If you are searching for the Nike sports bra size chart UK, you may be wondering whether your usual bra size will match Nike’s sizing. Nike sports bras are available in alpha sizes such as XS, S, M, L and XL, with some styles also offering cup-specific sizing.
Nike’s official UK sports bra guide recommends measuring your underbust and cup size before choosing a size. The correct size can also depend on the particular Nike sports bra and the level of support you need.
What is the Nike sports bra size chart UK?
Nike uses alpha sizing for many women’s sports bras, including XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and extended sizes. The corresponding bra sizes vary according to band and cup measurements.
Here is a simplified version of Nike’s current UK sports bra sizing:
| Nike Size | Typical Band/Cup Sizes |
| XXS | 28A–28E |
| XS | 30A–30E, 32A–32B |
| S | 32C–32E, 34A–34C |
| M | 34D–34E, 36A–36C |
| L | 36D–36E, 38A–38C |
| XL | 38D–38E, 40A–40C |
| XXL | 40D–40E, 42A–42C |
| 1X | 42D–42E, 44A–44C |
| 2X | 44D–44E, 46A–46C |
| 3X | 46D–46E, 48A–48C |
| 4X | 48D–48E, 50A–50C |
Nike also provides more detailed cup-specific options from A through G for certain sizes. For example, a medium C-cup wearer may fall into M (C–E) on Nike’s alpha/cup chart.
Important: Nike’s sizing can vary by sports-bra design, so always check the size guide on the specific product you are buying.
How do I measure for a Nike sports bra?
You need two measurements to get a more accurate Nike sports bra size: your underbust measurement and your cup measurement.
How do I measure my underbust for a Nike sports bra?
Wrap a soft measuring tape around your ribcage directly underneath your breasts.
Keep the tape horizontal and snug, but do not pull it so tightly that it digs into your skin. Nike recommends rounding up to the closest measurement.
If you do not have a measuring tape, you can use a piece of string and then measure the string with a ruler.
How do I measure my cup size for a Nike sports bra?
Measure across the fullest part of your breast while keeping the measuring tape parallel to the floor.
Nike’s current guide uses the measurement across the fullest point of the breast to help determine the appropriate cup range.
For the most accurate measurement, wear an unlined bra that supports your natural shape rather than a padded bra or bralette.
What Nike sports bra size should I get if I know my normal bra size?
Your usual bra size is a useful starting point, but Nike converts traditional band-and-cup sizes into its alpha sizing system.
For example, Nike’s current chart places several different traditional bra sizes into the same alpha size. A medium may cover combinations such as 34D–34E and 36A–36C in the standard chart.
This means you should not simply assume that your UK bra size number directly corresponds to a Nike sports bra size.
Is Nike sports bra sizing the same as UK bra sizing?
Not exactly.
UK bras are commonly labelled using a band number plus cup letter, such as 32C, 34D or 36E. Many Nike sports bras instead use alpha sizing such as XS, S, M, L and XL, sometimes combined with cup ranges.
Nike’s UK chart is designed to help you convert your usual band-and-cup size into its alpha/cup sizing system.
What Nike sports bra size is a 32C?
According to Nike’s current UK chart, 32C falls within the S (C–E) range for the alpha/cup sizing system.
So if you normally wear a 32C bra, a Nike sports bra labelled S (C–E) may be the appropriate starting point.
Always check the individual product’s size information because construction and support level can affect the fit.
What Nike sports bra size is a 34C?
A 34C falls within Nike’s S (A–C) range on its current UK sports bra chart.
This makes S a reasonable starting point when shopping for a Nike sports bra, although your measurements and the particular style should still be considered.
What Nike sports bra size is a 36C?
A 36C is included in Nike’s M (A–B/C depending on the chart format) range, with Nike’s detailed alpha/cup chart specifically listing 36C within the M cup-sizing options.
If you normally wear 36C, start by checking Nike’s M sizing and compare your measurements with the product’s size guide.
What Nike sports bra size is a 38C?
A 38C is included in Nike’s L sizing range in the current UK sports bra chart.
Your exact choice may differ if you are between sizes or if the particular sports bra has a different fit.
What if I am between two Nike sports bra sizes?
If your measurements sit between two sizes, consider how you want the sports bra to fit and how much support you need.
A sports bra should feel secure without being painfully tight. The band should stay in place when you raise your arms, and the straps should not dig into your shoulders.
Nike recommends checking that approximately two fingers can fit comfortably between the band and your body.
How should a Nike sports bra fit?
A properly fitting Nike sports bra should:
- Keep the band level around your ribcage
- Stay in place when you raise your arms
- Keep your breasts comfortably contained
- Avoid excessive gaping or spillage
- Have straps that feel secure without digging into your shoulders
- Provide the appropriate level of support for your activity
Nike recommends testing the fit by moving in the bra and checking for excessive bounce.
Should I size up or down in a Nike sports bra?
There is no single rule that works for every person or every Nike sports bra.
If the band feels excessively tight, digs into your ribs or restricts comfortable movement, you may need a larger size. If the band rides up or the bra feels loose and provides insufficient support, a smaller size may be worth considering.
For high-impact activities, getting the correct support level is just as important as choosing the correct size.
What are the Nike sports bra support levels?
Nike categorises its women’s sports bras into different support levels.
Light support
Light-support bras are designed for activities such as yoga, Pilates and casual, lower-intensity activities.
Nike lists styles such as the Nike Indy and Nike Alate in this category.
Medium support
Medium-support sports bras provide more coverage and compression and can be suitable for activities such as training, running and indoor cycling.
The Nike Swoosh Bra is listed by Nike as a medium-support option.
High support
High-support Nike sports bras are designed for activities involving more movement and bounce.
Nike’s current UK guide lists styles such as the Nike Alpha Bra and Nike Swoosh High Support in its high-support category.
Does cup size matter when buying a Nike sports bra?
Yes. Cup size can be particularly important if you have a larger bust.
Nike’s current sports bra guide provides cup-specific sizing from A through G, including E (DD), F (DDD) and G (DDDD).
For larger cup sizes, look for Nike styles that specifically provide the cup range you need rather than choosing an alpha size based only on your usual clothing size.
Can I use my Nike clothing size to choose a sports bra?
Your normal Nike clothing size can provide a useful starting point, but it should not replace measuring your bust and underbust.
Sports bras need to provide support around the ribcage and enough coverage around the breasts, so your usual T-shirt or leggings size may not correspond exactly to your ideal sports bra size.
Why does my Nike sports bra feel too tight?
A Nike sports bra can feel too tight for several reasons:
- The band size is too small.
- The cup area does not provide enough room.
- The style has a naturally compressive fit.
- You have selected a high-support model designed to fit snugly.
- The straps have been adjusted too tightly.
If you experience uncomfortable pressure, digging, significant spillage or restricted movement, reassess both the size and the style.
Why does my Nike sports bra ride up?
If the band rides up when you move or raise your arms, the fit may not be correct.
The band should remain relatively level around your ribcage. Nike specifically recommends raising your arms during a fit check to make sure the band stays in place.
Is Nike sports bra sizing different for high-support bras?
The sizing system can be similar, but the fit and construction can feel different depending on the support level.
A high-support bra may feel more secure and compressive than a light-support style. Therefore, you should consider both the size chart and the intended activity.
Nike describes its high-support styles as providing shape, support and compression for higher-movement activities.
What is the easiest way to find my Nike sports bra size in the UK?
The easiest approach is:
- Put on an unlined, supportive bra.
- Measure your underbust.
- Measure your cup/bust area.
- Compare the measurements with Nike’s UK sports bra chart.
- Convert your usual band-and-cup size into Nike’s alpha/cup size.
- Check the specific product’s size guide.
- Test the finished fit by moving, raising your arms and checking the band.
Nike also provides an online bra-size tool that uses your measurements to suggest an alpha/cup size.
Nike Sports Bra Size Chart UK: Quick Reference
| Your usual bra size | Nike starting size |
| 30A–30C | XS |
| 30D–30E | XS (D–E) |
| 32A–32B | S |
| 32C–32E | S (C–E) |
| 34A–34C | S |
| 34D–34E | M |
| 36A–36C | M |
| 36D–36E | L |
| 38A–38C | L |
| 38D–38E | XL |
| 40A–40C | XL |
| 40D–40E | XXL |
| 42A–42C | XXL |
| 42D–42E | 1X |
This is a quick reference based on Nike’s published UK chart; for the most accurate fit, use your measurements and the detailed chart for the specific sports bra.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right Nike sports bra size in the UK is about more than choosing your normal clothing size. Your underbust, cup size, preferred fit and required support all matter.
If you normally wear a traditional UK bra size such as 32C, 34D or 36E, Nike’s alpha/cup chart can help you identify the corresponding sports bra size. However, always check the current product-specific sizing information before ordering because different Nike sports bras can have different construction and support characteristics.
For the most accurate information, compare your measurements with Nike’s official UK sports bra size guide before purchasing.