under your clothes. For a bodycon or slip dress, a smooth, skin-tone option keeps lines invisible. For lower-back dresses, a bralette with a low back or a bodysuit is often easier. The Contrast Sculpt Bodysuit is a great layering base that doubles as a top. And if you're wearing a dress like the Minimalist Slip Dress, read our bodycon vs slip guide for what works underneath.

Lace lasts longest with gentle care. Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent, or use a mesh laundry bag on a delicate cycle. Fasten hooks before washing so they don't snag. Never tumble dry — lay flat or hang to dry away from direct heat.

Should a bra band feel tight? Snug, not painful. You should fit two fingers underneath at the back on the loosest hook.

Is my bust size the same as my band size? No. Your band comes from your underbust; your cup comes from the difference between bust and underbust.

Can I return lingerie? No. Lingerie is final sale for hygiene reasons, which is why measuring first matters.

Your size can change with your cycle, your training and simply over time. Re-measure every six months or so, and any time your favourite bra stops feeling right. Ten minutes with a piece of string can save you from a drawer full of lingerie you don't wear. Shop our lingerie, and remember that lingerie is final sale for hygiene reasons.