Category: Bra Size

What is 30C bra size?

If your bra size is 30C, then your band is 30 inches and bust is 3 inches bigger than your band that is 33 inches. C cup is not so small cup. The woman with 30C bra size has slender frame but relatively bigger breasts. It is pretty average size but a less common bra size.

Little more about 30C bra size

The number in the bra size is the size of the band and the alphabet is the size of the cup. Though the cup size may be labeled as C with different band sizes such as 30C, 32C, 34C and so on, the cup size is not the same. The depth of the cup may be same but the width differs. This is because woman with small body does not have the same cup width as woman with bigger body.

So, 30C is not just same as 28C or 32C. Rather 30C is same as 34A or 32B or 28D because they all have the same cup volume. They are called the sister sizes. Knowing the sister sizes is very helpful for the women who has petite body type while buying bras. There aren’t many companies manufacturing bras with 30 bands.

Also Read: 30A Bra Size

Buying 30C bra size

When buying bra for yourself, make sure you get the right measurement. It is very important to find and wear a perfect fit bra. It is always difficult but the hassle is worth. Most women are wearing wrong size bra simply because they don’t take their correct measurements.

Only few companies produce small sized bras so it is kind of difficult for petite women to get the perfect fit. The Little Bra Company is one the companies that truly specializes in producing bra for petite body type. There are online stores where you can find 30C bra size. If you are 100% sure about your size and type then you can make online purchases. Otherwise visiting a nearby store and getting fitted before buying is recommended.

Also Read: 30B Bra Size

International Conversion of 30C Bra Size

• US – 30C
• UK – 30C
• Europe – 65C
• Australia – 8C
• France – 80C

Sister sizes of 30C

• US – 28D, 32B, 34A, 36AA
• UK – 26DD, 28D, 32B, 34A, 36AA
• Europe – 70B, 75A, 80AA
• Australian – 10B, 12A, 14AA
• French – 85B, 90A, 95AA

Also Read: 30D Bra Size

Celebrities with 30C Bra Size

If you do not trust us while we say 30C is wonderful, look at the celebrities below:

• Amy Brenneman – American actress and producer
• Nina Dobrev – Bulgarian Canadian actress
• Khloè Kardashian – American television personality
• Joely Richardson – English actress
• Ella Rae Peck – American actress
• Christa B. Allen – American actress

What is 30B bra size?

You very well know that bra size is the band size and cup size. If the woman has band size 30 inches and bust size 32 inches, then her bra size is 30B bra size. Why B? ‘B’ is the cup size, which is determined by the difference between the bust size and the band size. When the difference between bust and band is 2 inches than it is sized as B.

30B falls under small breasts category. A woman with 30 inches band size is a woman with slender figure and B cup is also not so big. Nonetheless this size is attractive.

Also Read: 30A Bra Size

Is 30B bra size really small?

Definitely not. There are even smaller sizes than 30B and 30B is near to average size. You are 30B bra size and if you are thinking you are too small and not sexy, you are wrong. Most of the redditors state that they prefer small boobs than the big ones. With the perfect bra and right sized dress, you will look hot as hell. Be proud of what you got and love them.

But if you really want to increase the size of your breasts, then you need to put on some weight. The size of the breasts can also increase during the pregnancy as well. Sometimes the birth control pill can increase breasts size as the side effect for some women. And there is always the option of breasts implants. But we don’t recommend it to those who have small frame, as there is high chance of looking fake because there won’t be much of natural tissues to cover the implants. And natural is always the best. Also, small boobs don’t sag.

Also Read: 30C Bra Size

International Conversion of 30B Bra Size

• US – 30B
• UK – 30B
• Europe – 65B
• Australia – 8B
• France – 80B

Sister sizes of 30B Bra Size

• US – 28C, 32A, 34AA
• UK – 26D, 28C, 32A, 34AA
• Europe – 70A, 75AA
• Australian – 10A, 12AA
• French – 85A, 90AA

Also Read: 30D Bra Size

Celebrities with 30B Bra Size

Most people think that only larger bust is attractive and smaller is not. Be proud of your size and look at these beautiful ladies with 30B bra size:

• Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas – American recording artist, record producer, dancer and actress
• Erin Sanders – American actress
• Audrey Tautou – French actress
• Juno Temple – English actress
• Sandra Oh – Canadian actress

What is 30A bra size?

30A bra size is for women with small figure. It is one of the rare sizes as the band size is 30 inches that is the ribcage measures 30 inches. The bust size is 31 inches and the single inch difference between band and bust; hence the cup size is A.

Finding a perfect bra is hectic task for any sized woman. And it is more difficult for those with small figure and small breasts. There are very few companies producing bra that fits for petite women.

The real problem with 30A

The problem with small busts women is that they think A is the cup for small breasts. They never think that they might go up with the cup size relating to their actual band sizes. Women with small frame tend to settle with 32B or 32A and do not bother to explore the other sizes. Most of them are unaware of the sister sizing. You can learn more about sister sizes here.

The other problem can be the wrong measurement. Most women are wearing wrong size bra as they take the wrong measurement and believe it. Girls, get fitted. Most of the lingerie stores will happily do that for you.

Also Read: 30B Bra Size

If you are 30A, do you need to worry?

No. You do not need to worry if you are 30A bra size. Yes, size 30A is small but there is nothing to worry about it. Most of the Victoria Secret’s models are 30A bra size. Most women, these days are working their butt off to have slender frame as yours. Have confidence and be proud of your breasts. Remember, beauty comes in all sizes.

Also, you need not worry about finding the perfect fit bra. Though not many companies manufacture small sizes, for 30A, it is not so difficult to find one. And you can always go for sister sizing. The manufacturers are now listening to the complains of small size women so they are acting upon it.

Also Read: 30C Bra Size

Where can you find 30A bra?

Not many companies manufacture small size bra. But there are some who specialize in small size bra.

Lula Lu Petites and The Little Bra Company are two companies that specialize in bras for small busts.

Brands like Huit and Affinitas Intimates also produce bras of 30A size.

Also Read: 30D Bra Size

International Conversion of 30A Bra Size

• US – 30A
• Europe – 65A
• Australia – 8A
• French – 80A

Sister sizes of 30A

• US – 28B & 32AA
• UK – 26C, 28B & 32AA
• Europe – 70AA
• Australia – 10AA
• French – 85AA

Celebrities with Bra Size 30A

If you think small bust is not good and attractive, then look at these celebrities. They are size 30A and still very attractive and beautiful.

• Hayley Williams – American Singer and songwriter
• Ellen Page – Canadian Actress
• Rose Bryne – Australian Actress
• Nicola Peltz –American Actress
• Kristen Connolly – American Actress
• Georgie Henley – English Actress

Most women wear wrong size bra.

The bra size varies from woman to woman as the shape, size, spacing, position, symmetry and firmness vary from woman to woman. The bra manufacturers have their own standards of measurement for band size and cup size. There is no International Standard for the bra size hence the bra size varies from country to country. All these variation makes finding the perfect fitting bra nearly impossible. Hence, most of the women end up wearing the wrong size bra.

It has been almost 7 decades since the bras were first introduced, yet the band sizes and cup sizes are not standardized. The sizes vary significantly from one manufacturer to another providing just the fairly accurate fit. This complicates finding the correctly fitting bra and women cannot rely on the labeled bra sizes. The labeled size often doesn’t match the exact measurement.

Though the bra manufacturers are producing bras of all sizes, from smaller to larger sizes, the larger cup sizes are difficult to get in retail outlets. Hence, larger size breasted women are compelled to settle for wrong size, boring and less stylish bras or go for custom made bras.

Most of the women do not know their actual size and when they are buying a bra, they try to adjust themselves in a bra they like. The problem increases with the larger size breasts. Oprah Winfrey dedicated a show to bras and bra sizes in 2005, during which it was found that 80% women wear the wrong size bra.

Larger size breasts and fitting bra

As the size increases the variation in the bra size manufacturers increases significantly leaving larger breasted women in more confusion than the smaller breasted women. Hence, it is more likely for larger breasted women to wear the wrong size bra than the smaller breasted women.

The major reason why women choose the wrong size bra is that they don’t know how to measure the bra size and how the bra size works. The bra size depends upon the band size and cup size. The same band size can fit different cup sizes. And the cup size depends on band size and bust size as it is the difference between band size and bust size.

Studies have shown the most common mistake made by women while buying bra is choosing the larger band for larger breasts instead of larger cup sizes. They actually don’t care about the cup sizes and try to fit in their breasts in whatever cup size the band fitted to them has.

The larger breasts are more complicated to take the correct measurement as the shape and tissue distribution within them also changes. And it is difficult to get the accurate measurement if the person has a heavy build as the measuring tape sinks the flesh more easily

Researchers have found the strong relation between obesity and inaccurate back measurement. In a study conducted in UK among 103 women seeking mammoplasty, the conclusion was that obesity, breast hypertrophy, fashion and bra fitting practices combine to decrease the chances of getting perfectly fitted bras for those women who most need the supportive bras.

As mentioned earlier, the band size and cup size are not standardized and hence, bra sizes vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer and country to country. This complicates the hunt for correctly fitting bras as this provides only an approximate fit. On top of that the labeled sizes are not reliable to find a bra that fits perfectly.

Some manufacturers measure in inches and some in centimeters, thus creating the difference. And the manufacturers are not coming together to agree on a single standard.

The cup size increases from A to D, from smallest to the largest. These days manufacturers produce bra of bigger sizes such as G, H, and so on for the larger breasted women. British manufacturers produce bra from A to LL cup size while in America bras from A-G cup sizes are found. The largest cup size found is N (Goddess, Elila) which is roughly equal to British JJ cup. Poland produces up to R cup size.

The thing is larger cup sizes are difficult to get in retail outlets. And with the increasing cup size the labeled cup sizes tend to vary from manufacturer to manufacturer more widely.

 

Style and comfort

Bra is small piece of clothing yet very complex and it comes in various shapes and colors and styles. It is natural that women choose stylish and their favorite colors. While doing so most women tend to neglect the real function of bra and comfort.  Even the manufacturer’s marketing and advertising appeals to fashion and style more than fit comfort and function. But from late 90s, they have been focusing on support and foundation rather than fashion.

The larger breasted women also tend to choose the stylish bras rather than the fitting one. If they like the style they try to adjust themselves in that particular one. There are not many stylish range of larger size bras hence such women settle for wrong size bras.

Stores and Sales person

Women with larger breasts (larger than D cup) have usually hard time to find correctly fit bras. The reason being that many stores do not offer a sufficient range of larger sized bras. Also the sales persons in the stores are not specifically trained on how to measure the bra size correctly. When the customers are in confusion, such sales persons are not of much help. Some sales persons measure customers over their top and bra, messing the measurement.

Also Read: Bra Size Calculator

Because of all the above mentioned reasons most women wear the wrong size bra. Wearing a wrong size bra can really affect your health. So it’s best that you know your bra size and try harder to get the correctly fitting bra.

You can know more about bra sizes here.

You can learn the methods of taking measurement of your bra size here.

Are you wearing the right size bra??  Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Good day.

What can we say about the sizes of women breasts? The shape and sizes and form of the breasts vary from woman to woman. Determining the standard set of bra sizes is still not possible let alone the average bra size. The results for the surveys to find out the average bra sizes are different every time depending on various factors of the population studied.

The average bra size for America, couple of decades back, used to be 34B.

But according to the survey carried out by lingerie retailer Intimacy in 2013, the American average bra size has increased from 34B to 34DD. Intimacy spokeswoman Kate Terhune explained to The Huffington Post that weight gain and breast implants have played a role in the increase, but the biggest factor is that women are choosing a more appropriate size.

Medical Daily also stated its reasons for the leap of American average bra size. According to it, inflated cup sizes, plastic surgery, and the increasing obesity rate are the reasons for the increment.

Another reason is the study in 2004 that resulted in 80 percent of women wearing the wrong size bra. Oprah Winfrey dedicated her show helping women to discover their true bra size. Women who thought they were B found out that they are actually DD.

Also Read: Bra Sizes

The average bra size in UK was 36D that is in 2010.

Like America, Britain also faced the increased average bra size, from 36C to more voluptuous 36DD as mentioned in DailyMail in 2015. The market research carried out by Mintel in 2004 showed that bust sizes in UK had increased from 1998 to 2004 in younger as well as older consumers and that the shift was not limited to overweight women.

Also Read: How to measure bra size?

Not just the bra sizes, even the surveys of bra sizes tend to vary depending on the population studied. In a survey conducted by Triumph in 2007, it was found that 57% of British women need a D cup that is more than any other country.

Also Read: Best Bra Fitting Guide – How to find your perfect fit bra?

Below is the table showing the result of Triumph Survey:

Country	D	C	B	A
UK	57%	18%	19%	6%
Denmark	50%	19%	24%	7%
Netherlands	36%	27%	29%	8%
Belgium	28%	28%	35%	9%
France	26%	29%	38%	7%
Sweden	24%	30%	33%	14%
Greece	23%	28%	40%	9%
Switzerland	19%	24%	43%	14%
Austria	11%	27%	51%	10%
Italy	10%	21%	68%	1%

Average Bra Size Map

The following colorful world map shows the average bra size of the women around the world. This map and many others are included in the Atlas named ‘Vargic’s Miscellany of Curious Maps: Mapping Out the Modern World’ created by Martin Vargic, graphic designer from Slovakia.

The globe graphic shows women in Russia and parts of Scandinavia have larger breast resulting in larger bra sizes, with the average being larger than a D cup, compared to large parts of Asia and Africa where most women are a more modest A-cup measurement.

Also Read: Bra Size Conversion

Average Bra Size Infographic

The infographic below illustrates the average cup size of women around the world. This is an interesting infographic and the cup sizes are illustrated brilliantly.

Like the Map, this infographic also shows that Russia, US, UK and European countries have D and larger than D as average bra size while Asian, African and less developed American countries have smaller cups, A, B and C as the average bra size.

Also Read: Bra Size Calculator

Average Bra Size of Victoria’s Secret

When the show started back in 90s, the average bra size in States was 34B. The size now has changed and increased to 34DD. Though the average bra size is larger, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show broadcast its angels with smaller breast sizes.

It is obvious that models are smaller bodied that is why they have smaller breasts. But Victoria’s Secret showcased a varied range of sizes. The Mic states Victoria’s Secret sells bras up to size DDD and band size 40 but the labeled size doesn’t match the exact measurement and there are not enough option for bigger size.

Women these days are getting breasts implants to obtain the size they want according to meet the beauty standard set by media and magazines.

But you know beauty comes in all sizes and size doesn’t matter. Just make sure you know your bra size and you are wearing correctly fitting bra.

Now, you know the average bra sizes around the world. Is your size above or below the average bra size? Let us know in the comment section below.

Stay beautiful.

Most women end up wearing the wrong size bra because the perfect fit bras are very hard to find. The lack of International Standards for the measurement is making it more difficult to determine the sizes. The bra sizes vary from country to country; hence the bra size conversion can be real confusion.

So many factors are included while measuring the bra size making it complicated. The shape and size, position and symmetry, spacing and firmness, everything differs from an individual woman to another.  The labeled bra sizes do not always match the actual measurements.

Read More: Bra Sizes 

Knowing your bra size is very much essential to find yourself a perfect fit bra. If you don’t know how to measure bra size, go here and you can take measurement of your bra size.

 

 

The bra sizes are basically measured in inches and the centimeters.

The bra size conversion can really get on your nerves; hence we have collected all the possible bra size conversion charts.

The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Japan, Korea, France, Spain, Belgium are the major manufacturers of bra; hence we have considered them in our conversion charts.

Also Read: How to measure bra size?

Here are the charts showing the Band sizes and Cup sizes in various countries:

Bra Band Sizes
USA	UK	Europe	France	Italy	Australia	Japan
28	28	60	75	0	6	60
30	30	65	80	0	8	65
32	32	70	85	1	10	70
34	34	75	90	2	12	75
36	36	80	95	3	14	80
38	38	85	100	4	16	85
40	40	90	105	5	18	90
42	42	95	110	6	20	95
44	44	100	115	7	22	100
46	46	105	120	8	24	105
48	48	110	125	9	26	110
50	50	115	130	10	28	115
52	52	120	135	11	30	120
54	54	125	140	12	32	125
56	56	130	145	13	34	130
28	28	60	75	0	6	60

Note: Japanese bra sizes are the same as European sizes but cup sizes precedes band sizes, for example C75 instead of 75C.

 

Bra Cup Sizes
USA	UK	Europe	France	Italy	Australia	Japan
AA	AA	AA	AA	A	AA	A
A	A	A	A	A	A	B
B	B	B	B	B	B	C
C	C	C	C	C	C	D
D	D	D	D	D	D	E
DD or E	DD	E	E	DD	DD	F
DDD or F	E	F	F	E	E	G
G	F	G	G	F	F	H
H	FF	H	H	FF	FF	I
I	G	J	J	G	G	J
J	GG	K	K	GG	GG	K
K	H	L	L	H	H	L
L	HH	M	M	HH	HH	M
M	J	N	N	J	J	N
N	JJ	O	O	JJ	JJ	O
O	K	P	P	K	K	P

 

Cup sizes are determined by the difference of band sizes and bust sizes. The cup sizes increase by an inch a step or 2.5 cm a step.

Cup Size	Bust size – Band size
AA	0
A	<1
B	1
C	2
D	3
DD	4
DDD/E	5
F	6
G	7
H	8

 

 

Knowing your bra sizes in both inches and centimeters is very helpful. If you are habituated to shop online, then it is very important and recommended that you know all the conversions of your size. If you know your bra size and all related bra size conversion, then it gives you freedom and options of choosing bras from various brands and manufacturers.

Also Read: Average Bra Size

The following are the conversion charts to convert any size from any country:

Australia / NZ	USA	UK / India	Europe / China / Japan Hong Kong / Korea	France / Spain Belgium
8A	30A	30A	65B	80B
8B	30B	30B	65C	80C
8C	30C	30C	65D	80D
8D	30D	30D	65E	80E
8DD	30DD	30DD	65F	80F
8E	30DDD	30E	65G	80G
10A	32A	32A	70B	85B
10B	32B	32B	70C	85C
10C	32C	32C	70D	85D
10D	32D	32D	70E	85E
10DD	32DD	32DD	70F	85F
10E	32DDD	32E	70G	85G
10F	32F	32F	70H	85H
10G	32G	32G	70I	85I
12A	34A	34A	75B	90B
12B	34B	34B	75C	90C
12C	34C	34C	75D	90D
12D	34D	34D	75E	90E
12DD	34DD	34DD	75F	90F
12E	34DDD	34E	75G	90G
12F	34F	34F	75H	90H
12G	34G	34G	75I	90I
14A	36A	36A	80B	95B
14B	36B	36B	80C	95C
14C	36C	36C	80D	95D
14D	36D	36D	80E	95E
14DD	36DD	36DD	80F	95E
14E	36DDD	36E	80G	95G
14F	36F	36F	80H	95H
14G	36G	36G	80I	95I
16B	38B	38B	85C	100C
16C	38C	38C	85D	100D
16D	38D	38D	85E	100E
16DD	38DD	38DD	85F	100F
16E	38DDD	38E	85G	100G
16F	38F	38F	85H	100H
16G	38G	38G	85I	100I
18B	40B	40B	90C	105C
18C	40C	40C	90D	105D
18D	40D	40D	90E	105E
18DD	40DD	40DD	90F	105F
18E	40DDD	40E	90G	105G
18F	40F	40F	90H	105H
18G	40G	40G	90I	105I
20B	42B	42B	95C	110C
20C	42C	42C	95D	110D
20D	42D	42D	95E	110E
20DD	42DD	42DD	95F	110F
20E	42DDD	42E	95G	110G
20F	42F	42F	95H	110H
20G	42G	42G	951	110I
22B	44B	44B	100C	115C
22C	44C	44C	100D	115D
22D	44D	44D	100E	115E
22DD	44DD	44E	100F	115F
22E	44DDD	44E	100G	115G
22F	44F	44F	100H	115H
22G	44G	44G	100I	115I

 

By now, you should know your bra size and conversion in all the available standards of various countries. If you are still not sure about your bra size, you can always come back and check the above bra size conversion chart.

Did you determine your bra size? Were you able to convert your size? Let us know in the comment section below.

Have a good day!

You are well aware that the bra sizes labeling differs from country to country and manufacturer to manufacturer. How to measure bra size is big question. If you want to know more about the bra sizes and the variations, you can go here and read. Not finding a perfectly fitting bra is a major problem for most of the women, especially women with the larger breasts because not many companies produce bra of larger size.

Anyway it is difficult to find properly fitted bra, for smaller or the larger breasted women. Most of the women do not know their bra size. And the variation in the labeling of the bra sizes of different brands is making the choices even more complicated. Same labeled bra size can give different measurements.

Also Read: Bra Sizes

Different countries have different standards of bra size measurement systems. Also different manufacturers within the same country have different set of measurement system. Some measure under the bust, some over the bust. The others take measures in inches while some take in centimeters. While, some even base the bra size upon the dress size.

The reason behind all these variations is the lack of one International Standard of bra size measurements. There are various factors to be considered to calculate the correct bra size which is complicated because the shape, size, position, symmetry, spacing, firmness vary considerably in every individual woman. The manufacturers produce bras that fit for majority of the women.

The cup sizes were invented in 1930s and the band sizes became popular only in 1940s.

The bra size is determined by the two factors; band size and cup size. There are various ways to measure band and cup size. The primary methods of measuring are either under the bust or over the bust. The variety of factors complicates the calculation of the correct bra size.

A bra measurement is considered as an art and a science.

 

Methods of Band size measurement

There are various methods possible for the bust measurement.

Underbust +0

Put the measuring tape around the torso at the inframammary fold or the base of the breast. The tape should be parallel to the floor. The measurement in inches is then rounded to the closest even number of the band size.

Underbust +4

This method is same as Underbust +0, a measuring tape is pulled tight around the torso under the bust and parallel to the floor. If the measurement is even, 4 is added and if the measurement is odd, 5 is added to calculate the band size.

Sizing chart

Many stores in US determine the band size by above mentioned, Underbust +0 and Underbust +4 methods. A sizing chart then uses this measurement to determine the band size. The badn sizes calculated this way differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, though the result generally lie between the measurements taken from Underbust +0 and Underbust +4 methods.

Above the breasts

A measuring tape is pulled around the torso under the armpit and above the bust and the measurements are taken. Since the band sizes are mostly manufactured in even numbers, the measurement taken is rounded to the closest even number. Victoria’s Secret uses this method for the band size measurement.

Also Read: Bra Size Calculator

Methods of Cup size measurement

The difference between the bust size and the band size determines the cup size. The bust size or the bust line measure or over-bust measure is the measurement around the torso over the fullest part of the breasts, usually over the nipples. We have discussed the ways to take the measurement of the band size above. The cup size measurements are made in the same units as the band size, either inches or centimeters. The cup size is calculated by subtracting the band size from the bust size or over-bust measurement.

Cup size = Bust size – Band size

Measuring cup size without a bra

This is the method adopted by the plastic surgeons. Use a flexible tape, position the tape outside the chest, under the arm, where the breast tissue begins. Measure across the fullest part of the breast, usually across the nipple, to where the breast tissue stops at the breast bone. This approach assumes that the breasts are not so large and pendulous. Only women whose breasts are firm and spherical can measure without a bra.

Below is the measurement of cup size conversion:

Measurement		Cup size
inch	cm
7.0	17.8	A
7.5	19.1	A
8.0	20.3	B
8.5	21.6	B
9.0	22.9	C
9.5	24.1	C
10.0	25.4	D
10.5	26.7	D
11.0	27.9	DD

The above cup measurements are correct only for a 34-inch band because cup size is relative to band size. Though the shape of each cup may differ, the volume of the cup is the same for 30D, 32C, 34B and 36A. These related bra sizes are called sister sizes.

The research by plastic surgeons suggested that the current popular system of determining the bra size is inaccurate so often as to be useless. Add to this the many different  styles of bras and the lack of standardization between brands, and one can see why finding a comfortable, well-fitting bra is more a matter of educated guesswork, trial, and error than of precise measurements. (Pechter, 1998)

Also Read: Bra Fitting and its difficulties

How to measure your bra size at home?

You can follow the following measurement system to measure your bra size at home:

1. Basics for Sizing

• Remember that the cup size varies depending on the band sizes.
• Understand the signs of perfectly fitting bra; snug band, side coverage, flat gore, smooth curve.
• Don’t forget the different breasts shapes; shallow, pendulous, firm, so on.
• Don’t forget about the sister sizes.
• Know different fitting styles.
• Don’t hesitate to ask a professional to measure your size.

2. Modern Sizing

• Measure your band size.
• Determine your cup size.

3. Check for the fit

• Try on a bra with the measurements you have obtained.
• Put on the bra correctly.
• Check the band size (snug and not too tight).
• Confirm the cup size (breasts fully encompassed, no wrinkly cups).
• See the bra with your top on (no bulges, breasts at halfway between shoulders and elbows).

Besides the above methods, there are many online bra size calculator tools. Most of the lingerie websites have their own bra size calculator. But the sizes vary according to the brands. So make sure to take the measurements when switching various brands.

If you are confused with the different bra sizes check out the bra size conversion chart.

Was this post helpful for you? Let us know in the comment section below.

🙂

Bra sizes basically depend on the band sizes and cup sizes of the particular bras, usually consists of numbers and alphabets. In 1932, bra cup sizes were invented and band sizes became popular only in 1940s.

All the women differ from each other in shape, size, spacing, position, symmetry and firmness. The bra manufacturers produce bras of limited ranges from smallest to largest targeting to fit the maximum numbers of women.

Since there is not anything like International standard for the bra size, the labeling of the sizes vary from country to country, manufacturer to manufacturer. Pechter, in his study ‘A New Method for Determining Bra Size and Predicting Postaugmentation Breast Size’, found that bra label size was consistently different from the measured size even within the same country.

This is the reason why women find it difficult to find the perfect fitting bra. Hence some women opt for the custom-made bras.

The Origin of the Cup

As mentioned in Uplift: The Bra in America by Farrell-Beck and Gau (2002), the term ‘cup’ was not use to describe bras until 1916.

The S.H. Camp and Company were the first to measure cup size by the alphabets A, B, C and D, in October 1932. Those letters represented how droopy are the breasts and not their volume. Cup sizes A through D were not meant to be for the smaller to the larger-breasted women.

Warner introduced these four cup sizes, A, B, C, and D for its products in 1937. These cup sizes got the nicknames; egg cup, tea cup, coffee cup and challenge cup as stated by Eisenberg & Eisenberg in The Scoop on Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths (2012). The two other companies offered the A, B, C, and D cup sizes in late 1930s.

Though the alphabetical cup sizes were introduced back in 1930s, the catalog companies continued using labels of small, medium and large through 1940s. Britain refused to go along with the American cup sizes until 1948. Sears Company applied cup sizes to bras in its catalog in the 1950s.

Also Read: Bra Sister Size: Why you should know about it?

The Origin of the Band

Though the adjustable bands were introduced in 1930s using the multiple hook and eye closures, band size became popular only in 1940s. American bra manufacturers started band measurement system after the Second World War.

It has been almost 7 decades since the bras were first introduced, yet the band sizes and cup sizes are not standardized. The sizes vary significantly from one manufacturer to another providing just the fairly accurate fit. This complicates finding the correctly fitting bra and women cannot rely on the labeled bra sizes. This is the reason why most women are wearing the wrong size bras.

The bra size is determined by the band size and cup size. Band size measurement is taken by measuring the body around the base of the breasts. Cup size is determined by the difference between the bust measurement and band measurement. Some manufacturers measure in inches and some in centimeters, thus creating the difference. And the manufacturers are not coming together to agree on a single standard.

The cup size increases from A to D, from smallest to the largest. These days manufacturers produce bra of bigger sizes such as G, H, and so on for the larger breasted women. British manufacturers produce bra from A to LL cup size while in America bras from A-G cup sizes are found. The largest cup size found is N (Goddess, Elila) which is roughly equal to British JJ cup. Poland produces up to R cup size.

The thing is larger cup sizes are difficult to get in retail outlets. And with the increasing cup size the labeled cup sizes tend to vary from manufacturer to manufacturer more widely.

Bras are small pieces of clothing yet the most complex piece of apparel. There are various styles and each style has various sizes.

Variation in cup sizes

Cup sizes vary from country to country, manufacturer to manufacturer. The larger the cup size the greater the variation.

Below is the bra size chart of U.S., U.K. and Australia:

Difference (inches)

<1

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Cupsize U.S.

AA

A

B

C

D

DD/E

DDD/F

DDDD/G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

–

–

Cupsize U.K./Australia

AA

A

B

C

D

DD

E

F

FF

G

GG

H

HH

J

JJ

K

KK

L

Let alone the bra sizes, even the surveys of bra sizes tend to vary depending on the population studied. In a survey conducted by Triumph in 2007, it was found that 57% of British women need a D cup that is more than any other country.

Below is the table showing the result of Triumph Survey:

Country	D	C	B	A
UK	57%	18%	19%	6%
Denmark	50%	19%	24%	7%
Netherlands	36%	27%	29%	8%
Belgium	28%	28%	35%	9%
France	26%	29%	38%	7%
Sweden	24%	30%	33%	14%
Greece	23%	28%	40%	9%
Switzerland	19%	24%	43%	14%
Austria	11%	27%	51%	10%
Italy	10%	21%	68%	1%

Also Read: Why most women wear wrong size bra?

Manufacturer Standards of bra sizes

Of course, the bra sizes vary all across the world. Since the bra size labeling system differs from brand to brand, country to country, women can to some extent reduce the difficulty of finding the perfect fitting bra by choosing one country and one brand that fits more properly than the others.

Below is the bra size chart showing the approximate band size equivalents between various systems:

Underbust (cm)	58-62	63-67	68-72	73-77	78-82	83-87	88-92	93-97	98-102	103-107	108-112	113-117	118-122	123-127	128-132	133-142	143+
EU	60	65	70	75	80	85	90	95	100	105	110	115	120	125	130	135	140
FR, BE,ES	75	80	85	90	95	100	105	110	115	120	125	130	135	140	145	150	155
IT	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16
US, UK (in)	28	30	32	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48	50	52	54	56	58	60
AU, NZ	6	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26	28	30	32	34	36	38
UK dress	4	6	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26	28	30	32	34	36

Different countries have different sizing systems. Most of them use the chest circumference measurement and lettered cup sizes but still there are noticeable differences.

United States and Canada

In the United States and Canada, band sizes are measured in inches and cup sizes increase by 1-inch steps. However, labeling of the bra size still varies. Some label bra beyond C cup as D-DD-DDD-DDDD-E-EE-EEE… and some as D1, D2, D3, D4, and so on. But majority follows the system of A, B, C, D, DD, DDD, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O.

Jockey International introduced new way of measuring bra and cup sizes in 2013. It introduced ten cup sizes per band size and those were numbered instead of letters, labeled as 1-36, 2-36, and so on.

UK

Like in US and Canada, UK also uses the inch system to measure the band size and cup sizes increase by 1-inch steps, or 2.54 cm. The British standard band sizes are 28-30-32-34-36-38-40-42-44, and so on. Cup sizes are labeled as AA-A-B-C-D-DD-E-F-FF-G-GG-H-HH-J-JJ-KK-L.

Leading brands like Panache, Bestform, Freya, Curvy Kate, Bravissimo and Fantasie use the British standard sizes while some companies like Marks and Spencers, Evans and ASDA sell bras of their own custom sizes.

Australia/New Zealand

Both Australia and New Zealand use the permutation of the British system. They use the same cup sizes but Australia’s bra band size is based o dress sizing charts. Since the dress sizes and cuts are calculated for B and C cups only, basing the band size upon the dress size is not accurate way to get the bra size.

Continental Europe

In continental Europe, band size is measure in centimeters and rounded to the nearest multiple of 5 cm. Hence, the band sizes are 65-70-75-80-… and so on, increasing 5 cm a step.

The cup size labels starts with AA for 11±1 cm difference between bust and underbust circumference. They increase by 2 cm a step, instead of 2.5 cm or 1 inch like UK and US. This is standardized system for European dress size, EN 13402, which was introduced in 2006.

Below is the list of bra sizes of Continental Europe:

Cup Size		Band Size
Difference (cm)	Cup	Underbust circumference (cm)	Bust size	Underbust size
			FR/BE/ES	EU	IT
10-12	AA	58-62	75	60	0
12-14	A	63-67	80	65	1	I
14-16	B	68-72	85	70	2	II
16-18	C	73-77	90	75	3	III
18-20	D	78-82	95	80	4	IV, IIII
20-22	E	83-87	100	85	5	V
22-24	F	88-92	105	90	6	VI
24-26	G	93-97	110	95	7	VII
26-28	H	98-102	115	100	8	VIII
		103-107	120	105	9	IX, VIIII
		108-112	125	110	10	X

Index: FR = France, BE = Belgium, ES = Spain, IT = Italy

French, Belgian and Spanish system of bra size is a permutation of the Continental European sizing system. Though the cup sizes are the same, band sizes are exactly 15 cm larger than the European band size.

The Italian band sizes are in Roman numerals and uses small consecutive integers. It starts with size 0 for European size 60.

South Korea/Japan

Like Continental Europe, South Korea and Japan also measures torso in centimeters and rounds to the nearest multiple of 5 cm. Band sizes start from 65-70-75-80… and so on, increasing 5 cm a step.

The cup size for South Korea begins from AAA for 5±1.25 cm difference between bust and underbust circumference. They increase 2.5 cm a step, except for the initial cup size letters. Japanese cup sizes begin with AA for 7.5±1.25 cm difference and precedes the bust size, for example, ‘B75’ instead of ‘75B’.

These are standardized size in both Korea dress size, KS K9404 in 1999 and Japan dress size, JIS L4006 in 1998.

Hence, the measurement system for band size and cup size varies across the world. The best thing to do to find the perfect fitting bra would be measuring bra size yourself and finding the closest fit.

Also Read: How to measure bra size?

If you want to know how to measure bra size at home, click here.

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