EU and US development reference

Intimate Apparel Size Chart: EU & US Development Reference

Compare EU and US label systems across eight custom intimate-apparel categories. Body measurements are shown in centimeters and inches; final blocks, grading increments, tolerances, and label artwork are confirmed in the buyer's tech pack and approved PP sample.

LJUNDERWEAR intimate-apparel pattern and size grading review

How to use these charts

Start With the Product Category and the Target Market

Pick the relevant category before comparing labels.Use body measurements, not the dress-size label alone.EU references use centimeters; US references commonly use inches.An approved buyer chart or tech pack overrides these references.
Briefs and panties body-measurement reference. Development reference - tech-pack overrides.
LabelEUUSWaist cmWaist inHip cmHip in
XS34260–6623.6–26.084–9033.1–35.4
S36466–7226.0–28.390–9635.4–37.8
M38672–7828.3–30.796–10237.8–40.2
L40878–8430.7–33.1102–10840.2–42.5
XL421084–9033.1–35.4108–11442.5–44.9
2XL441290–9635.4–37.8114–12044.9–47.2
3XL461496–10237.8–40.2120–12647.2–49.6
4XL4816102–10840.2–42.5126–13249.6–52.0
5XL5018108–11442.5–44.9132–13852.0–54.3
6XL5220114–12044.9–47.2138–14454.3–56.7

Label note: the body ranges stay the same while the label language changes. Confirm the final label map, block, grading, and tolerances in the tech pack and PP sample.

Bras: band and cup

Keep the Band System and Cup System Explicit

Bra sizing requires underbust and overbust inputs. Confirm whether the project uses EU, US, or UK cup language before grading and label artwork.

Bra measurement guide showing underbust and overbust tape positions

Bra band (underbust)

Bra band and underbust reference. Development reference - tech-pack overrides.
EU bandUS/UKUnderbust cmUnderbust inCup range
653063–6724.8–26.4AA–G
703268–7226.8–28.3AA–G
753473–7728.7–30.3AA–G
803678–8230.7–32.3AA–G
853883–8732.7–34.3AA–G
904088–9234.6–36.2AA–G
954293–9736.6–38.2AA–G
1004498–10238.6–40.2AA–G

Cup conversion (overbust minus underbust)

Bra cup conversion reference. Development reference - tech-pack overrides.
Difference cmEU cupUS/UK cup
10–12AA
12–14BB
14–16CC
16–18DD
18–20EDD
20–22FDDD / E (UK)
22–24GF (UK)
Common conversion conflict: EU E corresponds to US/UK DD; EU F corresponds to US DDD or UK E. Confirm the cup language in writing before pattern grading.

Product-specific references

Six More Categories Need Their Own Fit Logic

Do not transfer one label table across different constructions without reviewing compression, support, adjustability, ease, knit program, and the approved PP sample.

Custom intimate-apparel samples across multiple product categories
03 / PLUS SIZE

1X–4X / US 14–28

Plus-size body-measurement reference. Development reference - tech-pack overrides.
USEUWaist cmHip cm
1X (14–16)44–4686–94112–120
2X (18–20)46–4894–102120–128
3X (22–24)48–50102–110128–136
4X (26–28)50–52110–118136–144

Use a confirmed plus-size block; do not extrapolate only from straight sizes.

04 / SHAPEWEAR

Compression changes size selection

Shapewear compression reference. Development reference - tech-pack overrides.
FactorDevelopment guidance
Light10–15% compression reference
Medium15–20% compression reference
Firm20–30%; confirm at PP
RecoveryProject test method governs

Compression percentages are starting references; material tests and wearer review control approval.

05 / SPORTS BRAS

Band range plus impact direction

Sports bra band and impact reference. Development reference - tech-pack overrides.
LabelUSUnderbust cmImpact
S4–668–77Low–Medium
M8–1078–87Medium–High
L12–1488–97High
XL16–1898–107High
2XL20–22108–117High

For cup-sized sports bras, combine the band system with the approved impact and support method.

06 / MATERNITY & NURSING

Plan for changing band and cup needs

Maternity & nursing reference. Development reference - tech-pack overrides.
StageBandCup
Pre-pregnancyBaselineBaseline
1st–2nd trimester+1 reference+1 reference
3rd trimester+1–2+1–2
NursingAdjustableVariable

Confirm stretch panels, closures, clip access, and wearer needs instead of treating these changes as fixed promises.

07 / SLEEPWEAR

Use bust, hip, height, and intended ease

Sleepwear body-measurement reference. Development reference - tech-pack overrides.
LabelUSBust cmHip cmHeight cm
S4–686–9290–96155–165
M8–1092–9896–102160–170
L12–1498–104102–108165–175
XL16–18104–112108–116165–175
2XL20–22112–120116–124165–175

Relaxed-ease targets must be confirmed in the product brief and PP sample.

08 / SEAMLESS

One knit label may span multiple body sizes

Seamless knit size reference. Development reference - tech-pack overrides.
LabelUSWaist cmHip cm
S/M4–864–7888–102
L/XL10–1478–92102–116
2XL/3XL16–2092–108116–132

Confirm yarn, machine gauge, stretch grade, and on-body fit for each knit program.

Label-system control

EU and US Systems Side by Side

Label system comparison. Development reference - tech-pack overrides.
FactorEU systemUS system
Briefs label34, 36, 38... body-cm logic2, 4, 6... even-number label
Bra band70, 75, 80 underbust cm32, 34, 36 underbust in
Cup above DD, E, F, GD, DD, DDD...
Primary unitCentimetersInches
Cross-market optionDual labels may be available on confirmed programs; the tech pack controls grading and artwork.

Development reference, not final approval

Turn the Reference Into a Brand-Specific Size System

Send the target market, product category, intended range, reference chart or garment, and available tech pack. Selected programs may include block, grading, and dual-label support; the binding quote confirms tooling, quantity, timing, and inspection scope.

Frequently asked questions

Intimate Apparel Size Chart FAQ

Are these size charts fixed, or can we customize them?

They are development references. On confirmed programs, the approved tech pack and PP sample control the final measurements, labels, grade rules, and tolerances. Dual EU and US labels may also be available.

Why do EU and US bra cups not match above D?

The systems diverge above D. EU progresses through E, F, and G, while US and UK systems use DD and additional letters differently. Confirm the named cup system in writing before grading.

Can the range extend beyond the tables shown?

Briefs and panties are referenced through XS-6XL. Structured plus-size garments use a separate confirmed block; extensions beyond the shown ranges require a grading and fit review.

Can one chart cover every intimate-apparel product?

No. Briefs, bras, shapewear, sports bras, maternity styles, sleepwear, and seamless garments use different measurements and construction logic. Start with the relevant category and approve the PP sample.

Get Your Free Quote & Technical Review

How To Submit Your RFQ

1.Send product type, quantity, and target market.

2.Attach tech packs, photos, or samples.

3.Get sample, MOQ, cost, and timeline guidance.

Designer workspace with nude and black underwear samples, fabric swatches, and color cards laid out on a table.