Curvy Kate Bra Sizing

At a glance

What sets the range apart

Most full-bust brands concentrate on either small bands or large ones. Curvy Kate covers both ends within one label, from a 28 band to a 44, all with cups from D upward. That makes it a useful place to look for:

• small bands with fuller cups, such as 28G or 30HH,
• larger bands with fuller cups, such as 40G or 42H, and
• the upper cup sizes, J to K.

Not every style is made in every size. The largest cups and bands are usually offered in the core styles.

How Curvy Kate fits

The brand makes balconettes, plunges, side-support and full-cup styles, in both unlined seamed and padded or moulded constructions. Its seamed balconettes are the styles most often discussed, and are generally described as giving a rounded, uplifted shape.

Fit differs between constructions, as it does in any brand:

• Unlined, seamed styles adapt to more shapes and are the best first try.
• Padded and moulded styles have a fixed shape. If one gapes or cuts in when your size is right elsewhere, it is the shape, and a seamed style will suit you better.

Which size to try first

1. Your measured UK size. If you have been wearing a high-street size, re-measure first. Full-bust brands make the smaller bands and larger cups that high-street sizing tends to miss.
2. The cup above and below, the first time you try a style.
3. The sister size if the band feels wrong and the cups feel right. A 34G pairs with 32GG and 36FF. See the sister size chart.

Remember the UK double letters when moving between sizes: F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K. Each is a full cup.

Buying from outside the UK, or converting

Curvy Kate uses UK sizes in every market. If you know your size in American or European lettering, convert it before ordering with the international bra size chart. A UK G is not a US G.

Scantilly

Scantilly is the brand's fashion and occasion line, with a more daring style. It was introduced in DD to HH cups, so if you are above an HH, check whether a given style reaches your size.

If Curvy Kate does not suit you

Brands differ in wire width, cup depth and band firmness. If the cut is not right, the same size in another full-bust brand may be. See our guides to Freya and Panache.

Frequently asked questions

What sizes does Curvy Kate make?

Curvy Kate specialises in D to K cups, on bands from 28 to 44, with the range depending on the style.

Is Curvy Kate true to size?

It uses standard UK sizing. As with any brand, fit varies by style, so start with your usual UK size, try the cup either side, and read the reviews for the bra you are considering.

What is Scantilly?

Scantilly is Curvy Kate's more fashion-led sister line. It was launched for DD to HH cups, so its range is narrower than the main brand.