Bra sizing can seem like a bit of a mystery and our calculated size can sometimes come as a surprise.
So, what is going on? With a high proportion of women in the UK wearing the wrong size of bra, a historical issue is that many high street retailers use the ‘+4 method’ when it comes to measuring. This method takes your under bust measurement and adds on 4 or 5” (depending if it is an odd or even number) to get your band measurement. It was developed when bras were made from silk and satin and so had no stretch. Now the vast majority of bras have some sort of elastic or give in the material, and so this method is redundant and results in you wearing a bra that is too loose in the band. Why does this matter? It matters because the majority of support you get from your bra comes from the band. At Molke, we take your under bust measurement as it is and match it with the correct cup size for optimum fit, support and comfort.
In terms of cup size, if you have been wearing a traditionally measured bra, our cup size could be significantly larger. Cup sizes are not a standard size across all band sizes, so a DD cup in a 30” band isn’t the same as a DD cup in a 36” band. When you have a smaller band size, you usually have to go up in the cup size to get the same volume, support and comfort.
Our calculator size is very much a starting point. We recognise that every body is different and we all prefer different things in terms of fit, support and comfort. If you are unsure on what size you need to order, or want to check if your new bra is a good fit, please drop our expert fitting team an email at pixie@molke.co.uk and they will be happy to help.
Comments (46)
Hiya
So, my underbust measures between 34-35.
(the rest is 42 and 49)
The calculator tells me my UK size would be 36 HH. The HH tracks.
But anytime I’ve been bra shopping, 36 band size is just too loose.
Bodies vary, of course. If I could hire someone to custom make my bras, I would 😂
I’d love to see a molke range with an extra wide band. I know that a band that reached to my diaphragm would be the MOST comfortable support I could have. I imagine many larger cup women would agree
Any event, what I’m going to do is order both a Super L and Super M.
Hi Vicky, ABTF calculator does work a little differently from ours and as with all calculators, we see it as a good place to start rather than your definitive size. We take projection into account with the leaning measurement but our bras aren’t structured and offer flexible sizing. If you are confident of your bra size please do go with that and use our size charts. If we can help further please don’t hesitate to drop us an email to pixie@molke.co.uk
How does this differ to the ABTF calculator? I found that calculator underestimated my cup size and I’m in a 38J. ABTF recommends 38H and yours 40H. I’m quite a projected shape, does your calculator take shape into consideration as well as size?
Hi, I’ve tried the bra calculator (37/46/48) which is saying my normal bra size is 38H, but I normally wear a 38FF. I’m currently trying lose a bit of weight, but I know from previous weight loss that even losing 3st, I only go down to a 36F so not a lot of change (and I’m not planning on losing that much this time)
Which size would you recommend?
Hi, I’m probably being really thick but I used the calculator and it said my starting size (which I’m assuming is the first of each group of three measurements) for Flexi bra was 40h/hh but I can’t find a group of three that starts with a 40 anything. It goes from 38 to 44. Halp?!
Hi Natalie, if you drop us over an email to pixie@molke.co.uk, the fitting team will be happy to chat over options with you.
Hi I’ve just measured and it’s says my traditional size is 42g, however I actually wear a 38jj/k. My molke size says XL super or 40g/gg in flexiwise. Does this sound right? I don’t want to order to have to return etc and I’m desperate to have a break from underside. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Josie, the calculator can give you a different size to what you have been used to, but if you’re concerned it might not be right, just drop over an email to our lovely fitting team on pixie@molke.co.uk and they will be happy to help.
Super confused. Just did the bra size calculator and says my usual size is a 44 FF, it really isn’t! I wear a 44 B or C depending in the cut. My boobs would be lost in anything bigger, they really aren’t large, was a A cup till peri menopause. So now not sure what size I should be ordering from you.
Hi Amanda, yes absolutely! We offer free UK returns and international exchanges so if you get your bra and it either doesn’t fit right or it’s just not for you, you can send it back to us to exchange for a different size or for a full refund. If you’re in the UK and return something, we also refund your postage so you aren’t out of pocket. We know that buying online is sometimes a risk but we really do want you to get a well fitting and comfortable bra. If we can help further, our fab fitting team are available on pixie@molke.co.uk.