Bralette Size Chart: Converting Your Bra Size to S, M, L
Most bralettes are sold in letter sizes, so each one has to cover several band and cup combinations. Here is how bra sizes typically map to bralette sizes, which busts letter sizing suits, and what to do when you fall between two.
Bralettes in letter sizes usually map to bra sizes like this: XS = 30A-32B, S = 32B-34B, M = 34B-36B, L = 36B-38C, XL = 38C-40D. By bust measurement, a size M typically fits about 36-38 in (91-97 cm). Unlined letter-sized bralettes generally suit cups up to about C or D; fuller busts fit better in bralettes sized by band and cup.
- Size S
- 32B-34B
- Size M
- 34B-36B
- Size L
- 36B-38C
- Letter sizing suits
- cups up to about C-D
On this page
Bralette size chart: bra size to S-XL
Letter-size bralettes have no fixed standard. The ranges below are the overlap of typical brand charts: use them to shortlist, then read the brand's own chart, which can be shifted by one band either way.
| Bralette size | Bra sizes it usually fits | Bust (in) | Bust (cm) | Underbust (in / cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 30A, 30B, 30C, 32A, 32B | 31-34 | 79-86 | 25-28 / 64-71 |
| S | 32B, 32C, 34A, 34B | 34-36 | 86-91 | 27-30 / 69-76 |
| M | 34B, 34C, 36A, 36B | 36-38 | 91-97 | 29-32 / 74-81 |
| L | 36B, 36C, 38A, 38B, 38C | 38-41 | 97-104 | 31-34 / 79-86 |
| XL | 38C, 38D, 40B, 40C, 40D | 41-44 | 104-112 | 33-36 / 84-91 |
| XXL / 1X | 40D, 42B, 42C, 42D | 44-46 | 112-117 | 35-38 / 89-97 |
These charts follow the bra sizes most people already wear, which are often measured by the traditional "add 4" band (see the bra size guide for how the two band methods differ). That is why the underbust column runs about 3-4 in below the band number.
Which bralette sizing suits your bust
A bralette supports with its band, side seams and straps, not with wire. How much support it gives depends on construction, and that decides which sizing system you should shop in.
| Construction | Sizing | Suits cups up to about | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlined triangle lace | XS-XL | B | Minimal shaping; mostly about coverage |
| Padded or removable-pad | XS-XL | C | Pads add shape and some opacity |
| Scoop, racerback, ribbed knit | XS-XL | C-D | Wider straps and higher sides hold more |
| Longline with sewn cups | Letter or band/cup | D-DD | Deep band spreads the load |
| Band-and-cup sized (wire-free) | e.g. 34DD, 36F | G and above | Separate cups, side slings, hook-and-eye band |
If you wear a D cup or larger and letter sizes feel either loose under the bust or squashing at the top, the problem is the system, not the letter. Look for wire-free bras and bralettes sold by band and cup.
Between two bralette sizes
- Band first. Pick the size whose underbust range includes yours. A band that is too big lets the bralette ride up at the back and lose all support.
- Large cup on a small band (for example 32D or 34DD): size up for cup room, then check the band does not ride up. If it does, the style is wrong for you rather than the size.
- Small cup on a large band (for example 38A): size by band; the cups of letter-size bralettes are flexible enough to lie flat.
- Fabric: rigid lace and mesh have little give, so size up when in doubt. Seam-free, ribbed and microfiber knits stretch, so the smaller size gives more hold.
- Pads: removable pads take up cup space. If the cups gape without them or crush with them, change the pad, not the size.
How a bralette should fit
- Band level and snug. Raise your arms: the band should stay put, not slide up over the breast tissue.
- No spillover. Lace edges should lie flat across the top and sides. Cutting in at the top means the cup is too small; size up or choose a higher-cut style.
- Straps adjusted, not strained. If straps are tightened to their limit and still loose, the bralette is too long in the body; try the size down.
- Center sits flat where possible. A triangle bralette's center often floats, which is normal; a scoop or longline should lie on the sternum.
Longline bralettes have a band 2-4 in (5-10 cm) deep. Measure your underbust at both the top and bottom of where that band will sit: if the lower ribcage is noticeably wider, the band rolls up unless you size up.
Bralettes vs bras vs sports bras
Bralettes trade support for comfort. Compared with an underwire bra in the same size, they lift less and separate less, and the fit tolerance is wider: one bralette covers four or five bra sizes. For low-impact activity a bralette can stand in for a sports bra, but running and jumping call for a sports bra designed for impact. For pregnancy and breastfeeding, soft-cup nursing bralettes are common; see the nursing bra size guide for how cup size changes over that time.
Bralettes worn as visible layers under sheer or low-cut tops are often chosen a size down for a cleaner line. Check that the band still allows a full breath. For matching bottoms, see the women's underwear size chart.
Frequently asked questions
What size bralette should I get if I'm a 34C?
Usually M, which typically covers 34B, 34C, 36A and 36B (a 36-38 in bust). If the brand's chart ends M at 34B, or the bralette is rigid lace with little stretch, take L.
Should bralettes be tight?
The band should be firm enough to stay level without riding up, with about two fingers of room. The cups should lie flat without cutting in. A bralette that is loose everywhere offers no support and will shift.
Should I size up or down in bralettes?
Size by your band first. If your band is at the small end of a range and your cup at the large end, size up. Unlined lace bralettes with little stretch usually need sizing up; seam-free and ribbed knits can be sized down for more hold.
Can you wear a bralette with a large bust?
Yes, but choose bralettes sold in band and cup sizes (such as 36DD) with a wide underband, side panels and adjustable straps. Letter-sized, unlined triangle bralettes are cut for smaller cups and give little lift above about a C or D.
What is a longline bralette?
A bralette with an extended band, usually 2-4 in (5-10 cm) deep under the cups instead of about 1 in. The deeper band spreads pressure and sits flatter, but it must match your ribcage: too small and it rolls up.