Shock Absorber vs Berlei
Two brands, two ways of grading a size. Here is how Shock Absorber and Berlei differ in system, range and fit, and which one to choose for your shape and your problem.
Shock Absorber or Berlei, in short
Shock Absorber and Berlei use different systems (UK vs AU / NZ). Shock Absorber runs firm in the band and true in the cup with average wires; Berlei runs firm in the band, true in the cup, average wires. Range: Shock Absorber 30–40 / A–HH; Berlei AU 8–24 (US 30–46) / A–H. Convert your measured size into each and let fit decide.
Your measured size in both
Same body, two labels. Each result is your US size converted into the brand's system, then adjusted for how that brand grades. They use different systems, so the numbers differ even before fit.
Shock Absorber vs Berlei at a glance
| Shock Absorber | Berlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Sizing system | United Kingdom | Australian |
| Bands | 30–40 | AU 8–24 (US 30–46) |
| Cups | A–HH (UK letters) | A–H (UK letters) |
| Band grading | firm | firm |
| Cup grading | true | true |
| Wire width | average | average |
| Straps | Wide, adjustable; racerback options | Wide on sport |
| Alpha sizes | No | No |
| Tier | Mid-market | Mid-market |
| Origin | UK | Australia |
| Signature line | Ultimate Run: high-impact, the flagship | Ultimate Performance: high-impact sport |
Which to try for your breast shape
| Shape | Shock Absorber | Berlei |
|---|---|---|
| Full on bottom | Ultimate Run | Barely There demi |
| Full on top | Active Multi Sports | Curves |
| Shallow | Ultimate Fly | Barely There |
| Projected | Active Multi Sports | Lift & Shape |
| Wide-set | Active Zipped Plunge | Ultimate Performance |
Not sure of your shape? Use the shape finder.
Choose Shock Absorber or Berlei?
- you want a firm, supportive band and are happy to size the band up if between
- running and high-impact sport
- full-bust sport in real sizes
- you want a firm, supportive band and are happy to size the band up if between
- high-impact sport
- au sizing reference
Both are right at the same measurement. The label differs by system and the fit by grading: start from your measured size, convert into each, and let the five fit checks decide.
What each brand is known for
| Shock Absorber | Berlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | Ultimate Run: high-impact, the flagship | Ultimate Performance: high-impact sport |
| Line 2 | Active Multi Sports: high-impact encapsulation | Barely There: contour t-shirt |
| Line 3 | Active Zipped Plunge: front-zip high impact | Lift & Shape: full-figure underwire |
| Line 4 | Ultimate Fly: lighter, running-specific | Curves: full cup |
Shock Absorber vs Berlei: answered
Is Shock Absorber the same size as Berlei?
Different systems: Shock Absorber labels in UK, Berlei in AU / NZ. Shock Absorber: Bands run firm: if you sit between bands, take the larger band with the same cup volume (a sister size). Berlei: Bands run firm: if you sit between bands, take the larger band with the same cup volume (a sister size).
Which runs smaller, Shock Absorber or Berlei?
Shock Absorber. Cups grade true to the measured difference. Berlei. Cups grade true to the measured difference.
Which is better for a large bust, Shock Absorber or Berlei?
Shock Absorber runs to A–HH on bands 30–40; Berlei to A–H on AU 8–24 (US 30–46). The one whose range covers your size (in its own system) and whose wire width suits your root.
Which is better for a small bust?
Whichever grades true or small at A–C: Shock Absorber cups true, Berlei cups true. Small bands need the brand whose range starts lower: 30 vs AU 8.
Can I use my Shock Absorber size at Berlei?
Convert first (UK → AU / NZ), then adjust: Berlei bands run firm and cups true relative to true. The calculator above does both.
Do Shock Absorber and Berlei fit the same breast shapes?
Not identically. Full on bottom: Shock Absorber Ultimate Run vs Berlei Barely There demi; Full on top: Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports vs Berlei Curves; Shallow: Shock Absorber Ultimate Fly vs Berlei Barely There.
Opens HauteFlair’s own hub page; use your measured size there. HauteFlair is owned by the same company as Brasize.ai; that relationship never changes the sizing math, charts, or fit advice on this page. How this site makes money.