Let's get one thing straight before we pick up the measuring tape: your measurements are not a report card. They're coordinates. That's it. Numbers that tell us where your body lives so we can sew something that meets it there.
At KIVÉ every piece is made to order, which means the five minutes you spend measuring is the single most useful thing you can do before hitting "add to cart." So grab a soft measuring tape — not the metal one from the toolbox, I see you — stand in front of a mirror in your comfiest unpadded bra or nothing at all, and let's do this together.
Your measurements are not a report card. They're coordinates.
What you'll need
- A soft measuring tape — a sewing one, the floppy kind
- A mirror
- Five honest minutes
- No sucking in. Seriously. We'll know. You'll know.
No tape? Use a string or a phone charger cable, mark the spot with your finger, and lay it against a ruler. Resourcefulness is very on-brand.
The four measurements that matter
Underbust — the foundation
Snug · Level · ExhaleWrap the tape directly under your bust, where a bra band would sit. The tape should be snug — like a hug from someone who means it — level all the way around, and parallel to the floor. Breathe out normally, then read the number.
Bust — the fullest part
Loose · Relaxed arms · No compressingMove the tape up to the fullest part of your bust, usually right across the nipples. This time the tape stays loose — resting on your skin, not squishing anything. Stand straight, arms relaxed at your sides.
If your bust is on the softer side, a thin unpadded bra gives a more accurate number. Padded bras lie. Lovingly, but they lie.
Waist — the narrowest point
Snug · Comfortable · Natural waistFind the narrowest part of your torso — usually a couple of centimetres above your belly button. Not sure where? Bend to one side: the crease that forms is your natural waist. Your body literally shows you where it is. Bodies are clever like that.
Hips — the fullest part, again
Feet together · Tape level · Check the side viewStand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom. Look in the mirror from the side — the tape loves to dip at the back without telling you. Keep it level.
Extra credit
Measuring for bodysuits & one-piece swimwear
One-pieces have a measurement most brands never mention: torso length. Hold the tape at the top of one shoulder, run it down your front, through your legs, and back up to the same shoulder. Yes, it feels a bit ridiculous. Yes, it's worth it — it's the difference between a bodysuit that fits like a second skin and one that fits like an argument.
How to read your numbers
Now compare your measurements to the size chart on each product page. A few KIVÉ-specific things to know:
Sitting between sizes? For lingerie, trust your underbust first — the band does most of the work. For swimwear, prioritise bust and hips.
Different sizes on top and bottom? Welcome to the majority. That's exactly why our sets are sold as separates.
Still unsure? Take our Find Your Fit quiz — it walks you through it question by question — or just message us. A real human (hi) will answer.
Lingerie should be made for your body — never the other way around.
Whatever numbers you just wrote down: they're perfect, because they're accurate. That's the whole job of a measurement. Now go measure. Then come back and find the piece that's been waiting for you.
Questions the girls always ask
How do I measure my bra size at home without a professional fitting?
You only need two numbers: your underbust (snug, straight, under the bust) and your bust (loose, over the fullest part). Compare both to the size chart on the product page. Between sizes? Prioritise the underbust — the band gives most of the support.
Should I wear a bra when measuring myself?
For the underbust, it doesn't matter. For the bust, wear a thin unpadded bra or nothing at all. Padded and push-up bras add centimetres that aren't yours.
How tight should the measuring tape be?
Underbust and waist: snug but never digging in. Bust and hips: resting on the skin without compressing. If the tape leaves a mark, loosen up — literally and spiritually.
What if my measurements changed since last time?
Bodies change — cycles, seasons, life. Re-measure before every order rather than trusting an old number. It takes five minutes and saves an exchange.
Do KIVÉ pieces run true to size?
Every KIVÉ piece is handmade to order in standard sizes, and each product page has its own size chart based on that exact pattern. Always check the chart on the specific piece rather than assuming your usual size.
