Size Guides

Our pattern cutters draw on many years of experience to create clothes that fit and flatter. Because we make your clothes ourselves, we are very consistent with our sizing, so you can be confident of a perfect fit in every style you choose. To help you decide which size will be right for you, please check our guides below.

Find your perfect fit for womenswear and nightwear

See womenswear size guide
Womenswear & Nightwear

Our clothes are cut on the generous side, so if you’re between sizes, or prefer a more fitted look, we recommend choosing the smaller size.

If you have any specific questions, please call us on 01773 83 6000 for friendly, helpful advice, personal to you. Our customer service team works right here in our main building alongside our designers, so they are very well informed to give you expert, personal help and advice.

X Small Small Medium Large X Large 2X Large
SIZE 10 12 14 16 18 / 20 22 / 24
BUST 36”
91cm
38”
96cm
40”
101cm
42”
106cm
44¼” / 46½”
112cm / 118cm
49” / 51½”
124cm / 130.5cm
WAIST 30”
76.5cm
32”
81.5cm
34”
86.5cm
36”
91.5cm
38¼” / 40½”
97.5cm / 103.5cm
43” / 45½”
109.5cm / 116cm
HIPS 37”
94.5cm
39”
99.5cm
41”
104.5cm
43”
109.5cm
45¼” / 47½”
115.5cm / 121.5cm
50” / 52½”
127.5cm / 134cm

Measuring for size and length

Accurate measurements mean a better fit.

Diagram showing where to measure the bust, waist, hips and garment length

Size

Bust

Holding the tape level, measure around the fullest part of your bust.

Waist

Measure around the slimmest part of your waist.

Hips

Measure around the widest part of your hips.

Length

For dresses, nightwear and coats

Measure from the middle of the shoulder, where your bra strap sits, to the hem.

Skirts

Measure around the slimmest part of your natural waistline, usually where your waistband sits most comfortably.

Trousers

Measure from the top of your inside leg down to the trouser hem.

David Nieper womenswear styles shown on models

How we create the perfect fit

We take pride in making clothes that fit beautifully. When clothes fit well, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable. Unlike high street stores, we do not base the cut of our clothes on the shapes and sizes of women in general. Instead, our patterns are designed around our customers in particular. We use our own, unique mannequins that reflect the body types of our mature female customers to ensure every garment you order gives a reliably good fit.

Find your perfect fit for lingerie and hosiery

See lingerie size guide
Lingerie & Hosiery
When your underwear fits well, it’s a real confidence booster. So for perfect fit and comfort, measure yourself accurately and refer to the tables below.

Slips, vests and camisoles

SIZE BUST WAIST HIPS
10 / XS 36”
91cm
30”
76.5cm
37”
94.5cm
12 / S 38”
96cm
32”
81.5cm
39”
99.5cm
14 / M 40”
101cm
34”
86.5cm
41”
104.5cm
16 / L 42”
106cm
36”
91.5cm
43”
109.5cm

David Nieper slips, vests and camisoles

Hosiery

SIZE To fit hips Height
X Small 79 - 94cm 145 - 155cm
Small 86 - 97cm 152 - 163cm
Medium 91 - 107cm 157 - 173cm
Large 102 - 117cm 165 - 173cm
X Large 114 - 137cm 168 - 178cm

David Nieper hosiery and tights

How to measure your bra size

Diagram showing where to measure the back size and cup size for a bra

Follow these simple steps

Take a few minutes to measure yourself accurately and enjoy perfect comfort and confidence. Wear a well-fitting bra when you take your measurements.

1 Measure your back size

Measure around the rib cage, under your bust. The tape should be pulled firmly around the body and stay level all the way round. If the number is even, add 4”. If the number is odd, add 5”. This is your back size.

2 Measure your cup size

Measure over the fullest part of the bust, with your bra on. Ensure the tape is level all round and not twisted. Make a note of the difference between this measurement and your back size and use the table below to find your cup size.

3 Now find your bra size

Now you have both your back size and your cup size, you know the bra size that’s right for you.

For example

1 Under the bust is 31” plus 5” = 36 bra size.

2 The fullest part of the bust is 38”, which is 2” difference = C cup.

3 The bra size is 36C.

For your cup size:

The difference Cup size
Same as bra size A
1” more B
2” more C
3” more D
4” more DD
5” more E
6” more F
7” more FF
8” more G

How to tell if your bra is the right fit

Bra cups filled smoothly, without bulging or gaping

Full cups, but not bulging

It’s important that you fill the cups of your bra. If there is any wrinkling of the fabric or there is a gap between the edge of the cup and your skin, then the cup size is too large. But you don’t want to overfill the cups either – try slipping on a plain top to check that your bra looks completely smooth under your clothes.

Bra underwire lying flat against the body

Underwire sits smoothly

To ensure a comfortable fit that looks smooth under your clothes, check that the underwire is lying flat against your body and not digging in or gaping. Any problems here could mean you’re wearing the wrong bra size.

Bra underband sitting level all the way around the body

Straight underband

Take a look in the mirror and turn slowly round. The underband of your bra should be at the same level from the front, side and back. An underband that rides up at the back is often a sign that you are wearing a bra size that is too big.

A David Nieper dress being fitted on a model

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A tape measure and David Nieper size and fit guide

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