Lingerie Size Guide India: How to Measure Yourself at Home for Corsets, Sets, Teddies and Bikinis

Quick answer: To measure your lingerie size at home, use a soft tape and take four measurements in your underwear: bust (fullest point), underbust (just below the bust), natural waist (narrowest point) and hips (fullest point). Keep the tape level and snug, not tight. Match your bust and waist to the S to XL chart on each product page; if you fall between two sizes, choose by the measurement that matters most for that garment.

Every Naughty Rituals sale is final because of the intimate nature of the products, so getting the size right before you order matters more than usual. The good news is that it takes about five minutes, a soft measuring tape and a mirror. This guide covers only measuring and reading the size chart. If you want advice on which silhouettes flatter which proportions, our guide on how to choose lingerie for your body type covers that in detail.

What do you need before you start measuring?

• A soft tailor's tape. A metal tape from the toolbox will not wrap around a body accurately. If you do not have one, use a piece of string or ribbon and lay it against a ruler afterwards.
• A mirror. You need to see your back to check the tape is level.
• Thin underwear or nothing. A padded bra can add an inch or more to your bust measurement. A non-padded bra or bare skin gives the truest number.
• Two minutes of standing still. Stand straight, arms relaxed at your sides, and breathe normally. Do not suck in or puff out.

Our size charts are in inches, so measure in inches. If your tape only shows centimetres, divide by 2.54.

How do I measure my lingerie size at home, step by step?

1. Bust. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, usually across the nipple line. Keep it level all the way around your back (check in the mirror) and snug enough not to slip, but without flattening the bust. Write the number down.
2. Underbust. Move the tape to just below your bust, where a bra band sits. Pull it firmly snug, since this is where a band or corset edge will grip. Breathe out normally and read the number.
3. Natural waist. Find the narrowest part of your torso, usually an inch or two above your belly button. Bending sideways helps: the crease that forms is your natural waist. Measure with the tape level and relaxed.
4. Hips. Stand with your feet together and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and seat. Check in the mirror that the tape has not dipped at the back.
5. Repeat once. Take each measurement twice. If the two readings differ, use the average.

Note all four numbers somewhere you can find them again, such as your phone notes. You will use them every time you shop.

What does the Naughty Rituals size chart look like?

Most lingerie, nightwear and swimwear pieces on the store use the same S to XL body measurements for the top half, listed on each product page under "Find Your Perfect Fit". At the time of writing, the standard chart reads:

Three things to know when you read it:

• Each product has its own chart. The bust and waist columns are the same on most pieces, but the length column changes with the garment (a cropped corset top is much shorter than a teddy), and a few swimwear tops list slightly different ranges, for example an XL bust of 42 to 44 inches. Always check the chart on the product page before you add to cart.
• Allow for a small variation. The charts note that measurements are taken manually and to allow a 1 to 3 inch variation. Treat the numbers as a strong guide, not a laboratory spec.
• The model reference helps. Product pages note that the model is 5'6" and wearing size Small, which gives you a sense of length and coverage on a real body.

Where should I measure for each type of garment?

The measurement that decides your size changes with what you are buying. One line each:

• Corset tops: waist first, then bust. A structured top such as the Floral Corset Top is built to define the waist, so choose the size whose waist range fits yours and check the bust falls inside the same size.
• Lingerie sets with a bra and garter belt: bust for the top, waist for the garter belt. Sets such as the Snow Set come in one size for all pieces, so pick the size that fits your bust and check the waist is close.
• Mesh corset-style pieces and babydolls: bust, then waist. The Blush Set has corset lacing and stretch mesh, which gives a little room either way.
• Teddies and bodysuits: bust, waist and torso length together. A one-piece like the Red Velvet Teddy Set runs from shoulder to hip, so if you have a long torso, look at the length column too.
• Bikinis: bust for the top and hips for the bottoms. Bikini sets such as the Oasis Bikini Set are sold as one size per set, so if your top and bottom measurements point to different sizes, read the next section.
• Swimsuits: bust, waist and torso length, for the same reason as a teddy.
• Nightwear and slip dresses: bust is usually enough, since most pieces have a relaxed or loose fit through the body.

What should I do if I am between sizes?

Being between sizes is normal. Bodies are not built to a chart. Use these rules of thumb:

• Structured pieces (corset tops, boned bodices, faux leather): these have little stretch, so size up if your waist or bust sits right at the top of a range. A structured top that is too small will dig in; one that is slightly roomy can usually be adjusted with lacing or straps.
• Stretch mesh, lace and velvet pieces: these have give, so you can usually take the smaller size if you prefer a close fit, or the larger size if comfort is the priority.
• One-pieces (teddies, bodysuits, swimsuits): if you have a long torso, size up even if your bust and waist fit the smaller size. Length is the measurement you cannot adjust.
• Bikinis with mismatched top and bottom: pick by the part that has less adjustment. Tie-side bottoms and halter-tie tops give you room to play; fixed bands and high-waisted bottoms do not.
• Nightwear with a relaxed fit: take your usual size; there is room built in.

Our separate guide on choosing lingerie for your body type has more on proportion and how each garment should sit, so we will not repeat it here.

Why does the 1 to 3 inch variation matter?

Lingerie is measured flat and by hand, and lace, mesh and velvet do not lie perfectly still on a table. A difference of an inch or two between two pieces labelled the same size is normal across the industry. In practice it means:

• If you sit in the middle of a range, you are safe.
• If you sit at the edge of a range, use the "between sizes" rules above.
• If you sit outside a range by a small amount, the stretch in most lace and mesh pieces may still work, but structured pieces will not stretch to cover it.

What are the most common measuring mistakes?

• Measuring over a padded bra. This inflates your bust and can push you a size up for no reason.
• Letting the tape dip at the back. A tape that slopes down your back reads larger than you are. Use the mirror.
• Pulling the tape too tight on the bust. The bust measurement should sit lightly. Only the underbust should be firm.
• Measuring the waist at your jeans line. Your natural waist is higher, at the narrowest point of your torso. Corset and bodysuit charts mean the natural waist.
• Using an old measurement. Weight, training, hormones and age all change your numbers. Re-measure if it has been more than a few months.
• Assuming another brand's size is the same. A Medium elsewhere is not automatically a Medium here. Always go back to your measurements and the chart on the product page.

How should each garment feel when it arrives?

A quick check when you first try a piece on, so you know whether the size is right:

• Bust: cups or lace panels lie flat against you without gaping at the top or cutting in at the edge.
• Band or underbust: sits level all the way round and stays put when you raise your arms.
• Waist: structured pieces feel firm and supportive; you should still be able to breathe and sit comfortably.
• Straps: once adjusted, they neither dig into your shoulders nor slide off.
• Bottoms: the waistband or ties sit flat without rolling, and the back coverage is where the product photos show it.

Try pieces on over your own underwear first, and keep everything in its original packaging until you are sure. The refund policy only covers wrong, damaged or defective items, reported within 24 hours of delivery with photos and an unboxing video where possible, and the product must be unused and in its original packaging.

Find your size, then shop the bestsellers

Once your four numbers are written down, the rest is easy. Start with the pieces customers return to most in Temptations, our bestseller edit, or browse everything in Shop All. Keep your measurements handy and check the chart on every product page before you add to cart.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure my lingerie size at home?

Use a soft tape in a non-padded bra or bare skin. Measure the fullest part of your bust, just under your bust, your natural waist (the narrowest point) and the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape level and snug. Compare the numbers to the S to XL chart on the product page.

Are Naughty Rituals size charts in inches or centimetres?

The size charts on product pages are in inches. If your tape measures in centimetres, divide by 2.54 to convert. For example, 90 cm is about 35.4 inches.

Should I size up or down if I am between sizes?

For structured pieces like corset tops and faux leather, size up, because they have little stretch. For stretch lace, mesh and velvet, either size can work depending on whether you prefer a close fit or more ease. For one-pieces, size up if you have a long torso.

Can I exchange lingerie if it does not fit?

No. Because of the intimate and hygienic nature of the products, all sales are final. Returns and replacements are only reviewed for wrong, damaged or defective items reported within 24 hours of delivery, which is why measuring before you order matters.

What size is the model wearing in the product photos?

Product pages note that the model is 5'6" and wearing size Small. Use this to judge length and coverage, especially on teddies, swimsuits and slip dresses.

Do bikini tops and bottoms come in different sizes?

Bikini sets are sold as one size per set. If your bust and hips point to different sizes, choose by the piece with less adjustment, and favour styles with tie sides or halter ties for flexibility.