Size Guide
We more than happy to help with sizing where we can.
SIZING CONVERSION
There are many conversion charts on the internet and frustratingly, there isn’t always the same consistency.
Please look to each individual item’s sizing chart for a good conversion.
Different brands will also sit differently, so trial and error is often the only way.
u may need to grab a tape measure and check your measurements if you uncertain – especially when it comes to measuring your inner thigh length and foot sizes for non-stretch nylons.
All items will have their manufacturer’s size chart recommendations as part of the page. Please note that these may vary from product to product.
If you have ordered lingerie/shapewear that doesn’t fit, simply pop it in the mail with all the original packaging and tags* and we will post you out a new one. Hosiery must not have been taken out of its packet.
*This is important as otherwise we will not be able to offer you a refund.
Bra sizing
Please refer to the sizing chart on the product. Most of us are wearing the wrong sized bras so it might be time to re-measure?
Ensure the band doesn’t not cut into the skin. Your breasts should fit comfortably into the cups. Here’s some quick fitting tips:
- Lean over and coax your breasts into the cups
- Adjust shoulder straps
- Adjust breasts again using a ‘swoop and scoop’ method to ensure that your breast is comfortably filling the cup.
Rago ‘bullet’ bra sizing
If you’re a cup size A-D and are happy with the fit of your current regular bra then you should choose your usual size.
If you always wear moulded cup bras and push up bras it’s best to check the fit of a non-padded bra. Moulded bras in particular have the advantage of fitting quite a few cup sizes whereas with authentic 1950s bullet bras, fit really is critical. The cups are non-stretch and you really need to fill them properly to get a nice pointy shape.
For an extra pointy shape, or if you are between sizes, add a pair of bullet bra pads.
Always remember to adjust your shoulder straps!
Sister sizing
Need to change the band or cup size?
If the band is too small but the cup size fits, then you need to go up a band size, but down a cup size. For example, if you are a 32FF, then you would need a 34F which would make the band 2″ longer, but the cup size would remain the same as your original 32FF.
If the band is too small, and the cup is too small, then you will need to go up a band size and a cup size. For example, if you are a 32FF, you would need a 34FF which would make the band 2″ longer and the cup one cup size bigger.
If the band is correct, but the cup is too small, then you need to just go up a cup size. For example, if you are a 32FF, you would need a 32G.
An example of how different band sizes have the same cup size:
32FF = 32F, 34E, 36DD, 38D, 40C
34F = 36E, 38DD, 40D
36F = 38E, 40D
38F = 40E
Hosiery sizing
Unfortunately, there isn’t much consistency when it comes to hosiery sizing.
You will need to CHECK the size charts supplied on the product pages. These have been created by the manufacturer.
*** If you’re on the border of two sizes it’s usually more comfortable to go up one size. ***
Height is usually the most important thing to consider You may see a size Small which only gives a height measurement of 5’0″-5’4″ (152cm-163cm).
Sizing can also be volumetric – particularly on traditional 100% non-stretch nylon products. In other words, if your legs are very slim, the hosiery will come up higher. If you’re fuller figure and it has to stretch to accommodate width, it may come up short.
Pantyhose and tights also often include hip measurements, inner thigh length, shoe size or dress size.
Stockings can be even trickier. Pairs with Lycra will be easier to choose correctly from the size guide but once again the 100% nylons will not give you much room to play with.
You also need to consider if you are wearing a longer strap suspender belt and if you desire your stockings to sit high or low on your thigh.
This may help you:
RHT (Reinforced Hell & Toe) Stockings:
Stockings sizes usually range from XS to XT or numerically 1 to 8
Manufacturers should provide a size chart and these usually include height, weight and shoe size (UK/US). Australian shoe sizes are +2 on UK size e.g. size 5 UK = size 7 Au.
The inside leg measurement is important as this will affect how long the stocking will sit * remember – the wider the leg circumference, the lower the stocking will rise – there is zero stretch!
Fully Fashioned Stockings:
Although weight and inside leg measurements are given on their charts, FF stockings sizes usually range from 8 to 12.5 for modern Fully Fashioned nylons (this indicates foot length in inches).
Some companies like Cervin will use numerical sizing but still include the foot size on their charts.
But …… to get an accurate fit there’s two main things to consider:
Your foot length
Your desired stocking length
So, grab a tape measure and find the length of both feet in inches.
Measure your feet flat on the floor from the tip of your big toes to your end of your heels. This is what will determine what your stocking size is. If you find that you have 1/2 size difference between both feet you might want to wear a different size stocking each foot!
Ensure the heel of your non-stretch stocking sits perfectly at your heel. You do not want that lovely reinforced heel to sag and you definitely don’t want your stocking to wrinkle around your ankle or knee.
Next, the length of the stocking is the measurement taken standing from your heel (not toe) to the top of the welt (stocking top) where you want your suspenders attached.
Of course, there are a few things to take into consideration:
- You can always alter the position of the stockings welt on your thigh by selecting half a size smaller or larger.
- For a wider foot you may need to increase the stocking by half a size.
- For legs which are very full or very slim, go up or down a length or a size to accommodate the different leg proportion.
- If the circumference of your leg and of the welt are very close then you should have a great fit. But, if the girth of your leg is larger than the welt, you will lose about one inch of length for every extra inch of difference between your thigh and the stocking welt. Choosing at least a full size larger may help – but do not go too large or you will sacrifice the heel position on your foot.
- For thighs are substantially larger than the rest of the leg, check the circumference at the top of the stocking. Please ask if you need help with this.
And remember … always be extra careful when putting on traditional non-stretch nylons ……