Cup Size Explained
There are two components of a bra size: the number, and the letter.
The numerical component corresponds to your ribcage measurement, going up or down depending on your preference for a relaxed or firm band. But what exactly does the cup size mean?
Contrary to what many people believe, your cup size is not a measurement of breast volume. Your cup size represents the difference between your bust measurement and your band size.
Cup size: International Systems
In most of North America, cup sizes go from A to D, then DD, then DDD, then back to the alphabet (G, H, I…). In the U.K., cup size letters start doubling at D, skipping E, then start doubling again at F. In most of continental Europe, cup sizes go down the English alphabet.
What does this mean?
It doesn’t make sense to say “I’ve never been a DD, that’s huge!”
Cup sizes are not static. They translate to different volumes when combined with different band sizes. For example, 30DD has the same cup volume as 32D, 34C, and 36B. These four sizes are “sister sizes.” They share the same breast volume, which is roughly 480 cc. Someone who is a 30DD actually has smaller breasts than someone who is a 36A!
It’s normal to have bras of a few different sizes.
Breasts are irregular 3D objects, not perfect spheres – the same goes for bras. In a perfect (but slightly creepy) world, we can take our breasts off and measure their volume and shape, then match them to the perfect bra. The system we’ve got, which takes underband and bust measurements and spits out a bra size, is an approximation.
Depending on the shape of the bra, sometimes a neighbouring size will fit you better than your go-to size. (For example, if you are shallow on top, and full on bottom, you’ll likely need to cup size down when wearing a bra with a tall and voluminous upper cup.)
Hi! I’m 58 and have lost a significant amount of weight (235lbs down to 153lbs), my chest measures 40” and my band 34”, but a D cup is too big, the girls head south with age and weight loss!!!! Any suggestions? Thank you!
Debbie
Hi there, generally we would recommend 34DDD as the starting place, and a 36DD as a more relaxed sister size. Could we ask when you say D cup is too big, what is the band size on the bra? “D” by itself doesn’t actually mean a particular volume. It only means a particular volume when it’s together with a band size.
I normally wear 38DD but I got 40C and the top of the cups are empty. What size should I wear?
Hi there, it depends on the style of the bra you tried on in 40C. Sometimes, the top of the cups being empty means the bra is too big – but occasionally it can mean the bra is too small (when the cups are inflexible, the cups could be sitting on top of your breasts instead of contouring them, creating empty space).
Hi, I just want to ask what if the size chart doesn’t include the cup size. Example in my country I always find bra that says 32/70 or 34/75 something like that. So I don’t know these bras are categorizes in which cup sizes and I don’t really understand the sizing.
Hi there, band size = ribcage tightness and cup size = breast volume. Bras need both band and cup size to fit well! If you are not sure about your cup size, we recommend using our size calculator (with a measuring tape).
Hello, according to your measuring instructions I am a 42I.
I am looking for a front-closure, racerback bra. Would the Parker fit me in 42G?
My flesh is very soft and breasts are wide-set with a lot of side fat.
Thanks for your help.
Hi there, we wouldn’t recommend the Parker in 42G, as it’s 2 cup sizes too small, and not a very full coverage style so it doesn’t have a forgiving fit. We’ll let the product team know to work on a front-close style that comes in your true size.
I a an older woman, 80, and my breasts have lost volume and are sagging (a lot) I usually wear 38C, but can’t find a bra that fits right; I do not like contoured c
ups that are hard, or even softer. But the non-contoured does nothing..upper portion of the bra is not filled and looks terrible. Am I doomed to wearing a bra I hate and does nothing for me? Thanks for listening to my rambling, but I am so frustrated and will not go out braless! Janet Barry, Texas. janetbarry32@yahoo.com
Hi Janet, we recommend Simone or Kali in 38C. They have shorter cups to prevent gapping in the upper portion. They also offer some lift.
I have a very, very wide back and shoulder however I need an A cup.
Any chance this exists?
Hi there, we have a product line for bigger band/smaller cup. Aubrey and Chloe go up to 46A, both have underwire and some padding. Leanne also goes up to 46A, is wireless and has some padding. The Light ‘n Free line goes up to 42A/B/C.
I wear a 34 C but the cup size is too big what size do I need to go down to what is the below size is it a 34B
Hi there, if 34C is too big in the cups, and the band feels good, we recommend 34B.
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I wear a 44 DDD in US size’s what size from Canada bras for the Elizabeth Bra
Hi there, we use US sizing so it would be 44DDD with us.