Which size each Christmas gift needs
Most Christmas lingerie goes wrong on size, not style. Match the gift to the size you can actually find out:
| Gift | Size you need | Where to find it | Risk if you guess |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underwired bra | Exact bra size, e.g. 34C | Tag on a bra she wears often | High |
| Bralette or soft bra | Top size (S, M, L) or bra size | Label on a T-shirt or jumper | Low |
| Silk robe or dressing gown | Top size, or one size | Label on a top or jacket | Very low |
| Pyjamas or a nightdress | Top size; dress size for fitted styles | Labels on her clothes | Low |
| Slip or chemise | Dress size | Label on a dress she likes | Medium |
| Knickers | Dress size | Label on a pair she wears, or her jeans | Medium; often can’t be returned |
| Slippers | Shoe size | Inside a pair of her shoes | Low; between sizes, go up |
| Tights or stockings | Height and weight | The size grid on the pack | Low; between sizes, take the larger |
| Ring | Ring size, for the right finger | A ring she wears on that finger | Medium; ask about resizing |
Write each size on her size card as you find it. It keeps them on your phone and converts between US, UK, Australian and European sizes.
Getting her bra size without asking
A bra tag is the best clue. Check the back band near the hooks or the side seam, and pick a bra she wears often; one at the back of the drawer may not fit. The bra size calculator reads the tag for you and shows the size in every country’s system. If the tags are cut out, use her clothes size for a range and choose a soft bralette instead of an underwired bra.
Sizes in different countries
If you’re ordering from a shop abroad, the label changes even when the bra doesn’t. A UK 34E is a US 34DDD and an Australian 12E. Use the converter in the calculator result, or see UK to US sizes.
Christmas timing and returns
- Order in the first half of December, so an exchange can still arrive before the day.
- Include a gift receipt and keep the tags on.
- Check the returns window. Many shops extend returns over Christmas, but hygiene rules usually exclude knickers and bodysuits.
- No size at all? A gift card from a shop she likes, plus one small sure thing such as socks or a candle, beats a wrong-sized bra. See lingerie gift ideas when you don’t know her size.
Sources & method: sizing rules follow the standard band-and-cup system used by UK, US, AU and EU brands, checked against fitting guides from specialist retailers and fitting communities. How we work.