How to choose luxury lingerie that actually fits

Most women wear the wrong bra size, and luxury lingerie makes the mistake more expensive. Fine lace and silk do not stretch to forgive a bad fit the way a T-shirt bra does. The good news: getting it right takes two measurements and a minute in front of a mirror.

Step 1, measure your band and bust

Use a soft tape measure and wear a non-padded bra, or none.

1. Underbust. Measure snugly around your ribcage, just under the bust, tape level all the way round. Round to the nearest even number. 29.5 inches becomes a 30 band, 31 becomes 32.
2. Bust. Measure loosely around the fullest part of the bust, tape level, without squashing.
3. Cup. Subtract the band from the bust. One inch is an A, two a B, three a C, four a D, five a DD.

Our Fit Finder on the luxury lingerie home page does this sum for you, then gives your letter, robe and stocking sizes too.

Step 2, know your sister sizes

A sister size has the same cup volume on a different band. Going down one band and up one cup (34C to 32D) gives the same cup on a firmer band. If a band feels loose but the cup is perfect, try the sister size down. If the band digs in, go up one band and down one cup.

Step 3, check five fit points

• The band sits level and firm on the loosest hook. It does all the supporting, not the straps.
• The centre gore (the piece between the cups) lies flat against your breastbone.
• The cups are smooth, no gap at the top and no spill at the edge.
• The wires sit behind the breast tissue at the side, not on it.
• The straps stay put without digging in after you shorten them.

Step 4, read the fabric

A lace set lives or dies by its lace. Look for a finished scalloped edge rather than a cut edge with elastic sewn on, and for lace with a dense, clear pattern. Silk should be listed in momme: 19 momme for chemises, 22 for robes. Every piece in our lace lingerie sets and silk lingerie lists its composition and care.

What if I am between sizes?

For underwired bras, choose the firmer band and adjust the cup with the sister size. For bodysuits and chemises, choose the larger size if you have a long torso or a cup of DD and above. For stockings, size by height and weight, not by dress size.

Does luxury lingerie run small?

It varies by house. Ours is cut to standard US sizing and the size guide lists underbust, waist and hip ranges for every size. If it is still not right, the Fit Promise gives you one free size exchange.

Questions

How should a luxury bra fit?

Level, firm band on the loosest hook, flat centre gore, smooth cups, wires behind the breast tissue and straps that stay put without digging in.

Should I size up in lingerie?

Only for bodysuits and chemises if you have a long torso or a fuller bust. For bras, find your sister size instead of sizing up.

How often should I re-measure?

Every six months, and after any change in weight, pregnancy or training.