Types of Lingerie, Plus a Helpful Guide to Measuring Your Bra Size Correctly
Lingerie can be a tricky business. Here are a few hints to help you buy lingerie on bobshop.co.za
A quick guide to the different styles of lingerie
Upper Body Styles:
1.Babydoll— a short, spaghetti strap, loose top
2.Brassier—what is usually referred to as a bra
3.Bustier—strapless bra that covers, and tightens at, the midriff to push the breasts up.
4.Camisole—a tight fitting top used as an undergarment
5.Negligee— a loose dressing gown used as sleepwear
6.Nursing bra—a bra used for comfortably nursing babies
7.Sports Bra—a bra used to prevent discomfort during exercise by holding the breasts firmly
Whole Body Styles:
1.Corsage— a kind of corset that is less tight than a traditional corset
2.Corset—a slimming garment to mould the body shape into the perfect hour-glass figure
3.Chemise— a sleeveless undergarment
4.Teddy—a short camisole that flares at the hem
5.Slip—a skirt or dress used under the clothing to protect the skin from coarse material
Measuring Your Bra Size
- You need to use a soft dressmaker’s tape to do this.
- Wear a bra that you feel comfortable in; but make sure that it is not padded or wired.
- First, measure where the lowest band of your bra sits just under your breasts.
- Use a mirror to make sure that the tape is level all the way around. The tape must be tight around you but not so that it is uncomfortable.
- This underbust measurement is used to work out your “band size”.
- For the overbust measurement, measure around your bust at its fullest place, again making sure that the measuring tape is even around you.
- Use the chart below to work out your bra size.
Overbust Measurement (cm) | Underbust Measurement (cm) | |||||||||||
63-67 | 68-72 | 73-77 | 78-82 | 83-87 | 88-92 | 93-97 | 98-102 | 103-107 | 108-112 | 113-117 | ||
Band Size | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | |
79 | 30A | |||||||||||
81 | 30B | |||||||||||
83 | 30C | 32A | ||||||||||
85 | 32B | |||||||||||
87 | 32C | 34A | ||||||||||
90 | 32D | 34B | ||||||||||
92 | 32DD | 34C | 36A | |||||||||
94 | 32E | 34D | 36B | |||||||||
97 | 34DD | 36C | 38A | |||||||||
99 | 34E | 36D | 38B | |||||||||
102 | 36DD | 34C | 40A | |||||||||
104 | 36E | 38D | 40B | |||||||||
107 | 38DD | 40C | ||||||||||
109 | 38E | 40D | 42B | |||||||||
112 | 40DD | 42C | ||||||||||
114 | 40E | 42D | 44B | |||||||||
117 | 42DD | 44C | ||||||||||
119 | 42E | 44D | 46B | |||||||||
122 | 44DD | 46C | ||||||||||
124 | 44E | 46D | 48B | |||||||||
127 | 46DD | 48C | ||||||||||
129 | 46E | 48D | 50B | |||||||||
132 | 48DD | 50C | ||||||||||
134 | 50D | |||||||||||
137 | 50DD | |||||||||||
